Makers on the Move Bus Tour: Community event

October is Manufacturing Month and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) are back on the road with their “Makers On The Move” Bus Tour! DeKalb County is once again a featured stop on their bus tour – Join us at The Suter Company in Sycamore to be part of this community event!

Event FREE to the public! ALL AGES welcome!

Community members of all ages are welcome to come out and celebrate DeKalb County’s Centennial Manufacturers and Farms! We will recognize The Suter Company’s 100th anniversary as well as other manufacturers in business 100 years or more. The DeKalb County Farm Bureau will highlight our centennial farms and the historic connection between ag, innovation, and manufacturing.

Featured guests include: David Boulay, IMEC President; Sarah Hartwick, IMA; Rep. Jeff Keicher, IL House Representative – 70th District; Sen. Sue Rezin, IL Senate Representative – 38th District; Paul Callaghan, The Suter Company President; Dr. Lisa Freeman, NIU President; Greg Millburg, DeKalb County Farm Bureau; Dr. Laurie Borowicz, Kish College President; Michael Hall, Sycamore City Manager; and Sycamore School District Staff & Students. Additional community members at the event include: NIU STEAM, NIU CEET, The J.F. Glidden Homestead Museum, and Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.

The Makers on the Move bus will be stopping at The Suter Company location on Bethany Road around 10:00 AM (tentative time based on travel itinerary). Upon arrival of the tour bus, join us in welcoming IMA and IMEC representatives, get your photo with and sign the Tour Bus, and help be part of putting DeKalb County on the map as a significant maker and innovator!

Event timeline:

8:30 AM – Community event begins on lawn west of The Suter Company

10:00 AM – Makers on the Move Bus arrives

10:50 AM – Photos and Sign the Bus

11:00 AM – Press conference begins

11:35 AM – Additional bus signing

11:50 AM – Bus departs

A statewide bus tour showcasing Illinois manufacturing:
“Makers on the Move is a dynamic, statewide bus tour celebrating Manufacturing Month by shining a spotlight on the innovation, opportunity, and impact of modern manufacturing. Throughout the month, the tour will visit factories, technical colleges, and high schools across the state—offering an up-close look at today’s high-tech, clean, and sustainable manufacturing environments.

With each stop, Makers on the Move aims to inspire students, engage communities, and connect employers with the next generation of talent. This is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to redefine what manufacturing looks like and highlight the diverse, rewarding careers available in this vital industry.”

*Sponsorship opportunities available! Closes Monday, September 29th at 5:00 PM.*

Sponsorship levels for this event:

Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
Exclusive branding as the Event’s Presenting Sponsor
Recognition during opening remarks
Reserved booth space (Sponsor to supply own tent, table, chairs)
Company logo on event signage
Company logo on all event materials, digital promotions, and press releases
Dedicated social media recognition before and after the event

Gold Sponsor – $2,500
Reserved booth space (Sponsor to supply own tent, table, chairs)
Company logo on event signage
Company logo on all event materials and digital promotions
Social media recognition before and after the event

Silver Sponsor – $1,000
Company logo on all event materials and social media
Social media recognition before and after the event

Bronze Sponsor – $500
Company name on all event materials and social media
Social media recognition after the event