SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Welcoming the fifth annual “Makers on the Move” bus tour of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Monday morning, University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet Gooch (pictured, at mic) said the selection of a campus stop is apt, as UIS is beginning a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology prorgam.

“This program responds directly to what we are hearing from employers across the state of Illinois,” said Gooch. “They need technically prepared professionals who can help implement automation, manage complex technical projects, and put emerging technologies to work.”

IMA president and CEO Mark Denzler showed off his flair for understatement. “Manufacturing Day combines all the excitement of the World Series, the Masters, the Super Bowl, the World Cup, all together right here at UIS!”

Denzler says his organization has a great story to tell. “Manufacturing today is experiencing a high-tech renaissance. The image of dark, dirty, and dangerous is obsolete on factory floors,” he said. “Today’s manufacturers are high-tech, sustainable, and smart; and the heart of all manufacturing companies is their workforce.”

Denzler said the bus tour will make about forty stops in its weeklong run.