About us

How it started

The Manufacturing Alliance began with a simple yet powerful question: How can we connect our region's manufacturers to solve common challenges, leverage diverse expertise and build a stronger, more resilient community? This vision sparked a collaboration between the College of Lake County (CLC) leadership, local industry experts and key ecosystem partners, with support from state and local leaders.

Together, they laid the foundation for a new kind of network, where manufacturers could come together to share resources, insights and solutions. In early 2024, the Alliance took its first major step forward with the hiring of Jim McConoughey as its director. Under his leadership, partnerships with ecosystem collaborators grew, and by June 2024, industry leaders were fully committed to the mission.

In August 2024, the first Manufacturing Alliance event was held, marking a significant milestone in bringing manufacturers together. Just a month later, in September 2024, the Manufacturing Alliance Executive Committee was officially established, solidifying the governance and direction of the Alliance.

Since then, regional manufacturers have continued to join and contribute to the collective strength of the Alliance. Through ongoing collaboration, innovation and commitment, the Manufacturing Alliance is dedicated to elevating the region's manufacturing sector, driving economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life in our community.

Our mission

The Manufacturing Alliance brings together people, resources and assets that reflect the community we serve. Our mission is to foster agile and integrated approaches that produce:

• A Skilled Talent Pipeline: We cultivate a robust workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape.
• A Unified Coalition of Advocates: We create a strong collective voice that champions the interests of manufacturers and supports the growth and sustainability of the industry.
• A Model of Manufacturing Excellence: We strive to establish and promote standards of best practices that drive innovation, efficiency and long-term economic growth in our region.

Through collaboration and commitment, the Manufacturing Alliance will elevate the manufacturing sector and enhance the quality of life in our community.