Why Joining Valley Industrial Association is a No-Brainer

At Chicago Glue & Machine, we’re not just here to save everyone from the drama of a world without glue- we’re also here to build connections, and the Valley Industrial Association (VIA) has been one of our best decisions yet. If you’re in the manufacturing world and haven’t joined VIA, we have one question: What in the world are you waiting for?

Here’s our hot (glue) take on why it’s great for manufacturers!

You’ll Meet Your New Best (Business) Friends

Think of VIA like a giant industrial potluck, where everyone brings their best dish—and by dish, we mean knowledge, connections, and a ton of business opportunities. From fellow manufacturers to suppliers and service providers, we’ve met some pretty amazing people here. These relationships aren’t just good for sharing war stories (although there’s plenty of that)—they’ve helped us grow and find new ways to improve our daily lives.

One of the best things about being part of VIA? It’s the sense of community—like a family reunion, but without Aunt Carol’s questionable potato salad that’s been sitting out too long. Instead, you’re getting fresh business insights, connections, and ideas that actually make a difference. Every event, workshop, or casual chat with a fellow VIA member leaves us feeling sharper, more energized, and maybe even a little smug about all the new things we’ve learned.

And when it’s time to rally the troops, having a whole crew of local businesses behind you? That’s a game-changer. Whether you’re tackling a challenge or just need some expert advice on a tricky topic, VIA gives you a solid network of peers to lean on. It’s like having your own business-minded support group—minus the trust falls.

Continuous Education for Glue Geniuses (and Other Industrial Pros)

Workforce development is a big deal right now. Finding good talent? It’s like finding that one perfect tool in your shop drawer on the first try. But VIA makes it easier with member-focused programs that help you train, attract, and keep top talent. From peer groups to specialized leadership training and everything in between, their education opportunities are designed to be valuable and focused on providing knowledge that matters most in our industry. Think back on all those “sit in a chair and pretend you’re listening” learning opportunities you have participated in. VIA’s are the exact opposite of that. We’ve seen the results, and trust us, it’s worth it.

Speaking of game-changing educational opportunities, our leadership team recently dove headfirst into the VIA-led Working Genius Workshop—and let us tell you, it was a total eye-opener. This isn’t your typical personality test. It’s more of a productivity tool that uncovers what truly lights a fire under each of us and gets us rolling. As a team, we gained some serious insight into who’s wired for which tasks, where each of us excels, and why we sometimes function the way we do.

On a personal level, it explained why some tasks give us that Energizer Bunny-level excitement that keeps us going all week—and why others feel like we’re running on fumes, even if we’re great at them. Best of all, it helped us shed some of the guilt for not loving the energy-draining tasks we’re naturally skilled at.

Usually, workshops come and go, with the results collecting dust in a drawer, but not this one. The takeaways from Working Genius are actively helping us work smarter, putting everyone in the right “seat” on the CGM bus, and even highlighting where we need extra support. We could go on and on about why we think Working Genius is, well… genius, but instead, check out this quick video to see why every team should dive into a VIA-led Working Genius Workshop. You’ll thank us later!

Your Company’s Street Cred? Boosted.

Being a VIA member is like having that shiny “A+” on your business report card. It shows you’re not just hanging out on the sidelines while the world zooms by—you’re right in the thick of it, making moves and improving the industry. And here at Chicago Glue & Machine, that’s exactly what we’re about—making moves (and making things stick, literally). Our partnership with VIA has helped us connect, grow, and thrive in ways we never saw coming. We’re confident it can do the same for your business, too.

Still on the fence? Hop down from there and let’s chat! We’re always up for answering questions and sharing why we think joining VIA is an absolute no-brainer. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunities it brings!