Economic development professionals, regional stakeholders, community leaders, educators, business owners, and utility providers attended the event. Participants were able to learn about and discuss emerging projects and initiatives currently under development for continued growth and economic prosperity within Southern Illinois.

Man-Tra-Con Corporation has wrapped up its first cohort of its Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, graduating 11 Southern Illinois residents trained for entry-level careers in the solar energy industry.

“Emily’s leadership, work ethic, and commitment to serving others make a lasting impact on Man-Tra-Con, our partners, and the communities we serve. We are fortunate to have her on our team, and this recognition is well deserved,” Stephanie says.

Established in 2024, the Manufacturing Hall of Fame recognizes the people, products and companies that have made a long-standing impact on Illinois state’s manufacturing industry.

The new Illinois Workforce Development Systems (IWDS) 2.0 data reporting software is scheduled to be implemented on July 1, 2026.

IPG developed a registered apprenticeship for employee training in their Industrial Maintenance department at the Carbondale, Illinois, plant.

AISIN Electronics Illinois, LLC, developed a registered apprenticeship program for employee training in their Engineering department.

The award recognized the work Man-Tra-Con Training & Reintegration Career Specialist Robert Angle has done in collaboration with Freddie Buckingham from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) for their work on the Southern Region Re-Entry Virtual Job Fair project.