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Manufacturing remains vibrant in the Fox Valley

Shortly after the Civil War, the Chicago area saw a boom in manufacturing. With plenty of transportation routes via rail, ships and barges, Chicago became a mecca for manufacturers who sought quicker access to markets.

The picturesque Fox River Valley was an ideal location for manufacturers as water was the key source for steam power. Additionally, the area had a large labor pool of veterans who had returned from the war and European immigrants who settled throughout Chicago.

Manufacturing remains a leading employer today. In Illinois, manufacturing represents 13 percent of the state's output and makes up 10 percent of the workforce, and in 2018, the state exported $61 billion in products.

Nationally, manufacturing has a huge impact on the gross domestic product - while I have heard 11-13% in some studies - that does not take into consideration the "multiplier effect," which also includes the impact of the downstream sales chain of manufactured goods. It affects many other industries like logistics, wholesalers, retailers and more. An estimate by the MAPI Foundation indicates manufacturing's total impact is closer to 32% of the GDP. https://mapifoundation.org/

VIA created for common concerns

In 1902, the Valley Industrial Association was created by a group of manufacturing executives who sought to deal with common issues including legislative, labor and transportation. Today, the VIA's mission is to provide strategic resources, educational and networking opportunities to help manufacturers meet or exceed their business objectives.

For example, I'm super excited about our new Benchmarking for Excellence program www.viaspark.org just launched this month. More than 35 companies came together to help us identify the most important topics to focus on in six business categories - culture, innovation, operations, safety, social responsibility and workforce development. Business and manufacturing experts reviewed and offered their insights as well. The Benchmarking for Excellence program allows VIA member companies to conduct self-assessments in each of the categories and then see how they rank among their peers.

We honor the top manufacturers in each category at our annual Spark Awards program in March.

Benchmarking gives each company clear goals for growth and opportunities. The insight learned helps members reach the next maturity level of their company. As an association, this arms us with a clearer picture of member needs and shapes our programming throughout the year.

From labor intensive to highly technical

Manufacturing, a once very labor intense industry, has morphed into highly technical industries. In addition to more technical skills, employees are problem solvers, collaborators and communicators.

To meet these technical and communication needs, the VIA collaborates with our community colleges - Waubonsee, Elgin and College of DuPage - to improve the skills of employees through courses, training programs and certifications. As a result, the community colleges have adjusted class offerings and programming to address emerging trends in manufacturing, from computer and technology, to the sciences, CNC training and workforce development.

All in all, manufacturing is strong in our area and manufacturers continue to have an impressive impact on their towns These companies support the local economy as well as their local little leagues, chambers of commerce, junior achievement, community college advisory boards and more.

Now that's something to celebrate.

• Kathy Gilmore is the president of the Valley Industrial Association, based in Geneva.

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