3 local companies place in 3rd annual Makers' Madness race

State Senator Steve Stadelman joined executives of three local companies that were celebrated at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield this week as finalists in the third annual "Makers' Madness: Coolest Thing Made in Illinois" competition.

Two local products made the Final Four of the Illinois Manufacturers Association contest: "Orion Spacecraft Capsule Aft Bulkhead, Barrell and Tunnel by Ingersoll Machine Tools of Rockford" and "Fruit by the Foot" from General Mills in Belvidere. Another Rockford company, Obsidian Manufacturing Industries, placed in the Top 16 from among 400 nominations statewide with "Power-Grip LB-7Gx2 Lift Magnet."

Stadelman secures $1 million in state funds for local mental health 

Rosecrance CEO Dave Gomel gave State Senator Steve Stadelman a special shout-out this week for his work in Springfield to secure an extra $1 million in state funding for local mental health. The recognition came during the Rosecrance annual benefit featuring Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth. Stadelman worked successfully to increase by $1 million state support for treatment of mental illness and substance abuse through Rosecrance as next year's budget was being approved earlier this month. Chenoweth performed before an audience of more than 700 at the Indoor Sports Center in Loves Park.

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