IMEC and 37 Oaks Facility Tours
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and 37 Oaks have partnered together to introduce a unique program to Chicagoland small business owners.
Led by Terrand Smith , Founder/CEO of 37 Oaks, the focus of this 10-week program is to educate and prepare Chicagoland small business owners for manufacturing readiness and wholesale growth through a strategically curated combination of 37 Oaks University courses, workshops, 1:1 coaching, hands-on exercises, and co-packer facility tours. Businesses that successfully complete all program requirements will be awarded a business stipend at the end of the program.
On November 12, 2024, as part of the program, 12 small business owners in different industries had the opportunity to see real-life application of what they learned in their courses to eventually apply it to their own businesses. These entrepreneurs are:
Two manufacturers in the Chicagoland area graciously opened their doors to these business owners to learn and see their processes: E. Formella & Sons from Oak Forest, IL and National Safety Apparel from Chicago, IL.
Let's take a moment to recognize these manufacturers:
Enrico Formella
Once a $268,000 company to now over a $12 million company, E. Formella & Sons is a 4th generation, women-owned food manufacturer that prides itself on offering a wide variety of authentic Italian specialties as well as other unique and distinctive gourmet foods. Premium quality, exceptional taste, and outstanding value are the heart of their business and the keys to their success.
E. Formella & Sons has connected with Regional Manager Amy Clary for assistance in growth of their company, as they were looking to move into a new location and, through the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented grant, are looking to implement cybersecurity practices for their website.
Thank you to Co-Owners Kathy Formella and Randy Formella for opening your doors to the group and for leading and guiding everyone through group discussions and a tour of the facility.
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National Safety Apparel
National Safety Apparel out of Chicago, IL is a fourth generation, family-owned business that is not only committed to protecting American workers but also employing them. As the largest manufacturer of American-sewn safety apparel, they’ve got the back, side, and front of the men and women who are willing to do this work. Their job is focused on making workers safer and more comfortable. Being in business since 1935, the company has flourished through acquisitions and growth of over 15 manufacturers, with their brands being DRIFIRE® , Enespro PPE , and Kunz Glove .
National Safety Apparel has worked with IMEC on numerous occasions to for help in implementing organizational best practice, from safety planning to 5S Kaizen implementation to marketing improvement through the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented grant. In 2023, National Safety Apparel was also gracious enough to be a stop for the Makers on the Move bus tour, which is celebrated during Manufacturing Month.
Thank you to Kelly D. , Director of Chicago Operations, for leading the group through questions and for guiding the group on the tour of the National Safety Apparel facility.
Thank you to both of these wonderful organizations for opening their doors, and congratulations to each of the small business owners on this achievement towards success.
"Through the innovative approach to learning provided by this opportunity, small businesses will be exposed to industry experts and see, firsthand, how area manufacturing facilities are structured and how they function.”
- David Boulay , President of IMEC.
President at IMEC
1moIt was an amazing day of learning together
Founder/ CEO at 37 Oaks
1moThis was and amazing program and thank you for your partnership! I look forward to growing together!