Second annual Makers Madness competition

Posted on January 28, 2021
Mark Denzler of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association – saying “cool is in the eye of the beholder” – is kicking off the second annual Makers Madness competition. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – From Bunn coffeemakers to Beer Nuts to a 23-foot-tall Caterpillar mining truck, Illinois makes some pretty cool things.

Mark Denzler of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association – saying “cool is in the eye of the beholder” – is kicking off the second annual Makers Madness competition. It’s styled after the NCAA basketball bracket and is meant to be a celebration of Illinois-made products and the people and companies who make them.

Saying it’s the manufacturers who are putting out the coronavirus vaccines, Denzler made sure to point out Illinois companies are making it work not because of state government, but in spite of it. He cited a lack of liability support in the development of critical products, attempts to raise taxes, and a minimum wage increase.

The CAT 797 truck is the defending champion, and this year’s winner will be announced March 24.

www.makersmadnessil.com

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…