Speed dating comes to manufacturers expo
McHenry County Economic Development Corp.'s Business Accelerator for Innovation and Collaboration is hosting it's second annual McHenry County Manufacturing Matchmaking event on Oct. 23 at the Holiday Inn, Crystal Lake. This year, it's free.
Think "speed dating" for manufacturers. Participating companies will have up to 20 face- to-face meetings with buyers and sellers. The focus will be to promote and match companies from McHenry County's manufacturing base of more than 600 companies to buyers during 20 minute appointments.
Buyers from prominent companies in the Chicago, Rockford and Milwaukee metro areas are being actively recruited to participate. McHenry County manufacturers are ideally situated between these cities and can provide the quality and delivery demanded by world-class companies. The county's industry base is diverse and includes manufacturers in plastics, machining, metal fabrication, medical supplies, packaging, electrical and electronic assembly, among others.
According to Andy Swick, General Manager of Alluma Natural Products in Crystal Lake, "If you can only attend one regional trade event this fall, this is it!"
Invitations and registration forms have been sent out to all McHenry County manufacturers and online registration is the quickest and easiest way to sign up by going to the BAIC's Web site, www.illinoismanufacturing.net, "News and Events" section. Include the names and contact information of up to two people and describe your company's main activities, products, services and markets and the opportunities you are seeking.
Confirmation notices will be sent to acknowledge receipt of registration materials. Two to three weeks before the event, a list and descriptions of all registered companies will be sent. Companies can request up to 20 meetings, and a preliminary schedule will be sent one to two weeks before the event. A final schedule will be provided on the day of the event.
Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 23 with a continental breakfast served during registration and the first hour of appointments. Face-to-face meetings will run between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., 20 minutes per meeting with 10 minutes in between. This will allow for further discussions between companies if there is a fit, a chance to check voice and e-mail, or an opportunity to grab a bite to eat.
A buffet-style lunch also will be served toward the end of the event, concurrent with meetings. A short questionnaire will be filled out by each company after every meeting indicating whether there is a fit and what the next steps are between the companies.
The meeting rooms will be available for another hour after the event for informal networking.
For more information about the event, call Jim Allen, Director-BAIC at (815)-363-0444.
BAIC is an SBA funded initiative secured through the efforts of MCEDC, McHenry County College and Illinois Congressman Don Manzullo. BAIC, the Business Accelerator for Innovation and Collaboration was established to focus on the needs of more than 600 manufacturers in McHenry County, providing business assistance and consultation, free of charge. Utilizing a significant network of relationships, BAIC provides a vital link to the state, federal and private resources available to manufacturers with a focus on creating jobs, ideas & revenue. For more information contact MCEDC at (815) 363-0444, email manufacturing@mcedc.com or visit Web site www.illinoismanufacturing.net.
The McHenry County Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit private-public business advocacy group comprised of business and industry investors from throughout the county. Its mission is to encourage and develop the economic health of McHenry County through the retention, expansion and attraction of commerce and industry which is conducive to an optimal quality of life for its citizens. A nongovernmental organization, the MCEDC seeks to work with local, county, state and federal legislators to foster, enhance and improve the economic vitality of McHenry County.