ManufacturingRenaissance.org is a project of the Center for Labor & Community Research, a Chicago-based non-profit organization working to rediscover, redefine, and rebuild advanced manufacturing in the knowledge economy. Over the past decade, CLCR has greatly expanded its programmatic activities to build strategic partnerships, improve manufacturing workforce development systems, and define a national policy framework to support advanced manufacturing in the United States.
CLCR is deeply committed to uniting stakeholders from all levels of society — a commitment reflected throughout our work, most notably in our signature projects:
- Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council: a dynamic coalition of business, labor, government, and community leaders working to establish the Chicago region as a global leader in advanced manufacturing. Our partnership includes CLCR, World Business Chicago, the Chicago Federation of Labor, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, dozens of supporting organizations, and three suburban chapters across Chicagoland.
- Austin Polytechnical Academy: a college and career prep high school on Chicago’s West Side focused on manufacturing and engineering careers. Students learn real world skills to help them succeed in college, careers, and life. APA works with over 60 committed industry partners to provide students with mentoring, field trips, work experience, nationally-recognized machining credentials, and other enrichment opportunities.
- Bay Area Manufacturing Renaissance Council: CLCR’s first replication of the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council, in partnership with the California Manufacturers & Technology Association, California Space Authority, California Teachers Association, California Labor Federation, the National Institute of Metalworking Skills, the East Bay Economic Development Association, and The Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers.
Learn more about our work to support advanced manufacturing in the United States.
Guest Contributor
Erica Swinney
Dan Swinney
Leonard McKinnis
Ingrid Gonçalves
Bill McMahon
To: Dan Swinney
Dear Dan: More than likely, you don’t remember me, but I sure do remember you, with the very greatest respect: way back in winter 1980-81, I worked with you at Taylor Forge, on Cicero Ave. I was 24 then, with 4 years experience as a machinist, and 2 before that as a general factory hand, but it was my first experience with a union job; I unfortunately had an epileptic seizure, away from the shop, but it resulted in my getting let go. I remember with the sincerest gratitude how hard you worked and fought for me, resulting in my being retained by Taylor Forge as a janitor for about 5 months, then I was ultimately let go; but I’ve made a living as a machinist in all the ensuing years, with all the ensuing technical, political and personal changes. But I’ve never forgotten your willingness to take my part, and your leadership ability. I’m glad to see the tip of the iceberg of some of the work you’re doing now (I’m sure there’s so much more going on that I can’t see and am unaware of). Surely there’s some way I could help, as a volunteer, donor, or somehow. I’m currently in my 3rd year of mech. engineering studies, trying to become Illinois’ oldest engineer (I’m now 58). I’m certainly not certified as a teacher, but surely I could teach machining work, or math. Hardly recognized you without your hard hat. Send me a line at any time to my email address, danielkelly1953@yahoo.com, anything you’d have to say would be met with the greatest appreciation. Thanks again, Dan Kelly