Manufacturing Alliance Newsletter

June 2025

Hello {Contact_First_Name}!

The momentum is building in Lake County's manufacturing community – and the Manufacturing Alliance is at the center of it all. We're proud to serve as the connector between the people who power this region: employers, educators and future talent. Whether it's launching new programs, solving workforce challenges or simply bringing the right people to the same table, the Alliance exists to spark collaboration and accelerate progress.

Every conversation leads to something bigger. As we continue to grow, so do the opportunities to share ideas, find solutions and build a stronger talent pipeline together.

Our focus:

  • Building Community
  • Connecting Workforce & Education 
  • Advocating for Industry

Interested in learning more? Contact Jim Connell to discover how you can become part of this growing group working to strengthen manufacturing in our region. 

The Manufacturing Alliance Team

Building Community

Join us at

Summer Sparks: A Manufacturing Alliance Event

Ignite connections. Fuel ideas.

Connect with local manufacturing professionals at Summer Sparks – an afternoon of networking, light bites, drinks and a brief industry presentation.

Spark new ideas and strengthen your connections!

Tuesday, July 15
4-6 p.m.
Advanced Technology Center | College of Lake County
Register for Summer Sparks





Connecting Workforce & Education

Check out these learning opportunities!

Spark Your Manufacturing Career

Kids heading into grades 9 and 10 this fall can experience modern manufacturing by designing, creating and building. This four-day camp begins July 14.

For more information, contact Community Education

This camp is possible through generous support from SparkForce, the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association.

Fundamentals of Manufacturing Course

The Northern Illinois Workforce Coalition of Illinois Community Colleges is offering a FREE 8-week online course starting July 14.

Register for the info session

For more information, contact NIWC.

The Northern Illinois Workforce Coalition (NIWC) of Illinois Community Colleges includes City Colleges of Chicago, College of DuPage, College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, Harper College, Joliet Junior College, Kankakee Community College, McHenry County College, Moraine Valley Community College, Morton College, Oakton Community College, Prairie State College, Triton College, and Waubonsee Community College.

Advocating for Industry

Meet the Executive Committee, CLC leadership and Lake County Workforce Ecosystem partners who have joined to serve as a collective voice for manufacturers to advocate for the industry.

Been to the College of Lake County lately? Stop by to check out our newest labs and programs – you might be surprised by what's new! Schedule your visit today.
Schedule Your Tour

Coming Soon!

The College of Lake County Foundation Scholarship Golf Classic.

Scholarship Golf Classic
Monday, September 15, 2025
Stonewall Orchard Golf Club
Grayslake, Illinois

Follow us!

This workforce development initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. A total of $286,000, or 100% of the cost of the Manufacturing Alliance, is financed with federal funds.