This article is written by StratMg.

Looking for ways to achieve consistent manufacturing sales growth? This post introduces B2B digital marketing strategies that we’ve seen generate more than $100M+ in sales for our industrial manufacturing partners. This method gets results!

So, if you’re seeking solutions for sustained manufacturing sales growth with less effort and time, read on!

Then, learn even more about putting digital marketing strategies into action in our manufacturing sales growth webinar produced in partnership with IMEC (the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center).

This month, IMEC welcomed two new Marketing Coordinators to our statewide team of excellence-focused specialists.

DuPage Metals and Machinery Manufacturing event will be discussing the challenges many companies face in keeping DuPage County a world-class manufacturing center. By learning ways to support the existing talent, further development, and maintain retention of Metals and Machinery Manufacturing companies in the region, attendees will ensure DuPage County can retain its proper position in the global manufacturing landscape.

Coming in May, the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) will host it's third annual Mayors for Manufacturing event in conjunction with the Cook County "On the Table" initiative. This event will bring together mayors and other local elected officials with area manufacturers to discuss issues ranging from taxes to pensions and workers compensation - hot button issues for today's business leaders. Last year's Mayors for Manufacturing event saw more than two dozen elected officials and 60+ TMA members and guests at the College of DuPage.

The Monetary Value of Time
Why Traditional Accounting Systems Make Customers Wait

Tuesday, May 10, 2016 – 2:30 to 7 PM
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center
East State Street & Bell School Road, Rockford

Rick Bastian, Blackhawk Bank Chairman & CEO: “I attended Joyce Warnacut’s presentation at the QRM conference and found her presentation to be eye opening and a challenge to my traditional understanding of manufacturing accounting. Now a college financial officer, she was a CFO at two manufacturing companies in Wisconsin that adopted QRM and put her methods and metrics into successful practice. It is a presentation that puts the power of QRM in perspective.”

"The Monetary Value of Time" presentation is indispensable for manufacturing CEOs, CFOs, GMs and Directors; CPAs, Business, Accounting and Finance Consultants, Advisors and Professors, and Economic Development Professionals. The framework presented will enable organizations to develop consistent measures and ensure that their cost accounting system isn’t motivating behaviors that add to lead time and make customers wait.

More than 70 manufacturers and partners attended the February 24th Manufacturing Matchmaking event in Sugar Grove. Hosted by IMEC, Chicago Metro Metals Consortium, Valley Industrial Association, and Kane and Kendall Counties, the buyer-supplier forum provides a low-pressure opportunity for manufacturers to connect with a variety of potential business partners in one location. From the very small to medium and large Illinois-based manufacturers, all of the participants are able to identify an opportunity for growth and/or new sales.

"We really enjoyed meeting other manufacturers and building a new network."

Skokie Smart Manufacturing Summit
November 4, 2015
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Social/Networking/Tours: 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Illinois Science + Technology Park (IS + TP)
8045 Lamon Ave.
Skokie, IL 60077

Technology advances are increasingly changing the way products are designed and produced. The Village of Skokie is hosting an informational event on November 4, 2015 to bring together thought leaders and local business owners to discuss ‘smart manufacturing’ technologies and share ideas about collaborating in preparation for the next age of industrial design and production. The goals of the summit are to provide:

• A broad overview of technology trends that impact product design, customization and production
• Practical information regarding software and hardware capabilities and information about how manufacturers are adopting new processes
• Insights into workforce development and training resources

The latest Manufacturing Matchmaking event brought together more than 35 organizations focused on manufacturing competitiveness yesterday.

Manufacturing firms represented capabilities in industries like automotive, medial devices, military and defense, mining, aerospace, construction equipment and many more. Participating manufacturers were hoping to identify future sales or procurement opportunities with others in attendance and many positive interactions were reported through initial evaluations.

April 30th marked the first annual MFG Day event for the Freeport area manufacturing community and local schools. Eleven area businesses opened their doors for manufacturing-focused tours including Berner Foods, Hunter Haven, TR Machine, Honeywell, Adkins Energy, Anpec Industries, TriStar Metals, Titan Tire, Danfoss, Modern Plating, and Protocutter.

"Freeport’s MFG Day was a great success! It was exciting to see area manufacturers, students, and resource providers interacting and discussing career opportunities that exist in our backyards," said Chris Blumhoff, IMEC Regional Manager.

On April 8, the Rota Skipper Corporation/Pizzamatic Corp., a family owned, third generation manufacturer in South Holland hosted the Board of Directors of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and IMEC to tour their facilities.

Pizzamatic’s mission and business practices align perfectly with the National Funds’ workforce initiative as well as the efforts of IMEC’s Genesis Movement by sharing a strong focus on personnel.