Economy Tops ExpectationsThe US economy grew at the fastest annual pace in two years in the third quarter of the year, according to delayed government data released yesterday. The nation’s gross domestic product—or the value of all the goods and services it produced—rose at a stronger-than-expected annual rate of 4.3% in the July-to-September period. The figure is above economists’ forecasts of 3% and the 3.8% growth in the prior quarter.Consumer spending, which accounts for roughly 70% of overall economic activity, rose at a 3.5% annualized rate, up from 2.5% in the April-to-June period, helping to fuel the stronger output. US exports expanded 8.8%, while imports, which subtract from the GDP, fell 4.7%. Government spending increased 2.2%, and investment in intellectual property, including artificial intelligence, grew 5.4%. See all data HERE. |
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A Shrinking Workforce May Thwart U.S. Manufacturing AmbitionsUS manufacturing faces significant challenges in revitalizing its workforce amid efforts to reshore production driven by tariff policies. While high value-added, capital-intensive sectors have seen growth, overall manufacturing employment has declined, with a notable drop in low value-added sectors such as textiles and apparel. To address a potential shortage of 3.8 million workers by 2033, manufacturers may need to rely on higher wages, improved workforce experience and possibly increased immigration. More HERE. |
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Rising Cutting Tool Orders Suggests Cautious OptimismDomestic demand for cutting tools rose 12.7% from September to October, which is 14.7% higher than October, 2024, and for the first time this year, YTD shipments trended positively. “The latest three-month trend is looking more promising, but our industry is still flat to down over the past year,” stated Mike Stokey, president of the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute. More HERE. |
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Amendments to Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act: Immediate Obligations for Employers Receiving “No-Match” LettersIllinois recently enacted amendments to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. The amendments became effective on December 12, 2025, immediately upon the governor’s signature. More HERE. |
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January 1 Brings New Employment Laws for Illinois BusinessesA number of new employment laws will go into effect for Illinois employers in 2026 impacting leave, payroll programs, unemployment, and employment decisions, among other things. TMA’s advocacy partner, NFIB-Illinois, assembled this list of the new laws TMA members will face in 2026 HERE. |
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Former TMA Board Chair Calls for Legal Reforms in Springfield to Help BusinessesZach Mottl, President of Atlas Tool Works in Lyons, recently drafted an op-ed sharing his concerns Illinois has again earned the dubious honor as a Top Ten Judicial Hellhole in America. Mottl is calling on legislators to reform our state’s civil justice system and start working with business owners instead of punishing them with excess litigation. To read Zach’s op-ed, click HERE. |
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| Lunch & Tour: Graymills CorporationTime: 11:30am-1:30pm | Location: Broadview, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Rockford Roundtable: How AI Is Revolutionizing CNC ManufacturingTime: 11:30am-1:00pm | Location: Rockford, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| HR Roundtable: Legal UpdatesTime: 8:00am-10:00am | Location: TMA Schaumburg | 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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| New Years Happy HourTime: 4:30pm-6:00pm | Location: Woodridge, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Safety Roundtable: Electrical SystemsTime: 11:30am-1:30pm | Location: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| TMA-SIG DinnerTime: 5:00pm-8:00pm | Location: Naperville, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| TMA Christians in Manufacturing Fellowship GatheringTime: 11:30am-1:30pm | Location: Glendale Heights, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Sales & Marketing Roundtable: The Future of Marketing with AITime: 11:30am-1:30pm | Location: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| TMA TopGolf: Chip & SipTime: 4:30pm-6:30pm | Location: Schaumburg, IL | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Women of TMA: Galentines Social – Holy CannoliTime: 3:00pm-5:00pm | Location: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Basic CNC Training (Level 1)Location: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Basic Blueprint ReadingLocation: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Comprehensive GD&TLocation: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Tools for Frontline SupervisorsLocation: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Managing Within the LawLocation: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Internal Auditing: ISO 9001Location: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Forklift Train the TrainerLocation: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| CAD BasicsLocation: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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| Emerging LeadersLocation: TMA Schaumburg | Info & Registration: HERE |
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Manufacturing Leadership Program (MLP)This TMA program is specifically designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of your organization’s current managers, supervisors, or future leadership. Designed by successful manufacturing executives for successful manufacturing executives, the MLP is led by experienced industry professionals, university faculty, and subject matter experts – all with substantial experience in critical areas of business and manufacturing. Click graphic right to find out more. |
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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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TMA HR HOTLINETMA members have access to unlimited, professional HR counsel free of charge via ourHR Hotline at 888-849-0451. Additional HR services provided at a TMA discounted rate. |
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