The two-year term of Illinois Manufacturers' Association Board Chairman Ron Bullock of St. Charles, Illinois will come to a close on December 31, 2009 making way for Janice Christiansen of Batavia, Illinois to succeed him as the first female Board Chairman in the 116-year history of the association. Bullock leaves as one of the most active leaders of the IMA Board of Directors.
"At a time when the US has undergone significant changes in national leadership, and closer to home where our state's chief executive officer has been removed from office, Ron Bullock has remained focused on meeting the needs of manufacturers in Illinois," said Greg Baise, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "Ron's leadership in the areas of education and workforce preparation are a proud legacy upon which we will continue to build."
During Bullock's term as chairman, the IMA was successful in launching efforts to implement Manufacturing Skills Standards Certification (MSSC) in Illinois. The IMA Board of Directors endorsed MSSC and adopted a resolution encouraging manufacturers to give additional consideration to job applicants possessing MSSC certification. Currently the state's community college system, working with the IMA is preparing curricula to deliver the education and training statewide.
Bullock also was responsible for the rejuvenation of the IMA Education Foundation, the association's not-for-profit entity dedicated to providing grant money to local educational efforts to prepare young people for rewarding careers in manufacturing.
Additionally, during Bullock's tenure, the IMA worked in collaboration with the Illinois AFL-CIO and others through the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council to create and open Austin Polytechnical Academy (APA) on Chicago's Westside. APA is the first high school in Illinois focused solely on preparing students from impoverished inner-city neighborhoods for careers in manufacturing. The first class of freshmen began their studies in fall of 2008. The school currently enjoys a 97 percent retention rate in a school system that generally experiences dropout rates in excess of 50 percent.
"Ron Bullock's time as chairman has also seen revitalization of our Small Manufacturers Council and creation of the IMA Young Leaders Council," noted Baise. "And in the area of advocacy, whether it was being among industry leaders meeting with President George W. Bush at the White House, going toe-to-toe with Governor Pat Quinn or meeting with Illinois legislative leaders on pending statehouse issues, Ron Bullock has been a forceful advocate for the IMA membership. On behalf of the 4,000 members of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association we offer our thanks and deep appreciation for Ron's service and leadership in 2008 and 2009."
Bullock is currently Chairman of Bison Gear & Engineering in St. Charles, Illinois and will remain an elected member of the IMA Board of Directors.
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