Join us on May 1st 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, and a chance to apply for the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant and other available opportunities.

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
• Local and regional organizations ready to help support your business and future

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 and hundreds more have utilized the ecosystem of support offered from other local organizations. This event provides an opportunity for those currently engaged in these programs to share their story through roundtable discussions and networking – and those who have not yet participated to learn more and get started!

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

•  An opportunity for grantees to network with fellow manufacturing leaders and share best practices
•  Attending solutions, like the SBA 504 loan, to purchase commercial real estate and heavy equipment to make your customized growth plan a reality
•  Learn about the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant Program with the ability to apply on-site
•  Get introduced to organizations, programs and partners available to help manufacturers thrive

AGENDA

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

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

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Manufacturing Reinvented Grant Opportunities and Programs

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, Celebration, and the Opportunity to meet with all of the Community Resources and Other Manufacturers

PRESENTERS *More presenters to be added*

Dave Boulay | President, IMEC

Dave Boulay bring a diverse blend of expertise in performance management, small business development, and organizational growth strategies to IMEC. HE has helped create and implement several initiatives to increase the flow of state and federal funding to manufacturers for projects, update worker skills, and help smaller manufacturers adopt new technology and business practices and to improve energy efficiency.

Donna Miller | Cook County Commissioner, Cook County Commissioner 

Donna Miller is currently the Cook County Commissioner of the 6th District and serves as Vice Chair of Contract Compliance, Workforce Development & Veterans Committees, and Chairman of the Forest Preserve District Contract Compliance Committee. She has a background as a healthcare consultant working with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Donna has tremendous experience in sales, training and development, and bringing together collaborations for new business with healthcare companies. Over her career, she has had responsibility for large volume accounts and led many cross- functional projects over a wide-range of courses, including webcasts, weeklong programs, workshops, and online training. Her training experience includes: Consultative Selling Skills, Negotiation and Presentation Skills. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her professional accomplishments.

Donna has been involved with community, civic and political activities throughout her life, including an internship on Capitol Hill, Red Cross Volunteer and working in communities disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and Sickle Cell. Notably, she was instrumental in bringing together government providers and advocate stakeholders to include Cystic Fibrosis in newborn screening in Illinois.

Commissioner Miller’s political involvement includes membership on the League of Women Voters, serving as Board Chair for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Board Chair of Planned Parenthood of Illinois Action Committee, Vice- President of Illinois Democratic Women, and former President of Democratic Women of the South Suburbs. She was a candidate for State Senator in 2012. During the 2016 Presidential Election, Donna was part of the Illinois Delegation during the Democratic National Convention serving on the Rules Committee in Philadelphia, PA. Most recently Commissioner Miller received a 2022 National Association of Counties Award for her CPR and AED Awareness and Training campaign promoting heart health. She was recognized by the Global Eye Magazine and Indian American Coalition as one of the top Chicagoland Women of Excellence 2022. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated – Lambda Tau Omega Chapter.

Manual Flores | President and CEO, IMEC

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 partners:

*This is a free event*

Contact Name: Camryn Tunney

Contact Phone: 309-883-7508

Contact Email ctunney@imec.org