Chicago continues to be a major U.S. manufacturing hub, but the activities of this sector are chiefly focused on B2B and industrial production. We believe that there is an opportunity to develop high-value consumer goods made locally through the power of design.  Still not sure what design can do? Consider how OXO transformed a 99¢ potato peeler into a $9 item through better ergonomics. We can grow Chicago’s economy through increased manufacturing activity. In part, this will come about through making designers more aware of local production capabilities. This is especially important as the maker movement and design entrepreneurship continue to be fueled by crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and lower-cost digital manufacturing capabilities such as 3D printing. It’s been dubbed the next industrial revolution, and it’s happening now.