August Voice 2024

ANGELA KAY LARSON JOINS GRCC AS NEW CEO

the

DIGITAL CHALLENGES IN MANUFACTURING COHAN BARNES

PAGE 2 August 2024 | Volume 37 | No. 8

of the greater rockford business community

GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NAMES NEW CEO

COVID impact study yields surprising results Data shows enhanced childhood development across the region

By Emily Klonicki, executive director Alignment Rockford What if I told you that COVID-19 gave us an uexpected opportunity to enhance development in our youngest children across the region, potentially improving outcomes?

Alignment Rockford serves as the area administrator of the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a kindergarten survey that provides community-level data about the needs and strengths of our youngest residents.

The EDI was introduced to the Rockford area in 2019, spearheaded by a community leadership group convened

by Alignment Rockford and the Rockford Public School District. Since then, we conducted a second survey in 2022 and are preparing for another in 2025.

When we launched the EDI in 2019, we couldn’t have predicted that, by the time the next survey was taken, a global pandemic would change everything about education, work and family life, and social and economic norms. It’s clear that having EDI data pre- and postCOVID gave our community a unique look into the pandemic’s effects on our youngest children and their families.

Expecting to see increased vulnerability for young children in the 2022 data, we were surprised by what we discovered. Instead of seeing an increase, the data showed a marked decline in vulnerabilities for young children in four out of the five critical domains measured by the EDI. Like any good set of data, this led to more questions than answers.

In a time when other student and youth

populations showed severe increases in vulnerability and need, why would we see a decrease in vulnerability for children under the age of five?

Another surprise came when we compared our local data to that of the UCLA cohort of communities across the nation that conduct the EDI. Similar decreases in vulnerabilities during COVID were observed.

Seeking answers, we partnered with the Region 1 Planning Council to construct a study of our own community that would explore the relationships between economic and social factors and childhood well-being, as well as the direct experiences of parents, caregivers, and their children during the height of the pandemic. The resulting report, (continued on page 10)

Embracing nature’s bounty How Rockford’s natural areas support economic growth

By The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY

Join the Chamber on Social Media

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

PAGE 8

Nature plays an important role in the Rockford region – from award-winning parks and nature preserves to the beauty of the Rock River. At the onset of the pandemic, the importance of our region’s natural areas became paramount, with more people visiting local parks and natural attractions than ever before.

Since then, many visitors from near and far are discovering – and rediscovering – the value of Rockford’s bountiful natural areas. This results in expanded economic, education, and workforce development opportunities for many chamber members.

Organizations like the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB), Severson Dells, Rocktown Adventures, and Farmers Rising are examples of chamber members who are leveraging the attraction of our natural areas and the economic activity they bring to our region.

World-class natural amenities Now, more than ever, residents and visitors are engaging with our region’s abundant outdoor vistas and activities.

Severson Dells saw a spike in visitors during the pandemic. “Even though the number of people attending programs was reduced due to COVID, we had exponentially more visitors on the trails during that time,” said Ann Wasser, executive director of Severson Dells.

“Nature was considered the safest place to be during a pandemic, and the community clearly appreciated having places like Severson Dells.”

Leading regional outdoor outfitter Rocktown Adventures is also benefiting from the renewed appreciation for nature.

“We are seeing more people engage in outdoor recreation. And we’re seeing (continued on page 4)

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently announced the selection of Angela Kay Larson as The chamber’s new chief executive officer.

Larson brings a demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships and drive strategic initiatives with a focus on team development, communication, and execution.

Her experience as a corporate leader and business consultant spans several sectors including manufacturing, nonprofit, tourism, technology, healthcare, and agriculture.

Learn more on page 2.

PARKING REIMAGINED Region 1 Planning Council recognizes the widespread impacts of parking decisions and is currently developing a plan to reimagine parking throughout the Rockford Region.

The Parking Reimagined Plan will explore how parking in the region can be transformed over the next 5 to 10 years, while considering community priorities such as equity, affordability, environmental stewardship, community design, and economic growth.

Visit engager1.mysocialpinpoint. com to complete a survey on your parking habits and preferences. Input from this survey will be used to develop strategies and recommendations to transform parking practices in the Rockford area.

SAVE THE DATE 2024 Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Thursday, September 19 5-8 p.m.

Tebala Event Center 7910 Newburg Rd Rockford, IL 61108 Register online at rockfordchamber.com presented by:

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

Angela Kay Larson joins GRCC as new CEO A new voice and a new vision for the Rockford business community Last month, the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) announced Angela Kay Larson as its new CEO, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to relentlessly develop, accelerate, and support a thriving business community.

Larson’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the GRCC following the merger of three regional economic entities, and she will play a key role in driving the organization’s mission forward.

Larson has three decades of experience in corporate leadership and strategic consulting. She has worked with C-suite executives, mid-level managers, and start-up entrepreneurs across numerous sectors, including manufacturing, nonprofit, tourism, technology, healthcare, and agriculture. Regionally, Larson has facilitated strategic planning for companies and organizations including Foresight Financial, Chicago/Rockford International Airport, and GoRockford.

“Angela is the ideal leader to move the organization forward,” said Terry Voskuil, board chair, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “She’s customer-centric, understands how businesses operate, and

has extensive experience in developing and launching new products and services.

We’re thrilled to have a CEO with her breadth of experience, as well as firsthand knowledge of our region.”

In addition to professional roles at Elco Industries, SwedishAmerican Health System, and Woods Equipment Company, Larson has gained experience with membership organizations through involvement in advocacy, business intelligence, and market expansion as a volunteer leader for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

“I am honored by the board’s trust in my leadership and energized by their commitment to our business community,” Larson said. “In the coming weeks and months ahead, I look forward to collaborating with our members, staff, and community partners to build on our recent successes and forge new pathways toward economic vitality.

“I’m particularly grateful to GRCC President Caitlin Pusateri for the work she has done to lead the organization through this transition and am interested in learning from her extensive experience as a chamber professional.”

Central to Larson’s approach are the strategic priorities she has outlined as CEO: People. Services. Vision.

Larson is committed to ensuring everyone feels welcomed in the GRCC community. She has embarked on a comprehensive outreach effort aimed at not only sharing the GRCC’s vision but also listening attentively to the diverse perspectives within the community.

“Our goal is to ensure that every member feels valued and has access to the resources and support they need,” said Larson. “By engaging with government leaders, fellow chamber executives, and community stakeholders, I hope to understand and address their unique needs, thus laying a solid foundation for collaborative growth.”

When it comes to the GRCC’s service offering, Larson seeks to refresh programs and products to better meet the needs of the chamber’s diverse membership base.

“Based on what members want, we’ll inject innovation and energy into our programs and services,” Larson said.

“We’re focused on letting go of what’s not working and channeling resources toward services that spark innovation and generate excitement.”

This also includes streamlining the organization’s operations and exploring new revenue opportunities, ensuring that every initiative aligns with GRCC’s

overarching vision to relentlessly support a healthy business community.

Central to Larson’s mandate is the creation and execution of a strategic roadmap that not only aligns stakeholder input with the board’s vision, but also establishes a structured approach for ongoing refinement and reporting.

“By defining clear goals and actionable strategies, we’ll be able to propel the GRCC towards its mission of promoting economic

growth

and

providing

educational opportunities that benefit the entire community,” Larson said.

In addition to her professional roles, Larson serves as chairman of the board for German American State Bank and as a board member of Pec Playhouse Theatre. She resides in Pecatonica with her husband, a fourth-generation farmer.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

Highlights from The Update June event addressed real estate, literacy, and infrastructure

By Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Headline-making news and infrastructure investments were the themes of The Update. The June event featured Conor Brown, CEO of NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS®; Anne O’Keefe, assistant director for community engagement at the Rockford Public Library; and Tim Hinkens, interim public works director for the City of Rockford. It was presented by UW Health and sponsored

by Thayer Energy Solutions and Mindy Joy Photography.

The Update is a monthly event from the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) that brings together community leaders and stakeholders to discuss developments shaping the region’s future. It features three speakers who each present a 20-minute organizational insight.

Real estate boom and challenges It was the news heard round the city — Rockford was ranked as the country’s top housing market by the Wall Street Journal. Brown provided an in-depth look at the local real estate landscape

and the economic factors that helped the Rockford region make national news.

As he underscored the city’s meteoric ascent from being named the underwater mortgage capital of the world in February 2014 to topping the WSJ’s real estate list, Brown attributed the growth to a combination of factors, including the region’s steady economic recovery and increased affordability compared to neighboring areas. In May 2024, the average home price was more than $210,000, a 47% increase from May 2020, yet still well below the national average.

Brown also discussed the real estate challenges that persist due to low inventory. While material costs have come down from the height of the pandemic, some resources, such as concrete, remain very expensive.

Stringent building codes and increased interest rates exacerbate the problem.

Another factor Brown mentioned was baby boomers who are reluctant to downsize. He pointed out that many retirees are afraid to sell the large homes they no longer need because it means taking on a higher interest rate, even

though they are in a position to maximize the return on their investment by selling in today’s hot housing market.

One way the city is working to overcome the housing shortage is by reviving a tax rebate program that incentivizes new construction. Anyone who builds a new single- or multi-family home will receive three years of property tax rebates.

Brown also touched on legal developments affecting realtors, notably a recent settlement involving the National Association of REALTORS®, which mandates changes to commission structures and buyer representation agreements. He highlighted the impending requirement for such agreements, which starts on August 17, 2024, is aimed at enhancing protections for both the consumer and the realtors.

The library we’ve been waiting for In June, after seven years of construction, the highly anticipated, new Rockford Public Library (RPL) main branch opened.

The redevelopment project, the result of environmental remediation efforts and primarily funded by ComEd, was originally scheduled to open more than a year ago but was delayed due to the pandemic and other factors. The new building brings fresh energy to downtown and renews the institution’s

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dedication to adapting and responding to public needs. O’Keefe emphasized the vision for the building as a versatile resource center for education, culture, and community cohesion in Rockford.

O’Keefe spoke about the library’s extensive partnerships with local organizations. She highlighted ongoing literacy programs tailored to various age groups, such as RPL’s longstanding summer reading program, and dedicated physical spaces for children, tweens, and teens. These initiatives, many of which were the result of listening sessions with stakeholders, will foster a safe and enriching environment where learning and community interaction thrive.

O’Keefe sees the library as an asset that will attract visitors as well as residents to Rockford and help drive interest in other city institutions, including Burpee Museum and the Discovery Center.

The new building also boasts innovative and convenient features to enhance the user experience, including automated window shades, drivethrough services, and underground parking.

Underscoring the idea of the library as a nurturing space for all ages, O’Keefe celebrated RPL’s highly successful Adult Online High School, which graduated nearly 50 students last year. The free, nationally accredited program allows adult students to earn a high school (continued on page 9)

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

(continued from the front page)

alike, which has been a game changer for

more casual outdoor enthusiasts than ever before,” said Kevin Versino, general manager of Rocktown Adventures.

According to the visitation data company Arrivalist, the city of Rockford and Winnebago County saw a year over year increase in visitors from 1.4 million in 2022 to 1.6 million in 2023. And more than 740,000 people have visited the region so far in 2024.

Online traffic to GoRockford.com is up over 55% from this period last year.

“We found an increase in online traffic to our farmer’s market page, as well to webpages about Rock Cut State Park, Olson Lake, Pearl Lake, and camping pages on the site,” said John Groh, president and CEO of RACVB. But this natural renaissance is about more than sight-seeing. There’s a “growing” interest in supporting regional farmers and local food sources as well.

“We have experienced a resurgence in participation to pre-pandemic levels.

And we’re projecting a 5-10% increase in program participants over last year,” said Jackie de Batista, executive director of Farmers Rising, an organization dedicated to regenerative farming and farmer training.

us,” said de Batista.

Economic growth and job creation This renewed and continued interest in Rockford’s natural areas and amenities has a significant economic impact on the region.

Visitor spending in the city of Rockford and Winnebago County has grown to new heights over the past few years.

“Tourist spending in the region reached a record-breaking $508.5 million in 2022, an increase of 16.5% compared to 2021 and surpassing pre-pandemic spending of $480 million in 2019,” said Groh.

Severson Dells has expanded its staff by nearly 150% over the past five years to accommodate the escalation in visitor August 13 | 11:30am-1pm traffic. “Our staff investment has allowed Radisson Hotel & Conference Center us to expand program offerings at the Presenting Sponsor: nature center and across the community,” said Wasser.

Keynote Speaker & Topic: As part of its ongoing growth plan, Amez Enterprises Severson Dells recently announced - Workforce Development the purchase of Elliot Golf Course and reinstated their monthly Science Saturday program last fall. Additionally, the number of guided hikes has grown, especially for full moon hikes.

Farmers Rising has also taken Send news releases and other items advantage of this positive trend to invest in their brand and programs. “We’ve of interest to been reinvigorated by our refreshed the business community to: brand and renewed focus of lifting up those interested in local and regenerative b u s i n e s s o v e r l u n c h farming,” said de Batista.

The organization also owns The Lodge, an indoor space for gathering, lodging and dining. Farmers Rising furnished the interior spaces to make it available for offseason rentals and hired a local chef to be on staff year-round to help attract visitors.

Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding ­publication “We hired chef Andy Skupien who now prepares delicious, 100%t locally grown meals for participants and lodge renters

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Groh has seen an increase in visitor interest in agrotourism as well. “Visitors are looking for a unique experience they can’t get in a big city, such as visiting a farm, picking fresh fruit in the summer, visiting an apple orchard or a pumpkin farm in the fall, or visiting a winery,” said Groh.

“The Rockford region not only contains a vast number of parks and preserves but also offers unique farm visits that travelers can enjoy and learn from.”

The

popularity

of

programs

at

Rocktown Adventures ebbs and flows with the seasons. “Weather plays a big factor – when we get snow, ski classes and snowshoe rentals are robust. And when it’s warmer, we have more people interested in paddle trips on the Rock River,” said Versino.

Rockford’s blossoming future The

economic

advantages

of

Rockford’s natural areas are inspiring mutually

beneficial

business

partnerships.

Severson Dells has started hosting more partner programs with local businesses. “In the last year, we began hosting ‘Snackin’ on Science’ events at Lucha Cantina restaurant. And later this year, we will be hosting a Botany and Brews series with Rockford Roasting Co., Prairie Street Brewing, Barnstormer Distillery and The Booch Witch,” said Wasser.

Many potential new program partners, organizations, and farmers have reached out to express their support and interest in collaborating with Farmers Rising.

“We’re on the cusp of creating a more vibrant community centered around local food and farmers and are excited to serve our community in this meaningful way,” said de Batista.

Fellow chamber members Severson Dells and the RACVB have also formed a collaboration.

“As the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau rolls out the Destination Master Plan later this fall, Severson Dells looks forward to being a larger part of the diverse array of cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.” said Wasser.

“This will be a prime opportunity to show off the beauty of northern Illinois prairies, woodlands, wetlands and the many outdoor recreation activities the area offers.”

While these new partnerships and economic

possibilities

are

exciting,

the message remains simple – nature’s bounty is right in Rockford’s backyard, and the possibilities are endless.

“Getting outdoors doesn’t have to mean climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro – it can be a hike in your local park,” said Versino. v “The point is to get outside.”

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

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MEMBER PROFILE profile profile

At Severson Dells Nature Center, a legacy of nature education and environmental stewardship thrives.

The nature center began as a gift to the community from Harry and Fannie Severson in 1975 and has been providing opportunities for the northern Illinois community to connect with nature ever since.

“It was important to Fannie Severson that her family’s 369-acre farm and lodge were used to help get people, especially children, outside and learning in nature,” said Ann Wasser, executive director of Severson Dells Nature Center. “It’s important to us that we honor and continue her legacy and the legacy of those that have worked and volunteered at the nature center for nearly 50 years.”

Severson Dells continues this tradition of environmental education and stewardship through a wide variety of programs for all ages, like Science Saturdays, camps, guided hikes, field trips, and more.

Wasser has been the director of Severson Dells Nature Center since December of 2016. Over the past few years, Severson Dells has added staff and become an AmeriCorps host site, adding capacity for more community programs.

Science and environmental literacy The Severson Dells staff and board are passionate about science and environmental literacy in the community.

“The mission of Severson Dells Nature Center is to link people to nature through education and research, but more broadly, we want people to fall in love with nature,” Wasser said. “When people develop a deep relationship with nature, they are more likely to protect and preserve it and pass along those values to the next generation.”

Developing the next generation of conservation minded people is far from Severson Dells’ only goal.

“It’s important to us that guests who participate in programs have a greater understanding of the role the environment plays in our lives and the ecosystem,” Wasser said. “On student field trips, we engage them in the process of doing science so they flex those mental muscles that ultimately help them be better critical thinkers. It’s important to build and practice these skills to be engaged and informed citizens.”

The future In addition to their Montague Road location on the southwest side of town, Severson Dells recently purchased 168 acres of Elliot Golf Course from the Rockford Park District.

“These two locations will allow us to be more accessible to a greater number of people, and, in turn, educate more people about the importance of natural habitats in rural and urban environments,” Wasser said.

The growing popularity of environmental education and the renewed interest in natural spaces have sparked an expansion in programming for Severson Dells. A nature center at the new location will provide much-needed space for those programs.

Wasser credits the success of Severson Dells to a number of factors, including support from the business community, strong partnerships, a generous donor base, a dedicated staff and board, and enthusiastic volunteers.

“The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the local business community have been so generous to the nature center over the years,” Wasser said. “They encourage their employees to serve on our board of directors, they volunteer on service days, and they financially support the organization.

We are grateful for their partnership in delivering high quality nature and science education to our community.”

Save the Date: October 17, 2024 Embassy Suites by Hilton™ Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center

Championing aerospace and serving as powerful catalyst for change, fostering partnerships and nurturing ground breaking ideas, MAC 2024 is a gather place for Midwest innovators in the aerospace industry.

Learn more and register now at rockfordchamber.com

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

GUEST COLUMNIST

Protecting your organization from hackers BILL KOUSOULAS, M.S., strategic account executive, Marco

A trained and vigilant staff is your best defense

When the pandemic hit, many businesses were forced to take steps they probably should have taken years ago, including moving to the cloud.

Unfortunately, as many IT teams scrambled to secure their new tools, hackers around the world saw a huge opportunity to make trillions. In 2024, cybercrime isn’t just more profitable than the drug trade; it’s now more profitable than illegal drug trafficking, counterfeiting, and human trafficking combined.

What hackers want you to think There are three common misconceptions about cybersecurity. And if your organization or staff believe any of these and act accordingly, you’re more likely to experience a severe cyberattack: 1. Some organizations are too small to be attractive to cybercriminals.

2. Modern hackers are so skilled that small businesses can’t possibly stand up to them.

3. Today’s cybersecurity tools are so good that employees don’t need security awareness training.

Small to midsize businesses (SMBs) are actually a hacker’s preferred target, because they’re less likely to have a fully staffed IT department. But that doesn’t mean that small organizations are helpless — not by a mile. Most cybercriminals are just looking for a quick, easy payout. If your organization is taking reasonable precautions, hackers will move on to a more vulnerable target.

It’s true that cybersecurity tools have come a long way, but they can’t catch everything. Pair them with a staff that understands how to recognize attempts to steal their login credentials, and your risk will drop exponentially.

What’s actually going on Password habits are getting better, although far too many people are using weak or re-used passwords, even for their work accounts. But even the strongest login credentials on the planet don’t do much good if employees are giving them away, which is exactly what phishing scams are designed to get them to do.

Phishing comes in many forms and often arrives disguised as a harmless email, a helpful text, or a fun social media post designed to trick people into revealing their login credentials, account retrieval information, or other sensitive data.

And it’s actually in this area — not sophisticated hacking — where more cybercriminals have dramatically upped their game. Thanks in part to AI, the spelling errors, poor grammar, and unprofessional appearance that once characterized phishing attempts have largely been eliminated. Now it can be pretty difficult to tell a legitimate email or text from a malicious one, unless you know what to look for. And considering that roughly 90% of cyberattacks start with a simple phishing email, it’s vital that you do.

To get a sense of how similar a phishing email can look to the real thing, take our online quiz at marconet.com/spot-the-phish. If you really want a challenge, or you’d like to see how you’d actually perform against a real phishing scam, try to pay it the same amount of attention you pay to your real email inbox. For many of us, that’s skimming content as quickly as possible while we’re distracted with other things.

Simple ways to defend your organization Overconfidence is a big problem when it comes to phishing. Recent data suggests that in the absence of any training, over 33% of Americans are highly susceptible to phishing. Ongoing security awareness training can reduce that percentage down to a little over 5%, which is why this type of training is an important part of any organization’s overall defense strategy.

Employees are your business’s weakest link. So, if you haven’t already, educate your staff about the danger of phishing scams and how to recognize them. Make sure there is a documented process in place so employees know how to report phishing. Tell them what you’d like them to do if they receive a suspicious email, and if they err on the side of caution, thank them. If possible, provide simulated phishing campaigns to see if your training has been effective and make adjustments as needed.

Human beings aren’t perfect, and we all have careless moments. But we find that when we help our clients educate their staff about the dangers their organization is actually facing, they want to do their part. And the more organizations that make it harder for cybercriminals to get easy payouts, the better it is for all of us.

The views expressed are those of Kousoulas and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

 Destination

GUEST COLUMNIST

Digital challenges in manufacturing

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

Rockford to host IRONMAN 70.3 JOHN GROH, president/CEO, RACVB

Multiyear agreement will bring millions in economic impact

Athletes who train for months to reach the finish line of an endurance race often say the real win is the readiness to get started and the determination to keep going.

Our team at the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau well understands that kind of victory lap.

On a recent Monday morning, after years of working to make our region a world-class destination for sports tourism, we held a major news conference to announce Rockford will host IRONMAN 70.3 — a globally recognized long-distance race — in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

The multiyear agreement for this sought-after triathlon is the latest in the Ironman 70.3 series in North America, the eighth in its Midwest division, and an IRONMAN first for Illinois.

For Rockford, it’s exciting to be chosen by the world’s largest operator of mass-participation sports and be among the more than 200 events IRONMAN runs every year across 50 countries on six continents.

The Rockford race will draw athletes participating in their first triathlon, as well as seasoned endurance athletes trying to get their best time. The 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run is a qualifier for the 2025 Ironman 70.3 Championship in Marbella, Spain.

It’s estimated our event could bring in more than 2,500 participants and as many as 15,000 fans each of the three years.

Some of the athletes will be local, but most will come from outside the area, arriving with family and friends to cheer them on. Participants and spectators will stay in local hotels, dine in our restaurants, toast in our bars, and visit local retailers.

Over the three-year period, the positive economic impact on our community could be as high as $45 million.

Landing this opportunity required us to prove that we are capable of putting on an event of this size. Though we have the natural setting and the infrastructure needed for the race course, we had to provide detailed plans on how we were going to execute this from a logistical

and safety standpoint.

We created an interagency team that includes Winnebago County Sheriff ’s Department, the Rockford Police Department, the Rockford Fire Department, the Rockford Park District, the City of Rockford, the Village of Rockton, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development, and the YMCA of the Rock River Valley.

For example, the Winnebago County Sheriff ’s Department and the Rockford File Department will collaborate to oversee the safety of the swimmers in the Rock River.

Landing this opportunity also has us thinking back to our Big Ideas Dinner in February, where we invited four leading professionals in the tourism industry to share insights on growing a visitor economy and improving local quality of life. At that dinner were presenters from Bentonville, Arkansas; Iowa City, Iowa; Frisco, Texas; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Three of the presenters identified amateur sports and hosting semiprofessional and amateur sport competitions as key propellors of growth.

For more than 40 years, we have welcomed athletes of all types, all sports, and all abilities to our community.

Having The IRONMAN Group among our impressive list of clients, we will be able to go out and market and promote our community with even greater confidence for sports tourism and events.

As we celebrate this achievement— and count down to Sunday, June 22, 2025—our continued success will rely on an army of volunteers to cover tasks before, during, and after the race. We will need corporations, organizations, groups, and individuals to step up so we can make IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford a wonderful experience for everyone visiting our region. Please go to ironman. com/im703-rockford-illinois and choose the volunteer tab to learn more.

The views expressed are those of Groh and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

How MSPs are pivotal to success COHAN BARNES, CEO, Sundog IT

The manufacturing sector is undergoing a digital transformation, and with it comes a host of IT challenges that can make or break the success of businesses in this industry. Managed service providers (MSPs) are emerging as the linchpin for manufacturers seeking to navigate these challenges effectively.

Here’s why embracing managed IT services is not just beneficial but essential for modern manufacturing:

Protecting your data and systems In an age where cyber threats loom large, manufacturers must prioritize protecting their intellectual property and interconnected systems. MSPs offer robust cybersecurity solutions, including intrusion detection and vulnerability assessments, coupled with security awareness training for employees.

This proactive approach helps ensure manufacturers are always one step ahead of potential threats.

Bridging the IT expertise gap Technology evolves at a breakneck pace, and keeping up requires a team of skilled IT professionals. MSPs fill this gap, providing access to top-tier IT talent without the prohibitive costs associated with attracting and retaining an inhouse team. This allows manufacturers, especially smaller operations, to leverage expertise that would otherwise be out of reach.

Minimizing downtime, maximizing revenue Every minute a production line is down translates to lost revenue. MSPs minimize the risk of downtime through proactive monitoring and maintenance of IT systems, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. This reliability is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and operational

continuity. If you are ready to maximize your revenue, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with our team.

Optimizing costs Managed IT services offer a predictable monthly cost structure, eliminating the need for large capital investments in IT infrastructure. MSPs also help optimize existing systems, which can lead to significant savings and a more streamlined operation.

Ensuring scalability and agility Market demands can be unpredictable, but MSPs ensure that manufacturers’ IT systems are ready to adapt. Whether it’s rapid growth or seasonal fluctuations, MSPs provide scalable services that adjust resources as needed, ensuring seamless support and uninterrupted service.

Planning for the future Beyond day-to-day support, MSPs offer strategic consulting to help manufacturers assess their current IT landscape, identify areas for improvement, and develop a technology roadmap that aligns with their business objectives.

This forward-thinking approach is key to driving long-term growth and innovation.

Managed IT services are not just a support function; they are a strategic partner in the manufacturing industry’s quest for efficiency, security, and growth. By partnering with an MSP, manufacturers gain a competitive edge, unlocking the full potential of their IT systems and ensuring they are wellequipped to face the challenges of the digital age.

The views expressed are those of Barnes and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

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GUEST COLUMNIST

Rockford area housing, then and now LARRY HOLEN, general manager, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

From underwater mortgage capital to America’s top housing market

Time has a way of repairing old

I-90), major metro areas (Chicago and

wounds, and I am old enough to

Milwaukee), and two hub airports make

remember when Rockford was named

Rockford an ideal and affordable location

the “Underwater Mortgage Capital of

for

America”. This wound was deep and

Significant infrastructure investments

affected thousands of homeowners for

in our airport, medical facilities, schools

years. Many feared the Great Recession

and park system all contributed to attract

from 2008 was the death knell of our fine

buyers to our community.

city. How could we ever recover?

business

and

homeownership.

Now, 2024 is a real estate market like

To understand where we are, we must

no other. The Wall Street Journal, which

first look from where we came. And our

only 16 years earlier gave Rockford the

hometown has come a long way. Through

dubious distinction of “Underwater

the years, Rockford has fallen victim to

Mortgage Capital of America”, is now

recession, job losses, companies closing,

calling us “America’s Top Housing

high property taxes and falling real estate

Market.”

values, with 2011 as a low point. For sale

Most recently, market-wide home

signs were everywhere and buyers were

sales for Winnebago, Boone and Ogle

on the sidelines. The average home sale

counties increased 7% from the same

price fell to $107,050, houses were on

period last year. Our average days on

the market an average of 137 days, and

market is down to 26. The average price is

nearly a third of all homes listed never

up 14.4%, or a gain of $25,000 compared

sold.

to the same period last year. The benefits

Fast forward to 2017, the city of

of homeownership have never been

Rockford used a grant to acquire and

more propitious. While these statistics

demolish blighted homes in an effort

show dramatic improvement, the market

to strengthen neighborhoods. Banks

suffers from higher interest rates and a

were lending, jobs were coming back,

lack of available inventory. Buyers are

and the housing market was slowly

competing with dozens of other buyers to

starting to improve. The city of Rockford

find homes that meet their specific needs

cut property taxes by more than 35%.

with many becoming discouraged and

Additionally, the city partnered with

choosing rentals instead of purchasing.

Habitat for Humanity and instituted

Realtors, partnering with lenders, are at

a

home

lower

repair

income

program,

helping

the forefront to help buyers negotiate the

homeowners

make

best price and terms to reach a successful

critical repairs to their property. New

sale. It’s no secret that now is a great time

construction was granted three years of

to sell, with an abundance of buyers and

property tax rebates and permitting fees

prices at all-time highs.

were waived.

The story of Rockford is still being

During the pandemic, the Federal

written, with each year bringing new

Government and the Federal Reserve

opportunities and challenges. But I am

kept interest rates at historic lows, government stimulus was flowing, and the housing market caught fire. For the

confident in our ability to make our city a great place to live, work and learn.

first time in decades, Rockford real estate

Dickerson Nieman has an established staff

demand and valuations were exceeding

of real estate brokers with specialties in

expectations. Many Americans were

residential sales, property management

working from home, children stayed

and commercial transactions. Its brokers

home for school, and everyone needed

are actively involved in the community,

a larger space to live, work and learn.

with many serving in elected office, on

Rockford was identified as an area where

local boards, and in community and

property values and the cost of living

civic organizations, including the Greater

were affordable.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce. This

During

this

time,

Rockford

year, Dickerson Nieman celebrates its

was quietly writing a great story of

60th anniversary as a locally owned and

recovery. Realtors worked closely with

managed company.

municipalities and other local leaders to tell the story of how Rockford is a great

The views expressed are those of Holen and

place to live and work. Our proximity

do not necessarily represent those of the

to major travel corridors (I-39 and

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

diploma while gaining career skills across multiple employment fields.

Looking forward, O’Keefe outlined plans to use the new library space for exhibitions and events that enrich cultural awareness and community engagement.

She expressed excitement about future possibilities, including partnerships with more local businesses and educational institutions to further enhance the library’s impact. There are also plans to expand RPL’s mobile library program by adding a new vehicle, which will loan Chromebooks and internet hot spots to Rockford residents.

Infrastructure and urban development Hinkens provided a glimpse into Rockford’s ambitious infrastructure projects. Detailing the capital improvements program (CIP), he articulated the city’s commitment to sustainable growth, community-centric urban planning, and enhancing the urban landscape.

Highlighting recent successes, Hinkens pointed to the Charles Street reconstruction project, which revitalized the roadway and introduced a multi-use path to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety and foster community connectivity.

Hinkens said the path, which offers more inclusive transportation options, is the first of many planned for the city.

Hinkens noted that, during community listening sessions, residents

9

asked repeatedly that the city focus on fixing and maintaining current infrastructure before investing in new developments. As a result, the city is implementing a pavement preservation program to extend the lifespan of roads by addressing deterioration early.

Looking forward, Hinkens outlined a series of upcoming projects ranging from neighborhood street improvements to major arterial reconstructions designed to enhance traffic flow and accommodate diverse modes of transportation.

In addition to roadway projects, Rockford is also prioritizing critical infrastructure such as bridge replacements and stormwater management.

By aligning investments with public priorities and leveraging innovative solutions, Rockford will sustainably enhance its infrastructure while meeting the evolving needs of its growing population.

Looking ahead The GRCC plays a pivotal role in driving community engagement and economic development through events like The Update. By providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration, the GRCC empowers its members to actively shape Rockford’s future.

For information about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, visit https://business.rockfordchamber.com/ event-calendar.

10

SPECIAL SECTION

(continued from the front page)

published and released in June, sheds light on these questions. Here are some of the key findings:

THE DATA • Relationship between economic and equity factors and EDI outcomes. Correlative data between demographic and EDI data show a clear relationship between economic and equity factors and vulnerabilities in young children, with the percentage of children vulnerable in one or more domains.

• Domestic violence and EDI outcomes.

Correlative neighborhood data between the neighborhood saturations of domestic violence calls per annum and EDI survey show a direct relationship between the percentage of children vulnerable in one or more domains and the number of domestic violence calls reported.

PARENT AND CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE Surveys of parents and caregivers of children under the age of five showed many of the patterns reported throughout the country during the pandemic for families in Rockford.

• Interruptions in early childhood program opportunities.

A combined 62% of parents and caregivers reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic their child(ren) experienced a decrease in attendance in early childhood programs, with 32.1% of children staying home.

The Workforce & Education Issue

• Changes in job status. Nearly 38% of parents and caregivers reported that they worked fewer hours, were laid off, or quit their job. Only 24% reported working the same number of hours.

• Family mobility. Nearly 19% of families reported moving to another neighborhood during the pandemic.

• Changes in access to social services.

Parents and caregivers reported a significant increase in access to SNAP, food pantry services, and Medicaid. These increases suggest changes in income, food security and/or health insurance access, likely related to the reports of job status disruption.

• Decrease in self-care and wellness.

Parents and caregivers reported decreases in some key areas of wellness, with 46% of respondents reporting a decrease in connection with friends and family, 58% reporting a decrease in time for themselves, and 46% reporting a decrease in physical activity per week.

• Increase in time spent with children. Conversely, parents and caregivers reported increases in time spent engaging in developmentally constructive activities with their young children, such as playing with their children (59%) and reading books with their children (46%).

EXPERIENCE OF CHILDREN Parents and caregivers reported that their children participated more in family-related activities at home, such as assisting with household tasks, expressing their feelings, and reading

August 2024

alone or with family members during the height of the pandemic.

• Reading alone or with family members. More than 50% of respondents reported that their child(ren) spent more time reading book during the pandemic • Helping around the house and engaging in healthy interactions: Nearly 40% of respondents reported that their children spent more time assisting in household or neighborhood tasks, and 34.5% reported that their children expressed their feelings, both positive and negative, with the caregiver more often than before the pandemic.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS We can connect the data found in the change-over-time report to strategic policy and advocacy opportunities.

• Responsive community interventions.

Given the correlations between early childhood developmental readiness and economic and equity factors, there is a clear mandate for targeted interventions in neighborhoods with higher vulnerabilities. Programs focused on enhancing social competence and addressing the equity barriers of underrepresented groups are particularly urgent.

• Policy and resource allocation to families of young children.

Research shows, and the insights from this report support, that increased at-home time interacting with parents and primary caregivers correlates to decreases in developmental vulnerabilities.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com Programs and policies that support increases in these opportunities should be considered and prioritized.

• Long-term community engagement. The findings of this report advocate for sustained and deepened community engagement to continuously assess and respond to the evolving needs of children and families in the Rockford area.

The return on investment for efforts to increase developmental readiness and decrease vulnerabilities in children ages 0-5 ranges from $714 saved for every $1 invested.

Supporting families with young children is a priority for legislators, business and community leaders, and service providers.

Supporting early childhood development is not just a social responsibility but also an economic imperative. The future workforce and community leaders are among today’s young children, and investing in their development will yield significant returns for Rockford’s business community and society as a whole. By working together, we can ensure that all children can develop their full potential, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for our community.

The Ready to Learn Covid Impact report is available online at alignmentrockford.org or in person at Alignment Rockford or Region 1 Planning Council.

The views expressed are those of Klonicki and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. v

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

The Workforce & Education Issue

GUEST COLUMNIST

Truancy affects more than just students

The U.S. education system is experiencing a fundamental problem: kids are not going to school. Chronic absenteeism (typically defined as missing 10% of days in a school year for any reason, excused or unexcused) has ballooned since the pandemic, jumping from 15% in 2018 to 28% in 2022.

Chronic absenteeism has obvious impacts on students’ academic outcomes – if students aren’t in school, they aren’t learning. Students who are chronically absent are significantly less likely to read at grade level and graduate high school.

Chronic absenteeism also negatively affects more than just students, and the effects should be of particular concern to the business community. Attendance declines are linked to unfavorable school outcomes, including increased high school dropout rates, lower levels of social engagement, and weaker literacy skills.

Additionally, when students do not go to school, they do not develop the durable skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

Community coalitions interested in the success of their students have proven effective in addressing many issues, including chronic absenteeism.

Organizations like Attendance Works share concrete ways that business leaders can begin tackling this issue in their communities. To start, consider these actions: Encourage the district superintendent to track and publish chronic absenteeism data.

Districts must be transparent about chronic absenteeism so schools, families, and community partners can determine the root causes and implement early intervention measures. Rhode Island’s Student Attendance Leaderboard and Richmond Public Schools’ Attendance Tracker are models of how states or districts can share such data, allowing school, community, and business leaders to identify students most at risk of being chronically absent and intervene.

Double down on career-connected learning for all students.

Students are more likely to show up when they feel their learning is relevant to their future. Careerconnected learning promotes strong attendance, engagement, and academic achievement. Recognizing this, business leaders can play a crucial role in scaling existing programs and facilitating new opportunities for students to forge durable links between what they learn in

school and their professional interests.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) network exemplifies this approach, connecting students with employers through sponsored challenges that address real business problems. This exposure to new skills and career paths demonstrates the practical benefits of career-connected learning. To support and expand such initiatives, the U.S. Department of Education’s Unlocking Career Success initiative compiles best practices, resources, and grant opportunities for communities looking to increase access to career-connected learning. This initiative equips both educators and business leaders with tools to implement effective careerconnected learning programs in their communities.

A fresh look at my town Seeing Rockford through the eyes of a visitor HANNAH HAGGESTAD

I just finished my freshman year at the

the typical coastal person’s complete

University of Southern California (USC)

ignorance of the Midwest. Well, she saw

in Los Angeles. When I was asked to

the Midwest for the first time, and, in a

write a brief essay about what I learned,

profound way, so did I.

what surprised me is that it took leaving

On her very first day in Rockford,

Rockford and the Midwest to fully

she marveled at the green and lush

appreciate the things I always took for

landscape. I laughed when she said it

granted. California, for many, including

was like a rainforest, but she was serious.

me, is the mythological promised land.

With childlike wonder, she ran through

Happiness was Rockford in the rearview

my backyard the first night chasing

mirror when I left town. I thought I

fireflies. Why? She’d only seen fireflies in

was going on to something bigger and, therefore, better than Rockford. It’s not that simple.

Yes, USC and L.A. are everything I imagined. There is constant sunshine, palm trees, trendy restaurants, and world class beaches nearby. I have loved

Partner with the district to build strong school-to-work pathways.

every second of my college experience so

The need to work and contribute to household income is a major barrier to attending school for many students.

Paid internships for career exploration, programs that allow students to earn credit and gain work experience, and flexible schedules for students in and out of school can reduce the likelihood that a student needs to choose between school or work.

classmates are (now) NBA basketball

Use your network to raise awareness of and urgency around the issue.

Chronic absenteeism is a multifaceted issue that requires the support of the whole community to mitigate.

Local government, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and other community stakeholders can take key actions to make it easier for students to get to school.

Talking to employees, displaying posters, or encouraging your network to volunteer can help spread the message and engage the full community. Connecticut’s Learner Engagement and Attendance Program is an excellent example of stakeholders coming together to better understand the root causes of chronic absenteeism and address each student’s individual needs.

Until students are in school and motivated to learn, efforts to help students recover from the pandemic will not be successful. The business community has the most to gain by addressing absenteeism now and stands to lose the most if it does not.

Kyle Butler is senior manager of K-12 education programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

11

GUEST COLUMNIST

A community approach to chronic absenteeism KYLE BUTLER, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

SPECIAL SECTION

far. It’s surreal going to a school where players (Bronny James), pop stars, and actors in your favorite Netflix shows. For parents’ weekend, I attended a family weekend event (okay, it was a frat party) where Will Ferrel was the DJ because his son attends USC. Besides spotting an occasional celebrity on my walks to class, my schedule consists of going to lectures and trying new restaurants on the weekends. It’s a charmed life.

With all of that, I’ll say something very cliché—it took leaving home to appreciate home. And it’s the little things; it’s always the little things. When I walk down the sidewalk in Rockford, strangers say hello and drivers wave. Dog owners stop to let me pet their dogs. We are so wonderfully Midwestern in Rockford, with all that encompasses. In contrast, Los Angelenos avoid eye contact. There is not a warm smile in sight. When a dog passes, the owner yanks it to the other side so there is no chance of them stopping. Unexpectedly, I missed the Midwest kindness that I have grown so fond of but had not appreciated until now.

What really opened my eyes, however, was when my best friend at USC, Ella, who lives in an affluent suburb of L.A.,

the movies. She caught her very first fish, a largemouth bass from Keith Creek. She and her proud father posted the picture of her big catch on social media.

From there, it just kept getting better.

She had the world’s best dessert, an Unusual from Zammuto’s. She had lunch on the dock at Prairie Street Brewery, amazed at the Rock River, which is by far the biggest river she had ever seen in her life. Again, she was amazed that we are blessed with water and green leaves everywhere. She had her very first cheese curds at Abreo. Blew her away. (Do you realize there are people in the U.S. who are so sheltered as to be living in a curdless wasteland?) Ella took a picture of downtown Cherry Valley because she said it looked like a movie set of what a cute Hallmark town would look like.

She is right, but I never noticed before.

I could give another dozen examples, but you get the point.

On her final night in Rockford, we came downtown for the July 4 fireworks. She had never seen fireworks in person. Why? Because fireworks are not allowed in her hometown, even on July 4, because of the wildfire risks in Southern California. The fireworks show was incredible. The sight of thousands of Rockfordians of all backgrounds coming together as a community to celebrate the blessings we have in the U.S., was a fitting end to Ella’s visit.

Do I look forward to going back to L.A. in August? Sure. But I also vow to appreciate what I have here in Rockford.

It’s a lesson and an aspect of my education that I’ll never forget.

agreed to spend a week with me in

The views expressed are those of Haggestad

Rockford this summer. I was worried

and do not necessarily represent those

that she would be disappointed. She had

of the Greater Rockford Chamber of

never traveled east of Las Vegas, with

Commerce.

12

SPECIAL SECTION

The Workforce & Education Issue

profile profile

MEMBER PROFILE

Paul Nolley, Project First Rate

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

Navigating back-to-school deals Beware of scammers

By Better Business Bureau

Nicholas Conservatory, BMOHarris Bank Center, Rock Valley College, and more. They are also active in the community, helping build projects for Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Family Peace Center, among others.

Nolley’s goal with PFR is to increase awareness of trade careers through apprenticeship programs,

public

advocacy,

and community outreach. In Paul Nolley, is the passionate executive director of Project First Rate (PFR), a nonprofit partnership between union contractors and tradespeople to promote and advance the construction industry.

A

Rockford-area

native,

Nolley

grew up with a father who worked as a mechanic and advised him to not pursue a career in the trades because of the physical demands and limited income potential. This well-intentioned fatherly advice ultimately led Nolley to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science and English from Illinois State University, Nolley did internships with nonprofits in Bloomington-Normal and worked odd jobs, including being a cook.

Nolley’s break came when he was hired as an organizer for a local political campaign.

That

experience

opened

doors to a position at YMCA, where he worked in fundraising and grant writing.

He went on to work with at United Way and Habitat for Humanity as his career progressed.

While earning his master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University, a leadership position with PFR offered Nolley a unique opportunity to blend his extensive nonprofit background with his personal knowledge of the trades.

“My dad’s perspective was that his type of trade work was physically demanding

his role, he leads the day-today operations and spends much of his time working directly with community

Many consumers plan their back-to-

partners, educators, and elected officials.

school shopping around retail holiday’s,

Nolley not only wants to expand opportunities for young people, he’s also passionate about increasing access to trade careers for underrepresented groups.

To accomplish this goal, Nolley helped create and fund a volunteer-led organization, Tradeswomen United of Northwestern Illinois, to recruit, retrain, and support women in trade occupations.

His hard work is paying off – this year’s

Prime Days and Labor Day sales. As a proactive measure, that’s a great plan, especially if your goal is to outwit scammers. However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns parents still need to be cautious while spending their hardearned dollars.

“It’s a short window that parents have between vacations, jobs, and getting the needed shopping done to prepare their kids for the new school year,” said Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford

apprenticeship applicant pool is the most

Regional Office of the BBB. “Scammers

diverse ever.

make it their business to follow those

Nolley’s

chamber

membership

through PFR has allowed him to connect with other Rockford area business and organizational leaders to help PFR succeed and reach its goals in support of the community.

“The chamber provides many useful programs and opportunities to engage with the region’s business community,” Nolley said. “A couple of years ago, the chamber gave me the opportunity to speak at an educational luncheon. It was great to have a platform to speak about my organization and the work we’re doing to build awareness of union trade careers Nolley’s achievements with PFR are built on a foundation of community and

parents.”

Back-to-school and college spending is a pot of gold for scammers. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects spending will reach more than $81 billion this year. That figure is only slightly higher than last year. Most spending will include clothing and accessories, shoes, school supplies, electronics and

computer-

related equipment.

“In Illinois, there is no reduced sales tax on school-related purchases,” said Horton. “Beware of offers that claim to be able to provide that.”

BBB offers advice to help shoppers obtain the best deals and avoid getting

in the region.”

support

dates, so they are prepared to rip-off

engagement

with

organizations like the GRCC. Through

and, at the time, offered limited benefits to

networking, advocacy, and member

its workers,” Nolley said. “But now there

support, Nolley’s access to a robust

are opportunities that you can pursue

collaborative network is helping propel

with union trades that have much better

PFR’s efforts forward.

pay and benefits. At Project First Rate, we

“I’m lucky to have been able to progress

act as a resource and educator to let people

over time to do new things and work with

know that these opportunities exist.”

great people,” Nolley said. “I feel fortunate

ripped-off: • Research big ticket items. Whether your children are learning in-person, at school, or online from home, technology has come to the forefront in recent years. When buying new equipment, check with your child’s school to learn about any technical requirements.

• Before

purchasing

an

expensive

laptop, tablet, or computer accessories, research

the

brands,

warranty,

A longtime chamber member, PFR’s

that my work at PFR and involvement

union contractors and tradespeople

in the chamber has been positive and

have built some of the region’s most

contributes toward building community

to look up the retailer’s reputation on

noteworthy buildings, such as the

in the Rockford region.”

BBB.org.

customer reviews, and prices of various stores for the best deal. Be sure

• Finish your shopping early. Shop now to avoid paying higher prices or encountering a last-minute scam.

• Shop with familiar retailers. Laptops, tablets, or other tech accessories can be a significant investment. Shop with businesses you know and trust to ensure you’re getting a quality product and good customer service.

• Don’t buy from impostors. Fraudsters may use the name, logo, and other characteristics of brands you trust.

Closely examine the website to verify that they are who they say they are.

• Approach low prices with caution.

Low prices and short-term sales could be a sign you’ve encountered a scam.

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• When shopping online, be wary of “clickbait” ads which feature items that imply you may want or need them based on your search history.

Scammers could be trying to drive you to a different website to potentially steal personal information.

• Ask for a discount. Many stores and software companies offer discounts.

Some are available to students with either an “.edu” email address or a student ID. • Deal with secure websites. These will begin with “HTTPS” and have a lock symbol on the address bar.

Additionally, the BBB has more help for parents on its back-to-school shopping hub.

For more information If you have experienced a scam, even if you didn’t lose money, report it to BBB. org/ScamTracker. Sign up for BBB’s free consumer newsletter, BBB Edge, at BBB. org/ChicagoBuzz. Visit BBB.org or follow us @ChicagoBBB on social media.

The views expressed are those of the Better Business Bureau and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

The Workforce & Education Issue

SPECIAL SECTION

GUEST COLUMNISTS

as well as their peer relationships. It highlights the level of support and connection students feel in various environments.

Like the EDI, the MDI aggregates assets and needs by census tract, creating a community perspective of youth experiences that can help educators, parents, and policymakers better understand and address the needs of children in their middle years, promoting their overall well-being and success.

The information from the MDI will help identify trends and patterns at a community level, informing responsive school- and community-based actions through the Healing Centered Student Support project with Alignment Rockford.

The data will also offer a life course view of how developmental readiness at the kindergarten level connects with the self-reported health and well-being of students in the middle years, as the students who took the MDI this year are in the same class cohort as the initial 2019 EDI survey.

Together, these powerful information sets can help drive change in the community and region. If you would like to explore the Alignment Rockford data, please visit alignmentrockford.org today and signed up to receive newsletter updates about issues affecting youth in Rockford.

Join RPS and Alignment Rockford in being part of the solution for our future.

Supporting youth in Rockford EMILY KLONICKI, Alignment Rockford, and HEIDI DETTMAN, RPS 205

Introducing the Middle Development Instrument (MDI)

Alignment Rockford and Rockford Public Schools (RPS) imagine a community that puts children first.

Here’s what we are doing, and why.

In collaboration with Alignment Rockford, the Rockford Public School District has participated in two Early Development Instrument (EDI) kindergarten surveys. Since the first survey in 2019, the community data from the EDI has helped shape early childhood programs in the Rockford area.

At the end of the 2023-24 school year, RPS piloted a new survey, the Middle Development Instrument (MDI), which measures the health and well-being of middle-grade students across five critical domains.

The MDI, developed by the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, is part of the Child Development Monitoring System. The system includes five questionnaires spanning

critical developmental periods from toddlerhood to secondary school. These questionnaires gather comprehensive data from parents, teachers, and children to explore individual, family, and community factors influencing children’s development.

The MDI specifically assesses wellbeing, health, and development in grades 4 through 8, providing population-level data on student-reported experiences.

By offering evidence-based insights, the Monitoring System data aid in policy development and implementation, supporting cross-sector collaboration and capacity-building initiatives to better support children and families.

The MDI measures well-being across critical developmental domains:

Connectedness This area assesses the quality of children’s relationships with adults at home, at school, and in the community,

School experiences The MDI examines students’ sense of belonging, safety, and engagement at school. It looks at their relationships with teachers and peers, as well as their overall attitudes towards school and learning.

Physical health and well-being This includes measures of physical health, such as nutrition, sleep, and exercise. It also looks at health-related behaviors and the overall physical wellbeing of the students.

Use of after-school time This section gathers information on how students spend their time after school, including participation in organized activities, screen time, and other leisure activities. It helps understand the balance between structured and unstructured time.

Providing valuable insights into the holistic development of children, the data from the MDI highlights areas of strength and identifies areas where additional support may be needed so that our community can understand the needs of our youth and take responsive action to support them.

13

The views expressed are those of Klonicki and Dettman and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Register for the 2024/2025 Class online at rockfordchamber.com

Let your Voice be heard The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce ­welcomes and encourages member submissions for The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding p ­ ublication date. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE - Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101 For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100. The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 350, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

14

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

member pics

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center celebrated the dedication of their new Pavilion with a ribbon cutting June 12, 2024.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful celebrated 35 years of service to the community with a ribbon cutting on June 27, 2024.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

15

August 2024

in the news

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Greater Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Tom Ormseth

2. Brian Mork

3. Makena Masterson

4. Dylan Rivera

5. Fr. Bobby Blood

6. Bryant Salamone

7. Brynn Voss

8. James Borchardt

9. Gordon Wright

10. Julio Pitre

11. Michael Zielinski

12. Aisha S. MoeLindvall

13. James T. Zuba

14. Cheryl Davis

15. Amber Frantz

16. Torraine Hill

17. Lori Radean

18. Amer Rasheed, MD

20. Jared Lyford

21. Michael Cyrs

BOARD APPOINTMENTS YMCA Northwestern Illinois welcomed new board members Ana Montoya, Laura Pomerene, Jennifer Callison, Jeff Hamaker, and Tammy Zurfluh.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS, DEATHS Midland States Bank welcomed Tom Ormseth (1) as chief deposit officer.

Studio GWA welcomed new team members Brian Mork (2), project manager; Makena Masterson (3), designer; and Dylan Rivera (4), designer.

Boylan Catholic High School welcomed Fr. Bobby Blood (5) as assistant principal and spiritual director, and Bryant Salamone (6) as dean of students.

Rock Valley Credit Union (RVCU) welcomed Mark D’Angelo as vice president of innovation and

technology, and Michael Tilka as marketing specialist. Ann Kossman assumed the role of business development specialist.

Brynn Voss (7), customer care specialist, joined Rockford Mutual Insurance Company.

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. named James Borchardt (8) and Gordon Wright (9) co-chairs of the firm’s intellectual property practice.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center announced Diane Scoville as director of oncology services for its Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care.

Julio Pitre (10) joined Geronimo Hospitality Group as the general manager of Henry Dorrbaker’s.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra hired Michael Zielinski (11) as development director.

Share Your News With Us! Promotions, New Hires, Retirements, Big Wins... we want it all! Email us your news at editor@rockfordchamber.com

The law firm WilliamsMcCarthy LLP hired associate Aisha S. Moe-Lindvall (12) and James T. Zuba (13), who specializes in family law.

Larson & Darby Group added architects Alan Hulstedt and Jamie Williams as new shareholders. The firm also welcomed new staff members Steve Viederis as senior architectural designer, Yavuz Ozguner and Vidhi Shah as architectural designers, and Madilyn Lantz as marketing coordinator.

First Mid Insurance Group welcomed Cheryl Davis (14) as a senior solutions account executive, serving communities within the First Mid footprint in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth welcome Amer Rasheed (18), MD, interventional radiologist, to the staff at Mercyhealth Heart and Vascular Center–Riverside, 8201 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Fehr Graham debuted on the Engineering News-Record Midwest Top Design Firm List, ranking No. 60.

Forest City Gear, an industryleading manufacturer of fine and medium pitch custom gears, congratulates Jared Lyford (19) on 20 years of service and thanks him for his long-term dedication to the company.

Savant Wealth Management, a fee-only registered investment First National Bank and Trust adviser (RIA), announced that welcomed Amber Frantz (15) Michael Cyrs (20) JD, CFP®, as vice president, cash manageMBA, senior director of wealth ment officer. transfer, is now a member of the Engineering Enterprises, Inc., a leading civil engineering and land Florida Bar Association. surveying firm, hired Torraine Paul and Paula McCann, owners Hill (16) as CAD technician. of Stanley Steemer of Rockford, Lori Radean (17) was promoted to senior sales manager for the Beloit market for Geronimo Hospitality Group.

along with general manager, Nick Birch, congratulate Shamika Earley (above), office manager, on 20 years of service.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, helped the City of Centralia secure an $883,702 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to improve its infrastructure.

Initiatives in support of YWCA’s YW TechLab program, an initiative to improve job training programs and increase access to digital skills for women, people of color, and underserved individuals.

Chartwell Agency, an awardwinning marketing firm based in northern Illinois, recently developed a new brand and website for SwedishAmerican Health Foundation, the philanthropic giving arm of UW Health in northern Illinois. The organization raises money to fund local facilities, services and investments necessary to save lives and deliver remarkable healthcare close to home.

Midwest Engineering, a 34-person engineering firm based in East Peoria, merged with Fehr Graham. Midwest Engineering co-owners, Robert Culp, PE, CFM, and David Horton, PE, chose Fehr Graham because the two firms share a focus on providing value and innovative solutions to clients. For Fehr Graham, Midwest Engineering’s established structural and transportation engineering services, combined with expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, align with strategic growth objectives.

Nonprofits serving Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago County are invited to apply for Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ (CFNIL) Community Grants program.

Applications must be completed via CFNIL’s online grant portal by 5p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15. Award announcements will be made the week of Nov. 18. Visit cfnil.org/ community for more details.

The Rockford IceHogs received the Award of Excellence for Community Service Excellence for the AHL’s 17-team Western Conference at the American Hockey League 2024 Awards Gala. The award recognizes the IceHogs’ outstanding community relations efforts for the 2023-24 season. Last summer, the IceHogs Community Fund awarded $100,000 in grants, plus an additional $27,000 from the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, to nine local organizations for the 2023-24 grant term. The largest grant was a $34,000 award to support the Rockford Park District’s “Junior StreetHogs,” an outreach program designed to eliminate barriers that often prevent children from learning to play ice hockey.

YWCA Northwestern Illinois was awarded a $100,000 Impact Grant

by Northern Illinois Community

Pierce Distribution, a trailblazer in the third-party logistics and distribution industry, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. With locations in five states and a dedicated workforce exceeding 400 employees, the company has grown far beyond its packaging roots.

Forest City Gear, an industry-leading manufacturer of fine and medium pitch custom gears, renewed their contract with Safety Management & Training in southern Wisconsin.

At the 2024 DKI conference in May, LDR Cleaning & Restoration (LDR) received the Founder’s Award for organizations that have been a member of DKI for 25+ years.

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County was awarded a $50,000 subgrant by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative to improve our community’s tree canopy.

The Mercyhealth Development Foundation’s annual Golf Play Day raised more than $20,000, thanks to the support of golfers, volunteers and corporate sponsors. The charity outing was held Friday, May 17, at the Beloit Club and attracted

Greater Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

144 Mercyhealth Development Foundation supporters.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois donated $8,625 to Nik’s Wish as part of their Community Grants program.

First Mid Insurance Group (FMIG) acquired Mid Rivers Insurance Group, one of the highest-growth agencies in the St. Louis market.

With multiple locations in Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area and Jefferson City, the acquisition positions FMIG as a predominant agency in Missouri for personal and commercial insurance.

Stenstrom Construction Group was certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

RAMP received a grant of $4,950 from The Foundation for Northwest Illinois to provide ableism training and disability awareness to first responders and city officials in Freeport, enhancing understanding and responsiveness to the needs of individuals with disabilities within emergency response scenarios and municipal governance contexts.

A $10,800 grant from the Mill Foundation will help Rockford Rescue Mission serve more than 5,000 free meals to needy children. The Mission serves more than 400 nourishing, hot meals every day to individuals and families in need. The Mill Foundation is a Loves Park based, not-for-profit organization that provides funding to programs and organizations that benefit the Rockford region’s disadvantaged youth.

On June 12, 2024, the Winnebago County 4-H & Extension Foundation celebrated 50 years of partnership providing financial support for Winnebago County 4-H and other University of Illinois Extension programs in the county.

Chartwell Agency recently collaborated with Highland

Community College to modernize its recruitment approach with a concise 12-page viewbook.

Fehr Graham, secured the No. 83 spot on Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List, making this its third consecutive year on the roster and the ninth time the firm has earned a place on the list.

Forest City Gear maintained annual Nadcap accreditation for nondestructive testing. After receiving Nadcap accreditation last year, Forest City Gear began providing magnetic particle inspection (MPI) onsite, rather than outsourcing to a third-party provider. MPI is a nondestructive test employed to identify surface and shallow subsurface discontinuities.

Special Olympics Illinois- Region A is seeking volunteers to help with upcoming bowling competitions at Cherry Bowl in Rockford. Bowling is one of the most popular sports at Special Olympics, and many local athletes will be competing. Volunteer roles include assisting on lanes and helping with results and awards.

Volunteers are needed for the following dates and times: Saturday, Aug. 17, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and noon – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and noon – 3:30 p.m.

To register, go to https://bit.ly/ RegionA-Vol. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Northern Illinois, now has two electric mobility scooters for guest use. Made possible through a grant from The Blazer Foundation, the new electric mobility scooters are available for daily checkout and use by visitors to the 155-acre arboretum and botanic garden. With over 1.4 miles of paved, accessible paths, there is a tremendous amount to explore for visitors of all ages and abilities. The two scooters are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

AUGUST

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 & WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7 7th Annual Educators’ Summit, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., City First Church, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Two-day training presented by regional subject matter experts to equip educators and youth-serving professionals with the knowledge and tools to support youth exposed to trauma. Enjoy networking with regional colleagues and local providers. The summit is free for all.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 OrthoIllinois Educational Event, 9 – 11 a.m., OrthoIllinois, 5875 East Riverside Blvd., Rockford. This event is targeted to self-funded employers in and around Winnebago County who are frustrated with the cost of their health insurance program and are looking for a better solution for their employees and their bottom-line. Space is limited, so please register online at www.gocgo.com/ rockford-event-2024.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 Friday Night Flix: Shrek, 6:30 p.m., Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Cars & Coffee, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Rockford Barbell, 114 S Franklin, Byron. Enjoy vendors, 50/50, raffles, a bouncy house, live music, coffee, and food at the 3rd Annual Paul Stage Car Show and Fundraiser at the Sweetbean cafe.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 Everything’s Coming Up Roses Opening Reception, 4 – 8 p.m., Sinnissippi Rose Garden, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford. Be among the first to enjoy this art display showcasing artwork inspired by the 100-year-old Sinnissippi Rose Garden, and meet the artists who created it.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 Celebrate Success, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Carpenter’s Place, 7910 Newburg Rd., Rockford. This year’s theme is The Power of Community, highlighting success stories and the powerful impact the community plays in working with those we serve. Event includes a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. All event proceeds benefit Carpenter’s Place and the work they do in helping individuals and families rebuild their lives. Tickets cost $55/person. Table sponsorships (8 persons per table) begin at $500. Lunch will be provided by Greenfire and dessert donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 Winnebago County Fair, 500 West 1st Street, Pecatonica. The Winnebago County Fair is about celebrating community, friends, families, and agriculture. Since 1921, they’ve been educating youth around the values of agriculture and providing exciting entertainment for families to enjoy. Find all full line-up of activities, events, and more at www.winnebagocountyfair.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 50th Anniversary Soirée, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Celebrate 50 years as Rockford’s history museum transports guests back to the early 1900s in the Victorian Village. Festivities will feature historic figures, live music from Grand Groove Hotel, refreshing libations, and a sumptuous meal from Greenfire based on popular tastes of the era. Proceeds support history education at Midway Village Museum.

August 2024

17

Greater Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 RAMP Annual River Run, 6:30 a.m., Rockford City Market Pavilion, 116 N. Market Street, Rockford. A family friendly event that includes a certified half marathon and 5K as well as a 3K run/walk. Register at 815riverrun.com.

Campfire & Constellations, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Rd., Rockford. With the Perseids meteor shower active until August 24, experience a night of light with Atwood staff. Start around a campfire and end with stargazing. It is recommended participants bring a blanket. All ages are welcome.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 Alfalfa Fest, 2 – 10 p.m., Farmers Rising, 1560 Rockton Road, Caledonia. Alfalfa Festival is a gathering of live music, friends and fun in support of Farmers Rising’s education programming.

Water Pollution Reduction Plantings hosted by Region 1 Planning Council, 8 a.m.

– 5:30 p.m., Park-Er-Woods, 6700 Claremont St., Rockford. Get involved in actively reducing local water pollution. Volunteers are needed to plant native vegetation at watershed sites in Park-Er Woods and Ken Rock Park this summer. To sign up, go to r1planning.org, navigate to the calendar and click on the event date of your choice.

SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Sporting Clays for Scouting, benefiting Blackhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2 p.m., Camp Lowden, 2820 McFarland Rd, Rockford. Enjoy premier Friday afternoon flight, followed by a steak dinner and drinks. Register at blackhawkscouting.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Sporting Clays for Scouting benefiting Blackhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Camp Lowden, 2820 McFarland Rd, Rockford.

Enjoy a porkchop lunch after the Saturday morning flight or before the afternoon flight. Register at blackhawkscouting.org.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists) – Super Soil, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Pecatonica Library, 400 W. 11th St., Pecatonica. Learn about nature at Wee Nats, a fun, interactive program for youth ages four to seven. Learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. Register for this free event at go.illinois. edu/WeeNatsPec.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Accessible Adventures: A Field Day For All, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford. RAMP, Friends of Jon, and the Rockford Park District host an accessible field day for individuals with disabilities and their families. Accessible activities include a canoemobile, a ten-person canoe that travels the country and allows everyone to enjoy the outdoors. There will be food trucks, a resource fair, Birds of Prey show, and more. Register for free tickets at give.classy.org/Adventures-for-All.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Lifescape Community Services’ Senior Expo, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Rock Valley College PE Center, 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford. Registration is open for businesses and organizations in fields such as healthcare, insurance, senior living, banking, financial management, estate planning, transportation, funeral planning, veterans’ services, government, nonprofits, nutrition, and exercise. For more information and to register, please visit lifescapeservices.org/lifescape-senior-expo-2024.

Organizers expect 1200-2000 older adults and their family members to attend.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2024

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in June 2024 Aircraft Gear Corporation (Loves Park)

McDonald’s - Bear Family Restaurants (Northridge)

Aircraft Gear Corporation (Rockford)

McDonald’s - Bear Family Restaurants (Riverside)

Along the Path Counseling Services, P.C.

MD SkinCenter

American Red Cross, Northwest Illinois Chapter

Mosaic in Rockford

Ameriprise Financial - Aspire Financial Group Ameriprise Financial - Luminaire Financial Group Angler Motors Inc. Bluebird Network LLC Boys & Girls Club of Rockford Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics P.C. Cellusuede Products, Inc. Chuck Brauer Trucking Inc. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group Comfort Keepers

Mindy Joy Photography

National Electrical Contractors Association, Northern Illinois Chapter Northern Illinois Optical Co Inc Per Mar Security Primum Risk Strategies R. J. Bowers Distributors, Inc. Ring Container Technologies Rock House Kids Rock River Valley Blood Center

Connect Hearing

Rockford Country Club

Crown Machine, Inc.

Rockford Endodontics - Alex C. Moore, DMD, PC

Express Employment Professionals Fairfield by Marriott/Rockford FIELD First Community Credit Union FNIC - Trusted insurance advisors Forever Green, Inc. Freed Plumbing, Inc. Friends of the Coronado Goldie Floberg Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn Express - Rochelle Huntington Learning Center i3 Broadband Ignition Studio, Inc. IP Communications, Inc. John Morrissey Accountants, Inc. Key Realty, Inc. LM Sheet Metal & Service, Inc. MainStreet Financial Group Marco McDonald’s - Bear Family Restaurants (Auburn) McDonald’s - Bear Family Restaurants (Kishwaukee)

DREAM STARTER HVAC SOLUTIONS

BENASSI FAMILY DENTISTRY

THE MUSIC ACADEMY IN ROCKFORD

Combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support.

Maura Feind 314-480-0551 facebook.com/AmericanCancerSociety

Providing individualized care to meet your oral health needs.

Dr. Anthony Benassi 815-397-2752 benassifamilydentistry.com

RAMP

Rock River Valley Blood Center - Perryville Road

Ebiss USA

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, INC.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for home or business.

Bryan Betancourt 815-519-6765 Dreamstarterhvac.com

Murphy’s Pub and Grill

Comprehensive Community Solutions

DeMuth Steel Products, Inc

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

BLONDIN’S BOUNCIN INFLATABLES Offering a large selection of affordable and high-quality inflatables for rent.

Alexander Blondin 815-624-0046 bbinflatables.com/rockford

Rockford Network of Professional Women

Nonprofit community school providing musical instruction for children and adults.

Laura Eakman 815-986-0037 instagram.com/ themusicacademyinrockford

VENN DIGITAL MARKETING

Helping businesses optimize sales and marketing tools to reach their target audience.

Noel Guevara 815-272-2603 venndigital.co

Rockford Pulmonary Clinic Rockford Tech-Systems, Inc.

AUGUST 2024 ANNIVERSARIES

Rose Pest Solutions Serola Biomechanics, Inc. Social Kat St. Croix Hospice Staff Management, Inc. Staff On Site Midwest Inc. Stillman Bank

Thank you to our members celebrating their anniversaries with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Sunbelt Rentals

35 YEARS

20 YEARS

TH Foods

J & M Plating, Inc.

Honest Pest Control Inc.

30 YEARS

15 YEARS

Forest City Gear Co. Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) - Riverside Blvd RBC Wealth Management

Johnny Pamcakes

The Mulford Complex The Pregnancy Care Center The Salvation Army Thermo Fisher Scientific Tilted 10/Tilt Studio Two Men and a Truck United States Postal Service United Way of Rock River Valley Urban Air Adventure Park Widmer Interiors Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau Womanspace, Inc.

25 YEARS Cicero, France & Alexander, P.C.

10 YEARS Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) - Downtown

5 YEARS Rockford Cosmopolitan Club Easterseals - The Autism Program

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

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August 2024

CHaMBER

ADVERTISERS INDEX

CHAMBER EVENTS

AUGUST 2024

OCTOBER 2024

OSF HealthCare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Leading Lawyers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Illinois Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Consulting By Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Danfoss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Business Over Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.

Amez Enterprises will speak on workforce development.

Business Over Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.

Business Over Lunch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

SEPTEMBER 2024 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Annual Dinner, 5 p.m., Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd. Presented by OSF Healthcare.

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce energetically invites you, our members, to join us in celebration and appreciation at our Annual Dinner.

Shake hands, make connections, and feel energized during this powerful networking & fundraising event as you support our mission to deliver benefit to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing service and educational opportunities that help our members grow. Be entertained

by The Water Coolers after dining on a delicious dinner catered by Greenfire.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

Thayer Energy Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . 5 MAC2024. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 First Mid Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

VOICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17

MAC2024, 7 a.m., Embassy Suites

by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S Main St, Rockford.

WilliamsMcCarthy LLP. . . . . . . . . 16, 17 Rock House Kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 WNIJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

College & Career Academies

Mayor’s Business Address, 11:30 a.m., Illinois Bank and Trust Pavilion, 1868 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford.

PowHer 2024. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Annual Dinner 2024. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100

Direct Line

Angela Kay Larson, Chief Executive Officer......................................... 815-987-8100 Caitlin Pusateri, President...................................................................... 815-316-4337

NOVEMBER 2024

Melissa Adams, Executive Assistant..................................................... 815-316-4312

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Alex Keedi, Business Development Manager ..................................... 815-969-4252

Pow(H)er Hour, 4 to 7 p.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S Main St, Rockford.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology..................... 815-316-4338

Carmen Kellerman, Events Manager ................................................... 815-316-4302 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations............................................... 815-316-4315 Matt Zarembski, Director of Investor Relations ................................. 815-987-8118

GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pow(H)er, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S Main St, Rockford.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Business Over Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.

SEPTEMBER VOICE SPECIAL SECTION

Serving an Aging Population Submit your article to editor@rockfordchamber.com

by August 12, 2024 For information on advertising, call 815.987.8100

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Terry Voskuil Woodward, Inc., Chairman Lesly Couper workplace, Vice Chair Conor Brown NorthWest Illinois Alliance of Realtors, Treasurer

DIRECTORS Wendy Alsteen Hard Rock Casino Travis Andersen UW Health Northern Illinois Region Armando Cardenas Affordable Insurance & Tax

Paula Carynski OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony Medical Center Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Steve Kotso Collins Aerospace Dietmar Goellner AME and Hennig Inc. Thomas Green Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP Michael Gronewold Fehr Graham Troy Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Dr. Sheila Hill Think Big Corporation

Jeff Hultman Foresight Financial Nate Jordan Illinois SBDC at Rock Valley College Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc. Frank Wehrstein Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Mayor Tom McNamara City of Rockford Michael Dunn, Jr. Region 1 John Groh Rockford Convention & Visitors Bureau Angela Kay Larson Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce