FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2024
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Brings Women Makers Event Series to Decatur
Gathering connects women leaders driving innovation in state’s growing electrification and biotechnology sectors
DECATUR – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association today hosted the third edition of its “2024 Women Makers Series: The Power of Being a Woman Maker,” at TCCI Manufacturing in Decatur, bringing together women leaders at the forefront of the state’s growing electrification and biotechnology sectors.
Launched earlier this year, the “Women Makers” series is designed to bring attention to the significant role of women in manufacturing while leveraging their expertise and experience to empower one another and inspire a new generation of women to get involved in the industry.
Today’s event provided the opportunity for participants to network with state legislators and local officials including U.S. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, State Sen. Doris Turner, State Rep. Sue Scherer, Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and others. Isis Almeida, Chicago Bureau Chief for Bloomberg, moderated a fireside chat with Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), about programs and policies vital to advancing the industry.
Panel discussions were also held with women leaders across the manufacturing ecosystem, who explored industry trends and strategies for increasing growth and investment. Topics included “Electrifying Illinois: The Electric Vehicle Revolution” moderated by Lisa Clemmons Stott, Director of Electric Mobility and Innovation for DCEO, and “From Lab to Line: Driving Growth in the Biotech Sector,” moderated by Nicole Bateman, President of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County. In addition, participants toured TCCI Manufacturing’s Decatur facility. A global leader in compressor technology and electric vehicle component manufacturing, the company is slated to open a new electric vehicle Innovation Hub in November.
“Women across Illinois are shaping a stronger, more dynamic manufacturing industry – proving that innovation thrives on a diversity of voices and experiences,” said Sarah Hartwick, Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We’re proud to bring these amazing leaders together through our ‘Women Makers Series’ for thoughtful conversations and meaningful connections that will drive further progress.”
The Manufacturing Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, reports that women make up less than 30% of the manufacturing workforce. The IMA is leading efforts to narrow the gender gap, partnering with state and local officials to enact policies to attract and retain women workers, including the cultivation of strong workforce development programs to provide training and support necessary for employees to thrive. The IMA is also working to remove common barriers preventing women from entering the workforce, including advocating for legislation that would allow manufacturers to open on-site childcare centers free of cost to employees; establish a tax credit for employers who help pay student loan debt of their employees; and the creation of a new scholarship program to provide high school students with free community college education if they are enrolled in a manufacturing pathway.
“TCCI Manufacturing is honored to host this event as we celebrate the vital role women play throughout the manufacturing sector. Our contributions are transforming the industry and redefining what’s possible,” said Kara Demirjian-Huss, Senior Vice President of TCCI Manufacturing, President of DCC Marketing and Vice-Chair of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Board of Directors. “We thank the incredible leaders who took time to share their knowledge and stories as we work together to build a more inclusive industry for all.”
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/.
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