|
|
|
|
| Upcoming Events |
| |
|
Economic Forecast Lunch
Date:2012-01-26
Time:11:30
Location: Cafe La Cave
Date: January 26, 2012
Time: 11:30am to 2:00pm
L........ More
|
|
| More Articles |
| |
|
Financing you Exports Workshop Re-cap :
On October 25th, 2011 Peter Moirano, Vice President Citibank Trade Finance presented at our workshop, 'Financing Your Exports'. .. .. More
|
|
Mayor Emanuel Launches :
MAYOR EMANUEL LAUNCHES TWO NEW PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH IN SMALL, WOMEN-OWNED AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES Programs will engage the private sector and create more opportunities for businesses without any additional cost to taxpayers. Click here to read more.
|
|
ComEd, Smart Ideas for your Business :
From ComEd, Smart Ideas for your Business. Read More
|
|
Northern Illinois Research Foundation :
Northern Illinois University has added new business membership to its Foundation which includes Alliance CEO Pam McDonough. .. Read More
|
|
Emanuel moves to phase out head tax on Chicago businesses :
Emanuel moves to phase out head tax on Chicago businesses. Read More
|
|
Illinois State Treasurer's Advisory Council on Job Creation :
On December 16th, the first meeting of State Treasurer Dan Rutherfords Advisory Council on Job Creation was held. Alliance ED, Pam McDonough was asked to serve on the Council. Read More
|
|
2012 Local Tax Increases: :
The 67% income tax increase on individuals and businesses energized the business community to discuss moving corporate headquarters and take their fight to Springfield. This resulted in more positive business changes in the areas of workers’ compensation reform, unemployment insurance reform, Smart Grid legislation and the reinstatement and extension of several tax credits . This pro-business effort continued with the rollback of the cook county sales tax, the phase out of the Chicago head tax.
Budgets passed by the City of Chicago and Cook County required several tax adjustments which include a Cook County Sales tax reduction, a 1% city hotel tax increase, vehicle sticker increases, alcohol and tobacco increases and parking lot tax increases. .Read More
|
|
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS REQUIRING 50 PERCENT FEE WITH ALL PERMIT APPLICATIONS :
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS REQUIRING 50 PERCENT FEE
WITH ALL PERMIT APPLICATIONS
Deposit to Increase Efficiency and Recoup Partial Costs for Plans Reviewed
.. .. More
|
|
Your Bottom Line: A Small Business Approach to Accessing Credit and Navigating Health Reform in Illinois :
As a small business owner, accessing credit and changes in health care have a great impact on you and your employees. Learn from our experts and take advantage of the opportunity to ask them questions that will help you in this New Year to navigate the unique business challenges ..... .. More
|
|
Manufacturing Technology Focus Group- Recap :
The Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing co-sponsored a great technology driven focus group for manufacturers on 12/01/11. Business owners gathered in an attempt to spread awareness on the impact that technology and innovation is having on all industries not only in Illinois but a..... .. More
|
|
Crain's Manufacturing Breakfast-Recap :
The Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing co-sponsored the Crains Manufacturing Breakfast High Performance Growth Strategies for 2012 and Beyond on November 3, 2011. .. .. More
|
|
| More From The Alliance |
| |
|
Hiring? :
If you are thinking about making a new hire you may be eligible for 90% wages reimbursement for the first 6 months of employment. Employer's size must be 50 or less employees. ....... More
|
|
New NAFTA and Latin America Trade Center Director :
The Alliance would like to welcome Juan Tello as NORBIC's new NAFTA and Latin America Trade Center Director. .... More
|
|
Alliance's 2011 Successes :
As we reflect on 2011... .... More
|
|
The Alliance Welcomes New Staff :
The Alliance would like to welcome Pat Cummings, Chris Hollingsworth, and Caitlin Cummings to our Business Development Team. Their primary roll will be business outreach and running our manufacturing clients through our 3-Step program that assess, identify, and implement target....... More
|
|
We Moved November, 1 2011 :
We Moved! .... More
|
| Members in the news |
| |
|
Smart Grid
Date:2011-12-29
Gov. Quinn has called the debate over how to modernize Illinois' power grid the "biggest consumer battle of the last generation." But how much do consumers know about the "smart grid" itself? Learn how S&C Electric is trying to inform and innovate at the same time.
Read More
|
|
Plexus Special Announcement- 2011 Awards
Date:2012-01-03
It's been another great year for our Board Member Plexus! Click here to read more.
|
|
| Sponsors |
| |
| Partners |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Connect With Us |
|
|
| |
| |
|
Positive Changes
|
 |
|
|
|
As we begin a new year we have many things for which to be grateful. At the local level, there is evidence that the "political will" and the "actual results" are all focused on getting the fiscal houses in order. Mayor Emanuel passed his first budget unanimously - not without some pain but with support from all Chicago Aldermen. President Toni Preckwinkle made some more difficult budget decisions and was successful in making the necessary changes to continue her efforts to have the County live within its means. What this means is that there is strong leadership in the Chicagoland region.
There were many nay-sayers when Chicago made a bid for the 2016 Olympics. While that effort was unsuccessful, the vision for Chicago and the civic and political organized support for that effort did result in an unequaled focus on Chicago as a World Class City. And as they say, "you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again." The international exposure, the train... .. More
|
| |
|
|
| Economic Forecast Lunch |
|
Date: 2012-01-26
Time:11:30
Location: Cafe La Cave
Date: January 26, 2012
Time: 11:30am to 2:00pm
Location: Cafe La Cave
2777 Mannheim Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Members: $60
Non-Members: $75
To register call Helen at
773-594-9292 ext 101
Sponsorships available please contact, Nisha Floyd nfloyd@illinoismanufacturing.org
773-594-9292 ext. 105
.. More |
| |
|
|
| Who's Coface? |
|
Date: 2011-12-20
The Coface group, rated AA by Fitch and S&P, and Aa3 by Moody's, is a worldwide leader in the trade credit insurance, information, receivables management and factoring fields, serving over 100,000 clients in North America and throughout the world. Companies can access a database of 55 million companies, and premier risk management technology to access credit risk and receive protection on any transaction, anywhere, anytime!
James O'Brien Associates, authorized agency for Coface North America, one of the leading global credit insurance companies, announces new Midwest website to provide insightful credit management tools and better serve our current and prospective clients. You'll find information about the following solutions and strategies:
- DOMESTIC AND EXPORT TRADE CREDIT INSURAN... .. More |
| |
|
| It's the Process, Not the People |
|
Date: 2011-12-22
By: Ralph Keller
All businesses have specific processes that they use to conduct their operations and it's the way things are done in delivering products and services to their customers. Senior executives and managers attempt to insure that these processes are robust and can handle all the different issues that may arise in the business but in today's complex world, these processes often fall short of being able to handle all the different permutations that exist. When this happens and the results deviate from the expected outcome of the process, in many companies the search begins for who "screwed up". The vast majority of the time, the answer is that it's senior managers fault because the processes in place are not up to the task of handling all the variation that exists in today's... .. More |
| |
|
| MORE GROUNDBREAKING NEWS AT NIELSEN-MASSEY! |
|
Date: 2011-12-29
(Picture Caption: Beth Nielsen (left), CEO Craig Nielsen, Waukegan Mayor Robert Sabonjian and Matt Nielsen before a groundbreaking ceremony.)
The good news just never stops at the busy headquarters of Nielsen-Massey, Alliance Board Member. August marked the biggest event in recent Nielsen-Massey history when the first shovels of dirt were turned over to make way for the new plant expansion.
The Waukegan, Illinois manufacturing facility will grow by nearly 30,000 square feet with the addition of more warehouse and production space, increased office areas and a new 1,1000 square foot test and demonstration kitchen.
The increased production space will allow for more efficient production and packaging lines and the additional warehouse area will provide storage space for years to com... .. More |
| |
|
| Holiday Celebration and Recognitions |
|
Date: 2011-12-29
On December 15th, the annual Alliance Holiday Party was attended by over 150 people. This year in addition to networking and a Silent Auction, Four Awards were presented. We were also honored to have the Illinois State Treasurer, Dan Rutherford address the group sharing support for small business and the work of the Alliance and NORBIC. Sponsors were James Taylor Insurance, Industrial Fence, Eli's Cheesecake, Sports Awards.
Recognizing the importance of advocacy and partnership as part of the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing and NORBIC's mission, this year four awards were given: Government Advocacy, Service Provider of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and the President's Award.
... .. More |
| |
|
| Illinois' Fastest Growing Manufacturing Energy Cooperative, AIM Energy Cooperative, Helps Members Save Over $500,000 |
|
Date: 2012-01-02
We have over 25 Members participating and they are seeing and average 15% cost savings. There is still opportunity to join the program. Call Now!
The AIM Energy Program is 100% independent, works solely on the behalf of AIM Members, and does not work for, nor is it affiliated with, any electric or natural gas supply company. The AIM Energy Cooperative becomes an extension of your business optimizing your energy needs and allowing you to remain focused on your core business.
Our highly experienced energy professionals know the pricing methodologies underlying all the electric and natural gas products and programs offered in the marketplace. They are able to expose excessive retail margins, unnecessary cost premiums, and uneconomical market based energy solutions, helping AIM membe... .. More |
| |
|
| Holiday Celebration-The Government Advocacy Award |
|
Date: 2012-01-01
(Picture Caption: Pam McDonough (left) James Yoo, and Lenora Dobry from the Congressman's staff.)
The Government Advocacy Award was given to Congressman Mike Quigley. On every matter affecting the Alliance and NORBIC, and more importantly, small business, specifically manufacturing, the Congressman and his staff have been there to write a letter, create a small business forum, whatever is needed to benefit small businesses. The Congressman even attended a joint Alliance/NORBIC Board meeting on April 20th to learn directly from manufacturers about key business issues. Taking it a step further Congressman Quigley visited Graymills Corporation and spent time learning about each manufacturing process and "with supervision" actually operated some of the machinery. Due to the Congre... .. More |
| |
|
| Holiday Celebration-The Service Provider of the Year |
|
Date: 2012-01-01
(Picture Caption: Pam McDonough(Left) & Guy Louden the Executive Director for JARC.)
The Alliance has strong relationships with numerous service providers. We view these partnerships as part of our core strategy to "collaborate, not duplicate" important services and resources for our companies. We have taken a keen focus on workforce development and training and have been working with Jane Addams Resource Corporation for years. We view them as a key training provider for the manufacturing sector. We collaborate to make sure we find workforce solutions to best assist our companies ranging for OJT, Incumbent Worker, JTED, TIFWorks and ETIP as ways to fund or reimburse companies to upgrade and retain workers. The Service Provider of the Year was awarded to Jane Addams Resource Corp... .. More |
| |
|
| Holiday Celebration: Manufacturer of the Year |
|
Date: 2012-01-01
(Picture Caption: Hector Villaloves (left), Frank DiStefano, Pam McDonough, Leslye Sandberg, President of Permatron, and Gayle Matties.)
The Alliance delivers customized business assessment and technical assistance opportunities for our companies. Accessing government programs or vetted professional services can be overwhelming but working with our process allows companies to improve their bottom line and position themselves for growth. Leslye Sandberg, President of Permatron was the Manufacturer of the Year. She and her team have taken advantage of numerous programs including the AIM Energy Program, SBA 504 Financing for their building acquisition, ETIP and International Expansion using our Latin American Initiative. Leslye credited her work with Juan Tello, who heads our ... .. More |
| |
|
| Holiday Celebration: President's Award |
|
Date: 2012-01-01
(Picture Caption: Pam McDonough (left) & Ralph Keller)
The final award, the President's Award is given to an individual or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary time and support of the Alliance and NORBIC's mission. The Alliance Chairman, Ralph Keller was awarded the President's Award. For over six years, Ralph guided the Alliance in the transformation into a recognized expert in providing technical business assistance to small and medium manufacturers and small businesses. In accepting, Ralph told the group that the only way to build wealth is to "Grow something, or make something," which is the core of manufacturing's value to an economy. .. More |
| |
|
| The Alliance would like to Announce New Board Assignments |
|
Date: 2012-01-03
The Alliance Board of Directors
We would like to welcome new Chairman of the Board John Blumenshine of S&C Electric (left), Vice Chairman Dean Stork of American Chartered Bank, Secretary Ron Thompson of Shure Inc., Treasurer is Jerry Flynn of Bretford Manufacturing, and Immediate Past Chair on the Board Ralph Keller.
We would like to welcome these board members into their new roles of leading and directing The Alliance in 2012.
Thank you for your handwork and dedication to preserving manufacturing in Illinois. .. More |
| |
|
| NORBIC Would like to Announce New Board Assignments |
|
Date: 2012-01-03
NORBIC Board of Directors
We would like to welcome NORBIC's New Chairman of the Board Tom Hacker of C&L Supreme( left), Vice Chairman Ralph Keller, Secretary Lilla Bresnahan of Mid-West Manufacturing, and Treasurer Craig Shields of Graymills.
We would like to welcome these board members into their new roles of leading and directing NORBIC in 2012.
Thank you for your handwork and dedication to preserving manufacturing in Illinois.
.. More |
| |
|
| Women in Manufacturing |
|
Date: 2012-01-03
By: Janet Kaiser of Century Metal Spinning Co
An "Extreme Sport!" How's that for describing what it is to be a leader, a successful woman in business and an ability to balance family life with it all. That's how Moira Forbes, publisher of ForbesWoman, described it at the PMA Women In Manufacturing 1st annual symposium, held in Cleveland on October 26th, 2011.
The forum brought together women working in the field of manufacturing from across the country including mechanical, process and sales engineers, 2nd , 3rd and in some cases 4th generation business owners, senior management from Boeing and a plant manager from GM Transmissions.
The panel discussions were about aspirations, charting a path to success, resiliency, leveraging one's natural strengths, building an excellent team, ... .. More |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
