Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar, Bureau of Economic Development, and IMEC Partners with Melrose Park’s Chamber of Commerce for Manufacturing Reinvented Event (Cook County, IL) — On Thursday, June 15th, Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar partnered with Melrose Park’s Chamber of Commerce and Community Development, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, and Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development for a Manufacturing Reinvented seminar and workshop in Melrose Park. The event, which attracted over 50 organizations, was held to inform 16th District manufacturers about available grants for their businesses and to offer onsite application assistance.

“You can not separate Cook County from manufacturing,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. “These grants reward manufactures for initiative, for doing the work needed to drive Cook County forward. Events like today do such important work getting resources to interested parties in a highly accessible manner, making these opportunities more easily obtainable. I’d like to thank the Village of Melrose Park, the Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce, and IMEC for their great work today, connecting these many interested businesses directly to this amazing resource.”

These grants are funded through the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, in partnership with Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development, to boost operations for manufacturers and businesses over a wide range of subjects. Interested parties could apply for grants to help with website design, cybersecurity, employee retention and promotion, business marketing, and more. In total, $5 million of grant funding is available to Cook County manufacturers.

“Cook County manufacturers are already experiencing the benefits of this novel grant program,” said David Boulay, President of IMEC. “With projects available in all areas of the organization, it’s exhilarating to watch these companies receive the support they need and help them lead the way for the future of manufacturing in Illinois.”

The event began with a networking session, as representatives from the attending organizations discussed their work, goals, and business needs. After the networking session, a presentation was conducted by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and IMEC that gave an overview of the program and the needed qualifications to be eligible to apply. After the presentation, a Q&A session was held, while manufacturers could simultaneously receive onsite assistance with their applications.

“This program provides a much-needed resource to local manufacturers as the economy recovers and firms work to reposition themselves,” said President Preckwinkle. “Manufacturing represents the state’s largest industry when ranked by contribution to GDP, and with 182,000 people, Cook County boasts the largest number of workers in Illinois employed in manufacturing. Cook County is proud to make this investment to support this critical industry.”

This Manufacturing Reinvented seminar highlighted the benefits of collaboration between different levels of government and community organizations. By partnering with community organizations that have an established infrastructure, such as the Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce and Community Development, more organizations are able to be reached, leading to more effective grant funding outcomes.

“This program will be instrumental in bolstering our manufacturing sector and strengthening our existing businesses,” stated Isaac Bazbaz, Executive Director of the Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce and Community Development. “Melrose Park is eager to fully embrace Cook County’s Manufacturing Reinvented initiative and capitalize on the resources it offers.”

The vast majority of the manufacturers who attended were new to this grant program, and now have the tools to successfully apply for these grants, while also making strong connections with their peers and the municipalities that will serve them in the future.

“The Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Program aligns perfectly with our goals of fostering economic development, attracting new businesses, and creating employment opportunities for our residents,” said Village of Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpic. “We are grateful for the Cook County Board and Commissioner Aguilar’s support and resources this program brings to our community.”

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar, Bureau of Economic Development, and IMEC Partners with Melrose Park’s Chamber of Commerce for Manufacturing Reinvented Event

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