Gretchen Clifton - Located in central Illinois, Gretchen has over 35 years of experience in manufacturing. She challenges her clients to enhance their knowledge and skills to continually improve their operations themselves. Gretchen provides management skills in auditing, quality, continual improvement, problem solving, coaching/training and manufacturing trouble shooting and she is experienced in implementing, auditing and certifying quality systems as well as mentoring project teams while finding problem resolutions.
On July 23rd, IMEC President David Boulay facilitated a panel discussion on innovative solutions for a demand-driven workforce that highlighted the future of workforce and the importance of building an employer-led system.
As part of the 1000 Jobs Campaign for Chicagoland manufacturers, the interactive event focused on digital manufacturing and the development of a highly-skilled workforce that will prepare employees for factories of the future.
Despite recent ticks downward in manufacturing growth numbers, the White House announced this month that more than 870,000 manufacturing jobs were added in the country since 2010; the largest growth rate since the 1980s.
It is estimated that anywhere between 30,000 – 50,000 jobs are open in Chicagoland. The cost of those open jobs to those businesses and the regional economy is significant. According to Career Builder a company loses, on average, $14,000 for every job that remains open for more than three months. Additional losses come in the form of low morale and product delays.
If local manufacturing is going to continue on a growth trajectory; the workforce gap needs to be addressed.
“Make Your Career Here” scheduled for April 30, 2015
Northern Illinois communities are jumping onboard with a new, spring launch of the MFG Day program for students and community members in the area. Twelve employers will provide tours to students from seven area schools including Dakota, Durand, Freeport, Orangeville, Pearl City, and Pecatonica. Each school will tour two locations.
Precision Engineered for the Manufacturing Executive
PREPARE FOR YOUR COMPANY’S FUTURE
The TMA’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of “Next Generation” leaders who anticipate taking on top level leadership roles in their organization.
The learning environment includes classroom lecture and discussion, small-group exercises, a 360° Feedback component, self-assessments, a capstone project, plus coaching.
IMEC is pleased to announce the addition of two new manufacturing specialists for the Metro East St. Louis region. As a Technical Specialist, Brad Rodgers will service Illinois manufacturers with his experience in lean and project management capabilities. Ryan Langdon, joining the team as a Regional Manager, will help ensure his background in continuous improvement implementation will sustain IMEC clients well into the future. Learn more...
