The Kane County jobs committee voted Sept. 12 to adopt a resolution recognizing October as Manufacturing Month and heard updates from manufacturing trade groups and county staff on workforce and business support programs. The resolution was read into the record and later approved by the committee.
The proclamation was read by David Young, who cited the resolution language noting the sector's scale in the county and nation. Young read that "more than 375 metals and machinery manufacturing firms located in Kane County provide well paying manufacturing jobs for over 9,500 employees" and that the resolution "recognize[s] October's manufacturing month and encourag[es] all residents, teachers, and students to join in recognizing the important role of manufacturing." The committee approved the resolution after Young moved and a second was recorded; the roll call included several yes votes and one no vote (Doherty voted no), and the measure was adopted.
The item anchored a longer discussion about workforce pipelines and manufacturer support. Kathy Gilmore, president of the Valley Industrial Association and of the Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP), told the committee that "the manufacturing sector is so important to, to maintain and and to keep things going and growing," and outlined VIA/GCAMP efforts to bring students on factory tours and connect schools with employers.
County staff and partners highlighted outcomes from a Lighthouse Manufacturing program implemented with support from IMEC/IMAAC and ARPA funds. Chris Telt, economic development staff, said, "This initiative has supported 52 manufacturers in driving operational improvements, strengthening their workforce, and building a lasting resilience." Telt reported program metrics distributed to the committee: 52 participating manufacturers; 556 jobs retained; 326 projected jobs created; 100% of participating companies reporting process improvements; and more than 300 workers affected by training and placement activities.
Members also heard a brief county business update flagging a private expansion: staff reported that Richardson Electronics received state support through a DCEO program, with tax credits the company expects to receive over 20 years tied to an $8.5 million–$8.6 million expansion and plans to retain 190 employees and create about 54 new jobs.
Committee members discussed keeping proclamations at the committee level to save time at full-board meetings and encouraged continued partnerships between the county, IMEC/IMAAC, VIA/GCAMP and local schools. Several members asked staff to share links and materials for upcoming events, including the IMEC "Champions of Workforce" celebration Sept. 17 and manufacturing tours during Manufacturing Month and National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 3.
For next steps, staff said they would circulate program materials and event links and that partners will continue outreach to schools and employers. The committee took no additional formal policy action beyond adopting the resolution and receiving the presentations.