Gotion Illinois Manufacturing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school and college students who spent their summer immersed in advanced battery manufacturing will soon embark on a journey halfway around the world as part of Gotion Illinois' inaugural International Scholar Award Program.
Departing Chicago on Sunday, July 19, the students, accompanied by local elementary, high school, and college STEM educators, and parents will participate in a 10-day educational, arts and cultural exchange across China. The group includes high school students from Herscher, Bradley-Bourbonnais, Clifton Central, Manteno, and Kankakee Bishop McNamara that is joinng college interns from UIUC, UIC, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic, Wheaton, and ITT and others with degree programs ranging from engineering to business to architecture.
The trip marks the culmination of Gotion Illinois' summer internship program, which provides students with hands-on exposure to advanced battery manufacturing and clean energy technologies. Throughout the summer, participating high school and college students worked with experts at Gotion Illinois’ Manteno plant, gaining hands-on experience producing energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The internship introduced students to the wide range of careers that support advanced manufacturing, from engineering and quality control to supply chain, operations and Research and Development. The International Scholar Award Program combines workforce development, STEM education, the arts and cultural exchange, providing students with an opportunity to learn from global industry leaders while experiencing a new culture firsthand.
As a global battery technology company, Gotion Illinois created the Scholar program to help students of all majors better understand the international nature of the battery industry, and the role innovation, research, the arts and manufacturing play in advancing clean energy technologies worldwide. "The International Scholar Award reflects Gotion Illinois' commitment to investing in the next generation of innovators, engineers, and community leaders," said Mark Kruesel, Vice President of Manufacturing at Gotion Illinois. "We are proud to provide them with the opportunity to explore advanced battery manufacturing, connect with industry experts, and gain a broader perspective on the global technologies shaping their future."
Over 10 days, participants will travel through Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and Beijing, where they will visit advanced manufacturing facilities, tour leading universities, engage with technology experts, and explore some of China's most renowned historical landmarks. The group will return to the United States via Guangzhou. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and a variety of cultural, educational, and technology-focused destinations that showcase China's advancements in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainable energy. For many of the students selected, this will be their first opportunity to travel internationally and see how the technologies they studied this summer are developed and manufactured around the world. "This is a unique opportunity to see how our local community is connected to the larger world," said International Scholar Emily Lyle. Educators accompanying the delegation say the experience will have a lasting impact not only on students but also on local classrooms and communities.
“This is just our first cohort,” said Director of Public Affairs Andrew Wheeler. “We look forward to providing enough runway for full participation from all partners, including Kankakee 111 and Kankakee Area Career Center next year. Next year begins when we kick off October Manufacturing Month with Student and educator tours of the facility, and a look at local Advanced Manufacturing in a global context.”
 ###
About Gotion Illinois
Gotion Illinois is developing next-generation battery technology and advanced manufacturing solutions to support the growing demand for electric mobility and energy storage. Through partnerships with local schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations, Gotion Illinois is committed to workforce development, STEM education, and creating opportunities for future industry leaders.
Media Contact -&nbsp;Andrew Wheeler Gotion Illinois, Director of Public Affairs 
a.wheeler@gotion.com

Local Event: Students Earn International Scholar Award

Kankakee County

Manteno

Illinois

Students Earn International Scholar Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Students Earn International Scholar Award
MANTENO, IL July 16, 2026 — A group of Illinois high school...

Hutchinson

Chicago

Cook County

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Lincoln Park

Bucktown-Wicker Park

Lakeview

North Center-Roscoe Village

Hyde Park

West Side

Lorraine Swanson

South Side

Lincoln Square

Oak Park-River Forest

Forest Park

Epiphany Center for the Arts

Join Anne and Mark Burnell for a special performance as they unlock musical treasures old and new for one night only. With Glenn DeMichele on bass and a surprise special guest! The evening begins with an interactive opening act, "Notes of You," an improvisational experience created in the moment by Dave Asher and Mark Burnell.&nbsp;

Local Event: From the Vault: An Evening with Anne & Mark Burnell

From the Vault: An Evening with Anne & Mark...

Join Anne and Mark Burnell for a special performance as they unlock musical treasures old and new for one night only. With...

From the Vault: An Evening with Anne & Mark Burnell

Morgan MFG

Join us this&nbsp;Sun, Jul 19th (11am-5pm) to shop small, local &amp; sustainable with 100+ talented artisans at our flagship Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market&nbsp;at historic Morgan MFG&nbsp;(401 N. Morgan St., Chicago). Get tix in advance &amp; save: <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/tickets</a>
 (Tip: Bring friends &amp; family with our 4 for $20 ticket option - in advance online.)
Locally owned &amp; operated, this curated INDOOR Sunday market celebrates the ingenuity of independently owned, small businesses who channel their passions into creating one-of-a-kind designs, home goods, art and food.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Get tickets at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.com/tickets-fulton-market</a>
EVENT DETAILS:
* Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
* Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
* Venue: Morgan MFG – 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60642
* Cost: $8 General Admission ($10 at door) | 4 for $20 for groups (online in advance) | Deluxe CAM Tote + Gen Adm $10
Kids &lt;12 are free | Dog-friendly (leashed, well-behaved only)
TICKETS: <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets-fulton-market" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets</a>
MARKET HIGHLIGHTS:
* 100+ Chicago/Midwest artisans per market in food, fashion, home goods, &amp; art.
* We offer Bistro Seating, Plated Food &amp; a Fully Stocked Bar selling cocktails, wine &amp; beer -- so you can relax &amp; re-connect with friends, family &amp; co-workers.
* Food:&nbsp; Shop gourmet food items including pastries and confections, chocolate &amp; candy, sauces &amp; spices, healthy snacks, cocktail mixers, beverages, &amp; more.
* Fashion: Meet &amp; shop top clothing, jewelry, handbag, accessories designers
* Home Goods: Discover items showcasing smart design in home decor, bath &amp; body, natural skincare &amp; more.
* Decorative Art: Meet independent artists producing functional, decorative &amp; wearable art.
“Keep your friends close, and your supply chain closer." – Chicago Artisan Market
Gather &amp; re-connect with friends &amp; family , while shopping small, local, safe &amp; sustainable. <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Get tickets now</a>.
Can't make it to Fulton Market in July? The Chicago Artisan Market will also be back at Morgan MFG for Fall &amp;&nbsp;Holiday '26 Markets (Sun, Oct 18 |&nbsp;&nbsp;Sun, Nov 15&nbsp; | Sun, Dec 13th), and in Ravenswood over Thanksgiving weekend for "Small Shop Saturday" &amp;&nbsp;Sun, Nov 28-29. We're also in <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Naperville</a> &amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook</a> OUTDOORS on Sep 19-20 &amp; Oct 3-4.&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/calendar" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View our 2026 Market Calendar.</a>
About Us: We are a Chicago company based in Oak Brook, IL that has been showcasing independent artisans &amp; small businesses for 20+ years. We operate two City markets in the vibrant <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets-fulton-market" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fulton Market</a> and <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/tickets-ravenswood" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ravenswood</a> neighborhoods. We also operate the <a href="https://oakbrookartisanmarket.com/rsvp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Oak Brook Artisan Market</a>&nbsp;at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, IL, the <a href="https://napervilleartisanmarket.com/RSVP" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Naperville Artisan Market</a> at CityGate Centre in Naperville, IL, and the <a href="https://northshoreartisanmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">North Shore Artisan Market</a> in downtown Winnetka, IL and downtown Northbrook, IL.
Are you a talented Midwest artisan looking to vend in the greater Chicago area? Learn more at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/vendors" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c...</a> or apply now at <a href="https://chicagoartisanmarket.com/apply" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://ChicagoArtisanMarket.c...</a>. (Vendors - we don't charge junk fees just to fill out application online.)

Local Event: Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Jul 19th (Summer edition)

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun,...

Join us this Sun, Jul 19th (11am-5pm) to shop small, local & sustainable with 100+ talented artisans at our flagship Chicago...

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Jul 19th (Summer edition)

Central Street

Get ready for the biggest sales of the year during the 
Central Street Evanston Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, July 23 to Saturday, 
July 25, from 10 AM - 5 PM. Shop indoors on Sunday, July 26, from 12 - 4
 PM at
 participating businesses. From the east end to the west end, shop 
outside tables and racks filled with fabulous discounts, grab local 
eats, and enjoy live entertainment!

Local Event: Central Street Evanston Sidewalk Sale

Evanston

Central Street Evanston Sidewalk Sale

Get ready for the biggest sales of the year during the 
Central Street Evanston Sidewalk Sale, Thursday, July 23 to Saturday,...

Chicago Business Owners Fight Back Against Merchant Cash Advance Debt as Courts Scrutinize "Disguised Loans"
Cook County businesses squeezed by daily merchant cash advance withdrawals are increasingly challenging whether those contracts are loans in disguise &mdash; and whether they belong in an Illinois court at all.
CHICAGO &mdash; Small business owners across Chicago and Cook County are confronting a wave of merchant cash advance (MCA) collections, and a growing number are pushing back on the core premise of the contracts themselves.
The central question is characterization. A merchant cash advance is marketed as a purchase of future receivables, not a loan &mdash; a distinction that keeps it outside traditional usury limits. But when the daily payments never adjust to a business's actual revenue, when the funder retains recourse regardless of how the business performs, and when the funder bears no real risk, courts have grounds to treat the agreement as a loan in substance. That recharacterization is the pivot point of modern MCA defense, and it turns on how the deal actually worked rather than the label on the paperwork.
For Chicago's dense base of restaurants, logistics operators, contractors, and retail businesses, the pressure often escalates fast. What starts as a stacked set of advances taken during a cash crunch can spiral when fixed daily ACH withdrawals continue even as revenue falls &mdash; the classic cash-flow trap that pushes viable businesses toward default.
There is also a venue surprise many Chicago owners never see coming. Numerous MCA agreements contain forum-selection clauses routing disputes to New York courts. An Illinois business can find itself defending a lawsuit in a New York Supreme Court, and a resulting judgment can reach Illinois assets only if it was properly domesticated under Illinois procedure &mdash; a step an experienced attorney can scrutinize.
The enforcement mechanics are what make timing critical. Once a funder secures a judgment, it can freeze operating accounts and drain the capital a business needs to make payroll. Default judgments obtained through defective service or improper procedure can sometimes be vacated, but the window is narrow and shrinks once enforcement begins.
The consistent theme across these cases: the strongest position is the earliest one, before a judgment is entered and accounts are restrained.
Chicago business owners facing MCA collections, stacked advances, or a lawsuit filed out of state can review their options and connect with an experienced attorney through CredibleLaw's Chicago network at <a href="https://crediblelaw.com/chicago-mca-defense/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://crediblelaw.com/chicago-mca-defense-attorney/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">crediblelaw.com/chicago-mca-defense-attorney/</a>.
Credible Law Phone: <a href="tel:888-201-0441" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">(888) 201-0441</a> <a href="https://crediblelaw.com/about/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">crediblelaw.com/about/</a>Credible Law is a national legal resource and referral network. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Merchant Cash Advance Debt Relief Chicago - MCA...

Chicago Business Owners Fight Back Against Merchant Cash Advance Debt as Courts Scrutinize "Disguised Loans"...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Hutchinson, Local Business

Posting Activity

Students Earn International Scholar Award

JUL

16

9:00 AM

Manteno, IL

From the Vault: An Evening with Anne & Mark Burnell

Chicago Artisan Market in Fulton Market - Sun, Jul 19th (Summer edition)

Central Street Evanston Sidewalk Sale

Merchant Cash Advance Debt Relief Chicago - MCA Defense Attorney