The Illinois Manufacturers' Association and RSM McGladrey invite you to participate in the 2008 IMA Compensation Survey. Each year the IMA will administer a Benefits Survey and a Compensation Survey. All participants will receive a FREE electronic copy of the survey report. In addition, IMA members will receive significant discounts on custom reports not available except to those who participate in this survey. The survey covers 186 positions across 13 job families including jobs at the plant, supervisory, management, and executive levels. The published results will contain compensation information for different geographies (e.g., city of Chicago, Northern IL), revenue levels, and number of employees. RSM McGladrey will be conducting the survey as a third-party survey administrator. All individual data submitted will be kept strictly confidential, and no individual organization or employee data will be released. Survey results will be reported in aggregate to ensure confidentiality.

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The IMA's Small Manufacturers' Action Council (SMAC) will meet in the association's Oak Brook Office Conference Room, 1211 West 22nd Street at 9:00 a.m. on May 2, August 1st and November 7th to discuss the success of small manufacturing in Illinois. All small manufacturers in Illinois (generally presidents of companies with less than 100 employees)are invited to join this dynamic group. The SMAC acts as a sounding board for the IMA Board of Directors on issues facing the smaller manufacturer. You've heard of clout? We've got SMAC! RSVP to Julie Starsiak at JStarsiak@IMA-net.org or by phone at 800-875-4462, ext. 2119.

A new report on Illinois' economic outlook was released recently by the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The report was prepared by Moody's for the bipartisan economic forecasting service agency of the General Assembly.

According to the report, the state's manufacturing will continue to occupy a greater than average position in the Illinois economy but Illinois will have to fight to maintain its manufacturing base. Currently manufacturing is the single largest contributing sector to the state's economy at roughly 13 percent of state GDP. However, the report notes that since 1998, Illinois has lost more than 240,000, about 26 percent, of the sector's total employment and says the losses are expected to be permanent. Get the full story, plus comments by IMA's president & CEO Greg Baise.

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A team of nine freshmen students from Austin Polytechnical Academy, Chicago's only high school dedicated to careers in modern manufacturing, finished 9th out of 42 teams at the FIRST Robotics Midwest Regional Competition, held Feb. 28-March 1 at the UIC Pavilion.

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Listen to the IMA in action via podcasting. Join IMA's Vice President Mark Denzler as he reviews Governor Rod Blagojevich's budget speech from last week. While the Governor did propose a 20 percent corporate tax cut, learn what's behind the "front pages" of the governor's speech...including more than a billion dollars in new taxes on Illinois employers. This program runs about 5:40.

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Members of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association recently elected new members of its Board of Directors for 2008. At its recent Annual Meeting in Chicago, the Board of Directors elected Ronald Bullock of St. Charles as Chairman, Janice Christiansen of Batavia as Vice Chair and Michael Holewinski of Chicago as Treasurer to serve as officers of the venerable association. Read the full press release.

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The Illinois Manufacturers' Association has created a new Manufacturers' Environmental Group (MEG) within the Association to help our ongoing efforts in the legislative and regulatory arena. To help navigate complex environmental issues at the Capitol and assist individual members address specific issues, the IMA has retained the services of an expert - Dave Kolaz - to coordinate our efforts to make sure that businesses are able to compete in the economy while working in an environmentally-friendly manner.

With our new Manufacturers' Environmental Group, the IMA will continue to be the leading voice on environmental issues for manufacturers at the State Capitol.

If you have inquiries about environmental issues, please feel free to contact IMA Vice President Mark Denzler at (217) 522-1240 ext. 3008 or contact Dave Kolaz directly at (217) 971-3357 or email him at dkolaz@ima-net.org.

On January 1, 2008 Public Act 95-0017 "The Smoke Free Illinois Act" became effective. This Act prohibits smoking in public places and places of employment and imposes requirements on all public places. The Illinois Department of Public Health, has rule-making authority, however the Department has not yet issued its final rules. To assist members with complying with the signage requirements of the act, the IMA has developed two posters that can be printed and copies. We encourage you to share the posters with non-IMA members as a public service. Click on the tab at the left for the free posters. Watch for updates on the rules in IMA publications.

The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability released its monthly state revenue report that indicates strong concern about the economy due to the rising price of oil, decline in consumer confidence, continued slump in the housing market, and sharp decline in the value of the dollar. According to the Commission, these developments have led to slowing employment gains both nationally and in Illinois.

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Noting that the modern market is characterized by mobile capital and labor, a new state business tax climate report issued by the Tax Foundation ranks the tax climate of every state and highlights that many companies will locate where they have the greatest competitive advantage, particularly in the tax structure. Further, states with the best tax systems will be most competitive in attracting new businesses and be the most effective in generating economic and employment growth. Read about this and more in this week's Springfield Highlights.

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The Illinois Manufacturers' Association today launched its second 60-second radio commercial expressing concerns over the continuing anti-business rhetoric of the Blagojevich Administration. The commercial will be heard on more than 50 radio stations this week throughout Illinois. To hear the commercial, click on the link.

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The House Mass Transit Committee held a hearing on October 9th to discuss the latest tax gimmick by the Governor that would seek to impose a new tax on parking spaces used by businesses. The IMA appeared and testified in strong opposition to the measure.

The initiative proposes a $5 per-month tax on EACH parking space in all commercial parking spaces--whether free or paid--in the RTA area (counties of Cook, Lake, McHenry, Will, DuPage, Kane). "Commercial parking spaces" include both paid and free spots used by employees and visitors. Residential parking spots are excluded.

The IMA's testimony pointed out that despite the governor's rhetoric to the contrary, a parking tax was nothing more than a second property tax and would end up in increasing the price of goods and services in Illinois.

We strongly urge you to contact your local legislators (House and Senate) and ask them to OPPOSE this new parking lot tax. You may find contact information about your local lawmakers here:

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The Illinois Manufacturers' Association will host three Legislative Roundtable events in October. Legislative Roundtables lets IMA member companies meet face-to-face with their state elected officials to discuss concerns facing manufacturing in Illinois. The first event will be on October 9 at the Motorola headquarters in Shaumburg, Illinois and will feature Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates). The second opportunity will be October 15 at Caterpillar's Aurora, Illinois plant with Sen. Linda Holmes (D- Aurora) and Rep. Linda Chapa-LaVia (D-Aurora). On October 24, join us in Decatur for a roundtable discussion with Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion). All the roundtables begin at 10:00 AM and will be done by noon. For more information, check out our calendar of events.

With the kickoff of the fall Veto Session in Springfield this week, the IMA has purchased radio ads throughout Illinois urging taxpayers and lawmakers alike to stand up against anti-business attacks from Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The ad is now running in 50+ stations, and features IMA President & CEO Greg Baise outlining the economy-crushing legacy that the governor is building. You can hear the ad by clicking on this link:

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The Illinois Manufacturers' Association has partnered with Heritage-Crystal Clean (HCC) as its preferred provider of parts cleaning and industrial waste services. HCC provides premium services at competitive prices, and has the capability to provide all of your parts cleaning, industrial waste, used oil collection, and vacuum services needs. all IMA members are entitled to special discounts of at least 25%. Additional member benefits include zero installation fees on all new machines and no waste profile fees on all new waste streams. HCC guarantees to reduce your environmental services cost. The IMA is proud to have HCC as an Affinity Partner and member. Please feel free to contact HCC at 877-938-7948 or visit our Web site at www.Crystal-Clean.com.

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The IMA's Annual Holiday Report highlights employers' plans on select holidays throughout the year. This year's survey was conducted from August 10-31, 2007 and applied to the 2008 calendar year. Four questions were asked ranging from total number of paid days off to a breakdown of full or half day paid holidays, and on which days the member company is actually closed throughout the year. Nearly 450 IMA members responded. Click here for the results.

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With the electric rate legislation finally signed into law there is no reason to hold off on analyzing your supply needs or choosing an electric supplier. While some businesses may have fewer utility product options, they have a more comprehensive set of supply options that are available from competitive suppliers. From long-term fixed price contracts --for customers who like the stability and predictability they have recently had with the utility--to block, index and hedging products, Illinois can now employ an energy plan that fits their needs today and tomorrow. To learn more about your options, attend one of our upcoming IMA PowerSeries seminars. Register today online at: www.regonline.com/IMAPowerseriesFall2007

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The IMA's popular Benefits Report has been updated for 2007-08 and is now available in multiple formats. Whether your business prefers the report online or in printed form, the Benefits Report has the latest information and trends in benefits offered to manufacturing employees in Illinois. Order your copy today by clicking on this link:

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Following two months of static activity, Illinois manufacturers put an additional 1,600 workers on the line in July. However, IMA President & CEO Gregory W. Baise also observed that overall, manufacturing employment was down 2,200 over July 2006 and down more than 52,000 since January 2003. In July, the state lost 11,500 jobs with five sectors losing more than 1000 jobs each; the largest being the 3,600 lost in trade, transportation and utilities and a seasonal loss of 4,500 in government jobs, most of which are attributable to summer vacations at schools and state universities.

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In an unprecedented and outrageous ruling, a circuit court judge today in downstate Christian County approved a request by Comptroller Dan Hynes (D), Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) and the state's largest employee union, AFSCME, which assures that state workers will not miss any paydays due to the budget impasse at the Capitol. In signing the order, the judge threw out the Illinois Constitution's requirement that the General Assembly pass and the Governor approve, by law, the state's authorization to spend taxpayers' dollars. While the judge made it clear that his order is temporary and expires at the end of August, today's actions means the court can assume a power that is not given it under the Constitution. Many expect an appeal will be made immediately to restore sanity to state government.

As the temporary 30-day state budget expired at the end of July, legislators continued to huddle in Springfield trying to craft the FY08 budget. In an effort to reach consensus, the four legislative leaders have been meeting without Governor Blagojevich who remains adamant that any budget sent him contain his proposals for several billions of dollars in new spending for education, universal health care and pension reforms. Despite strong opposition in the House and Senate, the Governor seems unwilling to compromise with the legislature over his plans to impose billions of dollars in new taxes on employers to pay for his massive proposals.

Using every trick in the book, Governor Rod Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) pushed through a Senate committee a massive expansion of health care that could have serious repercussions for Illinois' fiscal health in the future. Dubbed "Illinois Covered", the new universal health care program imposes a new three percent payroll tax on Illinois employers to fund the new state program that provides free or partially-subsidized health care to families making less than $63,000 annually. Meanwhile, some progress was reported last week in state budget negotiations after the four legislative leaders elected to hold meetings without Governor Blagojevich's participation. The overtime session set a record last week when it eclipsed the 2004 overtime date of July 24. The IMA continues to keep Illinois manufacturers informed through its members-only publications and legislative alerts.

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) says that the full Senate will consider a scaled back version of the Governor's health care proposal on Tuesday or Wednesday next week (July 24 or 25) that could help ruin the state economy in the future. While final details have not been released, the plan would be implemented in July of 2008 and funded through a billion dollar payroll tax on Illinois employers. IMA members have been urged to call their State Senator and ask them to vote NO to billions of dollars in new taxes to support a massive new state-run health care program.

The overtime session that began on June 1 continues with no end in sight. Despite an agreement to pass a one-month budget and keep state government operating, there is little consensus among the Governor and General Assembly on passing a full budget for the fiscal year that began 13 days ago. With little progress, the Governor has begun calling special sessions of the legislature on both the budget and other subject matter on which he wants legislative action. Last week, for instance, a Special Session was called on gun control.

Only days after the Governor and legislative leaders agreed to pass a stopgap 1-month state budget and adjourn for a week-long Independence Day break, Governor Rod Blagojevich reversed course and used a constitutional maneuver to bring the General Assembly back to the Capitol to debate leasing the state lottery and issuing pension bonds. By calling a special session, legislators will once again receive their daily stipend and travel reimbursement which was halted once the legislature entered overtime session on June 1. According to legislative staff, the Governor's actions will cost taxpayers more than $40,000 every day in expenses and travel reimbursement.

Governor Rod Blagojevich surprised the four legislative leaders late Friday by announcing that he will begin calling special sessions of the General Assembly on Thursday, July 5th. According to the Governor's remarks, he will call the legislature back into session "every day, 7 days a week, until the budget is resolved." The Governor's proclamation seemed to renege on a commitment made during the last leaders meeting when they mutually agreed to return on July 10. The IMA will keep member companies up to date on developments through its Legislative Alerts and other IMA publications.

Late on Thursday this week, the Governor and legislative leaders announced a general agreement to pass a one-month budget to keep state government operating in July. Staff from the Governor's office and each legislative caucus will work over the weekend to craft a short-term budget. The Governor and leaders are scheduled to continue meeting next week as they try and hash out a long-term budget.

While time continues to tick toward the end of the state's fiscal year on June 30, the Governor and lawmakers continue to bicker over a spending plan for the coming year. During budget meetings between the Governor and legislative leaders, the Governor has continued to bring in guest speakers to discuss non-budget issues (TIF reform, Cook County property taxes) as opposed to having earnest discussions regarding the budget. Meanwhile, a new poll published by the Coalition for Jobs, Growth and Prosperity says Illinois voters generally do not support the Governor's massing health care proposal.

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Both House Speaker Michael Madigan, who has pushed for a renewed freeze on electric rates, and Senate President Emil Jones, who has backed lesser relief, used the phrase "substantial progress" to describe talks held throughout most of Thursday this week that involved them as well as Exelon President and CEO John Rowe, Commonwealth Edison President and CEO Frank Clark and officials from Downstate utility Ameren Corp. House Democrats have blocked sending a budget bill they approved nearly three weeks ago to the Senate pending action on electric rate relief. While there is still no budget agreement among legislative leaders and Governor Rod Blagojevich, some believe advancing the House budget to the Senate could spur movement in the negotiations. The House budget calls for a spending increase of three percent over last year from $900 million in natural revenue growth plus $300 million from closing so-called tax loopholes. The plan would increase education spending by $400 million. However, spokespersons for the Governor insist the plan would cut money from education, health care and other social service programs. According to Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, the Governor is still pushing for implementing a Gross Receipts Tax despite universal rejection from House members just last month. The House and Senate have adjourned for the week and both chambers return on Tuesday, June 19.

The legislature has adjourned for the week without making much reported headway in budget negotiations. The House is scheduled to return next Tuesday and work through Thursday. However the Senate is scheduled to be in session only on Thursday. It is anticipated the Governor and four legislative leaders will meet next week, but a schedule has not been made available. IMA members will receive additional inside information tomorrow in our member-only publication, Springfield Highlights.

The four legislative leaders have met with Governor Rod Blagojevich and outlined their ideas to begin moving negotiations forward to implement a state spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Along with budget talks, negotiations continue to resolve issues surrounding costs of electricity. The IMA continues to monitor the situation closely and will keep members up to date here and with our members-only Legislative Alerts.

Our IMA member only publication, Springfield Highlights, will be sent shortly with astonishing news from the state capitol. The House and Senate have adjourned for the weekend but will return to action on Tuesday.

Minutes after the clock struck midnight last night, the Senate called SB 5, the Illinois Covered Health Care plan. Amendment #1 which contains the Governor's massive expansion of health care funded by a 3 percent tax on employers was adopted by a one-vote margin (29-28). Senate Rules state that only a simple majority of those voting (not a majority of Senate members) are needed to adopt an amendment. Immediately after adopting the amendment and two technical change amendments, the Senate President indicated that they would not call the bill (as amended) for a vote on the Senate floor. With an immediate effective date, the bill would take a supermajority vote since we have passed the May 31 adjournment deadline.

Moments ago, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan announced a legislative schedule for the month of June 2007. The Speaker said the House would meet three days each week thru July 1, 2007. The Governor and top Democrat legislative leaders did not meet today and with no compromise on a number of key issues in immediate future, members were advised to make appropriate arrangements for an extended overtime session. It is expected the Illinois Senate will follow suit.

Members of the Senate Democrat Caucus, led by the Governor's chief ally, Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) discussed an alternative tax proposal on Friday that seeks to grab billions of dollars from the pockets of Illinois employers. The $4.9 billion tax hike plan will be used to fund Governor Rod Blagojevich's massive new spending plan that includes universal health care. Components of the plan include:

1. Create an alternative minimum tax (AMT) for Illinois businesses. The AMT is a 0.25 percent gross receipts tax on all of a company's revenues, prior to deductions, which will be implemented on any business with no corporate income tax liability. The $600 million annual tax will devastate businesses that are facing tough economic times.

2. Expand the Corporate Income Tax. Under the plan debated by the Senate Democrats, the 4.8 percent corporate income tax will be applied to all Subchapter S corporations, partnerships, and LLCs. This $1.2 billion tax expansion will result in double taxation for these entities which already pay taxes at the individual level.

3. 3 Percent Payroll Tax for Health Care. Senate President Emil Jones continues to push the Governor's proposal to impose a 3 percent payroll tax on employers. Despite the fact that the state owes nearly $2 billion to its medical providers, the Governor and Senate continue to push for a new $1 billion tax hike to help a massive health care expansion.

4. Expansion of Gambling in Illinois. While details are not finalized, the $2.3 billion gambling plan will include several new riverboats in Illinois and expanded slot machines at existing facilities.

5. Streamlined Sales Tax. Under the Senate Democrat plan, Illinois sales would be taxed at the point of delivery as opposed to the point of sale. In addition, the plan will impose the statewide sales tax on computer software in order to generate tens of millions of dollars.

6. Closing Corporate Loopholes. While the Senate Democrats did not identify their list of "loopholes," they indicate that it will generate nearly $650 million annually. If this cost estimate is correct, it would mean that nearly every single tax incentive in law would be repealed.

During the Memorial Day weekend and throughout next week, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association encourages its member companies to contact their legislators and ask them to vote NO on these tax proposals in the Senate. Click on the link here...

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On the day following a rare Committee of the Whole hearing, House lawmakers voted unanimously against a non-binding resolution (HR 402) that asked legislators to indicate their support for a gross receipts tax. Not one legislator voted in support of the GRT while 107 lawmakers went on record in opposition. Prior to the vote on Thursday, May 10, members of the Illinois House debated the Governor's proposed $8 billion gross receipts tax for more than eight hours. The vote sends a strong message directly to the Governor, who appeared personally in an effort to bolster support for his lagging initiative. IMA president & CEO Greg Baise testified at the hearing about the potential job loss that would result from businesses closing or moving out-of-state. He noted that many companies have begun receiving letters from economic development teams in other states, including a recent letter from the Governor of Wisconsin. Baise noted that more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since 2000 — equivalent to Illinois losing a city larger than Rockford. During the question and answer period, Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) quoted extensively from a recent edition of the IMA's magazine, The Illinois Manufacturer, about the need to work together. The IMA will continue its leading efforts to fight against this unfair tax as the legislative session continues.

The IMA's president and CEO, Gregory W. Baise, has an important message for IMA members. Learn two ways you can become directly involved in helping defeat the Blagojevich Tax Plan. The video signals the beginning of a coordinated effort to combat the Governor's ill-advised business tax proposals. Join us in this fight today by clicking on the link below. Complete tax information can be obtained by clicking on the banner at the right.

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We have heard from many business leaders who want to help stop the Governor's $6 billion tax hike. It will be a long and expensive battle but there are two easy ways in which your company can join the fight to defeat this massive tax increase: (1) attend 2007 Business Day in Springfield and (2) join the Coalition for Jobs, Growth & Prosperity.

On May 2, hundreds of business leaders plan to meet in Springfield to let the Governor and legislators know that the GRT will cripple the Illinois economy. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. The day will consist of lunch, speakers, Capitol visits, and a gala reception. For more information, or to register, click on the link to the left or contact Kim McNamara at 630-368-5300 x2109 or via email at kmcnamara@ima-net.org.

In addition, the Coalition for Jobs, Growth & Prosperity, of which the IMA is a founding member, represents a joint effort by the business community to unify and speak with one voice to defeat this tax. It is a 501c4 organization that allows us to raise money and educate the public on this important issue. If you would like to add your name to the list of Coalition members, or contribute funds to help fund a media campaign, please email Mark Denzler today at mdenzler@ima-net.org.

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As expected, Gov. Rod Blagojevich has proposed a dramatic change in how businesses pay taxes in Illinois, a move that could raise more than $8.6 billion for health care, education and other new spending by implementing two new taxes.

Business groups, however, are emphasizing that the Blagojevich Tax Plan will result in higher prices.

"The governor's proposing the largest tax hike in history on the people of Illinois, period," said Greg Baise, president and chief executive of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "Nobody should be fooled, consumers will ultimately pay the tax." Click on the link below for a message from Greg Baise.

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In the most contentious clash between business and labor groups of the new Congress, the House yesterday passed legislation that would make it easier for workers to organize unions -- a measure that President Bush has promised to veto and that Senate Republican leaders have vowed to filibuster.

Continuing in the populist tone of its first 100 hours, the House's Democratic majority pushed through legislation to remove the right of employers to demand secret-ballot elections and to require employers to recognize unions once a majority of workers sign cards saying they want to organize.

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Illinois State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) last week reintroduced several civil justice reform proposals that may end up getting the short shrift in a less than friendly general assembly. The bills, part of the IMA's "Capitol Battle Plan," include measures addressing: Jury Reform, Expert Testimony, Asbestos Evidence, Joint and Several Liability, Class Action Reform, Consumer Fraud Act Amendment, Product Liability Reform, and Full and Fair Non-economic Damages Act.

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When her chief executive husband died and her brother-in-law left the family business in 1989, Janice M. Christiansen suddenly found herself leading a major flag manufacturer.

J.C. Schultz Enterprises Inc., parent company of Batavia-based FlagSource, was floundering in debt and Christiansen had to find a way to keep it afloat.

"I was thinking survival," she said. "We had a good name, despite the financial problems. So I went around and talked with all the vendors to see if they would work with me and they did."

Although she didn't become a lawyer as planned, Christiansen used her law education and experience in payroll to reorganize the company. She whittled the workforce from 90 to 60 and sought government and other contracts.

Then with the 1990 war with Iraq — Operation Desert Storm — and again with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, everyone wanted an American flag.

Business was thriving again.

Christiansen is among 2,500 women statewide to lead a small or mid-sized manufacturing company. In 2005, about 11 percent of all manufacturers in Illinois had women holding positions as CEO, chairman, chief operations officer or owner, according to Oak Brook-based Illinois Manufacturers' Association. Figures for earlier years aren't available, but industry executives agreed the number of women in top roles has been increasing.

Read the full story in our News area, under "About IMA."

IndustryWeek says the Democrats' takeover of Congress will certainly raise the level of attention to issues affecting manufacturing. Many Democrats (and a good number of Republicans) grounded their campaigns, at least in part, on the need to do more to protect our domestic manufacturing base and improve its operating environment.

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According to the latest Energy Market Briefing, metorologists are forecasting a cooler winter than last year, but warmer than average. Coupled with reports that electric reliability will be adequate, winter heat savings for companies taking advantage of IMA's Energy Program through Constellation NewEnergy could be significant. For the full Energy Market Briefing, click on the headline at the left.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has approved legislation that imposes a $1 per hour increase in the state's minimum wage with additional wage increases in each of the following three years. The IMA's president and CEO, Gregory Baise said, "State officials should be concentrating on repairing the competitive disadvantages in Illinois rather than making it more difficult to survive--especially for small businesses. The recent behavior of the General Assembly is especially disappointing since many of those who have professed to be pro-business continue to help chip away at our economic infrastructure even though employers continue to announce they are seeking greener economic pastures in neighboring states."

The Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP), a cooperative effort of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, supports Illinois workers' efforts to upgrade their skills to remain current in new technologies and business practices. These efforts enable companies to remain competitive, expand into new markets and introduce more efficient technologies into their operations. The ETIP grant program will reimburse companies for up to 50 percent of the cost of eligible employee training taken between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Don't let competition get you down. Get back in the race by applying for grant funding today! For information, contact Judy Parker, IMA Director of Training at (217) 522-1240 extension 3036, or jparker@ima-net.org.

A recent article stated, "Manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain or increase profits, as pressure on margins, rising costs of raw materials and global competition all threaten corporate financial performance goals. To meet these challenges, production in the manufacturing environment typically focuses on increasing productivity, reducing costs, . . ." The Illinois Manufacturers' Association can help through our Recycling Expansion and Modernization grant that covers 75% of the cost of a Solid Waste Assessment. With a nominal ($5,000 maximum) cash match, your company can learn how to reduce or eliminate solid waste streams while increasing efficiencies and saving thousands of dollars in raw materials, energy, tip fees, etc. For more information on this opportunity, please contact Judy Parker, Director of Training, at 217-522-1240 extension 3036 or jparker@ima-net.org. Call today!

Find out what other Illinois manufacturers are paying their employees. This year's report presents data for 188 manufacturing-related job titles. The data is reported statewide and by six Illinois labor markets and size of organization. We also list information on annual incentives used by manufacturers to retain valued employees and to improve the performance of others. Furthermore, we asked about plans employers had for salary increases in 2006 and their projections for 2007. Those results are summarized by employee category (i.e., hourly nonexempt, salaried nonexempt and salaried exempt). We're sure you will find the 2006 Compensation Report to be a valuable tool for determining fair and appropriate compensation levels for your business. Online access, print or both . . . order yours today. If you need additional information, contact Janie Stanley at 800-875-4462, ext. 3020 or email: jstanley@ima-net.org _________________________________________

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The 2007 editorial calendar, closing dates and advertising rates for "The Illinois Manufacturer," the IMA's quarterly magazine, are now available. "The Illinois Manufacturer" is an effective medium for reaching more than 7,000 business leaders and manufacturing executives. If you wish to place an ad or have questions, contact Jim Nelson at 217-522-1240, Ext. 3023, or email jnelson@ima-net.org. Planning your 2007 advertising schedule? Follow this link...

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This week's annoucement by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chartoff that the agency will begin a campaign to crackdown on employers who hire illegal aliens should remind everyone to review their employment practices. IMA's InfoServe has a new document addressing the current state of immigration laws affecting hiring of foreign workers. InfoServ (short for Information Services) is a free service that gives instant access to detailed information on a myriad of topics sharing one common focus: to strengthen the economic, social, environmental and governmental conditions for manufacturing and allied enterprises in Illinois, resulting in an enlarged business base and increased employment.

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Although there currently are no active instances of Avian Flu in the Western Hemisphere, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) wants you to know there are resources available for business planning purposes. Federal, state and local governments are taking time to plan for an outbreak, and you should too. Click the "more" link below for a list of Web sites that may be helpful in planning for the possibility of a Pandemic flu outbreak. If you know of other resources we haven't included, please let us know. Planning can save time now and (potentially) lives later.

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