Community Impact Report
At Rockford, we believe in the power of community. And while we are passionate about the spaces we develop, build and manage and their ability to serve people, our team is committed to doing more. We have a long history of engaging deeply with the communities we serve. Our vision is “Building a Better World,” and that vision extends beyond buildings to more directly touch the lives of the people around us.
As Rockford has grown, so have our community impact efforts. Our Community Impact Steering Committee meets regularly to better align our team with needs and opportunities within our regions. Our first Community Impact Report was released in 2019 as a way of holding ourselves accountable for achieving our goals as a connected and compassionate company. Our team members use Rockford’s “Volunteer Time Off” (VTO) program to dedicate their time to causes and issues that are important to them as individuals. Rockford also launched a new Team Member Resource Group, “Rockford Cares”, centered around volunteerism in our community. What began as a humble effort in 1987 has grown into a movement within the Rockford team that is truly amazing to witness.
I am so proud of our team and their personal dedication to giving back. On the following pages, you will learn more about the organizations we’ve supported, their mission and the outcomes they are achieving. I hope you are inspired by their efforts and, perhaps, feel compelled to support them alongside Rockford. Together, we can all Build a Better World.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Mike VanGessel Founder & CEO
CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY TO ART
50,000
Committed to connecting with the community, ArtPrize, the worldrenowned art competition and festival, has drawn international attention for 14 years. In 2023, two properties managed by Rockford were venues for a variety of artists. First place winner, “Raining Wisdom” by Abdoulaye Conde, located at 45 Ottawa NW, drew in crowds for his awe-inspiring mural that spans over 1,800 sq. ft. The Morton hosted several pieces of art inside the lobby, including Prism Award winner, “Technophobia” by Christopher Shields.
TOTAL VOTES WERE SUBMITTED IN THE 2023 ARTPRIZE COMPETITION
ABDOULAYE CONDE
STANDS IN FRONT OF HIS 1,800 SQ. FT.
MURAL LOCATED AT 45 OTTAWA
Rockford’s partnership with Amplify GR, a nonprofit committed to strengthening neighborhoods on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has resulted in significant benefits for the community, including increased access to resources, community engagement, beautification, job creation and more.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT ADAMS PARK APARTMENTS
Members of our Property Management team, in partnership with Amplify GR, offered food and furniture distribution assistance for Adams Park Apartments, a residential facility providing housing for seniors and those living with disabilities. Team members unloaded a truck, set up food stations, moved furniture and distributed items to those in need, combating food and household insecurity issues in the area.
7,000
POUNDS OF TRASH WERE REMOVED FROM GRAND RAPIDS’ WEST SIDE
WEST SIDE COMMUNITY CLEAN UP
Doing our part to serve the communities where we work is built into Rockford’s DNA. For the past 13 years, our dedication to driving sustainability and responsibly managing resources has been demonstrated by our contributions to the West Side Community Clean Up. Alongside our neighbors, we helped collect more than 7,000 pounds of trash to beautify Grand Rapids’ West Side.
40+ Rockford volunteers contributed to the more than 2,000 plus man hours to clean up the West Side
FAMILY PROMISE
For more than 25 years, Family Promise has worked diligently to end homelessness by providing emergency shelter and basic needs to families without housing in the Grand Rapids area. Through their work, which includes a wide variety of programs that help families find housing and sustain independence, more than 4,000 families have been assisted. In 2023, several Rockford teams helped support Family Promise’s mission through volunteer efforts that prepared mobile homes for use by families in need. Work included general cleanup, caulking, painting, lighting installation and more.
Rockford volunteers prepping the walls for new paint
FOSTERING NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
Life Remodeled collaborates with communities and organizations to foster lasting neighborhood revitalization. Their approach involves repurposing vacant properties into vibrant community hubs and nurturing environments where families can flourish. Through accessible services like youth programming, workforce development and health and human services, Life Remodeled ensures that thousands of students and community members have easy access to the resources they need for personal and communal growth. Rockford’s Detroit office participated in a day of beautification at Life Remodeled’s Durfee Innovation Society. Cleaning and staining the beautiful woodwork, putting a fresh coat of paint in the bathrooms and installing new wood paneling gave the space an updated look.
A refresh of Life Remodeled’s restrooms started with painting the walls
ENRICHING EXPERIENCES IN NATURE
Founded 55 years ago, Blandford Nature Center strives to engage and empower the community through enriching experiences in nature. Spanning 264 acres of land, Blandford offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including hiking trails, camps, wildlife experiences, classes/ programs for both children and adults, the Learning Lab and more. In 2017, Blandford collaborated with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan to purchase the 121-acre (former) Highlands Golf Club to transform the property into a natural area for community recreation. Rockford had the opportunity to volunteer at the Highlands by harvesting seeds, such as Bee Balm, Yarrow, Big Bluestem, Mountain Mint and Sneeze Weed and helping the Land Conservancy acquire as many native plants as possible to sow into other nearby properties.
“ Rockford Construction is the true definition of an organization that supports the well-being of the West Michigan community.”
KATIE CLOUSE
VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY OUTREACH MANAGER BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER
HELPING WITH FOOD INSECURITY
More than 44 million people in the U.S. face hunger, including one in five children. Feeding America understands that food insecurity is a complex issue, and they’re addressing it head-on through a network of food banks, pantries and meal programs. Rockford volunteered at Feeding America’s Grand Rapids warehouse to package bulk food for individual distribution. The teams sorted potatoes and apples so they could be distributed by their mobile food pantry which accounts for approximately 40% of the food Feeding America distributes each year.
THE OTHER WAY MINISTRIES
CHRISTMAS TREE INSTALLATION
To spread holiday cheer throughout the Boston Square neighborhood, the Rockford Trades team delivered and installed a Christmas tree from Hart Tree Farm. In early December, more than 400 residents and community members attended a lighting ceremony for the tree at the Boston Square Community Parklet, helping to kick off the holiday season.
OAKDALE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY SITE TOUR
As part of the larger Boston Square Together project, Amplify GR’s new Community Hub invests in the historically underserved Boston Square neighborhood through access to amenities and services previously not available to residents. The two-story Hub will feature a 240-person event
UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY
Partnering with Grand Rapids Public Schools’ University Preparatory Academy to engage 6th to 12thgrade students in exploring career opportunities within the construction industry is an exciting endeavor. Through insightful discussions, we showcased the diverse range of roles available — from architecture and engineering to skilled trades and project management, empowering students to envision a promising future in this dynamic field.
WOODBRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Just as plants require nurturing to flourish, so do children. Woodbridge Elementary School recognizes the vital role nutrition plays in students’ education and overall well-being. Taking this insight to heart, fourth-grade teacher Bill Boerman seized the opportunity to collaborate with Rockford on an innovative project. In this unique endeavor, the fourthgrade class donned the hats of project managers and carpenters, taking on the task of constructing raised garden beds. This initiative empowered students to cultivate their own food, providing a hands-on experience to learn about the science of gardening. Through this interdisciplinary project, Woodbridge Elementary School aims to instill a deeper appreciation for nutrition, science and teamwork, ensuring that the learning experience extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Giving back to our communities through our local partnerships and projects is important at Rockford. Innovation High School is the oldest operating school in the state of Michigan and has had several recent renovation projects take place during the school year. In May, our team hosted a field day for the students of Innovation High and Montessori Elementary School as a way to connect and have fun as the school year was winding down. Earlier in the year, Rockford also donated to GRPS’s Warm Hearts Drive which focuses on providing students with accessories to keep them warm during the winter months.
SIBLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Rockford’s relationship with Sibley Elementary School spans more than a decade. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with the school, located just a few blocks from our Grand Rapids office, on a multitude of endeavors, ranging from school supply drives to fundraisers, holiday parties and more.
Sibley students received a treat (no tricks!) from Rockford team members during the school’s annual trick-or-treat parade around Grand Rapids’ West Side
Students from Sibley participated in National Walk to School Day in October, with a few Rockford team members in tow
CHILDHOOD LITERACY
Serving as a resource for students in our communities is an important part of the work Rockford performs. Team members from our Detroit office partnered with the Academy of the Americas, part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, on impactful efforts throughout 2023, including March is Reading Month. Aberdeen Elementary School in Grand Rapids also received a visit from team members who led story time for the students, encouraging the love of reading.
PROJECT NIGHT LIGHTS
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital offers acute, comprehensive specialties and subspecialties pediatric care. Once a month, the community comes together for Project Night Lights which is an event to say goodnight to the children staying at the hospital. Local first responders, community members and organizations, like Rockford, participate by filling the night sky with lights to show support and to spread some cheer.
Rain or shine, our team members showed up in bright lights to say goodnight
DEVELOPING RESILIENT PRINCIPLED INDIVIDUALS
“Enter a learner; Exit a leader” encapsulates the transformative journey students undertake at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, where empowerment is the cornerstone of education. This academy is not merely a school; it’s a crucible for developing resilient, principled individuals poised to succeed beyond graduation. Through rigorous academic programs, mentorship initiatives and real-world experiences, students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and moral compass needed to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with confidence. Rockford team members were enthusiastic to be a part of a career day panel to share their journey, accomplishments and advice with students. While navigating life after graduation isn’t always easy or straightforward, Jalen Rose Leadership Academy sets its scholars up for success.
400 STUDENTS SERVED EVERY YEAR
MEET THE MACHINES
Bulldozers, excavators, cranes, skid steer loaders and dump trucks are common vocabulary for children fascinated with heavy equipment. Any chance Rockford gets to ignite the spark of curiosity in construction, we take it. Rockford’s equipment team visited Grand Rapids Public School’s Congress Elementary School to give students a close look at the heavy machinery.
Rockford was also happy to support the Downtown Market’s Meet the Machines, a community-wide event that brought out fire trucks, ambulances and various construction equipment.
Our equipment team is always excited to bring out the big machines and show off their craft to students
ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
Rockford is deeply engaged in youth development and recognizes the immense value of exposing high school students to career opportunities in construction. By offering insights into the dynamic and diverse facets of the industry, we not only nurture a pipeline of future talent but also provide young individuals with pathways to success. Collaborating with organizations like the ACE Mentor Program of America and YouthBuild underscores the critical importance of developing skill sets tailored to the demands of the construction sector. Moreover, internships serve as a cornerstone in this process, offering students invaluable exposure to real-world projects, mentorship opportunities and networking experiences. By fostering a culture of learning and growth through these initiatives, we enrich the lives of students and cultivate a robust and skilled workforce poised to drive innovation and excellence in the construction industry.
Students have the opportunity to learn from construction managers and trade contractors during site visits
Growing up, Antoine found pride in fixing things around his home - from repairing a leaky sink to building shelves. When an opportunity arose to participate in YouthBuild’s program, he jumped all in. “Building Brighter Futures Together” is the cornerstone of YouthBuild’s mission. They champion today’s youth to improve their lives and communities by building skills and resources for to reach their full potential.
During his five months with YouthBuild, he received hands-on learning experience at job sites, exposing him to career paths he could take. “It was the best five months of my life,” Antoine excitedly stated. At the end of the five months, he took the knowledge he gained at YouthBuild and applied his new skills at Rockford as a carpenter. Antoine has been working at one of Rockford’s largest job sites and is enthusiastic to learn new things every day.
“ You feel like family at YouthBuild. It’s a great atmosphere to learn in.
CONTINUING EDUCATION THROUGH A HANDS-ON APPROACH
By offering a wide variety of classes, West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) gives students hands-on experience in the workforce before they even graduate high school. Their mission is simple, “To provide a pathway for individuals to pursue fulfilling, purposeful and lifelong careers for the betterment of our communities.” Rockford has partnered with the high school students by walking them through active construction sites to get a better understanding of the various components it takes to complete a project on time and with a high level of quality. Students are able to apply their classroom learning into the real world so they feel more confident when they enter the workforce. Additionally, Rockford’s very own Stacy Tempelman and Bob Van Der Wiele were instructors during the fall 2023 semester. Tempelman, a successful architect, taught the students how to read construction documents and Van Der Wiele, an estimator, jumped into teaching Carpentry II, building from the students’ previous class to sharpen their skill sets.
Students touring a few of Rockford Construction’s ongoing projects
138
WEST MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION INSTITUTE SUMMER CAMP
As Rockford continues to advocate for workforce development efforts within the construction industry, we seek partners who will positively impact the future. Established in 2021, WMCI provides pathways to the construction industry through a variety of training opportunities and unique programming aimed at closing the professional trade shortage gap in Michigan. Rockford is a proud partner of WMCI and was happy to assist with its Construction Summer Camp, which aims to bring awareness of skilled trades to middle school students. The summer camp walked 38 students through safety, equipment, terminology and processes using the hands-on experience of building little libraries that now adorn several different Grand Rapids neighborhoods.
“ This is what making an impact on the next generation of construction professionals looks like. Rockford defines partnership and support at WMCI.”
JEN SCHOTTKE PRESIDENT WEST MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION INSTITUTE
SMOKE AND SAFETY
Nothing is more important to the Rockford family than getting our crews home to their families. Rockford’s approach is rooted in safety, security and simplicity and it’s more than just signage, hard hats and safety glasses. It involves routine meetings and a highly developed communication strategy. Mike VanGessel’s passion for safety and community involvement came together this summer as he launched Smoke and Safety - a series where we celebrate our team members and trade contractors’ commitment to safety. Partnering with a local pitmaster, we shared our appreciation by providing lunch to several job sites across Michigan.
Local pit masters, Tips & Cobbler, helped serve lunch to hundreds of trade contractors
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Rockford respects and values the characteristics, talents and perspectives that make us unique. We believe that by bringing diverse individuals together, we can effectively collaborate, innovate and solve problems. Through various internal programs, community outreach and trade contractor support, we support the paramount importance of diversity, equity and inclusion within the construction industry. Our team members stay connected and involved with various events held throughout the year, Women in Construction Week, Construction Inclusion Week, local veterans, regular site visits and so much more.
41 Million DOLLARS SPENT ON DIVERSITY TRADE CONTRACTORS IN 2023
“ The Dimensions program is a leading example of embracing supplier diversity and inclusion and a testament to Rockford’s values.”
JORDAN VERHULST MANAGING PARTNER
FRONTIER ELECTRICAL
DIMENSIONS
Embracing DEI isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage that enriches our workforce and enhances project outcomes. From promoting diverse hiring practices to providing inclusive training and business development opportunities to minority-, women-, disability- and veteran-owned trade contractors, we’re committed to creating pathways for underrepresented businesses to
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
In early March, Rockford celebrated women in the construction industry by taking part in Women in Construction Week. Rockford had the opportunity to present different career opportunities within the construction industry to the Union High School girls’ soccer team. Several women on our team also attended an appreciation luncheon hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction’s Grand Rapids Chapter. All efforts were aimed at increasing awareness surrounding careers in the industry and the pathways and opportunities for success available to women.
28% OF ROCKFORD’S TEAM ARE WOMEN; INDUSTRY AVERAGE IS 10.8%
Rockford women attending the NAWIC appreciation luncheon
Students tour an active jobsite to better understand the many steps of construction throughout the duration of building
CONSTRUCTION INCLUSION WEEK
Diversity fosters creativity, innovation, empathy and social cohesion, which is why it’s been one of Rockford’s core values for decades. As the construction industry continues to evolve, it’s important to bring awareness to diversity and inclusion. Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) was launched in 2021 and Rockford has been a proud partner since conception. Throughout the week, we utilized Toolbox Talks provided by CIW, hosted our own programming and workshops and ended the week with a fundraiser for a local school, Sibley Elementary. Building strength through diversity means we all win together.
VETERANS
RockVets is a team member resource group at Rockford that supports veteran team members and organizations within the community. Throughout the year, the team rallied together to raise funds for Wyoming Veterans Affairs to support mental health efforts. The Rockford team also joined Meijer to assemble care packages for those currently deployed, spreading holiday cheer for service members stationed away from family and friends.
“ Volunteering and fundraising for veteran and activeduty causes have been very fulfilling professionally and personally.
JASON KORZENIEWSKI
PROJECT EXECUTIVE, PRECONSTRUCTION
ROCKFORD CONSTRUCTION
60
LIVES SAVED THROUGH TOTAL BLOOD DONATIONS
GIVEN BY ROCKFORD TEAM MEMBERS
BLOOD DRIVE WITH VERSITI
Donating blood is key to keeping our communities healthy. As part of Rockford’s continued dedication to supporting wellness in the areas where we live, work and play, we once again partnered with Versiti to host a blood drive. Rockford team members and area residents participated in the drive, resulting in the donation of 20 units of blood with the potential to save 60 lives.
GOLF OUTINGS
Each year, Rockford sponsors a variety of golf outings that support local organizations. Rockford has been a proud sponsor of The Mitten Foundation’s Annual Golf Outing, which provides meals to families in need through a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan. This year, thanks to a strong showing from all partners involved and nearly 200 participants, the event raised $20,000 — enough to provide more than 4,000 meals to food-insecure families in our neighborhoods.
RUN ROCKFORD RUN 5K
Rockford’s 5K event fosters a culture of health and wellness among team members and their families by promoting physical activity and camaraderie. By participating in the event, employees not only support their own well-being but also contribute to a sense of community within the organization. Run Rockford Run serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, benefiting both individuals and the company as a whole.
75+
TEAM MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN 2023
COMMUNITY IMPACT COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY CHAIR
MATT EVANS VICE PRESIDENT MONICA STEIMLE-APP
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER
JESSI
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
JANELLE REYERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
CHRIS VANBERGEN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
JENNIFER BOEZWINKLE CHIEF STRATEGY WHITNEY KUTCHER STERK
DANIELLE O’BRIEN
DAVID TURNER
KENDRA ALBRECHT
JOEL KOZLOWICZ
KELSEY JUERGENS
ASHLEY BADDER
BRITTYN BUTLER
NICK TRAPP
ANGELINA DENSHAM