PARK RIDGE - Manufacturers are seeing a regional resurgence in activity, and both gubernatorial candidates are looking for opportunities to grow Illinois economy and develop training for the next generation - and for votes in the upcoming election.
Last month Republican Bruce Rauner visited the Technology & Manufacturing Association of Illinois (TMA) headquarters in Park Ridge, and last week, Governor Pat Quinn stopped by.
“We are very pleased to have Governor Quinn with us today,” stated TMA Chairman Brian Panek. “Believe it or not, he is the first sitting governor to visit our headquarters in the 89 year history of TMA.”
Quinn is bullish on manufacturing and sees opportunities for companies in the global market.
“My job is to be the exporter in chief,” he told TMA members. Quinn also acknowledged the importance of training the next generation of manufacturers. “We like working with TMA on training grants because we know we need to close the skills gap in manufacturing. We also need to build partnerships with our community colleges,” he added.
TMA recently signed an agreement with Oakton Community College whereby TMA manufacturing students can receive college credits at Oakton. “These are exactly the kinds of program we need and I need to take a closer look at Oakton,” Quinn said.
“TMA is on the frontline of training and education,” stated TMA immediate past Chairman and Chairman of the GRC Zach Mottl during his introduction of Governor Quinn. “Other issues of importance to our members are tax reform and workers’ compensation reform. We need to have a level playing field with surrounding states.”
The upcoming election is November 4th.
L-R: Aaron Weigel, Zach Mottl, Brian Panek, Gov Quinn, Karen Trzaska Fernando Ortiz, Jim Carr
