Metal Formers Forecast Stable Economic Activity, Shipping Levels Remain SteadyMetal formers expect stable economic activity for the next 3 mo., according to the PMA’s May 2026 Business Conditions Report. The report shows that 64% of manufacturers surveyed expect no change in general economic activity in the next 3 mo. (up from 59% in April), 26% predict an increase in activity (compared to 30% last month) and 10% forecast a decrease in activity (compared to 11% in April). More HERE. |
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America’s Manufacturing Achilles’ Heel: Rare EarthsAnalysts project a shortfall of up to 30 percent in magnetic rare earth supply globally by 2035, unless China dramatically expands output or the rest of the world sharply accelerate production. More HERE. |
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Cutting Tool Maker to Establish Tungsten-Oxide StockpileCeratizit is attached to an expansion project that aims to ensure a reliable domestic supply of tungsten and reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. More HERE. |
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Legal Considerations for IP in Smart ManufacturingAI-enabled technologies are redefining how manufacturers innovate, from connected equipment to intelligent automation — but they also introduce complex intellectual property (IP) challenges that cannot be overlooked. As companies create and leverage vast amounts of data and integrate AI into development processes, unclear ownership, increased trade secret exposure, and evolving patent standards present real business risks. More HERE. |
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Inside the NLRB: What Non-Union Employers Need to Know About NLRA Risk in 2026Although they may not realize it, even non-union employers face risk under the NLRB. Everyday workplace decisions can trigger scrutiny and while the enforcement climate is shifting, the underlying risk remains. For employers, this is no longer a niche legal issue. It’s a legitimate business risk. More HERE. |
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Legal Risks for Employers During and After FMLA LeaveMany employers underestimate that liability under the FMLA extends well beyond denying leave for an unlawful reason. It can arise from everyday decisions about communication, workload, and expectations during that leave. Over the past few months, courts have weighed in on where that line can be drawn, and as this area of law continues to evolve, employers should become intimately familiar with this ever-changing legal landscape. More HERE. |
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Chicago Amends Fair Workweek RulesThe Chicago Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection recently published extensive amendments to the rules implementing the Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance. The new rules became effective June 1, 2026. Employers in covered industries must review and update their policies to ensure compliance. More HERE. |
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Chicago Paid Leave & Sick Leave Rules UpdateThe Chicago Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection also recently released updated rules clarifying the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. The effective date for these amended rules is June 1, 2026. More HERE. |
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Buy or Lease Commercial Real Estate? The Math May Surprise YouFor manufacturers, distributors, and growing businesses, real estate is more than just a capital decision. Smart real estate decisions can do more than lower costs. They can support growth, improve control, and strengthen long-term business value. More HERE. |
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YOU DID IT: TMA Members Influenced State Legislators During Spring SessionAs the spring legislative session came to a close on June 1, TMA members can rest assured they made an impact on state legislators in a number of ways this session. When called to action, nearly 160 TMA members filed witness slips for and against legislation being heard in committee and many more reached out to their state representatives and senators directly to discuss pending legislation. It’s this kind of advocacy that makes a difference in Springfield! |
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It’s Time to Schedule Visits With Your LegislatorsNow that state legislators have adjourned for the summer, it’s time for TMA members to invite them for a Legislator Connect visit to make them aware of your operations and build important relationships that could be beneficial in the future. TMA will work with you to identify and invite your legislators and will be onsite to help with logistics the day of the visit. Please email TMA’s Advocacy Team HERE to get the process started. |
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RIP Ed BrandtIt is with great sadness that we report that TMA’s Ed Brandt passed away on May 24th at the age of 87. Beloved husband, father, and great grandfather, Ed was one of TMA’s early apprentice trainees and worked as a tool and die maker before starting his own manufacturing business and then launching an industrial real estate company. Ed served on TMA’s Board of Directors for several years and was elected Chairman in 1982. He will be greatly missed. More HERE. |
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ATI Summer FestTMA member Assurance Technologies, Inc. (ATI) ) is excited to welcome TMA members to their Summer Fest, a special celebration marking 30 years under current ownership! Guests will have the opportunity to tour ATI’s new facility, experience product demonstrations, listen in on insightful presentations and connect with fellow manufacturing professionals. The event will also feature live music, prizes, and food and drink. Register HERE. |
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Developing the Next Generation of Manufacturing TalentTMA’s Education Foundation is dedicated to improving the image of manufacturing and developing the next generation of industry professionals. Founded in 1987, the Foundation granted nearly $2M dollars to: ✓ Promote manufacturing education – elementary, high school, college.✓ Provide materials and expertise for manufacturing training programs.✓ Increase awareness of industry careers among young people.✓ Recruit and direct individuals into rewarding employment in manufacturing.See the latest Foundation Newsletter HERE. |
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| FPE Tech Showcase 2026Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm | Location: Rosemont, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Lunch & Tour: C. H. Hanson CompanyTime: 11:30am-1:30pm | Location: Naperville, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Boomers Summer Bash 2026Time: 5:30pm-9:30pm | Location: Schaumburg, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| TMA on Tap: BeloitTime: 4:30pm-6:00pm | Location: Beloit, WI | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Operations Roundtable: SchaumburgTime: 11:30am-1:30pm | Location: TMA Schaumburg, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Roundtable: Strategic Human Capital ManagementTime: 8:00am-10:00am | Location: TMA Schaumburg, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Morning Mixer: Tinley ParkTime: 7:00am-8:30am | Location: Tinley Park, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| SAVE THE DATE – Ravinia Green Golf Outing 2026Time: 9:30am-4:30pm | Location: Riverwoods, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| SAVE THE DATE – WTMA Annual Luncheon 2026Time: 11:30am-1:30pm | Location: Wheeling, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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TMA Training: Built on Tradition. Driven by Innovation.Under new, forward-thinking leadership, TMA Training has been refocused on immersive, hands-on training, balancing foundational classroom learning with applied experience to better prepare member’s employees for industry demands.In short, this approach blends the old-school strengths of traditional training with a modern, innovation-driven model that prioritizes relevance, engagement, and real-world application.TMA’s training program is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and serves as an approved Related Technical Instruction (RTI) provider for U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs. |
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HEALTH INSURANCETMA Health Solutions is the leading insurance partner for small and midsize manufacturers. We assess, advise, and offer innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective health benefit plans and services. We take time to understand and assist your business so you can recruit and retain the best employees.For more information, click HERE |
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| RISK MANAGEMENTThe Daniel and Henry Co. is an insurance and risk management firm providing property and casualty insurance and consultation for small and midsize manufacturers. As TMA’s partner, D&H helps protect your business against the unexpected. If it makes an impact on your business, Daniel & Henry handles it.For more information, click HERE or HERE |
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SALES & MARKETINGTMA helps members attract customers through marketing, logo development, website design, social media, etc. TMA sources suppliers to find the right fit for all size manufacturers. To complement this program, we can also provide prospects for members through Hoovers/Dunn & Bradstreet.For more information, click HERE |
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| BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTTMA provides members access to the global prospecting database – Hoovers/Dunn & Bradstreet. TMA staff engage with members to help determine targeted industries based on their capabilities. We then search the database and provide the member a usable spreadsheet report with prospective targets.For more information, click HERE |
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RETIREMENT | 401KTMA offers members a professional, world-class 401K program that reduces costs and shifts admin and liability to a TMA 401K Board of Directors that acts as a Fiduciary Advisor managing member plan documents, service providers, and legal costs while offering investment funds not available to smaller plans.For more information, click HERE |
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| HUMAN RESOURCESTMA provides members free HR counsel with unlimited phone and email consultation via the TMA HR Hotline. Members also have access to the review and analysis of their personnel policies, work rules, and employee handbook by HR attorneys at a TMA-discounted price, as well as regular updates on important HR issues.For more information, click HERE |
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