Newsletter
Issue 01: Oct 2024
Updated Cohesive Home Page
Cohesive Manufacturing is actively seeking early adopters looking for a competitive edge to discover new leads. Our innovative platform can feature your business on an interactive map, creating a 3D website that allows users to engage with your business in a dynamic way—without having to be there. This unique approach not only showcases your offerings but also provides potential customers with an immersive experience that sets you apart from the competition. If you are interested in working with us click "Contact Us" below!
Updates from Cohesive Manufacturing: This year, Cohesive Manufacturing is making exciting progress as we work toward launching our first market-ready product, Treality. It’s been a rewarding journey, and we’re especially proud of the partnerships we’ve built along the way. Two of our key collaborators, Terri Reifsteck from Experience C-U and Dustin Mayfield-Jones from UIUC Research Park, have played an essential role in shaping Treality. Terri brings her vision for highlighting Champaign to visitors in innovative ways, while Dustin’s ideas for transforming labs and makerspaces are pushing Treality to new heights. We can’t wait to share more about how their insights are helping us build a product that not only connects people with spaces but also enhances community experiences. Read on to learn about how Treality is coming to life, and how these partnerships are making a real impact!
Dustin's Vision: Transforming Labs and Makerspaces
Dustin Mayfield-Jones, Lab and Facilities Manager at EnterpriseWorks in Research Park, believes virtual tours are a game-changer for makerspaces and labs. With his passion for creativity and innovation, he sees these tours as a way to break down barriers for potential members by showcasing the tools, projects, and energy of the space. For Dustin, a virtual tour isn’t just a walkthrough—it’s an immersive experience. He envisions real-time videos, ambient sounds, and interactive features that capture the buzz of creativity, making the space feel alive and accessible. These tours can answer initial questions, provide an educational preview of equipment, and inspire potential members to see themselves as part of the community. Dustin believes they are key to driving engagement and membership growth, giving people an easy way to connect with the opportunities available. In a fast-moving environment like Research Park, this kind of access could transform how quickly members get involved and what they accomplish. What sets Dustin's vision apart is his focus on making the tour as authentic as possible, showcasing not just pristine workspaces but real, in-use machines and bustling activity. He sees it as a bridge between curiosity and action. Dustin also believes this approach can highlight member creations, which would further foster a sense of pride and community within the space.
By incorporating these tours into the makerspace experience, Dustin envisions a space that isn't just a tool and technology, but about connection, creativity, and collaboration. These tours could not only promote the equipment and resources but also tell the stories of the people who use them, making the space feel more personal and inviting. Ultimately, Dustin's goal is to make it easier for people to see the value of the makerspace and to empower them to dive in and contribute their own creativity to the mix.
Terri's connection to Champaign-Urbana runs deep. Arriving as a University of Illinois student, she quickly fell in love with the community’s spirit and diversity. That connection grew stronger throughout her career in marketing, and for over a decade, she’s been working to showcase the region’s unique identity. Today, as a leader at Experience Champaign-Urbana, Terri sees virtual tours as a game-changing tool in her mission to promote the area. For Terri, virtual tours are more than just a digital resource—they offer a new perspective. "We’ve always battled the misconception that Champaign-Urbana is just a rural, agricultural town," she explains. "But when people actually see the arts, the culture, the food, and the energy of this place, their opinions shift.
Terri's Perspective: Showcasing Champaign-Urbana
Virtual tours help us capture that discovery in a powerful, visual way." Through Treality, Terri is hoping to find a unique advantage in using these immersive experiences to break down barriers. Whether it’s showing off vibrant downtown districts, hidden local businesses, or community events, virtual tours provide an authentic look at the Champaign-Urbana area. "Our community is dense and diverse, with everything from world-class restaurants to arts venues just minutes from each other. Virtual tours let people explore this richness at their own pace, uncovering what makes this place special." But the value of virtual tours goes beyond attracting visitors. They help local residents rediscover their own backyard. "So many people get into a routine and stop exploring what’s around them. Virtual tours let them see new places they’ve never visited or learn more about businesses they pass every day." It’s this ability to deepen connections and foster community pride that Terri finds particularly rewarding. For Terri, virtual tours are a key part of the future. They bring stories to life, support local businesses that might not have the resources for traditional marketing, and allow both visitors and residents to connect with the Champaign-Urbana experience in new ways. Through Treality, she’s not just promoting the region—she’s offering people a chance to truly see and engage with it. "The more we tell these stories collectively, the stronger our community becomes."
Final Remarks
As we continue to build Treality into a powerful platform, the insights from community leaders like Terri Reifsteck and Dustin Mayfield-Jones are helping us shape it into something more than just a product—it’s becoming a tool that connects people, sparks curiosity, and strengthens communities. Whether it’s transforming how we engage with makerspaces or showcasing the vibrant culture of Champaign-Urbana, Treality is paving the way for deeper connections between people and the places they care about. We’re excited about the road ahead and look forward to sharing more stories about how Treality is making an impact. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this vision to life!