TMA Hosts Initial Task Force Meeting with Small and Midsize Manufacturers

Nine TMA Members Will Help Shape Policy Suggestions for Illinois Lawmakers

SCHAUMBURG, IL – The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) hosted the first meeting of the Senate-approved Manufacturing Task Force designed to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations for the Illinois legislature to improve and expand small and midsize manufacturing in our state.

At the Task Force’s initial meeting, four areas of concern for small and midsize manufacturers were discussed: Rising energy costs, crippling tax burdens, overbearing safety regulations, and the state’s challenging workforce environment. As the group continues to work together, the intention is to propose legislative solutions that will work to encourage this vital sector for the state’s and nation’s economic future.

“Giving small and midsize manufacturers an active voice is key to ensuring our industry’s continued growth and success,” said Dennis LaComb, Executive Vice President of TMA. “This Task Force enables leaders from every corner of Illinois manufacturing to work directly with policymakers to address challenges and bring forward new ideas that can strengthen our competitiveness and create opportunities for our workforce and communities.”

The Manufacturing Task Force will meet six times over the next year to discuss challenges and suggest solutions that could be drafted into legislation to be considered by the Illinois General Assembly.

Senate Joint Resolution 31 (SJR31), which created the task force, was sponsored by Sen. Dave Koehler, co-sponsored by senators Jason Plummer and Chris Balkema, and co-sponsored by 14 senators from both parties.

The nine TMA members serving on the task force include:

• Kurt Sundberg, President of Simplex System Controls in Elmhurst.
• Teresa Beach-Shelow, President of Superior Joining Technologies in Machesney Park.
• Debbie Sommers, President of Lakeview Precision Machining in South Elgin.
• Mike Flynn, Operations Manager for DuPage Precision Products in Aurora.
• Arvid Casler, General Manager for Element Materials Technologies in Glendale Heights.
• Joe Bettinardi, Owner of Betts Precision in Alsip.
• George Gatto, Jr, Owner of Gatto Industrial Platers in Chicago.
• John Ekberg, Owner of Circle Boring & Machine Co. in Rockford.
• Matt Eggemeyer, President & CEO at Keats Manufacturing in Wheeling.

About TMA: Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association exclusively funded by industry and solely focused on small and midsize manufacturers. TMA has nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant