Join us on April 25th as we bring community partners and industry leaders together to learn best practices and celebrate success stories achieved with the support of resources, tools, and knowledge available for Suburban Cook County Manufacturers.

Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry peers who have achieved remarkable success by participating in these programs, as well as apply for the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant.

So, what are the resources being discussed?

• Grant funded solutions that can improve your competitiveness and resilience on a global scale
• Identify the best financial capital option for other expenses and guide you through the entire process of securing it

What’s the Celebration?

Over 150 manufacturers have already applied for projects that will help them rebound and reinvent themselves with the support of the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant. This event provides an opportunity for those currently engaged in the program to share their story through roundtable discussions and networking.

BACKGROUND

On behalf of Cook County, IMEC is the administrator of the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant. The program is expected to provided more than 300 grants for a range of project types to support suburban Cook County manufacturers as they continue to rebound and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. Awarded businesses will be reimbursed between $5,000-$25,000 of eligible expenses upon completion of their projects.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE EVENT

This event will include information about the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant and related programming, an educational presentation on accessing capital through the SBA 504 loan program, a discussion panel on best practices, and a networking hour featuring celebratory remarks by partners, participants, and industry leaders.

BENEFITS FROM ATTENDING THE EVENT

• Opportunity for grantees to network with fellow manufacturing leaders

• Access lending solutions, like the SBA 504 loan, to purchase commercial real estate and heavy equipment to make your customized growth plan a reality

•Learn about best practices from industry experts and the CCMR grant opportunity

AGENDA

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Registration – Refreshments

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. CMMR Grant Opportunities and Programming

15 Minute Break

3:45 -4:15 p.m. Access Capital to Accelerate through the SBA 504 Loan – Manny Flores, President & CEO of SomerCor

4:15 – 5:00 p.m. Panel Discussion from Manufacturing Leaders & Industry Experts to discuss the power of partnership and program utilization.

**Between 3-5pm attendees have the option of skipping the traditional programming to meet with experts on site for assistance with capital needs or grant applications.

Expert will stay on hand to network during reception.

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. *Networking Reception and Celebration of CCMR Grant Recipients*

6:00pm – Event end

PRESENTERS *More presenters to be added*

Manuel “Manny” Flores first joined SomerCor as a board member in 2016 and was appointed President and CEO in October of 2018, making him the first Latino to lead an Illinois Certified Development Company.  Prior to joining SomerCor, Manny served with distinction in the Chicago City Council as Alderman of the First Ward from 2003-2010 and led the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as Director and Acting Secretary from 2011-2015.  Manny received a B.A. in Political Science from Dominican University and his J.D from the George Washington University Law School.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Cancellations made within seven (7) days of the program start date, or failure to inform IMEC of cancellation may result in up to 50% of the invoiced attendance fee.

Cost: $ 25

Sponsor: IMEC and SomerCor

Contact Name: Camryn Tunney

Contact Phone: 309-883-7508

Contact Email ctunney@imec.org