September Voice 2020

the September 2020 | Volume 33 | No. 9

Celebrating 110 years! of the rockford business community

BUSINESSES ENJOY THEIR CANINE (AND FELINE) COWORKERS

Cats and dogs bring lightness to the home, the main office, the business

ROCKFORD MIDTOWN MARKET NOW OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER

Pam Maher with golden retriever, Riley, KMK’s second canine mascot at the firm. Soon threemonth-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, Russell, will join — if he behaves.

By Barbara Connors Riley isn’t always aware of the social niceties – he’s even gone as far as stealing a sandwich off an employee’s desk at KMK Media Group. CEO Pam Maher laughs thinking back to that situation. “Although Riley was thrilled with his accomplishment, I was mortified, and bought the employee a new sandwich.”

Riley is Maher’s golden retriever, the second canine mascot for the advertising communications firm in downtown Rockford. “Luckily, those puppy antics are no longer at play with him.”

The increased importance of pets might be one of the more unique realizations during the Covid pandemic, with normal, day-to-day human interactions lessening as people work from home.

Continued on page 12

The 2020 Rockford Midtown Market, originally set to open May 23, now is open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 31 in the parking lots across from Katie’s Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford. The market will operate under Winnebago County Health Department and Illinois Farmers Market Association guidelines.

People are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Expect at least eight vendors with products and produce.

The Midtown Flea Market will take place the third Saturday of September and October.

Contact Brian Ohme at rockfordmidtownmarket@gmail. com for vendor information or visit www.rockfordmidtownmarket. com. Also www.facebook.com/pg/ RockfordMidtownMarket.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

HEARTBEAT OF HEALTHCARE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 VIRTUAL For more information, see page 16 SPONSORED BY

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTS

‘A Perfect Eldorado’ along the Kishwaukee River

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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

A new history of the Village of Kishwaukee, one of the oldest settlements in the Rockford area, has been published online by the Smeja Homestead Foundation, owners of Indian Hill Manor and Farm, a historic site that sits on the land once platted to become the village.

Platted in 1839 at the crossroads of several early pioneer roads, where the Kishwaukee River flows into the Rock River, the intended village sat at one of the highest points in Winnebago County.

In all, four attempts at settling it failed. Now it’s only a name on old maps.

The area also was home to the Sauk, Fox, Winnebago, Potawatomi, Chippewa, Ottawa and Menomonee

tribes. The first of the Black Hawk War battles played out three miles southwest of Indian Hill Manor on Stillman Creek, followed by the eradication of all native people from Illinois by the mid-1830s. Explorers and fur traders that followed reported large Indian villages and clusters of burial mounds along the Rock and Kishwaukee rivers.

Smeja’s collection of written accounts, historical maps, public land survey records, geologic maps, online newspaper archives from the 1840s, property abstracts and public records, including old road plats, details why the village, that in 1841 was called “a perfect Eldorado,” failed to develop and faded from memory. Visit www.

IndianHillManor.net. v

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued guidance for youth and adult recreational sports, including schoolbased sports, travel clubs, private leagues and clubs, recreational leagues and centers and park district sports programs starting Aug. 15.

Collegiate sports and professional leagues are not impacted.

Sports are categorized into lower, medium or higher-risk levels, based on contact and proximity during play.

Four levels of play: Level 1, only no-contact practices and training.

Level 2, intra-team scrimmages with parental consent for minors but no competitive play. Level 3, intraconference, intra-EMS-region or intraleague play and possible state- or league-championship games for lowrisk sports only. Level 4, tournaments, out-of-conference/league play, out-ofstate play and championship games.

Based on current conditions, lower risk sports can be played at levels 1, 2 and 3. Medium risk sports can be played at levels 1 and 2, and higher risk sports can be played at level 1.

READ ABOUT THE GRADUATED INCOME TAX PROPOSAL — SEE PAGES 27 & 28

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

EINAR FORSMAN Rockford Chamber President

From the start of unification discussions, stakeholders

Unification implementation underway

With both the RAEDC and the Rockford Chamber having adopted the proposed plan for unification, the next critical step is to begin immediately to carry out the necessary implementation steps to fully complete the process in early 2021. An Implementation Team comprised of board members from each organization has initiated meetings to lay out the necessary tasks and assign responsibilities and accountabilities to carry out the implementation process.

We have heard from you as stakeholders, and community/business leaders and this is what you told us you wanted to see from this process: ■ Bring more jobs and investments to the region ■ Communicate with one unified vision and voice ■ Commit to robust communication with the community and stakeholders ■ Demonstrate clear, measurable impact and benefits

agreed that the region’s ability to grow and prosper would be strengthened by speaking with a unified voice, working from a coordinated agenda, and collectively measuring and achieving key metric outcomes.

■ Foster trust, transparency and accountability ■ Maximize resources, reduce duplication To meet this objective and carry out successful implementation, its core is founded on these principles in the forming of the partnership organization:

The Vision The vision for the partnership organization should reflect the values and priorities of the Rockford regional business community, and the community as a whole. It should be bold and aspirational and serve as a touchstone when making decisions about the future of both the community and the organization. The vision statement below is derived from conversations with stakeholders of both organizations and the community.

The Focus From

the

start

of

unification

discussions, stakeholders agreed that the region’s ability to grow and prosper would be strengthened by speaking with a unified voice, working from a coordinated agenda, and collectively measuring and achieving key metric outcomes. The focus of this stronger, more unified business community would be to have a more positive impact on business climate, talent pipeline development and community image. The focus and specific focus areas could shift and grow over time per the direction of the Partnership board to support a more holistic community vision.

The Structure for Unification An umbrella partnership organization represents the optimum platform for unifying the Rockford business community and strengthening economic development. It would achieve the unification task force’s goal of speaking with a shared voice,

working from a coordinated agenda, and collectively measuring and achieving key metric outcomes.

The Partnership board would be responsible for driving strategies and illuminating a path for the Chamber and RAEDC to achieve the overall vision of building together a more vibrant Rockford Region where innovative businesses and the brightest talent choose to call home.

Councils in the identified priority areas of business growth, talent pipeline development and community image would convene leaders from across the community to guide the work of the Partnership, its affiliate and allies.

A mission support team of marketing, event planning and logistics, research and back office would efficiently and effectively elevate the work of these organizations and strategic initiatives in the priority areas. And, a shared funding model would create a unified value proposition, eliminate Continued on page 30

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

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GUEST COLUMNIST

A day to celebrate the public lands that give us joy ANN WASSER Severson Dells

Introducing the new R. Robert Funderburg Forest Preserve

National parks have been coined “America’s best idea.” I would argue that all of our nation’s public lands are our best idea, be they federal, state or local.

Every September the nation celebrates National Public Lands Day on the fourth Saturday of the month to honor the important role these lands play ecologically and recreationally. This year, it seems particularly important to honor that role because people have leaned on these public places especially hard this year for recreation, connection and a break from the sometimes overwhelming situations that COVID has brought on.

We have heard the accounts of national parks having to implement timed ticketing, state park campgrounds being full for weeks, forest preserve parking lots full of hikers and national forest sites having exponentially more visitors than ever before.

This year has been a great reminder of just how important public lands are to our physical and mental well-being.

In Winnebago County, we are so

fortunate to have almost 20,000 acres of protected green space to enjoy. Between the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, Rockford Park District, the Natural Land Institute’s Nygren Wetlands, Nature at the Confluence and Rock Cut State Park, we have acres of woodlands, prairies and waterways to explore. Hiking, biking, paddling, birding, geocaching, picnicking and fishing opportunities are available in abundance across the county. One easy way to find all of these locations is through 815 Outside- www.815outside.com.

Forest Preserve Adds to Acreage The other reason National Public Lands Day is especially exciting locally this year is the substantial addition of property to the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. In early August, the Forest Preserves closed on an 868-acre property, newly named the R. Robert Funderburg Forest Preserve; adjacent to Severson Dells Forest Preserve, Howard Colman Hall Creek Preserve and Colman Dells Nature Preserve in the southwest

On the banks of the Sugar River. The high quality stream, which flows through the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, is classified as a Resource Rich Area in Illinois due to its abundance and diversity of wildlife. corner of the county. These properties combine to provide just under 1,700 acres of contiguous natural area. We are so fortunate to have another large complex of public lands to enjoy in our county.

Others being the Forest Preserves along the Kishwaukee River and the more than 3,000 acres at Rock Cut State Park.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, I hope you will take the opportunity to celebrate your public lands and all that they provide.

Ann Wasser is director of Severson Dells Nature Center.

The views expressed are those of Wasser’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Let your Voice be heard

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages member submissions for The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community.

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication date. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE 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 Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101.

Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

MAYOR TOM MCNAMARA Rockford, Illinois

When we count everyone, everyone benefits

If you operate a business or organization, you’re constantly challenged to make decisions that help determine the financial health of your enterprise.

Imagine if an investment of less than 10 minutes of your time could yield $1,535 per year over the next 10 years. Imagine if you could visit www.My2020Census. gov or call 844-330-2020 to get that return.

You would be interested in that, correct?

That’s the ROI we’ll see when we count EVERYONE in the 2020 Census. Most importantly, it’s money we stand to lose if we fail to count everyone. Winnebago County has missed out on an estimated $900 million over 10 years in federal funding due to an estimate of nearly 60,000 persons not counted in Winnebago County in the 2010 Census. Because of the uncounted population in 2010, Illinois has missed out on an estimated $5.1 BILLION for federal programs, like infrastructure planning and construction, Pell Grants and other critical programs.

The U.S. Constitution mandates the census be taken every 10 years, and our

complete and accurate participation is our mandatory civic duty. It is a crucial part of our democracy which redraws the boundaries of Congressional and state legislative districts and reapportions Congressional representatives.

Some Quick Facts ■ Information you provide to the Census is confidential and protected by Federal law.

■ Decennial Census data is used to determine how to apportion $675 BILLION of federal funding annually for vital state and county programs, including Medicaid, Foster Care, Head Start, Pell Grants, SNAP, Highway and Construction Funding, Free and Reduced Lunch/Breakfast and dozens of other programs and services.

■ Businesses, local governments and policymakers, school districts, police and fire departments and real estate developers all use census data to make decisions which impact our community.

You can use census data to make expansion decisions, advance community initiatives and pursue legislation beneficial to your business or organization.

■ YOU can use census data to make expansion decisions, advance community initiatives and pursue legislation beneficial to your business or organization.

■ All information you share with the census on your questionnaire is protected

by Federal law. The Census Bureau is prohibited from sharing your personal information with any other government department.

■ The Census will never ask for a Social Security number or other identifying information.

■ It will ask information such as your age, race and ethnic origin, sex, tenure and the people in your house.

■ You may be asked for your name and telephone number, but these are for operational purposes only and will never be published.

■ Data security is a legitimate concern — Census Bureau has and continues to invest to the fullest extent in data security.

Remember, while you may not benefit

directly from a federal program that’s funded using census data, a friend or family member almost certainly does.

And many of those programs MUST be provided in our community — if we fail to count everyone, we simply have less revenue with which to provide them.

Time is running out — the White House recently announced that it had ordered the Census Bureau to shorten the time by one month for enumerators to be in the field and data to be collected. All questionnaires are due by Sept. 30, 2020.

Please take a minute and share 2020 Census information with your employees, clients and customers. Visit My2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to complete the census directly.

Like so many initiatives, we know when we all work together, everyone in our region benefits.

Thomas P. McNamara is Mayor of Rockford.

The views expressed are those of Mayor McNamara’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

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profile

MEMBER PROFILE

Midwest Mailworks IN ROCKFORD AND ROCK ISLAND Continuing to deliver after all of these years

By Paul Anthony Arco

Target Mail Marketing

For more than 35 years, Midwest Mailworks’ motto has never wavered.

“We help businesses get their message to the right people, at the right time, through the U.S. mail,” said President/ CEO Doug Price.

While there have been financial challenges over the years, as well as changes in the industry, the company holds true to its core belief.

These days, Midwest Mailworks offers three primary services: printing, letter services (inserting, folding and addressing) and presorting. “About 99 percent of our services are mail related,” said Doug. “The biggest changes we’ve seen over the years is due to a shift in volume because of the internet.”

Midwest Mailworks was founded by Ronald Price, Doug’s father, who was an independent mailroom equipment dealer, who had previously worked for Pitney Bowes. In the late 1970s, Ronald started a business called Mailing Equipment Services, which he sold off to concentrate on another segment of the business he called Rockford Presort.

“He was selling postage meters and folding equipment when First Federal Savings and Loan contacted him with a large project they needed folded,” said Doug. “It was his first time performing a service for a client and that spurred the idea to perform service instead of selling equipment.”

The business eventually became known as Midwest Mailworks.

About 20 years ago, Midwest Mailworks expanded into the Quad Cities market.

The Rock Island location is operated by Price’s brother, Ron Jr., and his son, Trevor.

“Rockford was going well and my father always had his eye on the Quad City market,” said Doug, who joined his father’s company as general manager in 1988. “The timing was right. It was a good move for us.”

Ronald eventually stepped away from the family business and passed away 13 years ago.

“He taught me a lot, especially about customer service. We’re in the service business, and I hadn’t done much of that before then,” said Doug.

Midwest Mailworks has a variety of clients including health care, government, education and small ma and pa shops.

Its client list is well over 200. Midwest Mailworks recently inherited much of the client list of Fast Mailing Services, another local company that went out of business.

Among the printing Midwest handles are business cards, flyers, water bills for municipalities, tax bills, invoices, statements, postcards and any type of marketing material. “Expanding into printing was one of the things that has kept us going,” said Doug. “We were fortunate to add printing when other competitors were unable to weather the storm.

“We really focus on targeted mail marketing,” he added. “It used to be clients would do a mass mailing to the

whole Rockford area and saturate every mailbox. Because of data base marketing improvements, the ideal target is not all 50,000 but the 3,000 people who will respond.” Midwest Mailworks also handles presorting mail for about 50 Rockford businesses that they pick up, bundle and Doug Price, son of Midwest Mailworks deliver to the post office. founder Ronald Price, leads from the company’s Both the Rockford and Rock Island Rockford headquarters. locations have nine employees each, working with staff and working with many of whom have worked for Midwest clients who are like family. This business Mailworks for decades.

“Without question, they are the has been all about the relationships.” backbone of our operation,” said Doug.

MIDWEST MAILWORKS “Their knowledge of printing requests President/CEO: Doug Price would be hard to replace. Many customers 815-961-1556 (Rockford) have been with us for 25 years or longer.

309-786-7901 (Rock Island) Our staff really know the customers’ needs.”

2136 12th St. #104, Rockford It’s been a long run, one that Doug 218 3rd Ave., Rock Island, Ill. has certainly enjoyed so far. “For me, it’s Midwestmailworks.com really threefold: working with family, and

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

Alignment Rockford announces job shadow results Program continues with move towards virtual learning

By Barbara Connors Despite cancelling its spring session job shadow days due to shelter-inplace, Alignment Rockford and its 19 participating businesses and 119 job shadow mentors provided 321 11th grade students with job shadow experiences in the 2019-2020 school year.

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, which has participated in the program for several years, has seen job shadows as a win-win for both the students and RAHFH. “We need more people in the trades, and exposing students to a construction site just might help them decide to go into carpentry and stay in Rockford!” said Executive Director Keri Asevedo.

The organization furnished two staff mentors, who oversaw more than 20 students last fall on a new singlefamily home job site. Over several days, the students helped with the siding, drywall and painting.

But it was the organization’s work with students from Guilford High School’s construction trades academy that was affected by the shelter-in-place order. Students had a goal to build a single family home from the ground up, but when schools moved to virtual learning, RAHFH was left with an unfinished home and no volunteers.

The organization instead raised funds to hire a two-person construction team to complete the work the students couldn’t finish.

A student experiences what it’s like on an active worksite through AI goggles at Larson and Darby. Students who participated physically responded with nerves and excitement while virtually going to the top of a tall building.

Jefferson High School students give a show of hands when asked after their shadow experiences on Feb. 19 if they were still interested in their career path.

The upcoming year is looking brighter. The organization plans to build two homes this school year – one with Guilford and one with East high school students!

Preparing a Future Talent Pool During the last school year, Collins Aerospace mentored 30 students, thanks to 20 employees in engineering and manufacturing. “Our overall goal was to help prepare students for careers in aerospace; strengthening the future talent pool in the Rockford community,” said Christopher Schoeneweiss, a senior manufacturing engineer at Collins Aerospace.

The students learned about the company, the industry, mentors’ day-today activities and got a tour of the plant highlighting the assembly and test areas.

“The most memorable comment for me was overhearing a student at lunch say, ‘I want to work here!’ It’s rewarding to see students get excited about career opportunities at Collins,” said Erika M. Danckers, a senior mechanical engineer.

Although the company was disappointed when the spring semester job shadow opportunities were cut short due to COVID, it plans to continue mentoring students remotely, and looks forward to in-person activities in the future. Immediate plans are for mentors to discuss current studies, postgraduation plans and career goals, and to host virtual Lunch and Learns.

A First Job for Many As a first-time employer to hundreds

Students learn about safety and how to properly wear safety protective gear. of youth annually, the Rockford Park District looks to job shadow days as a chance to show youth the unique jobs it offers, according to Nikki Lynch, operations manager at Rockford Park District’s Washington Park Community Center.

This past school year, it supplied two mentors for 14 students. Generally four to six mentors are available, but things were different due to weather cancelations and the Covid shut down.

Some highlights in the last school year included a tour of the therapeutic recreation department, where students learned about possible positions, tried out the sport wheelchairs used for wheelchair basketball and met Executive Director Jay Sandine.

With the tour at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, they talked with staff on their roles and responsibilities and did hands-on horticulture activities. “Anytime we can get students from different parts of the city to experience the gardens, it feels like a win for us,” said Lyndi Toohill.

“We always hope that someone will come back and want to work for us!”

Moving Forward The job shadow program for the upcoming school year necessarily will be different, according to Anisha Grimmett, executive director of Alignment Rockford. Please see her column on page 7 for details Barbara Connors is editor of The VOICE.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

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GUEST COLUMNIST

ANISHA GRIMMETT Alignment Rockford

Join in the effort to help students succeed

This month, the Rockford Public Schools begins its academic year.

Without a doubt, things will look different.

As the district prepared to blend in-school and remote learning over the summer months, the same goal remained: to meet or exceed grade level standards and learn and master new and essential skills. It’s up to us as a business community to support that goal — and to support it not only with our own children and grandchildren, but with all of the youngest residents in the Rockford community.

We must help all our children connect. We must do everything we can to keep our children engaged and reinforce all the essential elements of successful learning.

That may sound like a tall order, but I have something tangible to ask our business community. Alignment Rockford needs your support.

A lot of things change in a pandemic, but this does not: Our organization

remains dedicated to high school career awareness and work-based learning for every high school student. We also are committed to preparing our youngest children to be ready to learn when they begin preschool and kindergarten.

Our greatest need? To ensure families have the support they need to thrive and that our students can make the connection between schoolwork and the world of work.

Even in a pandemic — especially in a pandemic — we have these needs. And we’re asking you to help meet these needs.

Join as a Community Partner Please join 40 of Alignment Rockford’s community partners in helping us launch virtual work-based learning experiences for all Rockford public high school students.

These opportunities are a key way to enhance remote learning for students while allowing our community and

students the flexibility to stay engaged and connect with one another. Our A-Teams have reached out to our pathway sponsors, local businesses, associations and networking clubs to engage students in virtual work-based learning opportunities.

We have reached out for help to the above groups, and we were heartened by the resounding “yes” we received.

These are among opportunities RPS 205 students will have, beginning this fall: ■ virtual site tours of area businesses ■ virtual panel discussions and mock interviews ■ access to a mentor for the support and information they need to graduate At Alignment Rockford, our teams design solutions and recruit volunteers to meet the needs of the schools. This might be one of our biggest challenges — and for that we need to be ALL IN. We aren’t alone in meeting the challenge. In addition to the support from our business, civic and association partners, we will rely upon the wisdom from our region’s health and public safety leaders to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In addition, RPS 205 has worked all summer to develop tight protocols to ensure safe learning environments

districtwide. Right after schools closed in March to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the district launched a massive outreach program to engage students through new remote learning methods, lesson-sharing and at-home assignments.

It was — and continues to be — a feat of planning, mobilization and execution.

The district’s ability to pivot on behalf of students has been transformational.

The district led the way, and Alignment Rockford’s partners took up the cause. They are showing students they are important, and that their success is a priority to the entire Rockford community.

Please email me at anisha@ alignmentrockford.com to join Alignment Rockford and the village of volunteers it takes to ensure the future of our community.

As students navigate today’s new learning environment, thank you in advance for helping them to succeed and for letting them know they are not alone.

Anisha Grimmett is executive director at Alignment Rockford.

The views expressed are those of Grimmett’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

AMANDA M. SINK IGNITE

Suicide prevention requires urgent consideration Presenting a united front in caring for each other

Suicide prevention is a cause that has gained much traction over recent years, but I’ll be honest, we still have a lot of work to do. It’s about more than a hashtag or a social media post during the month of suicide prevention, although those activities do bring much-needed awareness to the movement. Nor is suicide prevention just about the individuals on the brink of taking their own life.

Mental illness is not just a personal problem that can be ignored. It affects everything in one’s life.

This topic is one that the Rockford area, OUR community, is far too familiar with. We feel it deeply. The loss of parents, children, friends, cousins and that colleague that had the office space across from yours. Mental illness is not just a personal problem that can be ignored. It affects everything in one’s life. It can affect the ability to get out of bed, work performance and even the will to live. Suicide was a concern long before 2020’s calendar-ofdisaster, but the level of isolation, fear and uncertainty amid this pandemic has only shown an influx in levels of anxiety and suicide rates.

Even further, the psychological and socioemotional effects will likely be seen for long after.

The Need for Good Listeners Now is when we need to unite and take care of one another. Offer your help, call your friends and family, write a kind letter to the nursing homes.

I challenge you to do something. If you’re worried about someone, don’t be afraid to call for help and remove access to methods.

Preventing suicide is about all of the cataclysmic moments that lead to the one where someone feels so utterly hopeless, they attempt suicide. It is about whether someone has access to core necessities — taking it back to Maslow’s Hierarchy — and whether they have access to rehabilitation, counseling and support.

Suicide prevention requires all community members, bosses, colleagues, industries and supportive services to collaborate and take part.

We’ve learned many things about

suicide prevention, and an important lesson learned is that it is not just one thing — it is all of the things.

Beyond the national statistics that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America and that 132 people die by suicide each day (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), we see our neighbors, the grieving parents, who just said goodbye to their 14 year-old for the last time, or our grown friends who lost their parent to suicide. And we see this a lot.

While reading the numbers, seeing the faces, and hearing their stories is absolutely devastating, I say as a suicide loss survivor and a suicide attempt survivor, there is something that needs to be heard. … We can prevent this.

The work can be done at whichever level you feel most comfortable. Maybe you start with learning more about mental health and suicide prevention through Google or a research organization like AFSP.org. You can learn about healthy stress coping skills and make your own stress ball. (Hint: Contact me, and I’ll send you a free kit to make your own.)

For others, it might look like calling a friend or colleague who has been acting differently lately to really check in on them — beyond the usual “I’m fine” or “I’m tired.” And for the most devoted, you can host a training for your staff or group of friends on suicide prevention 101. You can ask your partner to join you in finding a counselor.

There are so many ways to get involved and be part of saving someone’s life — maybe even your own — and it often begins with a conversation. Despite societal myths, asking if someone is thinking of ending their life does not increase the risk. So take a moment to talk to the people you care about. You never know who needs someone. Everyone has a story, we just need to listen.

Amanda M. Sink is Rockford Walk chair and advocate, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and board strategic initiatives manager, The Workforce Connection. She also participates in IGNITE. The views expressed are those Sink’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

 Destination

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

‘Must-see’ sites for your staycation

Enjoying all of the attractions the region has to offer

Stop. Take a moment. Breathe in the fresh air of the great outdoors and enjoy the beauty of attractions right here in the region.

As more people look for ways to have fun while avoiding crowds and air travel, our Rockford area destination is in a prime position to provide award-winning beauty, entertainment and recreation for those looking to escape urban settings.

Covid-era research now shows families and couples are hungry for regional day trips and weekend outings, especially those with outdoor recreation options.

Luckily, we Rockfordians and our neighbors don’t have to drive far, as our region is blessed with dozens of sites adults and children alike can enjoy.

And, we are in a perfect position to welcome visitors who want these types of experiences.

You’ll find that you don’t have to travel hours and hours to take in awesome views, forests, prairies and wetlands. With 30,000 acres of public park and forest land and waterways here in Winnebago County, the problem is not whether there is an outdoor location to enjoy, but rather picking out which to explore first.

Outdoor Experiences Avid bird watcher? Favorites include the 721-acre Nygren Wetlands, a favorite rest stop for migrating birds, and Blackhawk Springs and Seward Bluffs, both 600-plus acres of fantastic views and varied landscape. Will it be a family picnic with beautiful scenery with a playground near? Visit Baumann Park in Cherry Valley. Would you rather bike, go for a run along the river? Visit Sinnissippi Park and nearby gardens.

Or possibly, are you are interested in hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching or just strolling along observing nature? Visit Rock Cut State Park or any of the region’s 43 forest preserves.

Looking for more outdoor splendor?

One of the “must-see” sites in the city is Anderson Japanese Gardens, recognized internationally for its beauty and serenity. This beautiful outdoor amenity in our backyard is recognized by locals and visitors alike as breathtaking. This is best illustrated by a recent conversation overheard while visiting the gardens. An attendee stated in amazement, “If I lived here, I’d be here all the time.”

In need of more outdoor gardens, visit the Klehm Arboretum & Botanic

Gardens with impressive gardens and trees unique to northern Illinois. Or possibly the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is a good fit for you to enjoy tropical plants, right here at home.

Museums and Retail Alongside our public gardens are museums, such as the Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford Art Museum and Discovery Center.

All providing creatively adapted, and Covid-era safe, experiences for visitors and residents. Let’s not forget the award-winning Laurent House, the home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Kenneth Laurent, a disabled World War II veteran. Built late in Wright’s career, the project kindled a lasting friendship between Laurent and Wright, who referred to the Rockford home as his “little gem.” The consciousness of accessibility and innovations for Laurent are pure genius. This location is definitely a “Day-cation”-worthy experience.

Looking for retail therapy? Plan a downtown stroll, taking in the CRE8IV murals, unique local gift shops, restaurants, local breweries, sculptures and architecture. Rest your feet in Davis Park or take a photo at the newly installed ROCKFORD art installation. When you are done, plan to enjoy a bite to eat at the Embassy Suites’ 12th floor lounge and its two-tiered outdoor deck. You will find it hard to believe you’re standing in a converted 104-year-old factory as you observe the city of Rockford from a unique view along the river.

There’s no way to list all the amazing local attractions in this region, as there is so much to experience and enjoy.

However, I encourage you to take a break right here at home, locally and invite nearby family and friends to take part in the beauty, art and experiences we have to offer in Winnebago County.

With more than 700 attractions, venues, restaurants and businesses, there is much to be explored.

For more, visit gorockford.com.

John Groh is president/CEO of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. www. gorockford.com.

The view expressed are Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Graphics assist in helping businesses with issues of re-opening MIKE MASTROIANNI SBDC

Looking for translators to create multi-language versions

The SBDC assists start-ups and existing growth companies, but during the pandemic, the SBDC also assisted a number of businesses in RESTARTING. We asked in the last issue if there were concerns that we could address for re-opening businesses. Based on what we heard, we have developed infographics that can assist a business in trying to access capital, confronting others, handling being confronted by others and adhering to EEO guidelines for business.

While working on the mayor’s task force for business re-opening, the small business subcommittee, which I co-chaired with Sarah-Eva Marchese and Jonathan Bell from the City of Rockford, established simple and brief information pieces to assist business owners as they begin to reopen and to

grow again. We hope that these graphics can be of some use to you as well.

We are currently working on obtaining translations of this information into various languages, representing our ethnic groups in the city and region. Please let us know if you know someone who can provide translation of these documents. We are looking at having the information in Swahili, Laotian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic and Mandarin, but would welcome any other language we haven’t mentioned if you feel it would be of benefit to others.

The SBDC has assisted a number of diverse clients in the last few months, more than last year already. We are here to help you with business planning, social media and website development, digital marketing and advising. Let us know if you have start-up, growth or re-start

needs, and we would be glad to assist you.

Visit www.rockfordsbdc.org for more of these infographics.

Mike Mastroianni is director at the Illinois Small Business Development Center in Rockford.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

DOG DAYS

Continued from front page

For others, such as Maher, pets have always been important in the workplace.

Twenty two years ago, when Maher started KMK Media Group in her home office, puppy Bailey naturally came as part of the package. So when she and her co-owners moved into their first office space, Bailey came along as “office mascot.”

“I couldn’t imagine leaving Bailey at home alone all day, so I had it written into the lease on our first office space that we could bring one dog to the office as long as he wasn’t a nuisance to others,” Maher said. The team found that Bailey had quite the opposite effect -- drawing other tenants to visit the office on South Alpine Road. It actually led to a few new clients.

These days, golden retriever Riley is the dog you’ll find in the fenced-in yard in front of the firm on Church Street.

“He races around the yard, greets the mail lady and UPS man, who rewards him with treats, and greets clients when they come in for a meeting. I’ve had some clients ask if they could meet at our office instead of theirs so they could get some ‘puppy love.’”

Other employees are invited to bring their dogs in, too, assuming they are easygoing, potty-trained and get along well with others. “Our pet policy is unofficial at this point, but we are a canine-loving crew with nearly every employee owning at least one dog. They occasionally join the pet parade.”

Riley makes occasional appearances during virtual meetings when he’s in need of a little head-scratching and attention, with Maher currently working from home about 75 percent of the time.

Maher is okay with it. “We’re a creative firm so I think it communicates a relaxed atmosphere, a fun environment and always provides a ready Facebook post or even an image for this year’s holiday greetings! Riley even occupies a spot on the KMK Media website ‘team’ profiles.”

Maher’s three-month-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, Russell, most likely will be joining the crew when he’s ready – although, she said, he’ll always be far too small to steal a sandwich.

Who’s that ‘Puppy’ in the Window?

Jarrod Hennis, owner of Rockford Art Deli, a shop that sells eco-friendly, sustainable clothing and products, might have one of the more famous dogs in the Rockford area. Six-year-old Pepper, an Australian cattle dog-Jack Russell terrier mix, often can be found sunbathing in the window of the shop. She has her own line of stickers and shirts and even her own fan club and IG page - @ RadPepperFox. “I told myself, if I got a dog, it had to come to work with me, so it wasn’t sitting at home alone all day,” Hennis said. “It

Russell might need a little help from Riley if he’s ever going to be able to steal a sandwich.

Coping with the Return to the Office

Scottish terrier, Tally, gave her “insights on the pandemic” in an article in the Rockford Register Star in May.

Guinness, a pitbull-Boston terrier mix, is not too sure about his new winter coat.

Lots of local customers stop by Rockford Art Deli to visit Pepper, an Australian cattle dog-Jack Russell terrier mix posing with shop owner Jarrod Hennis. was the best decision to get her. She is my everyday adventure buddy. We go on hikes or runs every day.

“The staff loves her, and she is for sure a mood booster if you are having a bad day or get frustrated. She just knows! Customers come in to see her and say hi!”

Other fur friends are welcome at Rockford Art Deli, but Pepper’s not always on board with the plan. “Pepper isn’t a fan of dogs in the shop sometimes.

She is worried they will eat all her food.”

Importance of Pets in a Pandemic In January, Mike Robinson decided to “move on to the next chapter,” retiring after 12 years as media relations coordinator at OSF HealthCare, a couple of months before the shelterin-place order. The well-known media personality and emcee who counts many among his friends, found himself, as so many did, at home far more than he would like. Topping this was the loss of his wife Sandra in October 2018.

On May 6, his opinion piece, “Of Pups and a Pandemic,” ran in the Rockford Register Star; detailing the pandemic through the eyes of his seven-year-old Scottish terrier, Tally.

“She’s been my friend through all of this,” Robinson said.

Despite being retired from full-time

(35 percent) during this time. 65 percent of owners were showing increased affection. Pets might be getting extra treats as well, as 33 percent of owners said their pet has gained weight during quarantine.

47 percent revealed they’re talking to their pets more than before the pandemic, with cat owners (51 percent) being chattier than dog owners (47 percent), women (50 percent) chattier than men (44 percent), and Boomers/ Gen Xers (49 percent each) chattier than Gen Zers (46 percent) and Millennials (45 percent).

work, Robinson is not sleeping in yet.

Not with Tally following him around the house; even waking him up at 4:30 in the morning for her walk and breakfast.

“Having someone physically there when you’re at your home, right there at your side, showing unconditional love, has made all the difference in the world to me.”

Robinson is not alone. In an online survey of 1,000 dog and cat owners released on May 26 by the Banfield Pet Hospital, Portland, Ore., the increased time spent at home has affected pets and their owners. The human-animal bond now, more than ever, is playing an integral role in people’s lives, said chief medical officer, Molly McAllister.

Some interesting survey findings: 20 percent said they prefer working alongside their pets over their coworkers. With some states easing stayat-home orders, 73 percent of people were concerned about going back to the office and spending time away from their pets. 59 percent worried their dog or cat may suffer from separation anxiety once their new work schedule begins.

45 percent of pet owners shared that their household’s happiness increased while spending more time with their pet during quarantine, and 39 percent revealing their pet helped lower their anxiety and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. For Millennials, 47 percent found increased emotional support from their pets, compared to 43 percent of Gen Zers and 43 percent of Gen Xers.

33 percent of people feel more attuned to their dog or cat now than before the pandemic began. Onethird believe their pets appear to be happier (38 percent) and more playful

Kylie Ora Lobell’s article on the SHRM website offers steps human resources can take to support employees and pets as they separate with the return back to the office.

“Pets have had the time of their lives over the past few months,” she writes. “During COVID-19 shutdowns, employees working from home had more time than ever to dote on their dogs, cats and other creatures. Additional walks, playtime and affection were spread throughout the day, every day. Now, as workers are starting to return to the office, pets — and their owners — likely are feeling separation anxiety.”

Her Suggestions: Provide Pet Perks In a land of hand sanitizer and Plexiglas barriers, “Take Your Dog to Work Day” might be a bit out of reach. But a company can show appreciation by introducing pet-related benefits, such as small bag of pet treats to take home to Fido or Fifi.

Distribute Pet Tips Using a classic progressive desensitization technique to reduce severe anxiety, Dr. Marianne Bailey, owner and veterinarian of Queenstown Veterinary Hospital in Queenstown, Md., suggests, “Start pretending to go to work a few times a week. Set the alarm before bed, get up and shower, do the morning routine with your pet, and then leave for an hour or two. This will help the pet understand when they will be fed, how and when they will get their morning exercise, and what to expect when [the owners] leave.”

Offer Flexible Work Hours Employers can offer flexible scheduling to returning workers who own pets.

Consider a Pet Policy Before accommodating pets in the office, conduct an employee survey, state upfront what kinds of pets are allowed (snakes, ferrets okay?), provide a place to walk and feed them — and always be mindful of other employees’ allergies and openness to animals. v Barbara Connors is editor of The Voice. She’s grateful for the occasional days she got working from home to nurture 12-year-old pit-mix, Guinness, back to relative health from a serious case of acute pancreatitis.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

13

Pets at WREX

A Q&A with Kristin Crowley, anchor, WREX 13 News or if it’s going to be a long day at work, and I won’t get a chance to go home and feed them.

Are there “pet days?”

There’s no designated day. It’s more of, if you have a reason to bring in your pet (maybe you got a new puppy, maybe your pet isn’t feeling well, maybe it has an injury you need to keep an eye on), then it’s typically OK with our bosses.

There are some expectations that your pet must be friendly, potty trained and

Kristin Crowley, anchor of WREX 13 News, with two of her quieter dogs, Koda and Rudy.

What benefits have you found in allowing pets at work?

Our workplace is full of animal lovers.

We have a segment called Pet of the Week, and people always clamor to see the adorable animal WCAS is bringing in. I think they have an ability to calm us and just bring us joy. I must say dogs especially get the newsroom excited.

The minute they hear there’s a dog in the building, everyone is on a mission to see it. It boosts morale and everyone just seems happier throughout the day.

Have pets joined your virtual meetings?

My dog Griffin just joined our virtual meeting today! It’s a great ice breaker for the start of our meetings and typically gets everyone started off on a positive note when we see each others’ pets.

That being said there is a time and a place for it. If we’re talking about serious matters, it’s best for the pets to stay in the background and not distract us. But when things are winding down or just getting started, they’re a great addition to our meetings.

Any good stories about your pets at work?

I was on-air one night working from

home, so I put my dog Griffin in our upstairs bedroom and closed the door.

With about five minutes left in our show, he started howling. My director got in my ear and told me we could hear it onair. Sure enough, if you listen closely, you can hear Griffin howling away. It’s like he knew he didn’t have much time left to make his voice heard to the people.

Do you think it helps with morale?

100% I think having pets in the workplace helps with morale. I don’t think people were meant to keep their faces buried in a computer all day.

There’s a reason we have breaks. Our brains need to decompress from the daily grind of our jobs. And there is no better way to relax than to pet a dog or cuddle with a furry animal.

Did this start during the shelter-in-place era?

Our workplace has always been open to having dogs and cats at the station, so long as everyone is comfortable with it. It’s not an everyday thing (for as long as I’ve been here, staff have begged for a station dog that we would call Rex) but it’s been incredible to work for a company that will let me bring my dog in if it hasn’t been feeling well that day,

Grace Funeral & Cremation Services held an open house and ribbon cutting on Jan. 15 at 4301 N. Main St., Rockford.

can’t destroy anything in the station. We also are very cognizant that not everyone is an animal lover, and so if that’s the case, we do not bring the animals in if people are not comfortable.

Any issues that you’ve had to overcome with allowing pets?

None for me. I’m a huge animal lover and would welcome hundreds of dogs to our building at once if I could!

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SPECIAL SECTION Founders

September 2020

Organizations unified in service to this community

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

As the first truly modern media company, AT&T has been changing the way people live, work and play for the past 144 years.

It’s hard to imagine that all of this started 110 years ago, on a luncheon cruise on a paddlewheel steamer on the Rock River. Several hundred Rockford businessmen with a vision signed, or witnessed the signing of, a declaration establishing the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce as “a forceful working unit for the good of Rockford.”

Even more remarkable is the 11 that have remained, through economic downturns, bull markets, and social and technological change, and have continued to strive to be a “a forceful working unit for the good of Rockford.”

Once again, we gratefully thank them for their service to the people of this community.

We create connection — with each other, with what people need to thrive in their everyday lives and with the stories and experiences that matter.

DESIGN. BUILD. INSTALL. SERVICE. We have been manufacturing our extensive line of quality coolant filtration products at our original facility in Downtown Rockford, Illinois, since 1907.

AT&T Barnes International, Inc. BMO Harris Bank ComEd, An Exelon Company

Our machine tool coolant filtration product offerings include filters for grinding and metal cutting machines, along with pressure and vacuum filtration systems that offer both permanent and disposable media filtration systems as small as 10 GPM as large as 20,000 GPM to 5 micron are well within our scope.

HolmstromKennedyPC J.L. Clark JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Rockford Register Star Rockford University Schmeling Construction Co. Woodward

To learn more about us please visit us at www.barnesintl.com

BMO Harris Bank, proudly supporting the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for 110 years and committed to boldly growing the good into the future for the Rockford community and businesses.

For more than 100 years, Commonwealth Edison has been the primary electric delivery services company for Northern Illinois.

Today, ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, one of the nation’s largest electric and gas utility holding companies.

ComEd provides electric service to more than 3.8 million customers across Northern Illinois.

HOLMSTROMKENNEDYPC It has been HK’s privilege to guide and serve Rockford’s business and medical communities through decades of change.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

SPECIAL SECTION Founders

15

J.L. Clark is dedicated to the principles John Lewis Clark held in 1904 when he turned the small tin smithing operation in his hardware store into a full-time manufacturing operation. He was driven to produce decorated packaging for a variety of common household items, while providing exceptional customer service, and also remaining a committed and responsible member of the Rockford community. J.L. Clark carries on his legacy of manufacturing exceptional decorated metal and plastic packaging products on Rockford’s south side.

For over 100 years, JPMorgan Chase has proudly served the Rockford community — and with nearly 100,000 customers, more than 5,500 business clients, and five branches in the greater Rockford area, we remain committed to the city and its people.

The Rockford Register Star traces its roots to 1855, when the first of its predecessor newspapers opened for business. Since 1930, the Register Star has occupied the iconic News Tower on the Rock River in downtown Rockford.

150 YE ARS OF E XPA ND I NG OUR RE AC H

At Woodward we call our employees members: members of one team who share in the successes and challenges of the business. For 150 years, we’ve worked together to solve our customers’ most complex problems.

WOODWA RD INC. 1081 WOOD WA RD W AY, FORT C OLL I NS, C OLOR A DO 80524, U S A , W W W . W OODWA RD.COM

Schmeling Construction Co. is still building in today’s fast moving and ever-changing business environment based on old world principles of honesty, integrity, excellence, and commitment to providing the highest level of customer service since 1903.

ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY Built in 1963, the Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center is the most recognized facility on the Rockford University campus. It was originally intended to function as the student center and hub of campus life and activities.

Starting in the early 1980s, the building went through a series of reconfigurations in order to house various administrative departments.

Now, the center provides state-of-the-art amenities that identify the space as the heart of campus and the intersection of activity for students and visitors. The facility also houses many key functions including the student den and dining hall, President and Student Life offices, University bookstore, Esports arena, student lounge and study space, and Regents Hall.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

R O C K F O R D

CENTER FOR

C H A M B E R

Lessons learned from a week with no work email

I recently was granted the luxury of a week away from work, uninhibited and unencumbered. It was a week where no one was allowed to connect with me, ask me questions or add a project to my todo list.

Technically, it was a furlough (everyone on staff is taking a total of two weeks unpaid between now and the end of the year to help lessen budgetary gaps) but I decided to treat it more as a gift and find beauty in the time away. “How nice of everyone to give me extra breathing room this week!” I thought to myself as I deleted my work email from my phone to avoid the temptation of checking just one tiny little email. “What lovely weather I get to enjoy fully this week!” I murmured to myself as I closed my laptop and piled a few things on top as a mental reminder the workspace was off limits.

C O M M E R C E

Leadership Development

When email’s away, my brain can play CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber

O F

While taking a small unexpected pay cut is a financial hardship (though a small one compared to what many have endured), the week away did wonders for my mental health. I did fully enjoy the weather. I cleaned out a few spots in my house, sifted through paperwork that I had left untouched for longer than I would have liked, and spent time with my teacher-husband and toddler daughter at the zoo.

I love my job. I love the work I get to do. I really enjoy the mental workout my brain gets while figuring out a new challenge or working through a complex issue. I like who I work with and enjoy the opportunity to work from home while staying connected to co-workers virtually.

But for a week? I didn’t miss it. When I thought back to the last vacations I’ve taken, I realized that I never actually fully

When I thought back to the last vacations I’ve taken, I realized that I never actually fully disconnected. disconnected. Sure, people were being respectful of my time out of the office, but by checking email and responding “really quick!” was granting everyone who had access to my inbox permission to keep part of my brain focused on them rather than letting it fully relax a bit.

And, guess what? That’s MY fault – not theirs. I had clearly defined a boundary – about 500 miles farther than I meant to.

Disconnecting COVID-19 has taught us quite a bit.

It’s reminded us how much we should value our health. How lovely another movie night in with family can be… and how much we miss the opportunity to take in a movie OUT of the house now and then. It’s re-energized a passion for creative problem-solving, a love of local businesses and innovative ways to unite as a community. It’s also devastated some businesses, communities and families – that cannot be overstated.

Personally, I’ve learned that I feel

most balanced, fulfilled and connected when my work and life are integrated together fluidly. I’ve found that lunch home with my husband is a lovely way to reconnect during the day, and that I feel insanely productive when I am able to check mindless chores (like watering plants or emptying the dishwasher) while on a phone call, webinar or needing time to process a creative thought or idea.

But COVID also taught me that taking an actual break – not just going into workmode-light but a full disconnection – is good for my soul. It is good for my brain.

It’s good for my marriage. It’s good for my employer. It’s good for my friends.

It’s good all around.

People have been preaching this idea – that disconnecting is actually good for you for years. Thanks to COVID, I actually had to listen. And turns out, the advice wasn’t half bad.

Caitlin Pusateri is vice president, leadership development at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

17

September 2020

2020 Small Business

Coronavirus Impact Poll Small businesses see grounds for cautious optimism Across the country, more small businesses reported cautious optimism about the future despite concerns about a resurgence of the coronavirus, according to a MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll conducted in July. A sample of roughly 500 small business owners and operators were interviewed across the United States.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS ■ Almost 90% reported their businesses were open in some capacity: services and retail (82%), manufacturing (87%) and professional services firms (92%).

■ Businesses remained concerned about the impact of a second wave of coronavirus, with 65% concerned about having to close their business, or stay closed, if there was a second wave.

■ PPP loan recipients were concerned about loan forgiveness.

One in five (19%) respondents reported receiving a PPP loan, with nearly two-thirds (64%) concerned about meeting the criteria necessary to receive loan forgiveness.

■ Small businesses reporting plans to increase investments in the upcoming year were 35%; nearly double the number reporting plans to reduce investments (18%).

■ Competition was on the rise, with 31% of small businesses reporting facing more competition from smaller or local companies compared to six months ago.

In July, small businesses remained optimistic about future revenues (53%). Nearly three times more small businesses expected to see an increase (53%) rather than a decrease in next year’s revenues (18%).

Currently, nearly twice as many businesses planned to increase investments (35%) compared to those who anticipated a reduction (18%). Compared to late May, more small businesses in manufacturing, retail and professional services reported plans to increase investments, while small businesses in the service industry were slightly less optimistic.

Long-term staffing expectations looked more positive than last quarter. More small businesses anticipated increasing staff in the next year (30%). Half planned to retain the same staffing size (53%) and 9% reported plans to reduce staff.

Overall Health By location: Northeast (56%), South (62%), Midwest (47%) and West (50%).

By business size: Less than five employees (43%), five to 19 employees (73%) and more than 20 employees (72%).

SYMPTOMS

FEVER

■ Those who laid off employees saw months before they could rehire. Small businesses were more likely to report having fewer employees (21%) than more (11%), compared to before the pandemic began. Among those with less employees, 48% said it could be anywhere from three months to a year before they anticipated rehiring most of their employees.

Plans to Increase Investment, Staffing

Small businesses reported their overall health was holding steady, with 55% in July reporting good health.

The breakdown reporting good health: manufacturing (65%), professional services (67%), retail (45%) and service (40%).

Concerns over Second Wave Remains High

COUGH

HEADACHE

PREVENTION

WASH HANDS

FACE MASK

GO TO THE DOCTOR

Though small businesses were pressing onward, concerns over a second wave remained high; particularly among small businesses that already had to temporarily close (85%), those in the south (72%) and those in the service industry (72%).

The most common action taken to prepare for a second wave was purchasing additional supplies or products to prevent a future shortage (32%), followed by updating websites or social media profiles (29%), increasing e-commerce or digital payment options (25%) and investing in accounting software (13%). While around one in five small businesses reported revisiting long-term staffing plans (18%), fewer have made plans for future layoffs or furloughs (12%) or already laid off or furloughed employees (9%).

More See Increased Local Competition Twenty-nine percent of small businesses believed the U.S. economy is in good health, a slight, but not significant increase, from late May (24%). Though the overall number saying the national economy is in poor health is unchanged, slightly more say it is “very poor” compared to late May (24% now vs. 18% then).

Fewer small businesses perceived their local economy as in poor health (39%) when compared to the national economy (55%).

Nearly one in three small businesses (31%) reported facing more competition from smaller or local companies, compared to six months ago — an increase of 10 percentage points since the end of May. Those in the Northeast and South were most likely to report more competition. Retailers were most likely to report this across industries (47% now, from 23%), and minority-owned businesses were more likely to report this than non-minority-owned businesses.

18

SPECIAL SECTION Agile Marketing

CATHERINE POVALITIS Chartwell Agency

September 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

GUEST COLUMNIST

GUEST COLUMNIST

Digital agility can help your 2020 business

How to market yourself during a global pandemic

JACKSON NICKEL KMK Media Group

Today, people are spending more time online than ever

How does someone with a communication degree begin

before. The increase in digital engagement also has been

to find a job in their field when the unemployment rate is

driven by the pandemic and social distancing restrictions

nearly 15 percent?

across the nation.

Very little about this year has been business-as-usual. That’s why being flexible with your advertising approach is so important.

Online advertising makes it easier than ever to adjust to customer needs and industry trends. Consider how messages shifted almost instantaneously when the COVID-19 pandemic first began. Safety became paramount, messages needed to be reassuring and more lighthearted ads ran the risk of being in poor taste.

Today, people are spending more time online than ever before. The increase in digital engagement also has been driven by the pandemic and social distancing restrictions across the nation. And the trajectory at which people will continue to engage online is expected to continue.

Digital agility is paramount for doing business in 2020. Fortunately, there are marketing methods you can use to create customer trust, confidence and loyalty.

Here are a few ways to get started: A/B test digital ads to ensure your marketing campaign is effective.

What ads generated the most website hits? Monitor user interactions (i.e., click throughs) and adjust the campaign according to what ads are generating the most traffic to your website.

Use Google analytics to find out what pages of your website are visited most. Are you seeing trends in the pages that are being visited? If so, have a clear call to action on those pages to help drive more business. In addition, consider running digital ads or a search engine marketing (SEM) campaign to bring more traffic – and business – to those pages. Ensure you are tracking analytics on a monthly basis, so you can identify trends and opportunities and adjust your marketing efforts appropriately.

Know what your customers are searching. Once you know which phrases your customers are plugging into Google, you can add them into your website content. That will help you rank for organic search results. To assist in these efforts, consider incorporating a good mix of meaningful content such

as helpful blogs, information about your products or services and customer success stories.

Pay attention to the back end of your website. This is where the technology, content and graphics exist. Check it on a monthly basis to ensure plug-ins are updated, that meta descriptions are customized to help draw in Google searchers, and that the file name and alt text of images incorporate your most important keywords.

Encourage Google reviews and respond to them. Did you know that 91 percent of consumers say that positive reviews make them more likely to use a business? But just one negative review can create hesitation.

While negative reviews are bound to happen, the way you respond to them can make a big difference in your customer’s impression of your business. Respond to all reviews in a timely manner. Remember to be polite, make it detailed and personal, and outline a clear solution – even if that is taking the conversation offline for a more personal interaction. You aren’t just responding to the reviewer, but you are writing to future customers. Turn a bad review into your best review yet by demonstrating empathy, flexibility and responsiveness.

Know what your competitors are doing. Don’t let them outperform you but be true to what makes you unique.

Adjust your efforts to consistently position your differentiators and respond to changing messages in the market, whether it’s with SEM campaigns or social media ads.

At Chartwell Agency, we’ve seen firsthand from our clients the successes that arise from digital marketing. And with more people spending time online today than ever before, it’s crucial for your organization to become digitally agile.

Catherine Povalitis is vice president at Chartwell Agency.

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

I certainly didn’t expect my college career to end the way it did. One minute I’m on spring break, and the next, I’m moving out of my dorm without having a chance to say goodbye to any of my friends or professors. In early May, I attended graduation on my couch. My normal life during the last four years had completely changed in the blink of an eye.

And then I had to find my first postcollege job. …

How does someone with a communication degree begin to find a job in their field when the unemployment rate is nearly 15 percent?

Most communication-related jobs weren’t deemed essential and most weren’t looking to hire anytime soon. I managed to snag an interview that led to nothing, but that was all the progress I had made. I applied for dozens of jobs in the northern Illinois region, most of which never called me back. My summer employer of six years temporarily closed in mid-March leaving me without that option, as well.

In late June, my mom informed me of a job opening at KMK Media Group.

I applied, had a couple of interviews, and was fortunate enough to get hired in early July as a communications specialist.

There were a few strategies I learned along the way that I believe helped me get hired.

Tip 1: Make Connections The first thing I did (with a lot of help from my parents) was connect with people in my field. I was lucky to have parents with friends in my area of interest, but you can still connect with people in your field even if that isn’t the case. Former professors are a great resource. Reach out and ask if they have any contacts in your field. They will be more than happy to help you and will likely give you a great recommendation along the way.

Also, try reaching out to the hiring manager or owner at a place where you want to work. When you connect, include your resume and a short letter of introduction. Even if there is no open position at the time, the connection will often thank you for reaching out and keep you in mind. Not only will he or she remember you if a position opens in the future, but you never know if that

connection could lead you to another opportunity.

In my case, none of my early connections led to a job immediately, but they were all happy to speak with me, send me helpful articles and keep an eye out for me. As a matter of fact, one of the people I connected with early on led to my job at KMK. That goes to show the power of making a connection.

Tip 2: Renovate Your Resume I learned along the way that employers won’t notice a black and white resume that lists out everything word-for-word like your LinkedIn profile.

Update your resume to stand out! There are plenty of useful templates built into Microsoft Word and Apple Pages if you are “graphic design challenged” like me. These are great because they tell you what information to type in where.

Simply follow the instructions, add some color, and soon your resume will become much more noticeable.

My resume was overdue for a makeover, and those templates were a lifesaver.

Tip 3: Don’t Be Afraid to Apply The last suggestion I have is to apply for any job that interests you, even if you don’t have the required experience. A job opening may only attract a couple of applicants, so the company may be willing to give some leeway on their required experience. The worst that can happen is they say no, but it could lead to a new job.

Even though the end to my college career was un-ideal, my professional career has begun better than I ever could have imagined. I never expected to have a job right out of college under normal circumstances, let alone the current ones.

So, no matter what your job situation is or ends up being, be confident and market yourself!

Jackson Nickel joined KMK Media Group as a communications specialist after graduating from Carroll University with a bachelor of arts in communication.

The views expressed are those of Nickel’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

Five ways to get customers to return when reopening Have a game plan for meeting customers’ expectations

By Sean Ludwig, CO With the majority of states allowing businesses to reopen while COVID-19 concerns remain, business owners have a long list of things to do to make sure they can open safely while also convincing customers to come back. In the age of coronavirus, business owners should be constantly thinking about new ideas to win customers both new and old in this environment.

Here are five ways to get customers to come back to businesses that are reopening around the country.

Establish Plans and Contingencies One of the most important things businesses should be doing as they reopen is creating plans and contingencies for whatever situation might arise. If you don’t have plans in place, it may be hard to interact with customers consistently and confidently. Your business should be able to answer important questions, such as: ■ How can you serve customers safely and maintain social distancing?

■ How will you comply with all new protocols and regulations set by federal, state and local governments?

■ Do you have a plan for closing and cleaning if a customer or employee tests positive for COVID-19?

■ Will you require all customers and employees to wear masks? What happens if someone refuses to comply with your directives?

■ How will you convey messaging clearly to customers?

Once you can answer questions like these, then you will likely be ready to talk with customers and answer any question they could possibly ask. Having set plans and policies will give cautious customers more confidence to return.

Communicate Reopening Across Multiple Channels While it may seem obvious, another incredibly important part of bringing customers back in is actually letting them know you are back in business. Once you have reopening plans in place, you should know what your operating hours and policies are, and that information should be put out in the world.

Be Flexible While you might have thought all of your reopening plans are set, it’s possible that as your customers come back in you may want to make changes. Flexibility will be key to designing your new customer experience and rebuilding your relationship with customers. For example, if you set up an outdoor curbside pickup option but no customers are interested in using it, then perhaps scrap that and try something else in its place.

Keep in mind that your customer’s expectations, needs and priorities may have changed since they last visited and there may be ways to better meet your customers where they are mentally and emotionally. If customers come in and ask for a hand sanitizer station, see if it’s possible to deliver it.

Embrace New Technologies Part of getting customers back will also include using new technologies to interact with them. For example, to limit the number of people in workspaces, some businesses are using new online tools so customers can make appointments.

Other businesses have adopted video chat sessions so they can accommodate people that aren’t comfortable with in-person interactions yet.

Set the Right Tone No matter how you are communicating with customers, setting a kind and understanding tone is vital during this time. While it’s impossible to predict your

customers’ attitudes generally, 2020 has been a particularly tough year for many Americans, and it’s important to keep that in mind as your customers come back. Being polite and helpful with your customers can help rebuild loyalty.

Part of setting a compassionate tone can also shine through with your policies.

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For example, if you can set aside an hour a day for seniors and immunocompromised persons, it shows that you care about your customers’ health and wellbeing. You can also make sure your kindness is conveyed through your advertising and social media, as well.

Sean Ludwig is a contributor for CO by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The views expressed are those of Ludwig’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

economic development Economic development is for everyone Economic Development: the efforts required by a community, municipality, state or country to increase the wellbeing of its population by providing jobs, education and a higher quality of life.

Do you want opportunities for your friends and family to have longterm career options? Educational opportunities that range from prekindergarten to post graduate?

A community that provides a higher quality of life?

That is economic development.

And many partnerships, agencies and municipalities play a role in making those things and more possible.

This is done through a comprehensive strategy that cultivates the opportunities for capital investments and job creation.

It is through the collaboration of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and the many community partners in the Rockford Region that opportunities for primary job growth are being created. Job creation occurs through the retention or expansion of existing area businesses and entrepreneurs and by attracting new companies to the area.

The retention and expansion of current employers and entrepreneurs is critical because they account for a majority of a region’s job growth.

RAEDC builds relationships with

employers to support their growth opportunities, to identify barriers to expansion plans and to connect them with resources to attract, retain and train a well-qualified workforce.

Business attraction is important because it increases the diversity of products and services available to the community. To attract new companies, RAEDC markets the benefits of doing business in the Rockford Region by promoting our area’s strengths nationally and internationally.

A company will look at location factors such as the quality of the transportation network, reliability of utilities, availability of land to build on or buildings to purchase, proximity to suppliers and customers and skilled employees. The Rockford Region’s strong highway system, rail access and international airport attract companies that rely on efficient shipping. Advanced manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare industry clusters all benefit from the skilled labor pool and strong supply chain existing in the region.

Successful economic development in the Rockford Region increases the availability for high-quality primary jobs, a higher quality of life, and a wide range of industry clusters that help to insulate the region against recessions and economic downturns.

The value of investing Did you know that 70 to 80 percent of the business and job growth that occurs in our region is by existing employers?

Our local businesses are growing and competing globally. Our strong clusters, such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing and healthcare, are making record-breaking investments in facilities, products and services and also adding employees to implement that growth. A majority of the $1.5 to $2 billion currently being invested in our community is by businesses that have a presence in the area.

Infrastructure, roads and the Chicago Rockford International Airport have seen investments as well. Investments have been on the local level and with IDOT’s expenditures on I-90, Highway 20, Route 2; these types of expenditures enable the region to compete on the topfive major assets desired by site selectors and developers. The Chicago Rockford International Airport investments encompass facilities, a runway and the maintenance repair and overhaul facility for growth in air cargo.

The job openings today and the ones

of tomorrow need to link effectively into education. These educational investments are occurring at all levels.

Look at the amount of capital and time being invested in our school districts and post-secondary educational institutions.

There are large-scale facility expansions, curriculum expansions at all stages and curricula changes to focus on employer/ workforce needs. These connections create greater opportunities for a better quality of life for our residents and encourage students to remain in the area.

In economic development, business attraction efforts are core mission activities. The RAEDC is one of the region’s sales teams, promoting the region outside of the region to recruit businesses here, in turn creating more jobs.

These undertakings demonstrate the recent momentum and exponential value of collaboration in strategies and investments. We will continue to grow the Rockford Region’s reputation as an Opportunity Region where people want to live, work, play and invest.

Monthly webinars The RAEDC is hosting ED Talks; economic development webinars focusing on developing leadership that help business and community leaders manage through this current crisis. They also provide ways businesses can help their employees to continue moving forward during chaotic and uncertain times.

ED Talks happen the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon.

Register at RockfordIL.com/events. Join us!

Continuing the daily work of economic development The Rockford Area Economic Development Council, now in its 41st year of operation, has been and will continue to be focused on cultivating opportunities for primary job growth for our region. From rallying investors, partners and stakeholders, the RAEDC has leveraged regional assets to build the foundation we have today. That foundation is the momentum of initiatives we all should know and be proud to share when speaking about our community.

The RAEDC has regularly brought the right partners to the table, ignited initiatives and proudly watched them thrive in our community. The RAEDC is not the only entity that can celebrate these regional successes, it truly takes

partners to make these wins happen.

Throughout 2020, the RAEDC team has continued to work with brokers, site selectors, real estate professionals and companies directly to provide solutions to companies looking to expand or relocate into the Rockford Region.

The RAEDC has also been instrumental in providing information and resources to the community to help navigate COVID-19 through best practices, sources for PPE and financial support for companies.

Moving forward, the RAEDC will continue to use these foundations to focus on primary job creation and retention by leveraging the economic growth of our region and its industries.

$21.3 billion in road and bridge improvements Multi-year plan funded by Rebuild Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation released a $21.3 billion plan to improve Illinois roads and bridges over the next six years; a part of the Rebuild Illinois capital plan. It entails reconstruction of more than 3,300 miles of roads and 8 million square feet of bridges and is anticipated to support hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next six years.

More than $3 billion in funding has been identified for the current fiscal year, with plans to use $11.8 million to resurface and repair Illinois 251 in our region in 2021.

Other “major highway projects of interest” tentatively scheduled for the region during fiscal year 2021 to 2026: ■ Interstate 39/US 51/US 20/ Harrison Avenue (Rockford Bypass): Interstate 39/US 51 from 0.8 mile north of Blackhawk Road to Interstate 90; US 20 from Interstate 39 to

0.3 mile east of Kishwaukee River; Harrison Avenue from Bell School Road to Interstate 39.

■ Interstate 74/US 6 (new bridge) over the Mississippi River in Moline.

■ Interstate 80 over the Mississippi River in Rock Island County.

■ Interstate 80 from Rock River to US 6 in Henry County.

■ Interstate 280 at the Mississippi River southwest of Rock Island in Rock Island County.

■ Illinois 2 from Illinois 72 (E) in Byron to Beltline Road south of Rockford.

■ Illinois 2 over the Rock River in Rockton.

■ lllinois 251 over the Union Pacific Railroad 2.5 miles south of Illinois 75 and over Rockton Road 2.6 miles south of Illinois 75 in Roscoe.

Visit www.idot.illinois.gov/ myp2021-2026.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2020

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Deadline is today to participate in Natural Land Institute’s Family Nature Adventures with 13 naturethemed learning videos and suggested activities and questions. Earn a Junior Naturalist Badge and chance to win prizes in three random drawings. Visit www.naturalland.org/ familynatureadventures/.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 WATT Global Media hosts its virtual Petfood Forum CONNECT, Sept. 9 to 10, and 15 to 17. For more information visit PetfoodForumConnect.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 The Workforce Connection hosts an Employer Discussion: Services for Employers, 9 a.m., with information on recruitment assistance, job posting help, training for your employees, and subsidized work options. Visit us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_FODmA4qlRBeADBAEJGgEMg to register.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts a Fall Clothing Drive, 9 a.m. to noon.

Drop off clean clothing, wearable or not, purses, shoes or boots, outerwear, soft sided luggage, backpacks, pillows, bedding, curtains, stuffed toys, throw rugs (not padding or carpeting), belts, fabrics and hats. Visit knib.org for drop off locations.

Rockford Park District hosts an Intro to Mountain Biking Session, 9 a.m. to noon, at Seth B. Atwood Park, 7074 Rydberg Road, Rockford. Bring your own bike and helmet. Gloves recommended. Register by Sept. 5 at www.atwoodpark.org/programs.

The Music Academy, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Rockford Area Arts Council, Rockford Park District and YMCA of Rock River Valley present Pop Up Performances, 2 p.m., along the Sinnissippi Recreation Path, Rockford. Free. Donations welcome.

Rain date is Sept. 13. Visit www.

musicacademyinrockford.com or call 815-986-0037.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

RAMP will host its seventh-annual River Run virtually. Includes three MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 events: the 3K Walk/Wheel, 5K Run, GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford presents 1/2 Marathon Run. Register by Sept. 10 its 10th-annual “No Bull” Golf Outing to guarantee a t-shirt for the Sept. 29 at Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford pick-up date. Set your own time and St. Eighteen holes of golf, cart and complete by Sept. 29. Questions at lunch. AM and PM flights. Register at 779-774-1021 or jwhitehousse@ gigisplayhouse.org/rockford/golf or rampcil.org. Register at 815-654-7529 by Sept. 4. www.815riverrun.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

OCTOBER 2020 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 Rockford Area Arts Council hosts Zoom workshops for 2021 Community Arts Access Grants, 4 p.m., Oct. 13 and 15, for artists and arts and non-profit organizations. Maximum $2,500. Register at info@artsforeveryone.com with your name, organization and preferred date.

Application deadline is Nov. 9.

Rockford Art Museum’s 72nd-annual Greenwich Village Art Fair will be a virtual two-day event on Sept. 19 to 20.

Visit rockfordartmuseum.org/ greenwich-home.

Are you a Member with News to Share?

Rockford Park District presents Sneak Beak, noon to 2 p.m., at the Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road. Help Atwood’s birds of prey handlers prepare a meal for the birds. Free. Registration required at www.atwoodpark.org/programs.

The VOICE, Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 RAMP hosts its 11th-annual Bad Pants Golf Outing at Timber Pointe Golf Club, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove. Shotgun start at 3 p.m.

Traditional nine-hole golf scramble, but new is the opportunity to play 18 holes.

Contact 815-544-1935 to schedule your 18-hole tee time. Register at give. classy.org/badpants. For questions contact 779-774-1021 or jwhitehouse@ rampcil.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts a Golf Play Day Fundraiser at Elliot Golf Course, 888 S. Lyford Road, Rockford. Shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Register at knib.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Rockford Park District presents Campfire Cooking, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road. Free. Registration required at www.atwoodpark.org/ programs.

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Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to:

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication

22

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. John Breen

2. Kimberly Buchanan

3. Barbara Marzec

4. Dr. Cai Yuan

5. Dr. Syed Jafri

6. Dr. Waqas Ahmad

7. Beau Bunders

8.Cassaundra E. Bull

9. Dawn M. Hudson

10. Marilyn A Janes

11. Melissa S. Morphey

12. Zachary A. Picton

13. Jackson Nickel

14. Dr. David Pocock

15. Dr. Alesia Jones

16. Matthew Ennis

17. Tanner W. Long

18. Kristin Burns

19. Wendy Perks Fisher

20. Shane Heeren

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful welcomed John Breen (1) to its board.

Northern Illinois Alumni Association named Kimberly Buchanan (2), author, speaker and corporate professional, to its board.

SwedishAmerican announced that Jeff Kaney replaced Bill Roop as chairman of the board. Dr. William Cunningham was named the new president of the medical staff; replacing Dr. Steven Ikenberry. Dr. Jason Layman now is the first vice president, Dr. Kavita Mohan is second vice president, and Dr. Frank Bonelli remains as secretary/ treasurer.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS Rosecrance named Barbara Marzec (3) as vice president of access services.

Mercyhealth welcomed Cai Yuan (4), M.D., to Mercyhealth Cancer CenterRockford and Syed Jafri (5), D.O., to the emergency staff of Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton and Riverside and Dr. Waqas Ahmad (6), internal medicine, to Mercyhealth Mulford.

Cheryl Church joined the workplace search group staff as director.

Stillman Bank welcomed Beau Bunders (7) as agricultural loan officer, and promoted Cassaundra E. Bull (8) to director of marketing, Dawn M. Hudson (9) to loan accounting officer, Marilyn A. Janes (10) to credit quality officer, Melissa S. Morphey (11) to senior credit analyst and Zachary A. Picton (12) to controller.

KMK Media Group Inc., hired Jackson Nickel (13) as communications specialist.

SwedishAmerican welcomed Dr. Philip Carlson-Dexter, family medicine, and Dr. Precious Gaddis, OB/GYN, to Edgewater Medical

Center and APRN Macy Klumpp to the new FCA Family Health and Wellness Center-Belvidere.

Dr. David Pocock (14) retired from OSF Medical Group – Primary Care, Poplar Grove. He was honored with parking lot celebration parade in August.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford hired Alesia Jones (15), Ph.D., as interim assistant dean for diversity and inclusion.

First National Bank and Trust promoted Matthew Ennis (16) to branch manager at the BeloitMadison Road location.

Tanner W. Long (17) joined WilliamsMcCarthy LLP as associate attorney.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Kristin Burns (18), history department chair and Academic Quiz Bowl coach, Keith Country Day School, was named as the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association (IHSSBCA) Class A “Coach of the Year.”

Wendy Perks Fisher (19), former president/CEO, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, was

CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber

Caitlin Pusateri, VP, leadership development, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, was selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives to study economic recovery and resilience strategies with 41 other chamber of commerce professionals from across the United States. The Fellowship for Economic Recovery is an immersive executive development program that provides these professionals with education and tools to improve the post-COVID-19 pandemic outcomes in the communities they serve.

“I am looking forward to working closely with chamber leaders from across the country to identify unique ways chambers can play an important role in our community’s economic recovery.”

inducted into the Hall of Fame for Destinations International.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company honored Shane Heeren (20), VP - marketing/sales, on his 20th anniversary.

aMBaSSaDOR DOR SPOTLIGHT Stacy Wallace, V2 Marketing

Communications

I work at V2 – we are a full-service marketing firm helping our clients get the right message to the right people in a consistent way. We provide assistance through a wide range of marketing tactics, execution and management.

Being an ambassador has provided me with the opportunity to network and build relationships with existing businesses as well as reach out and welcome new businesses and organizations in our community. It’s a great way to get to know parts of Rockford that you might not be acquainted with, and meet new connections along the way!

Our downtown has really come a long way since I started as an ambassador in 2009, I enjoy all of the dining, entertainment and event options that the River District provides.

Jenny Redington, financial advisor, Edward Jones, achieved the professional designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®.

The 2020 Mercyhealth RMH Auxiliary Scholarship awarded $20,500 divided among 10 students: Caleb Jeffrey Andre, Purdue University, pharmacy; Brenda Banuelos-Mendes, Rock Valley College, nursing; Sophie Jane Bergsten, San Diego State University, public health; Lillian Drinkwine, Edgewood College, nursing; Madalyn Marie Fitzanko, University of Iowa, nursing; Jessica Lin, UW-Madison, biology-pre-med; Dulce OlivarLopez, Aurora University, nursing; Ana Gabriela Perez, Rock Valley College, nursing; Almadelia Rangel, UW-Madison, nursing, and Mackenzie Smith, University of Iowa, radiation therapy.

OF GENERAL INTEREST

Heather Kelley of V2 Marketing Communications was recently elected Governor of the American Advertising Federation, District 6.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center was ranked #23 in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report as “high performing” for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular care for persons with heart failure and knee replacements.

Four OSF HealthCare hospitals made the 2020-2021 Best Hospitals rankings for a number of specialties and services.

The Save Sinnissippi Golf Course committee reported a 14 percent increase from 2019 in total rounds to date. Golf Sunday Play Days are being held every Sunday after 3 p.m., for $5 per person. All ages welcome, especially families and beginners.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rockford Area Arts Council, in partnership with Rockford Art Deli and its #HereForGoodRKFD campaign, named its second round of recipients for the Our Journey MicroGrant; seeded by the sales of Rockford-themed masks and t-shirts: Rock House Kids for a mural by local artists, Rockford Public Library for the “How I Thrived in the 815” story creation and an illustration workshop for local youth, Evon J. Sams for videography work of a jazz musical production, and West Side Show Room for installation of art panels on windows.

The Woodward, Inc., board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.08125 per share for the quarter, payable on Aug. 31, 2020, for stockholders of record as of Aug. 17, 2020.

The start date for the 2020-21 American Hockey League season tentatively is Dec. 4, 2020, due to COVID-19. The AHL will continue to work with member clubs, including the Rockford IceHogs, to monitor developments and local guidelines in all 31 league cities. The final 202021 schedule still is to be determined.

U.S. News & World Report recognized SwedishAmerican as high performing in cardiology & heart surgery, heart failure; orthopedics, hip replacement and knee replacement, and pulmonology & lung surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It also ranked No. 18 in Illinois in this year’s Best Hospitals rankings.

Blackhawk Bank purchased more than 700 gift cards totalling $23,100 from local businesses and restaurants in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Anderson Japanese Gardens now is opening an hour earlier, at 9 a.m.

Advanced reservations are encouraged prior to arrival at www.

AndersonGardens.org.

OSF HealthCare ranked #20 for America’s Best Employers for

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

of Stephenson County, New Horizons Counseling Center, Stephenson County Historical Society and CONTACT of Northern Illinois.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center started free Mothers of Beautiful Babies classes and Postpartum Support Group meetings. Size is limited to 10, including the instructor. Masks are required on everyone over two years old.

Heritage Museum Park reopened with a new addition, the O’Leary mirror said to have hung in O’Leary’s Saloon in Chicago in the early 1900s. The saloon was owned by James “Big Jim” O’Leary, the son of Cate O’Leary, whose cow was falsely blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The mirror is on display in the Garden Room of GrahamGinestra House and donated by Jill Brown in loving memory of her grandmother, Lorraine Kee-Ross.

Women for 2020 by Forbes magazine. It was the highest-ranked, Illinois-based health care system earning the distinction.

The Workforce Connection received an Apprenticeship Navigator grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with a goal to engage, educate and train employers who currently do not operate or work with apprenticeship program models. Overall, Illinois seeks to enroll 800 new registered apprentices in Illinois by 2022 and increase their diversity.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois completed the tax season with more than 2,200 returns filed through GoodTAXES, the free volunteer income tax preparation program in Rockford, DeKalb and Beloit for families with income less than $56,000. The 44 IRS-trained volunteers performed more than 1,270 hours of service filing more than 2,200 tax returns. Three tax volunteers earned prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Awards with more than 100 hours of service this tax season. Twenty college students also volunteered.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and Freeport Community Foundation together awarded $60,000 in Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund grants to nine non-profit organizations in Stephenson County: Amity Society of Freeport, Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, United Way of Northwest Illinois, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Northern Illinois Community Action Agency, VOICES

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Rockford Art Museum will be open to the public, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday to Sunday each week with no reservations required. Free admission through the end of the year. Visitors should use face coverings over mouth and nose, no temperature above 100.4 or COVID-19 symptoms and social distancing.

Walker Park playground, 1520 Post Ave., Rockford, has been remodeled, thanks to $25,000 in state funding, a private donation, volunteers from Kids Around the World and residents of Churchill’s Grove neighborhood, who worked two days in sweltering heat. The former site of Walker Elementary School was transferred from Rockford Public Schools to the Rockford Park District.

KMK Media Group was hired by Klaas Financial to manage its social media marketing and RBG Janitorial for marketing and public relations services, graphic design and website support.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center received a $3,310 grant from the Community Grant Program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to offer classes in music and visual art to youth in the 2020 summer program at Patriots Gateway Community Center.

Per Mar Security Services ranked 22nd in SDM’s 2020 Top Systems Integrators Report, which ranks 100 companies in 2019 based on their security system integration revenue.

Lifescape cancelled the 2020 Senior Expo, but instead is putting together a free 2020 Lifescape Senior Expo Resource Guide; available for pickup at its 705 Kilburn office in Rockford. A pdf version also will be available by social media and email.

Discovery Center Museum opened for timed-entry play sessions from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday each week.

Advance reservations required at discoverycentermuseum.org. Face coverings for everyone ages 6 and older, wellness checks and social distancing. The museum also is offering free online learning resources at its Playful Learning at Home webpage, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Savant Wealth Management (formerly Savant Capital Management) unveiled its “Wise Counsel” rebrand, which includes a new company logo, color palette, website, name change and tagline.

To help schools reopen safely during the pandemic, Rockford Systems is discounting its GermBlock™ Cough and Sneeze shields 50 percent off standard pricing, for all public and private schools, colleges and universities.

Woodward, Inc., reported financial results for third quarter of fiscal year 2020 ending June 30, 2020. Net sales were $524 million, compared to $752 million, a decrease of 30 percent. The decline in aerospace segment sales in the third quarter was primarily driven by lower commercial sales due to the secular decline in global passenger traffic and OEM production rates, plant closures and furloughs. Industrial segment net sales for the third quarter of 2020 declined due to COVID-19 across markets, continued weakness in oil and gas, and the divestiture of RPS. Thanks to $25,000 in state funding, Rockford Park District celebrated the remodeling of White Swan Park playground to comply with industry safety standards. It’s located at the former White Swan Elementary School.

On July 23, United Way of Rock River Valley officially broke ground on the third Strong Neighborhood House at 825 Marie Ave., at the border of Machesney Park and Loves Park. The new house will work with agency partners, Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies and Loves Park police officers to implement programs and activities designed to support neighborhood children and families. Associated Bank donated the lot as part of $35,000 to United Way, Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Unions hours of labor and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Graceffa $25,000 in materials.

Cellusuede Products, Inc., acquired Engineered Fibers Technology in Shelton, Conn., and now has 100 percent interest in EFT ownership; greatly expanding its capabilities as a precision short-cut fiber supplier.

Rockford Promise introduced its 30 Promise Scholars, who will be awarded full-tuition scholarships to either Rockford University or Rock Valley College. Each Rockford Promise Scholar is assigned a mentor from the Rockford business community. The 91 percent graduation rate far surpasses local, state and national averages.

SwedishAmerican Foundation raised more than $50,000 at the 35th annual Ryan Jury Memorial Golf

Continued on page 24

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

Exelon Generation to retire Illinois’ Byron and Dresden nuclear plants in 2021 Exelon Generation announced today that it intends to retire its Byron Generating Station and Dresden Generating Station in fall 2021, resulting in the loss of four nuclear generation units that together supply clean, zero-emissions energy to more than four million homes and businesses in northern Illinois. Byron, located just outside Byron, Ill., will close in September 2021, and Dresden, located in Morris, Ill., will close in November 2021.

Dresden is licensed to operate for another decade and Byron for another 20 years. Together, they employ more than 1,500 full-time employees and 2,000 supplemental workers during refueling outages, most from local union halls. The plants pay nearly $63 million in taxes annually to support local schools, fire, police and other services. The two plants supply 30 percent of Illinois’ carbon-free energy and are essential to meeting the state’s goal to achieve 100 percent clean energy.

“Although we know in our heads that shutting down the uneconomic Illinois plants is necessary to preserve even more jobs elsewhere, our hearts ache today for the thousands of talented women and men that have served Illinois families for more than a generation and will lose their jobs because of poorly conceived energy policies,” said Christopher Crane, president and CEO of Exelon. “But we are only about a year away from shutdown and we need to give our people, the host communities, and regulators time to prepare.”

“We recognize this comes as many of our communities are still recovering from the economic and public health impacts of the pandemic, and we will continue our dialogue with policymakers on ways to prevent these closures,” said Crane. “To that end, we have opened our books to policymakers and will continue to do so for any lawmaker who wishes to judge the plants’ profitability.”

“We agree with Governor Pritzker that policy reform is urgently needed to address the climate crisis and advance Illinois’ clean energy economy, and we support the objectives of the Governor’s recent energy principles,” added Crane. “That’s separate from today’s announcement to retire these two zero-carbon nuclear plants, which was not a decision made lightly and is one that has been in the works for some time.”

Despite being among the most efficient and reliable units in the nation’s nuclear fleet, Dresden and Byron face revenue shortfalls in the hundreds of millions of dollars because of declining energy prices and market rules that allow fossil fuel plants to underbid clean resources in the PJM capacity auction, even though there is broad public support for sustaining and expanding clean energy resources to address the climate crisis. The plants’ economic challenges are further exacerbated by a recent FERC ruling that undermines longstanding state clean

energy programs and gives an additional competitive advantage to polluting energy sources in the auction. As a result of these market rules, Exelon Generation’s LaSalle and Braidwood nuclear stations in Illinois, each of which house two nuclear units and together employ more than 1,500 skilled workers, are also at high risk for premature closure.

Studies have shown that when nuclear plants close, plants that burn fossil fuels operate much more often, increasing harmful carbon and air pollution, especially in disadvantaged communities. In January 2019, Illinois committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the targets set in the Paris climate agreement. While the state is currently at roughly 85 percent progress towards the 2025 goal, if the four economically challenged nuclear plants (Dresden, Byron, Braidwood and LaSalle) prematurely retire, Illinois will drop to only 20 percent of the way toward the goal.

Electric sector emissions in Illinois will increase by 70 percent.

Despite these consequences, Exelon Generation must act now to prevent further shortfalls and give its employees, contractors and community partners time to prepare for the loss of jobs and tens of millions of dollars in taxes, donations and local purchasing. The notification also is necessary to give PJM enough time to conduct an analysis confirming that retiring Byron and Dresden will not cause a shortage of generating capacity in northern Illinois during times of peak demand.

In the days and weeks ahead, Exelon Generation will file a deactivation notice with PJM and inform key stakeholders and regulatory agencies of the retirements. In addition, the company will: ■ Make official shutdown notifications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within 30 days; ■ Terminate capital investment projects required for long term operation of Dresden and Byron; and ■ Scale back the refueling outages scheduled for this fall at Dresden and Byron. The move will result in spending reductions of $50 million and the elimination of up to 1,400 of the more than 2,000 mostly union jobs typically associated with the two refueling outages.

While retirement preparations are underway, employees will continue to operate the plants. Exelon Generation will work to place affected plant employees at other Exelon facilities or help them transition to positions outside the company, wherever possible.

To learn more about the plant closures, visit www.exeloncorp.com/newsroom/

IEMA provides safety tips for storm survivors Considerations during extended power outages Power outages are more than just inconvenient; they can be dangerous.

That’s why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and local emergency managers are highlighting various safety tips to help recent storm survivors.

At the height of the Aug. 10 storm, more than 683,000 customers were without power in Illinois. Due to the destructive straight-line winds associated with this storm, power lines, utility poles, substations and towers were damaged or destroyed, resulting in extensive repairs.

“From food poisoning to carbon monoxide dangers, power outages are extremely hazardous if the proper precautions are not followed during a disaster,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “August is typically one of the hottest months of the year.

Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Community resiliency is built by neighbors helping neighbors, especially in a time of great need – such as a disaster.”

Keep the Frig Closed Another hidden danger associated with power outages lurks in your refrigerator and freezer. During a power outage you should always keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain a cold temperature. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, if it is unopened. A fully stocked freezer will keep food frozen two days, if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer can keep foods frozen about one day.

“Foods such as meat, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese and other items that require refrigeration should never be consumed if at any point the food was above 40°F for more than two hours,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.

“Foods that are not kept adequately

During a power outage you should always keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain a cold temperature. refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if eaten, even when they are thoroughly cooked.”

Other important safety tips include: ■ Only use generators outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide

poisoning.

Generators,

camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.

■ Disconnect

electronics

and

equipment to avoid damage from electrical surges. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.

■ Have refrigerating

alternate medicines

plans or

for using

power-dependent medical devices. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

To learn more about staying safe during a power outage, visit ready.illinois.gov

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

County executive question on November ballot, judge validates documents, signatures WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WREX) In November, you’ll vote for a new leader in Winnebago County, but you’ll also vote whether or not to change the county’s form of government to an executive form. To get the question on the ballot, the judicial process was needed.

In January, 2020, Winnebago County Board members Jean Crosby and John Butitta introduced a motion to put a referendum question on the ballot in November to change the form of government in the county to an executive form — which isn’t the norm for counties in Illinois. Out of 102 counties, only three have an executive form of government.

What is an executive form of government?

An executive form of government puts an elected official in control of the county, but the powers of that individual couldn’t be changed midterm. The board would also have the option to elect a member to run the board meetings, and serve as sort of a second-in-command to the chairman.

But, when you vote for your county leader, you elect that person to make

September 2020

Shall the County of Winnebago adopt the county executive form of government and elect not to become a home rule unit?

decisions on your behalf. Some board members say for the past few years, he hasn’t, or he hasn’t been able to.

“The changes that were made and the duties of the chairman were in accordance with the law,” Board member Paul Arena explains.

But while fellow board member John Butitta agrees changing the chairman’s duties was legal, Butitta argues it wasn’t fair to voters, who had elected Frank Haney as their chairman.

“The more proper course of action should’ve been to — if they wanted to make changes — make them effective at the end of the term,” Butitta says.

That’s why two board members, Butitta and Jean Crosby, got more than five hundred signatures to put a question on the ballot to change the form of government to an executive form.

The signatures were necessary because a previous motion in a county committee to put the question on the ballot had failed, requiring Butitta and Crosby to walk door-to-door to get the signatures.

“What we will have under an executive form of government is a more

❑ Yes

❑ No

balanced approach,” Butitta argues.

To get the question on the ballot, a judge needed to sign off. Part of the reason is, because Arena wanted to keep the question off the ballot.

Arena disagrees with Butitta on which form of government is best for the county and wants voters to first experience a new chairman and a new county board before such a drastic move is taken. So, Arena petitioned a judge to keep it off.

“Oh, there were multiple issues we raised,” Arena says.

Arena questioned technical aspects of the submitted documents and signatures that were submitted in late July.

“Whether the voter was properly registered

—

whether

they

were

properly signed by the voter — those types of things,” Arena explains.

But in the end, a 17th Circuit judge struck down Arena’s petition saying his argument didn’t satisfy requirements to take it off the ballot. Come November, voters will make the final decision on what form of government they want.

25

TOWNSHIP FORM

(Current for Winnebago County)

The Illinois Constitution of 1848 allowed voters in each county to choose to establish township governments or a county commission form of government. Today, 85 of the 102 counties in Illinois operate under the township form of government. Township counties usually operate with standing committees. These committees study the particular problems that arise within their areas of responsibility and submit recommendations to the full board for action. A county board member can also hold the office of township supervisor.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE FORM (Proposed form on ballot)

A county which has a chief executive officer is considered a “home rule unit”.

A county-wide referendum is required to establish this plan. Home rule counties have broad authority to provide for local government issues. The advantage of this designation is that, except as limited

by State law, home rule counties may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government and affairs, including the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals and welfare; to license; and to borrow money and levy taxes.

Cook County is the only home rule county in Illinois. Will County voters elected to go to a county executive form without home rule in 1988. Champaign County voters approved restructure to executive form in 2016.

26

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from page 23 Outing with more than 150 golfers on Aug. 5 at Aldeen Golf Club. Funds benefit kids, particularly in the pediatric specialties, such as the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and introduction of a pediatric behavioral health program.

Chartwell Agency earned a Silver MACQUEE national award by the Marketing Association of Credit Unions for the television commercials/videos created for Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union, based largely in Wyoming and also Colorado.

Savant Wealth Management was recognized for the 11th year by Financial Times in its “FT 300: Top Registered Investment Advisers” list for 2020. Accounting Today magazine ranked Savant for the eighth time in its “Top Wealth Magnet” list; ranking #3 out of more than 100 leading CPA financial planning firms in the United States. It’s part of the “Billion Dollar Club;” managing more than $8.6 billion in assets for clients.

Bourn & Koch plans to feature its two flagship gear manufacturing machines,

the 400H & Fellows 10-4 retrofit, its newly redesigned and re-engineered Blanchard 22AD-42 and a brand new multifunctional machine tool platform, the MT3, at IMTS 2020.

Discovery Center Museum and Woodward, Inc., opened the Energy on the Move exhibit on how to harness energy for land, sea and air.

Woodward commemorated its 150th milestone anniversary with this gift and has women in its history and innovations in aerospace and industry into the exhibit.

Mercyhealth resumes class registration for its childbirth, newborn care, breastfeeding and infant and child CPR classes in 2020. Classes are held at Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside and free for participants and a support person. Visit mercyhealthssytem.org/ register-for-classes.

Digital Hive Mind was selected by Kaney to update its branding and website, including logo, business cards, corporate resources and sales deck templates.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois’ LifeLaunch program continues

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

to give young adults involved with the justice system a second chance for success with warehouse and manufacturing and life skills training.

Since March 2020, 32 participants received case management, work readiness skills and work experience; 14 earned industry certifications, eight acquired new jobs, 28 were given referrals to other community resources, and four assisted in enrolling in GED classes.

Gary W. Anderson Architects rebranded its firm as Studio GWA to better reflect its business growth, enhanced breadth and depth of services, and comprehensive team of professionals in architecture, interior design, urban planning and development services.

Rockford Park District received $698,608 from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for violence prevention programming through June 30, 2021. The goal is to reach up to 5,000 at-risk youth between 8 and 18 with communitybased recreational programs in leadership development and active engagement.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in July 2020 11th Street Express Printing, Inc. AED Essentials, Inc. Anderson Environmental Co. The Anser Group Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Auto Body Specialist Inc. Bill Doran Company Bisconti Computers Inc. Blake Oil Company C & H Design Center Casey’s General Store Cherry Valley Fire Protection District Cicero, France & Alexander, P.C. Connect Hearing Corporate Services, Inc Costco Wholesale #1353 Dale Carnegie Training of Greater Illinois, Inc. Danfoss Drives Dry Otter Basement Water Proofing/Concrete Raising Estwing Manufacturing Company, Inc. Event Floral First National Bank and Trust Roscoe First National Bank and Trust Rockton First Northern Credit Union (Show Place Drive) First Northern Credit Union (Stalter Drive) Focus Financial Advisors, Inc. Forest City Gear Co. Getz Fire Equipment Company GinestraWatson Co. Gleason Cutting Tools Corporation

Helen Hill Communication Heritage Woods of Rockford HolmstromKennedyPC Honest Pest Control Inc. HUB-REMSEN Print Group Ignition Studio, Inc. Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) Illinois State Credit Union Illumination.io Ingenium Aerospace LLC J & M Plating, Inc. J.L.Clark John Morrissey Accountants, Inc. K&J Finishing, Inc. Kelce & Company Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden Laurent House Foundation, Inc. Marco Midwest Mailworks, Inc. Mr. Goodwater, Inc. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Illinois Northwestern Mutual NyClo Screw Machine Products PACCAR Parts, A Division of PACCAR Parker Hannifin Corporation Phantom Regiment Planet Fitness - Rockford Planet Fitness - Loves Park Prairie Street Brewing Co. Premier Technologies Presence Saint Anne Center Presence Cor Mariae Center R.J. Bowers Distributors, Inc.

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Raymond James & Associates Rock River Service Company Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association Rockford Association for Minority Management Rockford Board of Election Commissioners Rockford Charter School Organization/Jackson Charter School Rockford Electric Equipment

OSF HealthCare launched an online self-scheduling tool for screening mammograms at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford and OSF Center for Health – Rock Cut in Loves Park. The entire process takes a total of five clicks once patients link to their My Chart accounts.

Ipsen, Inc., saw an increase in orders in July; selling five custom vacuum furnaces for the aerospace, defense and commercial heat-treating industries and nine furnaces to customers in six U.S. states, Canada and the United Kingdom.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Midway Village Museum is extending its Victorian Village seasonal tours through Saturday, Oct. 31. Tours are hourly, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. The village closes at 4 p.m.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS KIWANIS CLUB OF ROCKFORD

A non-profit organization of service-minded people who serve the children of the community through projects and grants.

P.O. Box 8472, 61126 Jane Austin 815-289-6112 www.kiwanisclubofrockford.com

KIMBERLY BUCHANAN

Bestselling author, speaker and transformation coach.

Kimberly Buchanan 815-978-2385 www.kimberlybuchanan.com

Company Rockford Local Development Corporation Rockford Lutheran School Rocknel Fastener, Inc. Samco Sales & Marketing Inc. Smeja Homestead Foundation Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc. Staff Management, Inc. Stateline Real Estate LLC/Stateline Rental Properties Stateline Youth for Christ StraightLine Moving Inc. United States Postal Service The UPS Store Westminster Presbyterian Church WinMan LLC Winnebago Motor Homes

SEPTEMBER MEMBER

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

20-YEAR MEMBER

Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects

15-YEAR MEMBER

Amberwood Care Centre

10-YEAR MEMBER Header Die & Tool, Inc.

5-YEAR MEMBERS The Anser Group Movement Fitness

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

27

Graduated income tax proposal A guide to the Illinois plan According to GOMB’s figures, which are based on tax year 2016 returns, 85.0% of the state’s 6.2 million tax filers will see lower tax bills, while 2.8% will see higher bills. The remaining 12.2% do not owe any taxes.

As Illinois voters head to the general election ballot in November, they’ll have a big decision to make beyond who will lead this nation as President and other key governmental positions.

They’ll decide whether to replace the state’s flat-rate income tax with a graduated rate structure.

The following by the Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability at the Civic Federation reviews the proposed new tax rates and examines who will pay more under the new plan and how much revenue it is expected to raise.

Flat vs. Graduated Tax Illinois has had a flat rate — currently 4.95% for individuals — since the income tax was instituted in 1969. The Illinois Constitution mandates that any income tax be imposed at a single rate for all individual taxpayers, regardless of their income level. The constitution also dictates a single corporate tax rate that may not be more than 60% higher than the individual rate.

Last year, at the urging of Governor J.B. Pritzker, the General Assembly approved a constitutional amendment to go before voters in November 2020 that removes the flattax requirement. The amendment also modifies the corporate rate limit by requiring that the highest corporate rate not exceed the highest individual rate by more than 60%.

The legislature also approved a new graduated rate structure for individual income taxes that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2021 if the constitutional amendment passes. Of the 41 states with general income taxes, Illinois is now one of only nine with a flat tax.

However, the rate structures in the 32 states with graduated rates vary widely.

The enacted graduated rates are similar to those proposed in March of last year by Governor Pritzker. The biggest difference is an increase in the top tax rate to 7.99% from 7.95% in the governor’s initial proposal.

The legislation also raised the flat corporate rate to 7.99% from 7.95% in the governor’s proposal and the current 7.0%. Illinois corporations also pay a Personal Property Replacement Tax of 2.5%, which is effectively an additional tax on corporate income.

different rate structure for single tax filers and married couples. This change was intended to address criticism about a significant marriage penalty related to the governor’s initially proposed rate structure, which did not distinguish between single and joint filers. A marriage penalty exists when joint filers have a higher combined tax burden than they would have had if they had remained single.

For single taxpayers with up to $750,000 of net income and joint filers with up to $1 million, the enacted plan uses a tax bracket structure applied in the same way as federal income taxes and most other states with graduated tax rates. The first dollars earned by all taxpayers are taxed at the lowest rates.

Taxpayers earning more are subject to higher rates, but only on their net income above the threshold amounts for each bracket.

The tax rate applied to a filer’s last dollar of income is called the marginal rate. The ratio of the total tax paid to net income is called the effective rate.

In a flat-tax system, marginal and effective rates are the same. In a typical graduated tax system, except in the lowest income bracket, effective rates are below marginal rates due to lower marginal rates on the first dollars of income.

Under the Illinois plan, filers with up to $100,000 would see slightly lower marginal rates of 4.75% or 4.90%, compared with the current 4.95%. Filers with $100,001 to $250,000 would see no change in their marginal rate. Single filers with $250,001 to $750,000 and joint filers with $250,001 to $1 million would face higher marginal rates of up to 7.85%. However, filers with less than about $253,000 would see no increase in their effective rates because of the lower rates paid on lower brackets of income. The effective tax rate is 6.86% for single filers with $750,000 and 7.09%

for joint filers with $1 million.

At the highest income levels, Illinois’ enacted tax plan, like the governor’s initial plan, deviates from most states’ graduated tax structures.

For single taxpayers with more than $750,000 of net income and joint filers with more than $1 million, the tax rate becomes a flat 7.99%. That means that all income is taxed at the same rate, so the wealthiest taxpayers do not benefit from lower rates applied to their first dollars of income. Graduated income taxes that become flat at the top are rare, but not unprecedented, among other states. According to the Tax Foundation, three other states — Connecticut, Nebraska and New York — have similar structures, which are known as recapture provisions.

The recapture provision results in a spike in effective tax rates. A single filer’s effective rate jumps from 6.86% to 7.99% when net income increases from $750,000 to $750,001; the tax bill rises from $51,460 to $60,005. Joint filers see an increase in effective rates from 7.09% to 7.99% when their income rises from $1 million to $1,000,001; their tax bills increase from $70,935 to $79,980.

What This Means for the Individual According to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget’s (GOMB) figures, which are based on tax year 2016 returns, 85.0% of the state’s 6.2 million tax filers will see lower tax

Single vs. Joint Filers For those at higher income levels, the enacted tax plan includes a

Source: Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability

bills, while 2.8% will see higher bills.

The remaining 12.2% do not owe any taxes. The 5.3 million filers with lower bills will have combined savings of $176 million, an average of $33 per filer. The 174,865 filers with higher bills will see a combined increase of $3.7 billion, an average of $21,434 per filer. Most of the increase is expected to be paid by the 19,939 taxpayers with more than $1 million of net income, who represent 0.3% of total filers. Their tax bills will increase by $2.8 billion, or $138,272 per filer.

These calculations do not account for tax credits in the new plan that could reduce taxpayers’ bills. Public Act 101-0008 increases the property tax credit to 6% of property taxes paid per year from 5% and provides a child tax credit of up to $100 per year for single filers with under $80,000 and joint filers with less than $100,000.

In all, GOMB estimates additional individual income tax revenue due to the graduated tax plan (net of amounts set aside for tax refunds) of about $3.6 billion per year. This result assumes that the relatively rapid growth in high-income households in the years following the Great Recession continues through 2020. However, the calculation also assumes no income growth in 2021 from the previous year to make the estimate more conservative. GOMB’s estimate has not been updated since June 2019 and does not reflect any income growth in 2022.

The governor’s proposed budget for FY2021 relies on $1.4 billion from the new tax plan. If approved by voters, the plan would take effect midway through the fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2020. The $1.4 billion estimate is net of a $100 million supplemental contribution to the state’s massively underfunded retirement systems. The governor’s budget also recommends that $200 million of the plan’s proceeds in FY2022 and future years be used to shore up the pension funds.

28

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

The Illinois Chamber opposes a graduated/ progressive income tax The moment you abandon…the cardinal principle of exacting from all individuals the same proportion of their income or their property, you are at sea without rudder or compass, and there is no amount of injustice or folly you may not commit.

J.R. MCCULLOUGH, A TREATISE ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICAL INFLUENCE OF TAXATION ON THE FUNDING SYSTEM 2007 Illinois fiscal policy and tax laws should actively promote economic growth in Illinois by encouraging increased capital investment, productivity, and the creation of new jobs for the citizens of Illinois.

A graduated income tax undercuts these fundamental tax policy goals and impedes the economic growth and competitiveness of all Illinois businesses.

Amending the Illinois Constitution to permit a graduated income tax is the wrong signal to send if Illinois wants to grow jobs and see its citizens prosper. Individual income tax rates are just as important to business activity as corporate rates. Proposals to raise income taxes on high-income individuals fall heavily on Illinois’ non-corporate businesses.

The Small Business Burden Small businesses account for an ever-increasing percentage of business income and employment in Illinois and frequently operate as sole proprietors or through some form of tax passthrough entity (partnerships, Sub-S Corps, or as an LLP/LLC). As such, small business owners pay individual income tax on their business income, rather than corporate tax.

Increasing tax rates on small

businesses leaves less available revenue for economic expansion such as hiring additional employees or making capital investments.

Disadvantages to Corporation Expansion In recent years, proposals to amend the Illinois Constitution to permit a graduated income tax were not limited to a graduated tax on individuals. The proposed constitutional amendment scheduled for the ballot in 2020 also allows the imposition of a graduated income tax on corporations. Imposing a graduated income tax on corporations would create additional disadvantages to locating and expanding business activities in this state.

In addition to the economic drain on job creators, a graduated income tax is a less reliable source of funding for state programs due to the volatility of the business cycle — creating sometimes wild fluctuations in tax revenues. While economic good times increase state revenues, economic downturns can result in increased deficits and put unnecessary stress on funding for critical social services.

Bracket Creep A graduated income tax is often criticized as a stealth tax. As taxpayer

incomes rise over time with inflation, lower and middle income individuals are subjected to higher marginal rates—so-called “bracket creep.”

Governments receiving the resulting increased income tax revenues are less enthused about adjusting rate brackets to remove taxpayers from the tax rolls. A good example of bracket creep was found in the federal alternative minimum tax, which was intended to tax only high-income earners, but affected middle income taxpayers until this problem was addressed in the 2017 federal tax reform legislation. P.A. 101-0008, which would implement the graduated income tax if the constitutional amendment is successful, establishes tax brackets that are not indexed to inflation and would allow “bracket creep.”

A graduated or progressive income tax can create a very real dis-incentive to work as it punishes, through higher tax rates, those who choose to work more hours or longer days.

Protection by the Constitution The current Illinois Constitution provides that the corporate tax rate shall not exceed the rate imposed on individuals by more than a ratio of 8 to 5. The Constitutional 8 to

5 ratio protects Illinois businesses from disproportionate taxation. The graduated income tax constitutional amendment scheduled for the ballot in November 202 purports to maintain the 8 to 5 ratio.

It does so, by creating an 8 to 5 ratio between the highest statutory rate on individuals and the highest rate on corporations. The top rate on individuals under P.A. 101-0008 is 7.99 percent. As a result, the top rate on corporations could be raised to 12.78 percent, plus the 2.5 percent personal property tax replacement income tax, for a total of 15.28 percent, without raising the top tax rate on individuals.

Flat Rate Fairness Illinois’ current flat rate income tax is inherently more fair than a graduated income tax since everyone pays the same rate and tax increases uniformly affect everyone. A flat rate tax does not promote divisive class warfare rhetoric or purposefully attempt to re-distribute income according to a subjective fairness standard. A flat rate tax requires all taxpayers to vigilantly stand guard against excessive government spending.

For more information, go to ilchamber.org.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

29

Even with stay-at-home orders relaxed, many workers continue working at home.

Did the ability to telework save your job?

COVID-19 labor market implications

Although teleworking was on the rise even before the pandemic, it has increased substantially as a result. Estimates are that 31 percent of workers employed in early March switched to working at home by the first week of April, according to an article in the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Even with stay-at-home orders relaxed, many workers continue working at home.

But not every worker had the option to work remotely. Estimates are that 63 percent of U.S. jobs required significant onsite presence and that the remaining 37 percent could be

performed at home, according to the Occupational Information Network and occupational employment estimates from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey.

Job Loss Not Equal Unemployment did not fall equally. Overall, employment fell by 16 percent from February to April, and the unemployment rate increased by 11 percentage points. But it fell by 21 percent in occupations in which telework was not feasible; compared with 8 percent in occupations in which telework was feasible.

A recent article published in

the June 2020 Monthly Labor Review identified that while job losses were widespread throughout the economy from February to March, they were especially severe in the initially vulnerable, or highly exposed, industries.

Workers in those occupations in which working at home was not feasible were especially hard hit by the pandemic. For these occupations, employment fell by 42 percent between February and April, and the unemployment rate rose by 32 percentage points.

In occupations in the highly exposed industries in which working

at home was feasible, employment fell by a still substantial, but smaller, 22 percent, and the unemployment rate increased by 18 percentage points.

In February, only 15 percent of employment in the highly exposed industries was in occupations in which telework was feasible. As a result, the overall fall in employment in these industries was very large (39 percent) and not far off from the reduction in employment in jobs in which working at home was not feasible.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

30

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

September 2020

on digital MEMBER PICS

Caravel Autism Health held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of its 6,000 square foot space specifically designed to serve children with autism and their families on July 30th at 6565 East State Street, Rockford.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau unveils a permanent art installation in mid-August at Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., in downtown Rockford: Four-foot-tall aluminum “ROCKFORD” letters along the north lawn of the park.

BEFORE

New owners of Rock River Tower Apartments, the locally owned Becovic Management Group, give the iconic hi-rise apartment building overlooking the Rock River an upgrade. Across from Sinnissippi Park and within walking distance to downtown Rockford, the 110 studio, one- and two-bedroom units with river views and contemporary design feature European finishes, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, plank flooring, LED and bluetooth vanity mirrors. It has an upgraded pool and patio deck with barbeque, picnic and dog park areas along the river and parking for boats and jet skis, fishing and canoeing.

(Left) Overhead view of floorplan for studio apartment

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

UNIFICATION

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Continued from page 2

competition for funds and reduce the time needed to manage stakeholders.

Yet, this increased connectivity would not relinquish each organization’s independence, as the Chamber and RAEDC would maintain their separate boards. These boards would be charged with guiding their work, advocating for their resources and providing general oversight for these respective organizations.

One of the primary functions of the Chamber is, and would continue to be, providing networking programs and events to increase business connections and transactions within the community.

Organizational Roles The primary programs of work for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce would be focused on advocating for the interest of business, supporting community and economic growth, and

31

September 2020

providing opportunities for service, leadership and education. These programs would be guided by the Chamber board and the Partnership Impact Councils. One of the primary functions of the Chamber is and would continue to be providing networking programs and events to increase business connections and transactions within the community. These include lead groups and specific groups like minority-owned businesses, veteranowned businesses, women-owned businesses, start-ups and the like. It may also include general industry or professional groups.

The program of work for the RAEDC would focus on driving job growth in the Rockford area. These efforts would include business retention, expansion and attraction efforts, entrepreneurship and innovation, target industry engagement, external marketing, region building and product development. The business intelligence collected from their engagement with companies and centers of influence would also inform the work of the Impact Councils and Chamber.

We look forward to our successful implementation of this new structure to benefit the region. v

Alignment Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

KMK Media Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Leading Lawyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

BMO Harris Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . .30

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Chartwell Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Comcast Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Edward Jones – Erna Colborn. . . . . . .6 Great Game of Business . . . . . . . . . . .8

Quartz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16, 21, 25, 29, 31

Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) . . . . . .10

V2 Marketing Communications . . . . .19

VOICE

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ..........................................Direct Line Jeff Bailey, Membership Development Executive ..................................815-316-4336 Carmen Brenz, Program & Event Coordinator ...................................815-316-4302 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO .......................................... 815-987-8100 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer .................................... 815-316-4312 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep..........815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology ................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment .................... 815-316-4317 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations...................................................815-316-4315 Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development ....................815-316-4337 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller ............................... 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ......................... 815-316-4320 Mike Mastroianni, Executive Director, Small Business Development Center ...................................................815-987-8100

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Chair of the Board Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Chair Elect Dan Ross Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

Brent Bernardi Alpha Controls & Services LLC Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP LaVonne Brown Savant Wealth Management Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Vice Chair Jean Crosby Samuel J. Castree Berkshire Hathaway Staff Management, HomeServices Crosby Inc. Starck Real Estate Doug Curry Treasurer Stenstrom Amy Ott Companies Boylan Catholic Don Daniels High School SwedishAmerican, A Immediate Division of UW Health Past Chair Richard Zumwalt Z Resource

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Terry Voskuil Woodward

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network Teresa Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

OCTOBER VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS Business of Health Outcomes (Wellness as an Employee Benefit)

Blueprint for Retirement

(Retirement Plans for Success, Care Communities, Home Healthcare)

For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100