Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

What Illinois Manufacturers’ Association does

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) is a state-level, non-profit trade association serving as the unified advocacy voice for manufacturing in Illinois. Founded in 1820 and headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois with a Springfield government affairs office, the IMA represents approximately 4,000 member companies that collectively employ 650,000 workers and contribute $580 billion in economic output to the Illinois economy. Its core mission is to strengthen economic, social, environmental, and governmental conditions for manufacturing through legislative advocacy at the State Capitol, with a documented track record of delivering over $300 million annually in corporate and sales tax breaks and $800 million in cumulative savings through R&D credit extensions, franchise tax phase-out, and the Manufacturers Purchase Credit.

The IMA generates revenue through a diversified mix of graduated-scale annual membership dues, affinity program referral and administrative fees from B2B partners (Constellation Energy, Heritage-Crystal Clean, U.S. Bank/Elavon, UPS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois), grant administration fees for the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and event registrations and sponsorships across Business Day, Annual Luncheon, MPAC Golf Outing, and Manufacturing Month activities. Beyond advocacy, the IMA operates the IMA Education Foundation delivering workforce development programs (the STAMP grant across nine community college regions, manufacturing academies at Heartland Community College for EV training and Southwest Illinois College for advanced manufacturing, MSSC and NIMS credentialing, and the Manufacturing Miles wellness program), a Tariff Resource Center, Certificates of Origin service through the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturing Political Action Committee (MPAC), and recognition programs including the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame and Centennial Manufacturer recognition. Membership is sold through a direct sales motion via the Membership Services Department and a team of business development managers, targeting manufacturing companies and service providers across Illinois.

Name

Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

Legal name

Illinois Manufacturers' Association

Website

https://ima-net.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1820

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association is a non-profit trade association serving as the unified advocacy voice for Illinois manufacturing, representing approximately 4,000 member companies that employ 650,000 workers through government affairs, workforce development, affinity partnerships, and member services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Labor, Social Protection & Occupational Safety Standards Cooperation (BPADANAM)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Manufacturing advocacy
• Workforce development programs
• Government affairs lobbying
• Industry networking events

Headquarters

HQ city

Oak Brook

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual IMA membership dues are collected on a graduated scale based on company size. The association reports record membership growth and revenue for six consecutive years, indicating membership fees are a significant revenue stream.
2. Affinity Programs and Partner Services: The IMA offers exclusive partnerships providing members discounted services in accounting, banking, legal, plant services, HR, recruiting, training, consulting, and other areas. Revenue may come from referral arrangements or administrative fees with partner vendors.
3. Training Grant Administration: The IMA administers the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) through a grant from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. The program reimburses up to 50% of training costs for manufacturers. Revenue includes administrative fees for program management.
4. Events and Sponsorships: Annual events including Business Day, Annual Luncheon, MPAC Golf Outing, and Manufacturing Month activities generate revenue through event registrations, sponsorship packages (Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000), and ticket sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels19 records

Core offering

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) is a private, non-profit state trade association that represents approximately 4,000 manufacturing member companies across Illinois. It sells annual memberships and delivers a portfolio of member services including State Capitol government affairs and legislative advocacy, workforce development and training reimbursement programs (ETIP), the IMA Education Foundation, B2B affinity partnerships providing discounted business services, recognition programs such as the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame, and networking events including Business Day and the Annual Luncheon.

Product overview

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) is a trade association serving as the unifying voice and advocate for manufacturing in Illinois. Rather than offering a unified technology product, IMA provides a portfolio of member services including government affairs advocacy, workforce development programs (Education Foundation, ETIP training grants), business networking events (Business Day, Annual Luncheon), the Manufacturers Political Action Committee, and recognition programs including the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame and Centennial Manufacturer recognition. The association also offers practical member services such as a Tariff Resource Center, Certificates of Origin for international trade, B2B affinity partnerships, and wellness programs like Manufacturing Miles. IMA supports approximately 4,000 member companies employing 650,000 workers and contributing $580 billion in economic output.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IMA Education Foundation: A world-renowned organization working to implement best-in-class solutions to develop the next generation manufacturing workforce through financial support to school districts, community colleges, and vocational schools.
• Manufacturing Political Action Committee (MPAC)

Products and services

• Government Affairs & Advocacy Services Advocacy at the Illinois State Capitol on tax policy, environmental regulations, healthcare reform, labor law, workers' compensation, and energy policy for member manufacturers.
• Membership & B2B Affinity Programs Annual membership on a graduated dues scale plus access to discounted services from endorsed partners including Constellation Energy, U.S. Bank/Elavon, Heritage-Crystal Clean, Vestis, UPS, Wiese, and others in accounting, banking, legal, plant services, HR, recruiting, training, and consulting.
• Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) State grant program administered by IMA that reimburses Illinois manufacturers up to 50% of eligible training costs for full-time Illinois-based employees; serves over 150 companies and 30,000+ employees annually through quarterly grant applications.
• IMA Education Foundation Workforce development sub-brand providing financial support to school districts, community colleges, and vocational schools; operates the STAMP grant initiative, manufacturing academies (Heartland EV focus, Southwest Illinois College advanced manufacturing), teacher externships, and student scholarships. Has facilitated issuance of 5,090 MSSC Certificates and 9,897 NIMS Certificates.
• Tariff Resource Center Online clearinghouse providing Illinois manufacturers with the latest information, data, and resources on trade and tariff policy impacts, including tariff update webinars with Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
• Manufacturers Marketplace Database Database developed with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) bringing together companies looking to expand markets and secure supply chains; over 300,000 companies listed. IMA members receive 80% discount; non-members pay $2,500 per manufacturing location annually.
• MNI Illinois Industrial Business Intelligence Directory Subscription directory product offered in partnership with MNI covering 16,000+ Illinois manufacturers through Illinois Manufacturers Directory print and industryselect.com online. IMA members receive 30% discount off list price.
• Certificates of Origin Service Through partnership with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce, IMA offers electronically chamber-stamped Certificate of Origin and export-related documents that are ICC accredited and verifiable by customs worldwide for international trade compliance.
• Publications & Research Quarterly Illinois Manufacturer magazine, annual Manufacturing Matters economic impact report, Annual Compensation Reports, Competitive Redbook, and Holiday Reports providing industry data and analysis.
• Business Day Event & Sponsorships Annual Springfield event bringing together manufacturers and policymakers with tiered sponsorship packages (Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000, Supporter $500) and individual tickets at $175.

Quantifiable outcome

• $300+ million in annual corporate and sales tax breaks for members
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Constellation EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstellation is the endorsed energy supplier for the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. They help IMA members develop intelligent energy management solutions, stabilize energy budgets, reduce costs, improve facility operations, and advance sustainability goals. Benefits include flexible purchasing options, dedicated energy representatives, customized energy plans, and online management tools.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe IMA partnered with NAM to develop and offer the Manufacturers Marketplace database nationwide, bringing together companies looking to expand markets and secure supply chains. Over 300,000 companies are currently listed in the database.
• Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by the IMA in partnership with EdSystems at NIU, the STAMP (Scaling Transformative Advanced Manufacturing Pathways) grant seeds launch, enhancement, and expansion of high-quality manufacturing college and career pathway programs in nine community college regions, 19 school districts, and 31 high schools.
• Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMEC is a catalyst for transforming the state of manufacturing, helping organizations optimize operating capacity, implement advanced product and process innovations, increase sales, enter new markets, and improve profitability. IMA partners with IMEC on 'Makers on the Move' bus tour and Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe IMA administers programs funded through DCEO including the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) and launched a $7 million 'Make it in Illinois' campaign. DCEO Director Kristin Richards has participated in IMA Hall of Fame ceremonies.
• Heritage-Crystal CleancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIMA partnered with Heritage-Crystal Clean as its preferred provider of parts cleaning and industrial waste services. IMA members receive special discounts of at least 25%, zero installation fees on new machines, and no waste profile fees on new waste streams.
• U.S. Bank and ElavonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIMA partnered with U.S. Bank and Elavon to provide members with innovative payment processing solutions at exclusive member-only pricing, including accepting all payment types, fast funding options, and customized reporting tools.
• VestisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred supplier partner of IMA providing uniform and supplies services including rentals, purchases, floor mats, mops, towels, outerwear, PPE, and first aid. IMA members receive discounted rental program prices, free setup, and savings up to 60% off apparel.
• UPSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIMA UPS Savings Program offers members 65% off domestic next day, 42% off ground, and 65% off international shipping rates. New accounts can sign up and existing accounts can re-enroll to apply member savings.
• WieseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWiese provides material handling equipment sales, rentals, maintenance, and training with National Account pricing on lift trucks, pallet jacks, cranes, hoists, and dock doors. Also offers automation and robotics through MMCI.
• SynergiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIMA partnered with Synergi to help companies capture savings through federal and state tax credits including R&D Tax Credit, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Empowerment Zone Tax Credit, and FICA Tip Credit.
• American World Trade Chamber of CommerceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIMA partners with AWTCC to offer electronically chamber-stamped Certificate of Origin and export-related documents with ICC accreditation for worldwide customs verification.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of IllinoiscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBCBSIL is the sponsor of the annual Manufacturing Miles competition, a wellness program for manufacturing workers. The program tracks miles from June through October with prizes for participants.
• MNI (Market News International)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMNI offers IMA members 30% discount off list price of Illinois Manufacturers Directory (16,000+ manufacturers) and industryselect.com online subscriptions, plus 15% off other state products.
• Barnes & Thornburg LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBarnes & Thornburg provides IMA with international trade updates and has presented tariff webinars for IMA members. They serve as a trusted legal resource for tariff-related guidance and updates.
• Comcast BusinesscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorComcast Business sponsors the annual Makers Madness contest, 'The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois', which celebrates manufacturing innovation across the state.
• First CommunicationsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFirst Communications provides IMA members with discounted technology solutions including cloud PBX, SIP trunking, SD-WAN, managed security, Ethernet, and data center services.
• Illinois Community CollegescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMA Education Foundation works with community colleges across Illinois to establish manufacturing training academies, including Heartland Community College (EV focus) and Southwest Illinois College (advanced manufacturing).
• Multiple B2B Service PartnersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdditional B2B partners include accounting firms (RSM, Plante Moran, Miller Cooper, Sikich, ORBA, Aprio, Martin Hood, Wipfli, Citrin Cooperman), banks (Bank of America, BMO, US Bank, Wells Fargo, Fifth Third, CIBC), insurers (BCBS, CNA, State Farm, Amerisure, Sentry, EMC, Zurich), and legal firms (Barnes & Thornburg, HeplerBroom, Taft, Nisen & Elliott, Miller Canfield, Amundsen Davis, Faegre Drinker, Greensfelder, Croke Fairchild, Krieg DeVault).

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): NAM is the national-level federation of U.S. manufacturers, offering the same core proposition as IMA—advocacy, workforce development, and member services—but at federal scope. NAM is the closest direct analog and a partner via the Manufacturers Marketplace database.
• Ohio Manufacturers' Association: State-level trade association representing Ohio manufacturers with advocacy, workforce, and member-benefit services structurally identical to the IMA's model, including government affairs and industry research offerings.
• California Manufacturers & Technology Association: California's statewide manufacturing trade association delivering advocacy, compliance, workforce, and member services. Comparable to IMA in business model, though serving a different industrial mix and regulatory environment.
• Indiana Manufacturers Association: Indiana's state-level manufacturing association providing advocacy and industry services in a manufacturing-heavy neighboring state. Closely comparable in mission, scale, and member type to the IMA.
• Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Wisconsin's combined manufacturers and commerce association, providing state-level advocacy and member services similar to IMA's portfolio, with comparable manufacturing concentration in the Midwest.
• Michigan Manufacturers Association: Michigan's statewide manufacturing trade association offering advocacy and industry services for a state heavily dependent on auto and industrial manufacturing—structurally the same value proposition as the IMA in a peer industrial state.
• Illinois Chamber of Commerce: The statewide business association serving Illinois more broadly than IMA, but competing for the same member companies and overlapping on advocacy, events, and workforce initiatives in the same geography.

Broad incumbents

• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): A larger, established small-business advocacy organization with similar government-affairs intensity but broader cross-sector membership rather than manufacturing-specific focus, making it a partial competitor for member attention.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The largest national business federation, providing overlapping advocacy and policy work but across all sectors rather than manufacturing-specific. Represents a broader-incumbent alternative for companies evaluating association memberships.

Regional players

• Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM): A New England state-level employers' association offering advocacy and HR/workforce services comparable to the IMA, but serving a different regional industrial base rather than directly competing in Illinois.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ima_today
• Facebookfacebook.com/276312959072
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/il-manufacturers'%E2%80%8B-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Illinois Manufacturers’ Association