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Governor Pritzker Announces $15 Million Investment to Build New Manufacturing Training Academies in Downstate Communities

Funding Will Increase Access to Manufacturing Training and Create Pipeline for 21st Century Talent

CHAMPAIGN, IL– Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and industry leaders in announcing a first-of-its-kind program to expand manufacturing training opportunities for Illinois residents. Through a $15 million Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released today, Illinois will establish two new innovative Manufacturing Trainings Academies that will expand opportunities for skills training, boost retention of manufacturers in downstate communities, and attract more investment by manufacturing companies throughout Illinois.

“I’m proud to announce today that Illinois is dedicating $15 million to establish two downstate manufacturing training academies to address the shortage of skilled workers. We’re investing directly in communities and in companies with programs that will allow businesses to grow, retain and attract new talent for higher paying jobs of the future,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These new Manufacturing Training Academies will provide 21st century manufacturing training to help more of our residents bring the right skills to the workplace, while helping Illinois companies keep up as they retool to remain competitive for the future. And through this program, we will bring investments where they are most needed, specifically for downstate communities, where these cutting-edge training opportunities have not been as widely available.”

Through a competitive NOFO process, DCEO will provide a total of $15 million for two capital grants to fund the construction of new facilities to house two new Manufacturing Training Academies in downstate Illinois. The NOFO is seeking proposals from community colleges to provide cutting-edge training programs that will equip students for an array of well-paying skilled manufacturing jobs that require specialized training.

The Manufacturing Training Academies are part of the economic vision for growth and equity put forward by the Governor’s 5-year economic plan, which offers a blueprint for growth among the state’s strongest and highest growth potential sectors – including manufacturing.  These academies will offer specialized training that’s not widely available at downstate community colleges for high-demand manufacturing jobs such as machinery mechanics and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine operators and programmers.

“Manufacturing has long been at the heart of Illinois’ economy and with these timely and critical investments we will ensure we capture a large share of the industry’s projected growth in the years ahead—which represents boundless opportunities for the next generation of workers and a pathway to well-paying jobs of the future,” said DCEO Director Erin B. Guthrie. “Under the leadership of Governor Pritzker, we will continue to make key investments to that will not only attract new companies but ensure our current businesses have the talent and resources to flourish.”

Eligible applicants for the Manufacturing Training Academies NOFO include community college districts or coalitions of community college districts in downstate Illinois, which includes all of Illinois outside of Cook and the collar counties, areas which face difficulty in recruiting for manufacturing and retaining manufacturers due to a shortage in training resources.  The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), representing Illinois’ 39 community college districts, partnered with DCEO in creating the project proposal.

“As Illinois’ largest workforce training provider, community colleges statewide have the expertise to partner with local communities to help guide our residents on the path to meaningful careers through these new facilities,” said Brian Durham, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). “Manufacturing remains an important and growing industry for our state, and we are poised, with the right investments, to ensure more Illinoisans get the opportunities they need to train for these 21st century jobs. The ICCB and the community college system stand ready to work with the Governor and other local partners to help lead this initiative.”

Future training academies will address a skills shortage that is being faced by employers across the nation as they adopt new technologies in manufacturing production. These new training centers will help meet the needs of regional employers, located in communities where specialized programming is not broadly available at the local community colleges.

“The future of manufacturing is already here. Technologies like collaborative robots and artificial intelligence are reshaping the skill needs in manufacturing,” said David Boulay, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC). “New investments by the State of Illinois to create Manufacturing Training Academies offer the promise to not only reimagine manufacturing jobs but also to upskill our talented workforce and ensure our Illinois manufacturers remain globally competitive.”

The new program was announced today at Eden Park Illumination, an Illinois-based start-up company producing one-of-a-kind UV lighting used across several industries. Eden Park borne out of research by professors Dr. Gary Eden and Dr. Sung-Jin Park from the world-leading College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. In recent months the company has increased its manufacturing output by a factor of ten and has tripled hiring. To keep up with current and future demand, the company plans to hire additional manufacturing workers, and like other companies in the region, is seeking skilled labor to fill these roles.

“Given the new demands facing all of our communities due to COVID-19, Eden Park is committed to developing solutions that will bring us back safer and more prepared than ever before,” said John Yerger, CEO of Eden Park Illumination. “To keep up with current and future demand, Illinois companies like ours are making plans today to invest in training and workforce development that will prepare workers for more exciting innovations that lie ahead.  Future Illinois Manufacturing Training Academies will support Illinois employers by ensuring more local residents are equipped for the increasingly technical jobs of the future.”

The academies will also develop extensive partnerships for curricular support, operational funding, recruitment, and job placement, including with private-sector employers, K-12 schools and Illinois’ Local Workforce Innovation Boards.

“Manufacturing is an important pillar in many of our communities and infuses new dollars into our economy,” said State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign). “This critical investment will help rebuild our economy as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

More than 18,000 Illinois companies manufacture a wide range of products, employ over 550,000 residents, and produce a wide range goods which account for nearly $60 billion in exports every year – making Illinois the fourth largest state in the U.S. for international exports, and Illinois-made products in hundreds of countries around the world.  By 2028, an estimated 4.6 million new manufacturing jobs will need to be filled nationwide. Illinois, with its productive workforce, central location, high-quality infrastructure, and strong foundation in a diverse range of manufacturing sectors, is well-positioned to compete for these jobs.

“Manufacturing has always been an integral part of the Illinois economy, and today’s announcement will help support companies in addressing their current and future workforce needs,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “We appreciate Governor Pritzker and DCEO’s continued support of our Illinois manufacturers and look forward to working with economic and workforce development partners across the state of Illinois to encourage more people to explore the possibilities of modern manufacturing and gain the skills necessary for careers in the 21st century.”

Today’s announcement coincides with October’s designation as Manufacturing Month in Illinois.  Throughout the month, DCEO has hosted numerous virtual events and webinars showcasing some of the state’s industry leading companies, allowing residents and communities to engage and learn more about manufacturing growth and exciting opportunities of working in the modern-day manufacturing industry. For more on these events and to receive the latest updates on manufacturing beyond this month, please visit DCEO’s website or follow along on social @IllinoisDCEO.

View the press release here.

Press:

During Champaign visit, Pritzker announces manufacturing training academies, The News-Gazette

At Champaign manufacturer, Pritzker announces training academies, The News-Gazette

During Champaign Visit, Pritzker Unveils Plan To Support Manufacturing In Illinois, Illinois Newsroom

Governor announces funding opportunities for manufacturing job training, WCIA 3 News

New manufacturing training academies to be established in downstate Illinois, WAND 17

New manufacturing training academies coming to Illinois, FOX Illinois

International Trade Center Honored as Presidential “E” Award Recipient for Export Achievements

International Trade Center Honored as Presidential “E” Award Recipient for Export Achievements

39 American Companies and Organizations Receive Highest U.S. Honor for Export Success

CHAMPAIGN, IL, October 26, 2020 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that its International Trade Center of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC has been selected as a recipient of the 2020 President’s “E” Awards for Export Service, the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S exports.

“The International Trade Center has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion, said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in his congratulatory letter to the organization. “The “E” Awards Committee was impressed with your organization’s achievement of increases to the export sales of clients working with the International Trade Center. The organization’s client assistance in multiple languages was also particularly notable. The International Trade Center’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

The International Trade Center (ITC) of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, led by Mariel Huasanga, a Certified Global Business Professional and seasoned exporter, provides assistance with international trade and exporting.

“Mariel Huasanga and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center provide exceptional service and support to existing and new Illinois exporters,” said Mark Petrilli, State Director of the Illinois SBDC Network. “Clients of the ITC benefit from Mariel’s tremendous expertise, deep experience and extensive knowledge of international markets and exporting regulations, in addition to her sincere passion to help them succeed.”

The International Trade Center offers information, counseling and training to existing and new-to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities. Services include evaluation of company’s readiness to export, access to foreign market information, documentation assistance, automated trade leads, linkages with trade representatives, and more.

“Our International Trade Center is one of only eight organizations in the country to receive the “E” Award for Export Service in 2020,” said Don Elmore, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. “Mariel Huasanga’s impact on our International Trade Center, and our organization as a whole, has been incredibly important since she joined us in 2018. She has helped numerous companies improve their international trade operations with her expert counseling and guidance, including helping them secure important resources such as STEP grants, which help companies increase their exports. Most recently, Mariel has helped two area businesses gain valuable recognition through the Illinois District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration and America’s SBDC.”

In total, Secretary Ross honored 39 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President’s “E” Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders.

“Our organization is convinced of the importance of exporting as a critical driver of economic growth, especially for small businesses,” said Mariel Huasanga, International Trade Center Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition – and it inspires us to continue providing the best support and guidance to potential and current exporters in our region to successfully enter and compete in foreign markets. We are grateful to our clients who trusted us as a key partner in developing and implementing their export strategy; and to our local, state and federal partners.”

American companies and organizations are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in American exports are significant factors in selecting the overall winners.

“I’d personally like to thank Don Elmore, our SBDC Director, and our host, the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, led by Carly McCrory-McKay, for their strong and ongoing support for our center to continue expanding and improving to better serve our clients,” Huasanga stated. “I also thank Elizabeth Ahern, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service office in Peoria, for supporting our nomination and for her valuable partnership.”

About the “E” Awards

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth in one or more international markets.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.trade.gov.

 

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Pritzker Administration Awards 50 BIG Grants for Businesses in CU Area

First Wave of Business Interruption Grants Released to 2,655 Small Businesses, Including More Than 50 Percent Minority-Owned and Businesses Hit Hardest by COVID-19 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday August 13, 2020

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today visited the Champaign-Urbana area to announce $46 million in small business grants have been released to 2,655 small businesses throughout the state – with 50 grants totaling $910,000 for businesses in the Champaign-Urbana area. These grants represent the first round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program – with grants provided to over 400 individual cities and spread across 78 counties. Grant recipients represent a diversity of businesses, as well as business communities hit hardest by COVID-19 related closures.

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. BIG represents the largest state-run economic support program in response to the economic hardship caused by coronavirus.

“I’m proud to announce the first $46 million of our $636 million Business Interruption Grant program has been deployed to help nearly 2,700 small businesses in over 400 cities and towns in Illinois. That’s 78 of our 102 counties. The initial focus of these grants has been on businesses that have been most severely impacted by COVID-19 — those that were completely shut down during the pandemic and those that are in COVID-impacted areas that experienced property damage amidst the looting and civil unrest in June,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Overall, the BIG program will offer at least $270 million in grants to small businesses who have suffered losses due to the COVID pandemic, with a separate $270 million set aside specifically for childcare providers – an essential underpinning of our workforce for countless working families. The federal PPP program seems to have overlooked too many entrepreneurs and small shops, and it was important to me and to the General Assembly to ensure that small businesses – which employ the largest number of people – get the help they need. That’s why we focused on the smallest local businesses, with annual revenues of $3 million or less in this initial round of funding.”

“Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, BIG is our latest tool in helping businesses with the support they need to maintain operations, support their staff and focus their efforts on a safe reopening in the wake of the crisis,” said Acting Director of DCEO, Michael Negron. “While the first round of BIG will provide a much-needed boost for thousands of businesses around the state, we know there is much more we must do. Through a number of programs launched in recent weeks, and with another round of BIG on the horizon, we will continue to respond to the needs facing our business community and work to provide assistance where it’s needed most.”

First round grants range from $10,000-$20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including: payroll costs; rent; utilities; and equipment as well as other unexpected costs to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, such as PPE, training, and new technology. Business categories identified in the first round include small businesses in industries that continue to experience economic hardship due to public concerns for health and safety and in areas that sustained setbacks due to property damage and closures as a result of recent civil unrest.

BIG Round 1 grants span a diverse geography, as well as business type – with more than 50 percent of grant recipients reporting they are minority-owned. This breakdown includes 14 percent Black business owners, 25 percent Asian-owned, and 11 percent Latinx-owned. Additionally, more than 600 grants totaling $10 million for downstate businesses. To ensure small businesses were given a priority, grantees were required to prove annual revenues of $3 million or lower.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an immense burden on businesses across our state, and right here in Champaign County,” said Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “We’re extremely grateful to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the creation of the Business Interruption Grants Program, supporting 50 small businesses in the Champaign-Urbana area in the first round. These funds will be crucial in helping businesses offset some of the negative impacts of the pandemic, especially the industries heavily restricted or completely shut down.”

From the Champaign-Urbana area, 50 businesses received BIG grants in the first round of funding. Businesses receiving grants include a wide range of industries, including restaurants, retail, personal care services and more. Portions of Champaign County lie within a severe DIA, including the area where both locations of the Wood N Hog BBQ restaurant sit.

“Growing up in the projects, life wasn’t easy for my sister and I so we wanted to build something so that our future generations wouldn’t experience the same struggle,” said Michael McDonald, co-owner of Wood N Hog BBQ in Champaign-Urbana. “When COVID-19 hit, I didn’t feel like I could depend on the banks to save me so I’m thankful to the State for seeing potential in our business, and for dedicating these funds that will allow us to get back to where we were before the crisis.”

More than 5,000 businesses applied for funding, with grantees selected via random lottery.

“In the face of this pandemic, I am proud that over $800,000 will be going to businesses across Urbana-Champaign due to the BIG program,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Champaign). “Local businesses are the soul of our community and when this crisis hit, store and restaurant owners came up with creative solutions to safely stay open and serve their customers. So, when the General Assembly convened in May, I made a promise to my district that I would fight for bold COVID-19 response. This grant program is just that.”

This first round of BIG grants will be followed by future rounds of the program, each offering consideration to business sectors facing the most extreme economic hardship as a result of COVID-19-related closures or diminished operating capacity. Separately, an additional $270 million of the BIG program is set aside for childcare providers, with funding administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Childcare providers may apply for these funds until August 14th at this link.

Illinois businesses can learn more about BIG future rounds by following DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO or visiting their website. A full list of round 1 business grant recipients is available on DCEO’s website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Documents/BIG-Round1Awardees_08.12.20.pdf

View the full press release here.

Press:

Pritzker visits Urbana restaurant to tout grants for businesses, The News-Gazette

50 businesses awarded Interruption Grants in Champaign-Urbana, WAND 17

Pritzker Visits Urbana To Promote Grants For COVID-Stricken Businesses, Illinois Newsroom

Champaign-Urbana business owners react to BIG funds, FOX Illinois

Gov. Pritzker joins local leaders to announce the first round of Business Interruption Grants, WCIA 3 News

Champaign County Safety Pledge Launched to Keep Health and Safety of Workers, Residents, Students, and Future Visitors at the Forefront

Today, a coalition of local organizations and municipalities have launched a new online resource to help Champaign County businesses as they progress through the next stages of the state’s Restore Illinois plan. The new website – champaigncountysafe.org – was developed to maintain the safety and well-being of our communities and to share information and resources with businesses in Champaign County. The site will serve as a hub for Champaign County businesses to access resources, including re-opening guidelines, sample signage, PPE suppliers, local cleaning companies, local printers and more.

As Champaign County launches its new online resource to support businesses navigating the next phases of Illinois’ reopening plan, it’s crucial to emphasize the significance of prioritizing workers’ safety and mitigating risks. Amidst the transition, providing accessible information on safety topics for work meetings becomes paramount in fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness. By integrating discussions on workplace safety into routine meetings, businesses can proactively address potential hazards and empower employees to contribute to a safer work environment. You can learn more about worker safety on Veriforce.

The re-opening guidelines, following the state of Illinois’ Restore Illinois plan, highlight communication strategies for various types of businesses and provide details on how to prepare workspaces, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, PPE tutorials, and general information on COVID-19. This information will assist industries ranging from agriculture to childcare to manufacturing and hospitality – all with specific guidelines on employee and customer protection, sanitation standards, social distancing, and much more.

Businesses are also asked to take the Champaign County Safe Pledge. The pledge sets out expectations customers can have when visiting local businesses, including:

  • Employees wearing masks
  • Employees frequently washing their hands
  • Surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the business are regularly cleaned and
  • sanitized
  • Social distancing measures are in place

Businesses can complete the pledge online and upon review, will be added to a comprehensive list of pledged businesses that the public can review. Businesses can then post their signed pledge in their windows to show their commitment to the health and safety of employees and customers.

As guidelines continue to evolve, the site and all the resources will be updated, so businesses should check back frequently for the latest information. The documents will be updated on a regular basis as more information is shared by the state of Illinois, Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

Participating organizations include: City of Champaign, City of Urbana, Village of Mahomet, Village of Rantoul, Village of Savoy, Champaign County, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Parkland College, New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA, United Way of Champaign County, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, University of Illinois Research Park, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Visit Champaign County, Champaign Center Partnership, Urbana Business Association, and Champaign County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Press:

Champaign County Safe: Businesses Pledge to Fulfill Expectations, ChambanaMoms

Champaign County Safe offers resources for businesses that are reopening, Smile Politely

New Site Provides Local Businesses Guidance On How To Safely Reopen, Illinois Newsroom

Online resource hub published for reopening businesses, WCIA

Champaign County launches website to share COVID-19 resources, FOX Illinois

https://www.facebook.com/ChampaignCity/videos/vb.192348754121201/264238158267203/?type=2&theater

 

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection General Aviation Facility Being Constructed at Willard Airport

SAVOY, IL (AUGUST 8, 2019) – Construction is underway on a new state-of-the-art U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) General Aviation Facility (GAF) at Willard Airport. The facility, funded through Flightstar, will allow for international General Aviation to arrive directy at Willard without having to pass through customs at another airport.

“This future CBP facility is an additional step in Flightstar’s ongoing push for improvements to our community airport. Having a GAF allows our international customers to arrive directly to Willard Airport without the need to clear customs at an alternate airport,” stated Bill Giannetti, Flightstar President. “This facility will open new opportunities in the international aviation market while serving this area and its users.”

While the facility will not serve Willard’s commercial operations, it will make the airport a more attractive destination for corporate and chartered flights.

“This facility is being constructed and fully funded by Flightstar, resulting in no cost to Willard Airport or the University. We value our continuous partnership with Flightstar, and their ongoing efforts to improve the facilities and services at Willard Airport,” said Tim Bannon, Executive Director of Willard Airport. “We hope this addition will make our airport and community a more attractive place to conduct business.” The GAF, located next to the Willard Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station, should be fully functional in early 2020.

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Press:

Customs facility for private flights under construction at Willard Airport, The News-Gazette

New Customs and Border Protection facility at Willard Airport, FOX Illinois 55/27

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