TMA Presents Governor Rauner the Defender of Illinois Manufacturing Award
SCHAUMBURG, IL - Governor Bruce Rauner visited the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) Friday morning, October 5th, to commemorate Manufacturing Day. During his visit, which included a tour of TMA's training facility and breakfast with 150 Illinois manufacturers, TMA presented Governor Rauner the "Defender of Illinois Manufacturing Award" for his continued support and work in defending the manufacturing industry in Illinois during his first term as governor.
"Manufacturing is at the heart of the Illinois economy, and is a major catalyst for future job and income growth in the state," Governor Bruce Rauner said. "I have always, and will always, stand with manufacturers and business owners, and fight to get government out of their way so Illinois becomes a better place to do business."
Manufacturing is the third largest industry in Illinois by employment with over 580,000 workers. Illinois is the fourth largest manufacturing state in the nation by output, with the Chicago metropolitan area containing five out of the ten biggest manufacturing zip codes in America. Manufacturing also makes up for 93.6% of all Illinois goods exported and accounts for 12.4% of Illinois' gross state product.
"On Manufacturing Day, we celebrate the strong state of manufacturing across the country. As a growing and leading industry in Illinois, manufacturing is vitally important for our economy, workforce, and future of innovation," said Steve Rauschenberger, President of TMA. "During the last 4 years, Governor Rauner has stood up and been a champion for manufacturers in an anti-business environment in Illinois. TMA and our members recognize and appreciate the continued support by the governor and the beneficial impact he has had on our industry."
Manufacturing Day has occurred annually since 2012, with manufacturers across the country opening their doors and giving the public an opportunity to learn our today's high-tech, modern manufacturing. The day celebrates manufacturing and its impact on our local, state, and national economies. Last year nearly 3,000 Manufacturing Day events occurred across the country.
About TMA: Founded in 1925, the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) represents and supports manufacturers in the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding counties in northern Illinois, northern Indiana, and southern Wisconsin. TMA has almost 1,000 members and represents over 32,000 employees and nearly 26M square feet of manufacturing in Illinois.