Manufacturing Renaissance works through two program areas. 1) Career Pathways Services works with employers, trains young people in schools and in communities through a diversity of partnerships with other organizations who also serve young people vulnerable to violence, poverty and in need of more access to opportunities.

2) Manufacturing Ecosystem Services works to build diverse coalitions, inform policy and provide technical assistance. This program area includes the Chicagoland Manufacturing Renaissance Council (regional) and the Federation for a Manufacturing Renaissance (national and international). These efforts are essential to raise awareness, expand similar programs and advance Inclusion and Industry 4.0 -informed programs and policies to maximize our collective impact expanding wealth building opportunities and more inclusive, manufacturing-centric economies.

Photo above: Training participant Ahmad (right) observes a Freedman Seating employee assemble a mass transit seat on his internship. Ahmad now works at Freedman Seating.

This year, Manufacturing Renaissance has provided training, work-readiness, work experience and placement services to 71 high school youth and young adults across Chicago's West and South sides through our Manufacturing Connect (MC) and Young Manufacturers Association (YMA) training programs.

• We improved our program design and resumed in-person training, partnered with a mix of schools and community organizations to provide our services.
• 69 participants completed a 1-week paid internship.
• 41 earned a nationally-recognized industry credential.
• 10 program completers enrolled in college and 10 chose to pursue and were placed in manufacturing employment. Job placement activities ongoing!

In addition to our funders (listed below), special thanks to Academy of Scholastic Achievement, Austin Coming Together, Bethel New Life, Bogan High School, Business and Career Services, Daley College, Goode STEM Academy, Marshall Metro High School, Morton College, Wright College, United Credit Union for your partnership in serving our young people this year!

In November, Manufacturing Renaissance, Ravinia Capital, League of Black Women and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner co-hosted an inspiring and informational presentation, panel and networking event about the opportunities and challenges in ownership succession in manufacturing. A diverse group of about 80 attendees participated, including entrepreneurs, investors, individuals representing the Chicagoland Manufacturing Renaissance Council, manufacturers, and the City of Chicago.

Tom Goldblatt of Ravinia Capital emceed the event. Dan Swinney, Founder of Manufacturing Renaissance, presented on the history and origins of the ideas that developed this initiative that would proactively identify and assist privately-owned manufacturing companies to help keep their companies owned locally in our communities. The presentation was followed by distinguished panelists who shared their expertise on different dimensions on the challenges and opportunities reflecting this work. We are fundraising to get this timely, much needed initiative off the ground. Contact David Robinson, 773-278-5418 x19, if you can support this effort. Read more here.

Photo: Event organizers and panelists. Left to right, Sandra Finley, Ken Gaebler, Tom Goldblatt, Shari Giddens, David Robinson, Teresa Cordova and DeJuan Lever.

Since January, the MR team has been working with our CMRC Co-Chairs, Jim Piper of Matot, and Michael Moriarty of the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation to develop and lead on an agenda to promote manufacturing as a tool for social inclusion and community development. Formed in 2005, the CMRC is a regional, multi-stakeholder coalition of members including employers, community, faith based and labor organizations, social service, economic and workforce development agency leaders who join us in this work. Learn more here.

Progress in 2023:

• 22 CMRC members hosted 130 inclusive manufacturing ecosystem-building activities or events
• 11 CMRC members have hosted 38 manufacturing workforce activities
• CMRC members have organized or participated in 10 meetings with decision makers about the importance of manufacturing and related training and education programs in our region.

Joining the CMRC is a great way to get more involved in our work. If you see yourself, your organization or company as part of building our economy and communities through an inclusive manufacturing ecosystem in the Chicagoland area, then join our network! Contact David Robinson, 773-278-5418 x19, to learn more about the CMRC or complete our membership form and we'll be in touch!

The Federation continues to make progress! We developed our organizational infrastructure including establishing our web site (www.fed4mr.org), a newsletter, an Executive Committee that meets weekly as well as a broader Organizing Committee that meets every two weeks. Together, we are advocates for what we call Inclusion & Industry 4.0—an industrial policy framework that ensures that the growth of manufacturing will be a tide that lifts all boats including women, people of color, and workers. We are organizing to influence industrial policy from the White House to Chicago’s West Side and supporting local projects that reflect the power of this policy. We are committed to development that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and restorative. Membership is open to individuals as well as organizations. Contact Dan Swinney, 773-278-5418 x14, for more information. Learn more about the Federation! Join us!