Lake County Gazette

Illinois State Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) was recently recognized by the Technology & Manufacturing Association for his work in the General Assembly to support the manufacturing industry.

According to a press release, the Technology & Manufacturing Association awarded Weber awarded the Champion of Small and Mid-Size Manufacturing Award to Weber in recognition of his support of the manufacturing industry in Illinois. The release cites a recent study from the University of South Carolina, which found that manufacturing supports almost 30% of all jobs in the state.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and will continue to fight for small and medium-sized employers, which are vital to the foundation of our state’s economy," Weber said, according to the press release. "Illinois needs to help these employers, not make things more difficult for them, and by consequence, their employees. More legislators in Springfield need to consider the impact of their votes and their legislation on our overburdened small businesses.” 

Illinois' manufacturing output rose from $80.7 billion in 2008 to $108.43 billion in 2018, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. The top manufacturing sectors in Illinois as of 2017 were chemicals, food, beverage, and tobacco products, machinery, metal products, and petroleum and coal products. The state exported $56.17 billion worth of manufactured products in 2019, 90% of which came from small businesses.

Weber defeated Democrat Leslie Armstrong-McLeod in the 2020 election, securing almost 60% of the vote, according to Ballotpedia. He will face off against Democrat Rick Konter in the upcoming general election.