Agencies
Services
Manufacturing Month 2025
Manufacturing: “Honoring Illinois Manufacturing Legacy and Future”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to support October as Manufacturing Month and celebrate the present and future makers across our great state. Join us and industry partners as we explore more about one of Illinois’ top industries, learning about its rich legacy and robust ecosystem.
We are the fourth largest manufacturing state in the country, with over 14,000 companies employing over 650,000 Illinoisans. In the years ahead, this industry is on pace to grow for the future – and this month we will join the national celebration of Manufacturing Month to educate, inspire, and cultivate the next generation of makers in Illinois.
Throughout the month of October, DCEO, agency leaders, and partners will be hosting a series of webinars, participating in events, and visiting industry leaders and the next generation of Illinois makers.
Events
The Solution to Finding and Retaining Talent
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Virtual
In this webinar, attendees will meet employers and employer support organizations who are developing solutions for workforce integration including neurodivergent onboarding and re-entry programs for returning citizens to help companies manage their talent pipeline and increase productivity. Panelists will share how these programs have helped solve their overall workforce challenges and shape the culture of their team. This webinar is designed for CEOs, HR Professionals, Economic Development officials or anyone else needing strategies to find and retain a loyal workforce.
Panelists include:
Ben Schatzel – Founder, Stannum Core Solutions
Tom Welge – President, Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation
Courtney Geiger – Vice President, Mission Services for Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois