October is Manufacturing Month which celebrates and brings awareness of manufacturing to students, parents, people thinking about careers in manufacturing, the public, and educators. "Elgin has traditionally been a center for manufacturing making everything from street sweepers to ball bearings," says Carol Gieske, Elgin Area Chamber president. "The manufacturing sector in Elgin is one of the largest sectors of the economy and employs thousands of people in positions that require critical thinking skills, technical skills, attention to detail, and communication skills."