August 2025

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Is Your Business Ready for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program aligns with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) existing cybersecurity requirements for the defense industrial base (DIB), designed to protect the DIB from increasingly frequent and complex cyber attacks.

Building on recent federal Executive Orders to strengthen national cybersecurity, official U.S. government sources indicate that compliance with the CMMC is no longer optional for defense contractors, effective October 1, 2025. For manufacturers, this shift makes compliance not just a competitive advantage, but a requirement. 

Recognizing that cybersecurity is a national priority, CMMC is central to securing and enforcing the protection of sensitive information shared by the DoD with contractors and subcontractors. Companies unprepared for these changes risk losing out on valuable contract opportunities.

Explore helpful resources and begin your CMMC compliance journey today: 

• Discover the latest need-to-know updates on CMMC from MxD here 
• Use IMEC’s cybersecurity checklist to gauge your readiness 
• Connect with your local Illinois APEX Accelerator to assess compliance and contract readiness

Request for Qualifications: Casting Process Control

MxD is partnering with a Midwest foundry working with metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper to reduce reliance on operator skill during metal pours. While the foundry can simulate ideal outcomes, it lacks real-time data to confirm pours stay within those thresholds, leading to costly rework and scrap. 

The objective of this project is to improve the operator's consistency during the metal pouring process at the foundry by implementing data-driven process controls. The contractor will install sensors to measure data critical to improving the consistency of the casting pouring process. 

Submissions for the RFQ are due on or before Friday, August 29 at 5 PM CST. 

Join fellow manufacturers for breakfast and conversation hosted by the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) in Tinley Park. This month's featured guest speaker is TMA member, Proven IT.

Don't miss North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, right here in Chicago! FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity, increase profits and discover new solutions to all of your metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing needs.

Join the Illinois Manufacturing Association (IMA) this September for a special webinar series exploring the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and its impact on manufacturers. The series begins with an in-depth look at the sweeping changes ahead, including what they mean for domestic production and long-term industry growth.

The 2025 Manufacturing x Digital Annual Summit, hosted by MxD, is a 2-day immersive event focused on the forefront of digital manufacturing transformation. This event will gather industry leaders, technical experts, government partners, including DoD, and practitioners to explore critical themes in digital manufacturing, including practical applications, cybersecurity, workforce development, and emerging technologies. Attendees will gain actionable insights to drive digital advancements in their organizations and across the manufacturing sector.

As CMMC requirements become mandatory, many businesses are struggling to understand how compliance impacts cyber insurance policies, premiums, and liability coverage. This webinar hosted by IMEC will explore how CMMC affects cyber insurance eligibility, what insurers are looking for, and how to reduce costs while ensuring your business is fully protected.

Join the Illinois Manufacturing Association (IMA) this September for a special webinar series exploring the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and its impact on manufacturers. In this session, IMA will explore how the OBBBA preserves key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, in addition to introducing major amendments that will directly affect manufacturers across Illinois. 

Tap into Federal Contracts and Grow Your Manufacturing Business

Federal agencies are looking for U.S. manufacturers, is your business ready to meet the need?

The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) invites you to join FEDCon, an engaging 8-week training program combining dynamic in-person and virtual workshops. Designed for established Illinois manufacturing businesses, FEDCon will equip you to grow and compete for federal contracts. You’ll learn to navigate the procurement process, connect with key agencies like the Department of Defense, and position your company for long-term success in the government marketplace.

The best part? This program is available at no cost!

Program Dates:

Fridays, September 26 – November 14, 2025 | 10 AM – 12 PM CST

Advance Your Labor Force, Elevate Your Business

Ready to build a stronger workforce? The Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator can help!

Supporting all earn-and-learn training models in partnership with Skills for Chicago, this program can help your business develop a skilled talent pipeline by connecting with new hires while also providing opportunities for career advancement in manufacturing.

Ready to get started? Discover how the Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator can support your workforce goals today.