Economic Development Resources

The City of Newton partners with Jasper County and other regional and state organizations to provide the resources necessary for business/industry growth and development.

Industry Resources

The City of Newton is located in a region that provides several resources to its industry base. Many organizations and institutions are present within the State of Illinois whom offers a wide variety of training and educational programs, serve as a “voice” for the manufacturing industry in legislative affairs, and assist with maximizing operations, strategic planning and many other services to help manufacturers in becoming stronger, leaner, and more profitable.

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center

“IMEC was established in 1996 to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Illinois’ small and mid-sized manufacturing firms. We link your long-term plans and related goals with on-site implementation services by identifying performance gaps, solving these gaps, and building a culture to support sustained improvements. We help optimize operating capacity, implement advanced product and process innovations, increase sales and enter new markets, and improve profitability.

IMEC customizes every solution to address the client’s specific needs, uses training to transfer knowledge and skills to the client’s employees, and serves as a mentor and coach to sustain success.”

“The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) is a nonprofit trade association for Illinois manufacturers. Founded in 1893, the IMA is the oldest and largest statewide manufacturing trade association in the United States. The IMA’s mission is to strengthen the economic, social, environmental, and governmental conditions for manufacturing and allied enterprises in the state of Illinois, resulting in an enlarged business base and increased employment.

The benefits of IMA membership are many. As the state’s premier pro-industry association, the IMA works hard to protect and promote the interests of Illinois manufacturers. For example, IMA’s government affairs efforts have resulted in over $300 million annually in corporate and sales tax breaks for our members. The IMA was instrumental in passing the most sweeping liability law reforms in Illinois’ history. The IMA is addressing the tax and education reform, retail wheeling of electricity and other key issues. In addition to our outstanding lobbying efforts, members
benefit from the valuable information that they receive in IMA’s many and
varied publications.

Members also enjoy access to IMA’s staff of experts who are just a (toll-free) phone call away and ready to assist with any questions or problems. IMA’s Annual Meeting and “Business Day” in Springfield allow members to meet and network with
hundreds of other executives and community leaders from throughout Illinois.

The collective buying power of members allows the IMA to offer group rates and discounts on a variety of products and services such as shipping, car rental, energy, and health care.

Finally, the IMA is often able to provide member companies access to grant funds that cover 50% of the total cost of employee training. These grant funds are limited and available to IMA members only.”

“The Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing is a collaboration of taxpayer-supported and non-for-profit organizations that leverages, coordinates, and focuses their collective resources into integrated solutions that transform Illinois manufacturers into globally competitive companies. AIM impacts low-income, economically disadvantaged communities in Illinois through the retention and growth of a high-wage manufacturing employment base.”

“Illinois Eastern Community Colleges’ Workforce Education program offers industrial training classes at various locations throughout Illinois’ mining regions through cooperative agreements with John A. Logan College, Kaskaskia College, Lincoln Land Community College, Southeastern Illinois College, and Southwestern Illinois College.”

“Envision a versatile and responsive consulting group with the ability to tailor just-in-time training to the specific needs of your organization. For more than two decades, The Center for Business and Industry has provided high-quality, on-demand training for employers in the midwest. Our professional training team, in partnership with some of the nation’s top training firms, ensures easy, affordable access to world-class training, resources, and support services.”