West Cook News

Cook County has announced that its Bureau of Economic Development has been recognized with a Chicago Innovation Award for the first time. The award was given for the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented program, which aims to enhance productivity among local manufacturers.

The Chicago Innovation Awards, held annually, celebrate new and innovative products or services in the region. This year's winners were revealed on November 14 at the University of Illinois-Chicago Forum. The Bureau of Economic Development received a Wintrust Chicago Neighborhood Award.

"We are so grateful that the Bureau has been selected for this prestigious award for its commendable efforts in leading our Manufacturing Reinvented program," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "The manufacturing sector has a tremendous economic impact on the County, and we believe programs like Manufacturing Reinvented lift up this sector even further."

Launched in August 2022, Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented is a $5 million grant initiative supporting local manufacturers to boost their competitiveness post-COVID-19 pandemic. The program reimburses companies up to $25,000 for project expenses upon completion and verification.

In collaboration with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), 170 manufacturers have participated so far, receiving over $2.1 million in support. IMEC President David Boulay praised the partnership: "It’s been an absolute honor to work with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. This is truly an innovative team."

Other notable winners include United Way of Metro Chicago, which received a Collaboration Award for its 211 Metro Chicago helpline service.

"The Chicago region continues to be a global leader in innovation," said Tom Kuczmarski, co-founder of the awards with journalist Dan Miller. "The 2024 winners are solving unmet needs and making a difference in healthcare, finance, the environment, artificial intelligence, education, consumer products, energy, manufacturing, social services, economic development, food and government."

Awardees gain various honors such as ringing the Nasdaq Bell in New York City and meeting annually with President Preckwinkle to discuss potential support from Cook County.

Chicago Innovation's president Luke Tanen noted that "350 organizations were nominated for this year’s awards," highlighting their significant contributions to revenue generation and job creation.

Since its inception in 2002 as an awards ceremony, Chicago Innovation has expanded into a series of events aimed at fostering innovation across various sectors within the region.