Intersect Illinois’ Director of Business Development Cathriona Fey and Proactive Outreach Associate Courtney Fugate venturing through the tradeshow.
Intersect Illinois recently attended the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at McCormick Place in Chicago, which showcased the latest manufacturing technologies, innovations, and solutions, and attracted over 80K people from more than 110 countries. The week-long event provided an exciting opportunity for creators, builders, sellers, and drivers of manufacturing technology to come together in Illinois—a key player in the nation’s diverse manufacturing landscape—to network, ideate, and explore the newest ways to enhance their manufacturing businesses.
Intersect Illinois’ Director of Business Development Cathriona Fey attended a private dinner hosted by the new Consul General of the Netherlands, Eric Strating.
Dutch Dinner
The week kicked off with Intersect Illinois’ Director of Business Development, Cathriona Fey, attending a dinner hosted by the new Consul General of the Netherlands, Eric Strating. The evening provided a unique opportunity to talk with several Dutch companies attending IMTS and establish relationships that could lead to future partnerships.
Illinois Night
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), and SkillsUSA hosted the first-ever Illinois Night at IMTS. The evening provided Team Illinois the opportunity to meet with economic development partners and manufacturers from throughout the state and celebrate the importance of sustaining and growing manufacturing in Illinois. Intersect Illinois board members David Boulay (IMEC’s president) and Mark Denzler (IMA’s president and CEO), as well as Governor JB Pritzker, delivered speeches, championing the importance of manufacturing in Illinois.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker discusses Illinois’ powerful position in manufacturing.
German Night
IMTS events also included the 8th annual German Night Reception. Hosted by GACC Midwest, the event brought together German manufacturing leaders and partners from throughout the globe to celebrate all things “Made in Germany.” While highlighting Germany’s leadership in industries including automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery, key discussions centered around emerging trends and cutting-edge technologies, fostering cross-cultural partnerships, and reinforcing the strong German-American trade relationship. Governor Pritzker also spoke during the reception, highlighting Illinois’ relationship with German manufacturers and its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Why Illinois?
Illinois has a long–standing manufacturing history and advanced manufacturing continues to thrive throughout the state. Companies choose Illinois for their manufacturing operations for a few reasons:
- Strong reputation: Illinois has the largest manufacturing output in the Midwest with more industrial sites than any other Midwest state.
- Unmatched infrastructure: Illinois is ranked a top state in the nation for infrastructure, offering businesses unique access to the world via road, air, port, and rail ensuring goods and people get to wherever they need to go.
- Talented workforce: Illinois is home to 23,000 students graduating annually from manufacturing-ready programs (our community colleges alone yield over 3,500 students from over 370 programs with manufacturing degrees and certificates); the state generates a workforce eager to work for the top manufacturing companies in the nation.
The strength of manufacturing in Illinois is unmatched, which is a key reason the largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere chooses to converge in the state… there’s no better place to do business.
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