What we’re about
The Calumet Manufacturing Industry Sector Partnership (CMISP) is a network of over 30 manufacturing businesses in the Calumet region.
Manufacturing-Led: Small family-owned and operated manufacturing businesses to large multinational manufacturing firms are coming together to solve common problems. Businesses identify common opportunities, define, and execute an action agenda for strengthening the industry.
Community-Supported: The partnership was launched in November 2017 with the support of seven community and government organizations committed to supporting the coordination and implementation of the Partnership’s priorities. The organizations involved are the Calumet Area Industrial Commission, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Chicago Federation of Labor Workforce and Community Initiative, Chicago Metro Metal Consortium, Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, IMEC, and OAI, Inc.
Our Focus: Action Teams & Results
The partnership gets things done through two action teams who support the overall goals of the partnership.
Increasing business-to-business networking
The B2B Networking action team is focused on developing a network of manufacturers to support the economic vitality of the Calumet region. The action team serves as the go-to spot for problem solving, accessing suppliers and customers, gaining references, and keeping business in the region in order to support the economic vitality of our community.
Results
Quarterly facility tours and social events
Online forum to promote B2B connections
Creation of networking “hub” providing core services and contact information for manufacturers across the region. This document is for manufacturers in the Calumet region. If you would like a copy please email CalumetMFG@gmail.com.
New business and sales as a result of business connections made through the partnership.
B2B tour of Sciaky, Inc., home of North America’s largest 3D metal printer
Developing a Skilled Workforce
The Workforce Action team is tackling the skills gap and providing meaningful career opportunities for local residents by increasing awareness about the industry, promoting careers in manufacturing, and aligning training and curriculum with industry needs
Results
Partnering with schools on career nights and opportunities to increase awareness about manufacturing careers among students, faculty, and staff
“Taste of Manufacturing” tours with local high school officials/counselors
Defined foundational skills that are most important to businesses and adoption of new curriculum in area schools and training providers
Ongoing definition of critical jobs and skill needs to align training and curriculum to meet needs of industry.
Taste of Manufacturing Tour with local high school counselors
CMISP School & Manufacturer Forum to identify foundational skills for careers in manufacturing
This partnership follows the Next Generation Sector Partnership model for business-led, and community-supported partnerships. Learn more here:
