Fundamental new relationship with Department of Housing and Economic Development to Focus on Strengthening the State of Manufacturing in Chicago
Chicago’s City Council approved a new ordinance formalizing a new relationship with the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC), the Illinois center for the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST-MEP). The ordinance aligns IMEC staff with the Department of Housing and Economic Development to assist in implementing the Chicago Sustainable Industries effort which coordinates the economic, social and environmental aspects of Chicago's manufacturing sector.
“This ordinance marks an innovative milestone of commitment to manufacturing from one of the nation’s largest cities,” said Roger Kilmer, Director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. “Formally coordinating and aligning federal resources with the City’s long term policy and direction is an excellent step forward ensuring Chicago remains globally competitive. We stand ready to support the City and IMEC to achieve great success.”
IMEC will dedicate staff to work at HED expanding the City's tools and resources to assist manufacturers in Chicago. The work-plan will include efforts to integrate nationally accepted economic, energy and environmental practices through industrial outreach. Other work will include convening sub-sector leaders to understand needs and opportunities as well as facilitate communication and awareness about manufacturing in Chicago as a career choice and awareness of the importance of manufacturing.
“The City leaders are demonstrating their dedication to strengthen the City’s manufacturing base”, said David Boulay, President of IMEC. “We are enthusiastic to be working closely with the Department’s staff and to help align City policy and manufacturing competitiveness.”
