Finding and keeping quality employees is one of the biggest challenges small manufacturers face. Join the IMA Small Manufacturers Council on Friday, October 30, for a candid discussion on what’s changing and what’s working in hiring and retention. Jody Contreras of Chatfield Global and Belva Lahart will share insights on recruiting and HR, followed by open Q&A with fellow manufacturers moderated by labor attorney Scott Cruz. This virtual session is open to IMA member manufacturers. Register through the link in the comments.

Congratulations to Nyco Products, founded in 1920, as it celebrates 106 years in business! Nyco represents the best of Illinois' rich manufacturing history, growing through the generations. The chemical manufacturing business has flourished into private label after the success of Marvalosa, one of its most recognizable brands. We're thrilled to join Nyco in celebrating their achievements, and we know the team will continue working hard to carry that success into the next 100 years. #CentennialManufacturer #ILMfg @NycoProducts

The IMA's Women Makers event series continues on Thursday, October 29, with "Forging Forward," a panel discussion with women shaping the future of manufacturing. Presented by Wintrust, you'll hear from IMA Board Chair Kara Demirjian Huss of TCCI and DCC Marketing, Jessica Ashley Garmon of The Will Group, Kathryn Kurinsky of NORIX and Karen Galivan of RSM US LLP as they discuss career growth, leadership, mentorship, automation, AI and innovation. The evening includes a networking reception, panel discussion, live polling and Q&A. The event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Arlington Heights. Open to everyone: women, men and allies. Register through the link in the comments. @Wintrust @norixfurniture

Time is running out to register for the IMA Environment & Energy Conference on Tuesday, October 20, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. State and federal officials, environmental and energy regulators, legal experts and industry leaders will share the latest developments affecting Illinois manufacturers. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration and breakfast starting at 7:15 a.m. Register through the link in the comments.

The IMA was proud to recently present Lemfco, Inc., a family-operated gray iron foundry based in Galena, with an ETIP grant. It was great to be joined by Lemfco President Desiree Einsweller, and we send our congratulations to the entire team! The Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) is administered by the IMA and funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). It helps Illinois manufacturers build a workforce with the skills needed for long-term growth and success. Lemfco, Inc. is one of the premier cast iron foundries in the USA, specializing in small to medium runs of gray iron castings for all industries, including natural gas, petroleum, agriculture, automotive, exercise, food processing, hydraulics and even decorative cast iron. The IMA is proud to facilitate ETIP as we work to equip manufacturers throughout Illinois with the tools they need to thrive. Check out the link in the comments to see how your business can apply! @IllinoisDCEO

Join us in Chicago on Friday, December 11, for the IMA's 133rd Annual Luncheon. Each year, manufacturers, business leaders and elected officials from across our great state come together to celebrate Illinois manufacturing and recognize industry leaders and trailblazers. It's one of the year's hottest tickets - reserve your seats early at the link in the comments.

One week from today, IMA's Environment and Energy Conference returns to the Tinley Park Convention Center. Manufacturers, join us October 20 to hear directly from the people shaping energy and environmental policy in Illinois. Registration is $109 per person. The IMA is thrilled to partner with the Illinois Energy Association, Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group, USEPA Region 5, Illinois EPA, and countless sponsors and collaborators on this amazing event that will provide valuable information for Illinois manufacturers. #ILMfg #EnergyPolicy @ILEPA

Illinois' Advancing Innovative Manufacturing (AIM Illinois) tax credit provides a credit against corporate income tax tied to capital investments of at least $10 million over five years. Eligible companies include, but are not limited to, clean energy, life sciences, food manufacturing, automotive and aerospace, machinery, fabricated metal, chemical manufacturing, robotics and advanced materials manufacturing. If your company is planning a major capital investment in Illinois, this credit is worth a look. #ILMfg #AIMIllinois @IllinoisDCEO

Election Day is just over three weeks away. Illinois manufacturers can check where their elected officials stand on the issues that matter most using our Election Center, updated with legislator scorecards and voting information. #ILMfg