The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) announced today the creation of a “Made in Illinois” program for Illinois manufacturers. The online campaign showcases the products made in Illinois to the public while providing an Internet-based forum for manufacturers to connect and generate business opportunities.
To raise awareness about the importance of manufacturing, IMEC now dedicates an entire section of its newly re-designed website (www.imec.org) to the program. Illinois manufacturers can register for a free profile page to feature their products and services, share company news, and display pictures and videos. In addition to increasing their web visibility, IMEC will promote the manufacturers to external audiences through social media and direct marketing, and link participating manufacturers to sourcing and buying opportunities.
“Illinois is the center of manufacturing excellence in the country,” said David Boulay, President of IMEC. “These companies, many which are family-owned and fixtures in their local communities, deserve to be recognized for generating high wage jobs in Illinois. This campaign will bring attention to the depth of the Illinois manufacturing sector and create additional business opportunities for those manufacturers who make high quality products here.
Social media channels have been created to give participating manufacturers another voice to promote their products and services. Made in Illinois portals on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter will enable manufacturers to connect with other companies and share best practices on Next Generation strategies such as workforce development, innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainability. Increased social media exposure is also expected to improve search results for participating companies.
“Most manufacturers have a website, but far too many do not leverage inexpensive social media tools to increase their visibility,” said Tucker Kennedy, VP – Marketing for IMEC. “Made in IL will not only directly promote their capabilities to the thousands of leaders who visit IMEC’s site each month, it will give these companies an enhanced internet presence that will increase page referrals from leading search engines.”
Made in IL marketing affiliates include the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity (DCEO), IMEC’s University partners (NIU, SIU, ISU, Bradley University, UI-C), and leading industry associations and regional economic development organizations.
Manufacturers can register to participate at www.imec.org/made-in-illinois.cfm or e-mail their interest to IMEC’s Tucker Kennedy at tkennedy@imec.org or Rebecca Gordon at mstudent@imec.org.
Manufacturing in Illinois
Illinois is home to nearly 20,000 manufacturing companies who employ more than 600,000 people. Illinois manufacturers contribute 13.5% to the State’s GDP and are a significant driver of innovation and exports, accounting for more R&D than any other sector. The creation of the program also supports the “Make it in America” program being launched at the national level.