Illinois Manufacturers' Association

06/01/2026

Form I-9 compliance is changing — and the risks for employers are growing. Join us on June 16 for a timely virtual program with Sara Zorich, Partner at Amundsen Davis, LLC, as she breaks down the latest developments in Form I-9 compliance and ICE enforcement. Attendees will learn:
✔️ICE’s updated enforcement approach
✔️Common Form I-9 mistakes that can now trigger fines
✔️Best practices for internal audits and compliance processes
✔️ How to prepare for a potential ICE audit or inspection

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
💻 Virtual Event 🎓 1.5 SHRM & HRCI PDC credits available

Don’t wait until an audit happens — make sure your team is prepared. 🔗https://ow.ly/89MA50Z5Qkx

06/01/2026

We had a great visit with IMA member Nestlé in Morton last month, touring their facility and presenting them with an Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) grant on behalf of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

The Morton facility is also celebrating 160 years of manufacturing in Illinois! Nestlé provides the finest ingredients, operational knowledge and uncompromised support for its operators. Learn more about the company’s incredible history: https://www.nestleprofessional.us

Pictured: Dan Keith, Facility Manager Nestle Morton; Fernanda Zarate, Training Manager Nestle Morton; Randy Prince (IMA); Dick Peplow, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

06/01/2026

New federal guidance is reshaping how manufacturers manage employee leave in 2026—and the stakes for getting it wrong are high. In the latest edition of The Illinois Manufacturer (p. 26), employment attorneys from Amundsen Davis, LLC break down key updates to FMLA rules impacting travel time for medical appointments, weather-related shutdowns, and complex shift schedules, while outlining how these changes intersect with other evolving workplace laws in Illinois – as well as practical steps manufacturers should take now to update policies, train supervisors and reduce compliance risk in increasingly automated workplace environments. 🔗https://ow.ly/Sbri50YP820

06/01/2026

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement after the General Assembly approved SB3070, an initiative led by the IMA that will allow high school students to take Career & Technical Education courses in lieu of foreign language classes currently required for graduation.

We appreciate the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, State Representative Amy Elik, and State Rep Will Davis for their support on this important issue!

05/31/2026

We love seeing our IMA members continue to lead by example and are proud to spotlight the team at United Scrap Metal through our Manufacturing Cares program for their continued commitment to supporting children and families in the communities they serve. Earlier this month, they took time to highlight the importance of supporting organizations making a lasting difference for future generations — including Ronald McDonald House Charities and its important work serving families in need.

Thank you to United Scrap Metal and their employees for continuing to give back and demonstrating how . https://ow.ly/ZjZm50Z3UiS

05/30/2026

In May 2024, IMA’s Randy Prince participated in the ribbon cutting for John Wood Community College’s expanded Workforce Development Center in Quincy. The 14,170-square-foot expansion, funded partly by a federal EDA grant, added space for new training in truck driving, virtual reality, HVAC, robotics, automation and more.

Last month, JWCC shared it has received a $350K grant to purchase additional advanced manufacturing training equipment to keep pace with the technological advancements being made in manufacturing facilities. Join us for a look back at the 2024 ribbon cutting event : https://ow.ly/R8ew50Z3Uiy and learn more about the recent investment to help the program continue to stay on top of the latest evolution of the industry: https://ow.ly/XTMi50Z3Uix

IMA’s Randy Prince enjoyed the opportunity to participate in John Wood Community College’s Workforce Development Center expansion ribbon cutting event yesterday in Quincy. The 14,170 square foot expansion is supported by a federal EDA grant and includes room for a new truck driver training addit...

05/30/2026

We’re in the final three days of the Spring legislative session, and a host of key items are still on the agenda. In the coming days, legislators have been tasked with passing a constitutionally required balanced budget while also considering major legislation impacting unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, artificial intelligence, data privacy, and a range of other significant policy issues. The IMA Government Affairs team has been actively engaged in testifying on a number of issues important to our members and will remain vigilant throughout the weekend until adjournment.

05/29/2026

Congratulations again to the team at Rohn Products LLC in Peoria for its “ROHN Self-Supporting Tower” making it to the TOP 16 round in the IMA's 2026 Makers Madness Contest presented by Comcast Business. We were glad to deliver their banner recognition last week to help celebrate the company’s success in this year’s competition!

[Pictured Randy Prince (IMA); Todd Kneller, Director of Sales, Rohn Products; Sally Handley, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council] https://rohnnet.com/self-supporting-towers/

05/29/2026

❇️ APPLICATION DEADLINES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED!!

Over the past decade, the IMA has provided more than $250,000 to help cover tuition and fees for students pursuing manufacturing careers—thanks to a variety of programs and scholarship opportunities made possible by our incredible partners committed to building the next generation of a diverse manufacturing workforce. Applications opened earlier this month for several of our scholarship programs, supporting Illinois community college students pursuing the skilled trades, immigrant women forging their path in manufacturing, and young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, math and business.

Applications are now due JUNE 8 – don’t miss out on these incredible opportunities! https://ima-net.org/education-foundation/

05/29/2026

ICYMI: Our friends at mHUB Chicago recently released their 2025 Annual Report, spotlighting another transformative year for their community of innovators, entrepreneurs and partners. Last year, the mHUB community generated $290.2M in revenue, raised $308M in capital, launched 150 products, and created 442 new jobs!

Check out the full report to learn more about mHUB’s role as an ecosystem builder and capital provider, as well as stories from their startup community and profiles of important collaborations. The full report is available here: https://ow.ly/3KLR50Z3uVo