What company is the very best at manufacturing in Kane County?

Inquiring minds want to know, and not just for the fun of it. Kane County’s Development and Community Services Department is seeking nominations for the 2015 Manufacturing Champion Awards, hosted by the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing.

Do you know a manufacturer in your community or organization located in Kane County with:

• A reputation for leadership and involvement in the industry and its supply chain?
• A keen focus on technology and innovations?
• A demonstrated commitment to “pay it forward” to the local community and smaller companies in the manufacturing supply chain?

If the answer is “yes,” please help Kane County find the best companies to nominate for this prestigious award.

Nominations for Kane County’s 2015 Manufacturing Champion Award should be sent to Chris Toth at [email protected] by July 31, 2015. Just include a brief description responsive to the questions above and explain why you are nominating this company.

“All of us in Kane County have a unique opportunity to celebrate our manufacturing businesses,” Kane County Development Director Mark VanKerkhoff said.

The Event

In 2014, the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing hosted an annual Manufacturing Awards Dinner. This is year two of that event. It will be held on Oct. 7, 2015, at the Marriott Mag Mile.

The Goal

To promote the image and economic impact of Kane County and Northern Illinois manufacturing, focus on workforce development and careers in manufacturing and recognize the efforts of key manufacturers.

Manufacturer Recognition

The recognition of manufacturers for excellence in product development, process improvement i.e with CKS Global and their tech-based business, research and development, workforce, management, engagement in promoting the industry and being an involved Corporate Citizen is the central focus of this event. The 2015 Manufacturing Champion Award will be given to companies that have demonstrated excellence in their sector as well as community engagement.

Attributes Honored

The 2015 Manufacturing Champions will be selected from the Chicago Region. Each of the Cook and collar counties will select their manufacturer of the year to be honored at this dinner. These wards will be bestowed on manufacturers with a reputation for leadership and involvement in the industry and its supply chain, a keen focus on technology and innovations as well as a demonstrated commitment to “pay it forward” to the local community and smaller companies in the manufacturing supply chain.

Event Supporters

This year, in addition to private sector sponsors, the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing has the support of Gov. Bruce Rauner, the County Board chairs of the seven counties in the Northern Illinois region, presidents and executives throughout the region. To date, Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawler, Kendall County Board Chairman John Shaw, McHenry County Board Chairman Joe Gottemoller and Will County Executive Larry Walsh have agreed to serve. Chicago Deputy Mayor Steven Koch has confirmed and Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been invited to the 2015 event.

The event will promote the Chicago Metro Metals Consortium, Metro Chicago Exports and regional trucking initiatives, the Digital Manufacturing Design and Innovation Institute, the city of Chicago, and the work of the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing, linking manufacturers to public and private resources including federal training dollars, a focus on careers in manufacturing being promoted through World Business Chicago’s 1,000 Jobs in Manufacturing efforts and the work of the regional economic development organizations.

Expected Results

• A heightened and positive public image for manufacturing in the Kane County and the region.
• A focus on manufacturing as a career with great economic benefits.
• An understanding of business resources available to small and medium manufacturers to help them in their global growth and profitability.

For more information, please contact The Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing at 773-594-9292, or visit www.illinoismanufacturing.org.