About Us

The Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council (CMRC) is a partnership of labor, business, government, education and community leaders working together to establish Chicagoland as the global leader in advanced, high value-added manufacturing.

Why manufacturing?

In the Chicago metropolitan area manufacturing employs over 400,000 residents. The average wage in manufacturing is $64,000 including benefits. With few exceptions, these are the highest paying jobs in the economy. And because each manufacturing job creates three more jobs in related industries, manufacturing is the true engine of employment and growth in the overall economy, creating over 1.7 million jobs! No other sector matches manufacturing in its ability to drive the creation of good jobs.

Globalization doesn’t mean these jobs and industries will inevitably move off-shore. Succeeding in the global manufacturing economy requires a determination to lead the race to the top—to be the best in innovation, research and development and the production of sophisticated, complex products. This requires the creativity, engagement and talent of all the stakeholders in the regional economy: business, labor, communities, government and education. This is why the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council was formed.

Since its founding in July 2005, the CMRC has been working to inform the public and influence key leaders, organizations and institutions about the social and economic viability and vitality of the modern manufacturing economy. CMRC members believe that success requires the creativity, engagement and talent of all the stakeholders in the regional economy: business, labor, communities, government, education and communities.

View the introductory slideshow