Join us for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s 132nd Annual Luncheon on Friday, December 12, 2025 in Chicago—at our new location, the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

This is the IMA’s premier event of the year and sells out every year. More than 750 business leaders and elected officials will attend, so don't wait to register or sponsor!

We'll have a dynamic and exciting keynote address, award the prestigious Barry L. MacLean Manufacturer of the Year award to a best-in-class company, recognize a female leader with the Janice M. Christiansen Leadership Award, honor companies celebrating milestone anniversaries, and announce the team and individual winners of Manufacturing Miles.  

Outstanding breakout sessions will be hosted virtually during the week. 

Schedule of Events

10:00 - 11:30 am - Registration

10:30 - 11:45 am - Networking Reception and Exhibits

12:00 - 2:00 pm - Lunch Program

As of December 1, Registration for this event is closed.

Please email Trish Overturf at toverturf@ima-net.org to be added to our waitlist.

Cancellations must be received IN WRITING by Friday, November 28.

No Refunds will be made after November 28.

Hotel Room Block is now closed.

Please contact the hotel directly for hotel accommodations.

Keynote Speaker and Panelists

Ben Grimes

Corporate Vice President, US Manufacturing & Mobility 

Microsoft

Ben Grimes, Corporate Vice President of US Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft, provides executive leadership and strategic guidance to industry-focused customers both domestically and globally. Leading a team of more than 1,200 employees, his responsibilities encompass sales, consulting, technical expertise, and customer success for an annual business that exceeds $9 billion. With a focus on understanding the critical business needs and growth opportunities of customers leveraging Microsoft solutions, Ben is committed to driving impactful outcomes through innovation and digital transformation. 

Since joining Microsoft in 2011, he has consistently demonstrated leadership in sales, business operations, and industry knowledge through various management roles. Ben served as Vice President of the Northeast Region, focusing on professional services, media, and telecom industries. Before his current position, he was named as Corporate Vice President of US Manufacturing.

Ben values a thriving culture and focuses on creating an environment where everyone can do their best work, while building organizations that are stronger tomorrow than today. He is committed to supporting his community through philanthropic efforts, including organizations like the We Defy Foundation and the Platelet Disorder Support Association. 

Ben received his bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University, Perdue School of Business and his MBA from the University of Maryland.

Jane Barr

President - Americas

Rockwell Automation

Jane Barr leads the customer-facing team at Rockwell Automation, overseeing sales and marketing across the Americas, and driving market share in Canada, Latin America, and U.S.

Jane joined Rockwell in 1996 as an account representative and progressed through positions of increasing responsibility in Global Sales & Marketing, including global lead (Automotive Tier 1), regional vice president – Eastern Region for North America Sales, and regional president – Global Industry practice. In addition, she served as director, Plant Services within the Lifecycle Services operating segment.

Before joining Rockwell, Jane worked for General Motors Corporation focused on engineering and manufacturing operations.

Jane has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois, a certificate in industrial distribution management from Texas A&M University, and a professional certificate in digital transformation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

David M. Foulkes

CEO

Brunswick Corporation



David M. Foulkes serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Brunswick Corporation, a global leader in marine innovation. Appointed CEO in 2025, David brings decades of experience in technology and operations, having previously served as Brunswick’s Chief Technology Officer and held senior leadership roles at Mercury Marine and Ford Motor Company. Known for his visionary approach to autonomy, digital transformation, and advanced marine technologies, David has driven strategic growth through innovation and acquisitions, positioning Brunswick at the forefront of the industry. His leadership reflects a commitment to shaping the future of boating through cutting-edge technology and cultural transformation.

Marshall Lancaster

Chief Information Officer

Medline

Marshall Lancaster has been Medline’s chief information officer since 2020, overseeing all aspects of the organization’s technology and leading the modernization and development of new business-leading capabilities. His division is responsible for information technology across Medline’s global operations, including in the United States, Canada, Mexico, India, Europe, Japan and Australia.

Before joining Medline, Lancaster served as chief information officer at Holland America Group, where he handled the technology response to multiple fleet events involving quarantined cruise ships during the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously was the global CIO at Hyatt Hotels Corp., where he helped implement a simplified check-in system, an award-winning mobile app and other customer-facing applications. Earlier career roles included executive and managerial positions in the distribution and manufacturing sectors.

Lancaster served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard and is the executive sponsor of WERG, Medline’s employee resource group for women. He is also a member of the board of the non-profit organization Waukegan to College, which is committed to expanding secondary-education opportunities for students in Waukegan, Ill.

He received his Bachelor of Science in psychology from Louisiana State University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Ferrero named 2025 Barry L. MacLean Manufacturer of the Year

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is proud to announce Ferrero as the recipient of the 2025 Barry L. MacLean Manufacturer of the Year, which will be awarded at the IMA’s 132nd Annual Luncheon on December 12, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

Ferrero’s story began in 1946 in Alba, Italy, where confectioner Pietro Ferrero crafted a unique blend of hazelnuts and cocoa — a recipe that would become the foundation for the beloved Nutella brand. From those humble beginnings, Ferrero has grown into a global leader in confections, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and family values.

Through the decades, Ferrero has expanded across Europe and around the world, delighting generations with iconic brands like Tic Tac and Ferrero Rocher. The company’s U.S. presence has flourished as well, strengthened by the acquisitions of Fannie May Confections and Nestlé’s U.S. candy business in 2017 and 2018.

Today, Ferrero continues to demonstrate its deep investment in American manufacturing — including major expansions right here in Illinois — reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of both the state’s economy and the global chocolate industry.

Please join us in congratulating Ferrero on being named the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year at this year's luncheon.

Annual Luncheon Virtual Breakout Sessions

Leading up to the IMA Annual Luncheon, we offer three exciting, informative virtual Breakout Sessions! Descriptions and registration for the Zoom Breakouts are below. You and your colleagues are invited to join us at any or all events - (don't forget you need a separate ticket for the Luncheon)

Reworking the Workforce: Identifying Gaps, Driving Change

Tuesday, December 9 10:00 - 11:00 AM

As industries evolve and labor demands shift, employers and policymakers are confronting persistent barriers that limit workforce growth and inclusion. This session explores the root causes of workforce gaps—from skills shortages and regional disparities to childcare access, transportation, and retention challenges—and highlights actionable strategies to overcome them. Participants will engage in collaborative discussion around innovative solutions, cross-sector partnerships, and policy approaches designed to strengthen workforce pipelines and create equitable pathways to opportunity.

Economic Outlook

Wednesday, December 10 10:00 - 11:00

Global economic & supply chain pressures continue to force manufacturers to rethink production and investment strategies. Supply chains are improving but still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic norms, making resilience planning a priority and the uncertainty of the tariff landscape and trade policy is just starting to be clearer. This session is designed to help navigate the uncertainty with confidence by sharing expert insights on inflation, global trends and how to build resilient supply chains.

The Future of Energy

Thursday, December 11 10:00 - 11:00

In Illinois and across the nation, businesses and families are facing skyrocketing higher energy costs as demand increases due to new manufacturing plants, data centers, AI and quantum computing while energy supply is decreasing with the closure of gas and coal plants. Illinois needs an “all-of-the-above” approach for energy to ensure that manufacturers have access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy. This panel will provide a macro-level view of the energy landscape while discussing federal and state policies and their impact on energy.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Event Sponsor – $25,000 

Includes premier seating and registration for two tables of 10

Program Sponsor – $20,000 

Includes registration for two tables of 10

Lunch Sponsor – $15,000 

Includes registration for table of 10

Networking Reception Sponsor - $7,500

Includes registration for one table of 10

Gold – $3,000 

Includes registration for one table of 10

Exhibitor - $3,000

Includes 1 exhibitor table and 2 registrations for the luncheon

Table Sponsor – $2,500 

Includes registration for table of 10

Sponsorship commitments must be received by Wednesday, November 14, 2025, to be included in printed materials.

Thank you to our Sponsors