ECC Hosts Inaugural Manufacturing Employer Symposium and Student Showcase

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On Friday, May 9, 2025, Elgin Community College (ECC) welcomed nearly 200 attendees, including more than 30 regional employers, to its first-ever Manufacturing Employer Symposium and Student Showcase. The event brought together students, industry leaders, and educators for a powerful day of collaboration, career exploration, and future-focused learning. 

Held in partnership with the Make It in Illinois campaign, an initiative of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the event served as a bridge between emerging talent and the evolving needs of the local manufacturing sector. 

The day started with a dynamic employer symposium featuring Drew Crowe, a manufacturing influencer, speaker, and founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance. Crowe’s message centered around the critical need to attract and retain workers in the face of an industry-wide labor shortage. His talk energized the audience with practical strategies and inspiring insights about building a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline in manufacturing. 

One of the most inspiring parts of the day was the Student Showcase, where more than 30 ECC students shared hands-on, sustainability-centered projects. From a solar-powered gaming console to a culinary smoker entirely fabricated from scratch, students demonstrated the innovation, creativity, and technical skills to power the industry’s future. 

“This event is a great example of how education and industry can work together to prepare students for meaningful, in-demand careers,” said ECC President Peggy Heinrich, EdD, during her remarks. “It’s also a preview of what’s to come as we invest in new ways to serve our community and meet workforce needs.” 

The event also spotlighted ECC’s commitment to manufacturing through the planned 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC), slated to open in fall 2026. Cathy Taylor, PhD, dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies, shared how the new facility will transform hands-on training by offering expanded lab space, updated equipment, and programs that reflect the latest industry standards. The facility will also serve as a training hub for current workers seeking to upskill and stay competitive in an evolving field. With strong community connections and a clear vision for the future, ECC is helping ensure that students and employers alike are ready to thrive in the new era of manufacturing. 

Explore ECC’s manufacturing programs at elgin.edu/makeit.