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Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Rep. Elik to serve as Co-Chair of Illinois Manufacturing Caucus

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State Representative Amy Elik (IL) | Representative Amy Elik (R) 111th District

State Representative Amy Elik (IL) | Representative Amy Elik (R) 111th District

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has announced a new bipartisan and bicameral Illinois Manufacturing Caucus, in partnership with members of the General Assembly. The caucus aims to highlight the crucial role that manufacturing plays in the state's economy and address important issues related to the industry, including education, workforce development, energy, and tax policies.

Manufacturing is a key pillar of Illinois' economy and is the largest contributor to the state's Gross Domestic Product. With 650,000 direct jobs in the manufacturing sector, every 10 manufacturing jobs support an additional 17 jobs in other industries. This multiplier effect is significantly higher than other sectors, making manufacturing expansion a potential generator of higher secondary employment impact.

Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, expressed his appreciation for the recognition of the industry's importance and potential for growth. He stated, "Manufacturers across Illinois are making amazing and innovative products that are changing the world and transforming our communities. By working together, we can build a diverse and dynamic manufacturing sector for generations to come."

The Illinois Manufacturing Caucus will be co-chaired by Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex. Rep. Elik expressed her pride in partnering with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association on legislation to support the manufacturing industry and remove barriers to workforce entry. She added, "I look forward to building on these efforts in collaboration with my colleagues as part of the new Illinois Manufacturing Caucus."

Rep. Slaughter emphasized the importance of manufacturing to the economy and the well-being of families and communities in Illinois. He stated, "By focusing on ways to increase investment in Illinois, we can create opportunities for financial security and prosperity for all."

Sen. Rezin highlighted the need for policies that support business growth in Illinois, stating, "Our state has a robust history of manufacturing, and to build on our successes, we must ensure our policies allow for businesses to flourish here. This caucus will help shine a light on how we can better support manufacturers in Illinois, including ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy."

Sen. Joyce expressed his support for training programs that connect individuals with job opportunities in the manufacturing industry. He said, "I'm excited about this caucus helping to strengthen our efforts across the state to build a workforce of the future. This is a great opportunity to continue our recent momentum in manufacturing growth."

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States. Representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities, the IMA is dedicated exclusively to advocating for, promoting, and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois.

For more information about the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, please visit http://ima-net.org/.

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