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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNITION OF OCTOBER 2024 AS MANUFACTURING APPRECIATION MONTH IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, Cook County utilizes a sector driven economic development strategy and prioritizes and invests in sectors like manufacturing that offer relatively low barriers to entry and offer good jobs with strong career pathways; and
WHEREAS, proudly recognizes that Chicagoland has the second largest manufacturing sector in the nation and has been recognized for its strength in metals fabrication, machinery & equipment manufacturing, casting and forging along with food processing, plastics & chemicals manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the US Department of Defense recognized northeastern Illinois as the nation’s leader in the production of forged and stamped parts with the greatest business density coupled with the largest forging and stamping workforce of any US metro area in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Cook County manufacturers generate more than 80% of the state of Illinois’ total manufacturing output and employ over 192,500 individuals, 62,000 of which are metal and plastic production workers, the most among all metro areas; and offer salaries ranging from $45,000 - $120,000; and
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes that manufacturing provides quality jobs and positive economic impact and has committed nearly $7 million in ARPA funding to help manufacturers thrive, expand, innovate as well as access and develop needed talent.
WHEREAS, Cook County, through the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership’s Good Jobs Chicagoland programs, Cook County is providing manufacturers with access to customized training programs to upskill existing employees and build talent pipelines for new hires, with the assistance of $3 million in EDA funding.
WHEREAS, the National Association of Manufacturers have designated as National Manufacturing Awareness and Appreciation month; and
WHEREAS, Manufacturers Month highlights the reality and future of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, educators and community leaders.
WHEREAS, as manufacturers seek to fill 4 million high-skill, high-tech and high-paying jobs over the next decade, MFG Month empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges and build excitement about manufacturing careers so they can help their communities and future generations thrive
WHEREAS Cook County’s manufacturers, educational institutions, training providers and organizations furthering manufacturing research and innovation in Cook County will host events throughout the month of October to showcase the skilled and well-paying jobs afforded by a career in manufacturing, to ensure the continued growth of the manufacturing industry; and to celebrate our regional strength, our collaboration and partnerships benefiting this critical sector.
WHEREAS, in celebration of Manufacturing Month 2024, Cook County and the Calumet Industry Sector Partnership (CMISP) are proud to announce that ten local manufacturers are investing $600,0000 to train nearly 300 career-seekers through The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership’s Good Jobs Chicagoland program. These residents will receive training to either enter or advance a career that will offer good wages, growth and advancement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim October 2024 as Manufacturing Awareness and Appreciation Month in Cook County, Illinois and urges all residents to join in recognizing the important role of manufacturing.
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