February 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com
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Join us for Go Global V: Putting the pieces together Go Global V, April 3 and 4 at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center in Rockford, is the Midwest’s premier international business conference, where leading experts from a variety of fields will deliver the information you need to put together the pieces of an effective global trade strategy. This annual event has grown into an international business conference. Whether you are looking to expand your distribution network or sell directly to end users, there are things that you should keep in mind that will help you in the process. Our high-caliber speakers will provide you with up-to-date legislation; walk you through the process of launching into the global market while identifying the various sources of trade, financial and legal assistance; and explore opportunities to partner and grow. Government decision makers, corporate executives, and marketing tool innovators engage in high-level dialogues about export issues such as financing, logistics, global marketing trends, and many other topics. We have brought in a host of well-respected individuals to help make the business case for export-readiness, including: Mike Allocca, Allocca Enterprises; Christopher S. Foltz, Christopher Foltz & Company; John Goodrich, JD Goodrich & Associates; Dan Ikenson, Cato’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center; Dr. Chris Kuehl, Director at Armada Corporate Intelligence; and, Sagar Patel,
Woodward - Aircraft Turbine Systems.
Learn How Businesses Have Moved Into Foreign Markets Regional business leaders will present case studies to introduce how their company is achieving success in penetrating foreign markets and staying competitive in the global market. Go Global V also will feature a Woodward Suppler Symposium, providing attendees with the opportunity to participate in B2B meetings with one of our region’s largest tier-one aerospace supplier. Businesses will have access to a targeted audience comprised of companies interested in engaging in or expanding their international trade. Last year’s conference attracted more than 150 attendees, hailing from 11 states. Representatives from more than 10 countries have attended the conference, seeking opportunities to increase bi-lateral trade. Primary industries represented include local manufacturing, aerospace, professional business services, government and logistics and transportation. More than 63 percent of attendees were recognized as decision makers for their organization. This event is a unique opportunity for companies to engage with businesses in the Rockford area that are seeking international trade growth opportunities. To register, visit www.goglobal-itc.com.
VOC survey reveals regional challenges, opportunities By Matthew Simpson, RAEDC Every year, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council reaches out to primary employers in the area to garner a better understanding of the experiences and expertise they have as members of the business community. This is done through our Voice of the Customer survey (VOC), which is a very important part of our Business Retention and Expansion efforts. In 2011, we were honored to have 125 companies participate in our VOC conversation – the most interviews we have conducted to date. We now are concluding data analysis for our 2011 VOC Executive Summary Report.
comb the database to pull information on expansion opportunities, workforce and any major observations noted. We also present “5 Key Learnings” from the information, highlighting five challenges/ opportunities that businesses emphasized most often during our conversations. The Executive Summary offers a look at company responses on community services (such as fire and police, schools, housing), and utility services as well. The VOC Executive Summary is intended to be a 30,000-ft. view of the findings from our VOC results. We will be conducting more specific analysis around topics such as workforce, and innovation (measured by reported R&D investment) Findings Presented in during the year. An electronic version of Executive Summary our annual summary can be found on the Our VOC Executive Summary is an RAEDC Web site; however, if you would overview of the results gathered from like an electronic copy feel free to email surveys during the previous year. We break me at MSimpson@RockfordIL.com. down our survey population by industry and company size to offer perspective on Matthew Simpson is business development our sample. Findings are aggregated (no specialist at the Rockford Area Economic company names are published), and we Development Council.
Juliet and Jason Beck say they are surprised at how fast their water balloon business has grown.
Wet Will-E Water Balloons: Difficult situations inspire ingenious solutions By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab Everyone, from time-to-time, has an “aha” moment regarding an invention. Few act on them. But, while planning a party for his wife’s birthday, Jason Beck did just that. While filling 250 water balloons for his family to enjoy, his wife, Juliet, said, “I would pay someone to do this.” From that moment, Jason’s idea started to take shape. Starting in 2010, Wet Will-E Water Balloons (WWWB) sold less than 20,000 balloons. 2011 evolved into a banner year, starting with a second-place finish in the Stateline FastPitch Competition. Sales increased exponentially – totaling 80,000 – and WWWB also started to ship its products nationwide after developing a unique patent-pending packaging method. WWWB is a family-owned and operated business. Jason, his wife and their four children, ranging in age from five to 10, all are essential players. The kids enthusiastically assist with deliveries, proudly sport their WWWB temporary tattoos and are paid with milkshakes! They also speak of taking over the business after graduating from college.
Business Growth By Word of Mouth Customers love the service/ product and have assisted in spreading the word. One customer commented, “I think the swiftness of service is awesome. AND not to mention how WWWB came through in the clutch for my daughter’s party!!! You guys are AMAZINGLY
AWESOME!!!” In response to customers’ requests, birthday party packages include 100 water balloons, 15 decorative balloons and 15 WWWB temporary tattoos. With the combo package, customers receive a 300-yard balloon launcher and 300 water balloons! While they always have been confident in their idea, the Becks are shocked at the rapid development of their success. Like any other business, growth has been challenging. In 2011 they opened offices in Dallas and Houston, and had so much business they had to turn people away. However, over time they discovered that branch offices weren’t a good direction. The Becks’ second “a-ha” moment was using direct shipping, which assisted them in broadening their market with minimal overhead. Not unlike most entrepreneurs, they are interested in making a profit, but also in giving back. In the past two years, they have supported a number of children’s charities and causes such as Smile Train, which provides free corrective surgery for children with cleft lip and cleft palate, The Isaiah Alonzo Foundation, which works towards supporting families who have children diagnosed with cancer, and TOMS Shoes One Day Without Shoes. What’s next you ask? They currently are creating a Wet Will-E Water Balloon Battle app. for smartphones, and efforts are underway to install WWWB kiosks at family and party-related locations. Sherry Pritz is marketing coordinator at EIGERlab, Rock Valley College.