We were pleased to host Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner at our Manufacturing Day^® Celebration on Friday, October 5. Under the banner of “Illinois Strong,” he had proclaimed October “Manufacturing Month” in the state earlier in the week. It was quite an honor to be singled out for a personal visit during his promotional efforts on behalf of our industry.

After meeting with Jeff Adams, President of Laser Precision, and our management team, as well as taking a tour of the plant, the governor joined us for lunch and talked about the importance of manufacturing in the state and what a great job each of us is doing. He also remarked that entrepreneurs such as Jeff are the reason that manufacturing is prospering and why Illinois is leading the way.

About Manufacturing Day
This annual celebration is meant to inspire the next generation, shape the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry. It was created by Ed Youdell, President and CEO of Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) in 2012.

“Manufacturing Day addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is – and what it isn’t,” Mr. Youdell said.

The Governor Comes to Call
We were selected for a visit from the governor upon the recommendation of Lake County Partners who cited our efforts coordinating with Lake County workforce groups to proactively seek innovative ways to find new sources of talent and educate them on the rewards of a career in manufacturing.

During his tour, Governor Rauner took the time to talk with several of our employees who joined our team through these programs. (Read the articles Earn & Learn In A Modern Fab Shop and Fabrication: The Pathway to a Bright New Future)

Along with the governor and Mr. Youdell, other dignitaries who joined us in our celebration included Dan McConchie, State Senator of the 26^th District; Terry L. Weppler, Mayor of Libertyville; Dr. Lori Suddick, President of Lake County College; and Kevin Considine, President and CEO of Lake County Partners.

According to Mr. Considine, “Laser Precision is a perfect example of what a company can do when you leverage the assets of Lake County: talent, location and leadership.”

On his Twitter site, the governor stated, ”It was great to visit Laser Precision on Manufacturing Day. Illinois is a manufacturing leader because of companies like Laser Precision and the 170 talented, hard-working people they employ and the quality workmanship they put into their products.”