2012 RCC Relocation Guide

Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 West State Street, Suite 190 Rockford, Illinois 61101 815.987.8100 815.987.8122 fax info@rockfordchamber.com rockfordchamber.com Writers Paul Anthony Arco Barb Connors Layout/Design/Production Doug Hessong Database Manager Joan Sundvall Advertising Sales Lynette Jacques Cover Photography Millinium Fountain Downtown Rockford by Mike Graham

Live in Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Healthy Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Key City Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Dining Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

contents

Live in Rockford

Skilled Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Play in Rockford

Park/Green Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Fun for Everyone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Rockford Golfs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Sports Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Rockford Chamber Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Advertiser’s Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

ABOUT THIS BOOK - The 2012 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Relocation Guide is published by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Information in this publication is compiled through research and in cooperation with Chamber members and other area organizations. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions which may occur.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - Contact the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101, 815-987-8100, fax 815-987-8122, or e-mail at info@ rockfordchamber.com. To inquire about purchasing the Rockford Chamber database call 815-987-8100. For advertising information call Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive at 815-316-4317. Š Copyright 2012 Rockford Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the Rockford Chamber.

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD

Live in Rockford Growing up in Rockford, Krystle Carter enjoyed a variety of activities - from playing sports to spending time outdoors. The Rockford Christian High School graduate and her husband-to-be, Gus, moved away to attend college and spent an additional year working in Chicago, before they decided three years ago to move back to their hometown.

“We always kept our options open,” Krystle said. “It came down to the affordable living that Rockford offers; you can buy a very nice home for a reasonable price; everything in Rockford is convenient and easy. There are plenty of restaurants and shopping to choose from. You can get anywhere in 10 to 15 minutes.”

The couple purchased a three-bedroom home in Rockford’s historic Edgewater neighborhood. “It has a lot of character, and it’s in a nice, safe neighborhood,” Krystle said. “And the best part is our house payment is 30 percent less than our rent was in Chicago.”

The Rockford area offers residents a high quality of life, and easy access to larger cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, while maintaining the comforts of a mid-sized community. One reason the Rockford area is so “livable” is the affordability of its housing.

Rockford typically ranks in the top 15 percent of affordable markets in the country. This year, 12.7 percent of sales are from people moving to the Rockford market, many of them like the Carters, due to housing affordability.

Illinois

Cook County

Winnebago County

(Chicago area)

(Rockford area)

Median Income, 2007

$54,141

$52,554

$48,394

% Renter Households

33%

42%

30%

Income Needed to Afford, 2009 (two bedroom apartment) $35,723

$40,160

$27,560

Median Purchase Price, 2009, Q1 (single family home) $134,500

$157,000

$98,950

Demographic Profile (2008 est.)

City of Rockford Population

157,272

Median Age

Winnebago County Population

300,252

Male 48.4% (49.2% U.S.)

Average Household Size

2.51 (2.60 U.S.)

Female 51.6% (50.8% U.S.)

Average Family Size

3.26 (3.19 U.S.)

Median Household Income

$37,455 ($34,561 U.S.)

Median Family Income

$47,491 ($60,374 U.S.)

Speak Lang. Other Than English at Home 16.2% (19.5% U.S.)

35 years (36.4 U.S.)

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Illinois Association of Realtors continued on the next page 2012 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com continued from page 5 “Real estate is a good long-term investment in Rockford,” said Steve Bois, CEO of Rockford Area Realtors.

“Buying a home is much more attainable for the average resident here than elsewhere in the country.”

“Rockford has realized the need to reinvent itself,” he added. “To me that’s not a negative thing. Now we need to find new ways to add value to the changing world economy and use the systems and engineering resources we’re steeped in to make that change.”

But it’s much more than a cost factor that appeals to those who call Rockford home – both longtime residents and newcomers alike. Rockford is regarded for its nationally-known park district, many forest preserves, world-class museums, beautiful golf courses, theaters and other attractions, as well as leisure activities and ample learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Average Sale Price, Existing Single Family Home, April 2009 Madison, WI

$319,101

Chicago, IL

$297,599

U.S.

$234,382

ILLINOIS

$232,421

Belvidere, IL

$163,840

Peoria, IL

$111,164

Milwaukee, WI

$106,675

Rockford, IL

$87,239

“I’ve always found great opportunity here in Rockford.” Bois said. “There are many ways to make a living, chances to get involved and make a difference, and a tremendous park system. It’s a community comprised of very talented and energetic people, and a place where you can dream it, you can do it. It has a rich history of creating things that have changed the world.”

Krystle agrees.

“Rockford is a good place to live,” said Krystle, a local sales representative for Cintas, a national facility services company; her husband is an academy government teacher at Auburn High School. “Every city has its share of ups and downs, but we see the good in Rockford. We like the smaller, Midwestern feel; we want to stay in the area and try to make it better in the long run.”

The Carters enjoy dining out at the many locally-owned restaurants including the Olympic Tavern and JMK Nippon. They also spend time biking and running at Rock Cut State Park and the Sinnissippi Rec Path.

The couple encourages other people who are contemplating a move to consider Rockford. “This community has nice people, and great community groups, churches, and schools,” said Krystle. “There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community, whether it’s volunteering, continuing education or anything else you enjoy doing.”

COST OF LIVING COMPARISON

Composite

Grocery

Housing

Utilities Transportation Healthcare

Chicago

116.8 109.6 130.1 127.5 117.4 109.2 105.0

Peoria

97.6 94.9 96.4 103.6 102.8 98.2 96.0

Champaign-Urbana

95.9 98.2 89.1 98.4 97.7 104.6 98.6

Quincy

95.7 96.9 94.5 98.9 95.4 100.5 94.8

Galesburg

94.8 103.3 82.2 107.7 94.9 97.4 98.2

ROCKFORD

93.4 90.8 73.6 121.5 105.5 103.9 97.8

Danville

91.8 95.9 73.4 121.7 106.2 96.0 91.6

Springfield

85.6 88.8 69.7 80.4 103.2 107.4 91.1

Source: Rockford Area Economic Development Council (ACCRA Q1 2010 Cost of Living Index)

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Misc.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD

Healthy Living Quality health care is a top priority in the Rockford area. It’s the city’s second-largest industry and its largest employer. Thousands of residents work in one of the area’s three major health systems, which offer services to a 10-county area in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Another major employer, the University of Illinois College of Medicine, educates doctors, pharmacists and other health care professionals, and also runs a system of clinics for residents.

Tara Pontarelli never had a health problem until last summer, when she tore her ACL playing soccer. Pontarelli, a scientist in the research and development laboratory at Siemens, spent four weeks in rehabilitation, working to regain mobility in her knee, before undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery three months later, which was performed by Dr. Scott Trenhaile at Rockford Orthopedic Associates. Two days later, Pontarelli was up and walking.

onto the soccer field soon. “I’m grateful that there was innovative care available to me right here in Rockford.”

“I had a good experience,” she said. “I had a lot of interaction with my physician, along with a physician assistant, who was working on my case. I felt well cared for before, during and after my surgery.”

“The quality of healthcare in Rockford is outstanding,” said Dr. Bill Gorski, President and CEO of SwedishAmerican Health System. “For someone new to Rockford, the reason to ever leave town for healthcare is minimal. There are specialty groups and physicians who would stand out in any market. Our community provides most services at a high level.”

Following surgery, Pontarelli underwent four months of physical therapy. She looks forward to getting back

PHOTO BY ROCKFORD HEALTH SYSTEM

When it comes to local healthcare, Rockford is fortunate to have an abundance of facilities, programs and services, and medical professionals available to local residents. Rockford has three excellent health care systems, a nationally-known college of medicine, community health center, and a number of specialty clinics.

Rockford Health System includes Rockford Memorial Hospital; Rockford Health Physicians with 10 clinic locations; Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital; Visiting Nurses Association; and the Rockford Memorial Development Foundation. Rockford Memorial Hospital, the largest JCAHO-accredited hospital in the region, with 396 licensed beds, is home to a Level 1 Trauma Center and the highest-level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as well as the area’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Recently, RHS opened The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System, in addition to the Heart & Vascular Center and Brain & Spine Center. continued on the page 7

2012 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide

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rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD continued from page 5 “We are proud that our region boasts so many high-level clinical services and we are continually benchmarking against the top programs in the nation,” says Gary Kaatz, President and CEO of Rockford Health System.

“We all have made substantial investments in key areas such as trauma; cardiology; neonatal care; cancer; pediatrics and a wide range of other specialties and subspecialties. We have a responsibility to the residents of the Rock River Valley to use our resources wisely and we take that very seriously.”

SwedishAmerican is comprised of two hospitals, 30 clinics, a home health care agency, a foundation and an affiliation with UW Health in northern Illinois. The health system is home to the largest network of primary care physicians in northern Illinois, with more than 450 doctors representing about 40 different specialties. It offers 24-hour emergency care in both Rockford and Belvidere, immediate care in three locations and is home to one of the region’s most popular birthing centers. The SwedishAmerican Center For Women offers individualized education and guidance; in addition to the region’s

PHOTO BY SWEDISHAMERICAN HEALTH SYSTEM

only heart hospital, SwedishAmerican cares for cancer patients through the Regional Cancer Center. In 2013 the center will open a free-standing outpatient cancer center in collaboration with UW Health in northeast Rockford. “Our emphasis has been to develop a large, high-quality medical group so that people can find care close to home,” said Dr. Gorski. continued on the next page

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com continued from page 5 OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center is a 254-bed tertiary care facility located on a 100-acre campus along East State Street. OSF is a regional medical center known for its Level I Trauma Center, Cardiovascular Services, including Rockford Cardiovascular Associates, Center for Rockford Health System 2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford 815-971-DRDR • rockfordhealthsystem.org SwedishAmerican Health System 1401 E. State St., Rockford 815-968-4400 • swedishamerican.org University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford 815-395-0600 • rockford.medicine.uic.edu OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center 5666 E. State St. 815-226-2000 • osfsaintanthony.org

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Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Cancer Care, Illinois Neurological Institute, Women’s Center, OSF Specialty Clinic – Guilford Square and OSF Wound Healing Center. OSF Medical Group primary care physicians can be found at locations across Rockford, Winnebago and Boone County, including the Center for Care-Rock Cut. OSF PromptCare takes care of minor medical emergencies at two locations. OSF also includes the Saint Anthony College of Nursing and the OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Foundation.

OSF and Rockford Health System have entered into an affiliation agreement, pending federal and state regulatory approval. “We plan to continue working with Rockford Health System to bring our two organizations together to advance medical services and make Rockford the destination for healthcare across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin,” said David A. Schertz, CEO/President for OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. “Rockford is blessed with three very good hospitals, but we believe the joining of our collective talents and expertise will only enhance our pursuit of quality and provide an even higher level of service.”

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD

Key City Services Rockford’s Mayor’s Office is the top level of administration and policy making for the city and is the main office for residents for city requests and services. The Mayor is assisted by the City Administrator, responsible for day-to-day municipal operations. The Rockford City Council of 14 council members acts with the Mayor as the legislative and policy-making body, and meets in open session each Monday at 6 p.m., in Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 425 E. State St. The city’s 14 wards are represented by 14 aldermen, elected to serve four-year terms all ending in the same year.

ALARM PERMITS - 815-987-8077 Rockford’s False Alarm Ordinance requires owners of monitored security systems to register their units with the city at an initial, one-time cost of $10 per system. Alarm permits are available at the payment center on the first floor of City Hall.

WATER - 815-987-5700

the land acquisition program, administration of liquor licenses and the coordination of special events.

HUMAN SERVICES - 815-987-5782 Mobilizes public and private resources to help persons in poverty achieve greater independence, dignity and self sufficiency. Programs fall under Head Start, Energy Services and Community Services Block Grant.

residential properties are serviced by Rock River Disposal Services, Inc. The Water Department handles water and garbage service.

PUBLIC WORKS - 815-987-5634 Handles water resources, solid waste disposal, recycling, transportation needs, road maintenance and improvement, forestry, engineering services and parking.

LIBRARY CARDS - 815-965-7606 Library cards are

POLICE - Non Emergency, 815-987-5800, Handles law

free to all residents.

enforcement, peace preservation, crime prevention, traffic control and education.

SANITATION - 815-965-2489 All one- to four-family

BUILDING PERMITS - 815-987-5550 Required for new construction, additions, structural alterations of an existing structure, demolition, or moving a structure, as well as siding, swimming pools, tents, carnivals, awnings/canopies and signs. In multifamily and nonresidential buildings, permits also are required for changethe-type occupancy, for installing or altering equipment regulated by code, or moving a lot line that has an effect on the fire rating of exterior walls.

FIRE & 911 CENTER - 911, 815-987-5798 Handles fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, ambulance service including advanced life support on fire apparatus, hazardous material response team, monitoring and disaster management.

BUILDING - 815-987-5550 Ensures that the buildings

LEGAL - 815-987-5540 Legal representative for the City

people live in, work in and visit are safe. Issues permits and performs inspections to enforce city building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and property maintenance codes for new construction and the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing buildings.

of Rockford, its officers and employees. Prosecutes city ordinances and provides a variety of services including

HUMAN RESOURCES - 815-967-6926

THE MAYOR’S OFFICE - 815-987-5590

“Excellence Everywhere for Everyone” 425 E. State St. • 815-987-3024 • rockfordil.gov 2012 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com

Most Commonly Requested Services Service

Agency Telephone

Aldermen/City Council Clerk 815-987-5546 Arts Council Rockford Area Arts Council 815-967-6797 Annexations Community Development 815-987-5624 Animal Control Winnebago County 815-319-4100 Attorney General’s Office State of Illinois 815-967-3883 Block Parties Public Works 815-987-5570 Bus Service Rockford Mass Transit 815-961-9000 Chamber of Commerce Rockford Chamber of Commerce 815-987-8100 Community Development 815-987-5600 CD/Neighborhood Standards Community Development 815-987-5566 Consumer Info - Better Business Bureau 815-963-2222 Convention and Visitors Bureau RACVB 815-963-8111 Crimestoppers 815-963-7867 Department of Children and Family Services State of Illinois 815-987-7640 Drivers License Illinois Secretary of State 815-987-7383 Drugs (to report drug activity) Rockford Narcotics 815-987-5034 Economic Development Council RAEDC 815-987-8118 Elections (City of Rockford) Board of Election Commissioners 815-987-5750 Employment Security, Department of State of Illinois 815-395-6627 Employment - YouthBuild Rockford 815-963-6236 Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Human Services Department 815-987-5711 Environmental Protection Agency State of Illinois 815-987-7760 Fire Prevention City of Rockford 815-987-5678 Garbage Collection Rock River Disposal 815-654-4726 Graffiti Hotline City of Rockford 815-961-3243 Head Start Human Services Department 815-987-5480 Housing Rockford Housing Authority 815-489-8500 Housing Winnebago County Housing Authority 815-963-2133 Housing Affordable Housing Coalition 815-962-2011 Human Services State of Illinois 815-987-7620 Landfill Winnebago Reclamation 815-874-7375 Library (Rockford Public Library) City of Rockford 815-965-7606 Licenses (new businesses) City of Rockford 815-987-5516 Liquor Licenses City of Rockford 815-987-5549 Neighborhood Development City of Rockford 815-967-6759 Parking Tickets (payment) City of Rockford 815-987-5712 Park District City of Rockford 815-987-8800 Police Chaplain Police Department 815-987-5889 Police Community Services Unit Police Department 815-987-5041 Police Detective Division Police Department 815-987-5878 Police Property and Evidence Police Department 815-987-5843 Police Records Police Department 815-987-5902 Police Traffic Unit Police Department 815-967-6963 Post Office 815-229-4811 Pothole Hotline Public Works Department 815-964-4653 Probation-Adult Winnebago County 815-987-2550 Property Tax Information County Treasurer’s Office 815-319-4406 Property Tax Assessments Supervisor of Assessments 815-987-3024

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Rockford Chamber of Commerce

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD Public Works (after-hours emergencies) City of Rockford Purchasing City of Rockford Rockford Township Salvation Army Special Events Information Legal Department State’s Attorney Winnebago County Street Lights (burned out) Com-Ed Street Division (includes forestry) Public Works Department Traffic Court Winnebago County Vehicle Stickers City of Rockford Voter Registration City of Rockford Water Emergencies (after-hours) City of Rockford Winnebago County Board Chairman Winnebago County Winnebago County Circuit Clerk Winnebago County Winnebago County Coroner Winnebago County Winnebago County Clerk Winnebago County Winnebago County Health Department Winnebago County Winnebago County Jury Duty Winnebago County Winnebago County Recorder Winnebago County Winnebago County Sheriff Winnebago County Winnebago County Treasurer Winnebago County Zoning City of Rockford

815-987-5712 815-987-5560 815-962-8963 815-969-7408 815-987-5540 815-319-4700 800-483-3220 815-987-5763 815-319-4500 815-987-5594 815-987-5750 815-987-5712 815-319-4225 815-319-4500 815-319-4790 815-987-3050 815-720-4000 815-319-4880 815-987-3100 815-319-6000 815-319-4406 815-987-5585

Utilities The City of Rockford provides water and garbage service. All other utilities are provided by private companies.

The City’s Water Division is the largest municipally owned ground water system in Illinois. Call 815-987-5700 during business hours one week before you move in to set up water and garbage service.

Electric ComEd, An Exelon Company 123 Energy Ave. Rockford, IL 800-483-3220 exeloncorp.com

Exelon Energy 485 Edgewater Dr. Morris, IL 815-474-2223 Retail supplier

Graceffa Utility Service Inc. 12102 Old River Road Rockton, IL 815-986-8637

Rock River Energy Services, Inc. 2047 S. IL Route 2 Oregon, IL 815-732-4603 rockriverenergyservices.com

Telephone Services, Local/Long Distance AT&T 211 N. Church St., Fl. 3 Rockford, IL 800-222-0300 att.sbc.com

TDS 9950 N. Alpine Road, Ste. 101 Machesney Park, IL 815-639-4700 tdsmetro.com

Television, Cable

Gas

Comcast 4450 Kishwaukee St. Rockford, IL 815-395-8852 comcast.com

Nicor Gas 4651 Linden Road Rockford, IL 888-642-6748 nicor.com

US Signal 100 W. McArthur St. Sun Prairie, WI 608-345-3644 ussignalcom.com

2012 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com

Transportation Rockford is strategically located at the intersection of a number of interstate, federal and state highways. The city is well served with fixed-route and paratransit bus service and an award-winning international grade airport with passenger service to a number of North American destinations. A coach service provides transportation to and from Chicago. In 2008, bike lanes were added to many city streets and bike racks to the city buses.

Mary and Rick Stucy make time for two vacations every year – one to Arizona, where they enjoy the desert and mountains, and the other in Las Vegas, where they spend a few days at the casinos and taking in the lights and sounds of Sin City.

When they travel west, the couple always flies from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), located just six miles from their Rockford home. “If we’re going to fly, it’s from Rockford,” Mary said. “It’s so easy and convenient. You drop off your luggage, there’s hardly ever a line, and the airport staff is always so friendly – they’ll help you with anything. We’ve never had one problem when we fly out of Rockford.”

Located 85 miles northwest of Chicago, RFD is the 215th largest passenger airport in the country. More than 170,000 passengers depart from RFD each year, and that number is expected to rise this year, according to Amy Ott, deputy director. “Your vacation starts at RFD,” she said. “It begins in our parking lot, not in the airplane or at your destination.”

RFD offers flights to six warm-weather destinations via Allegiant Airlines, including Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Cancun, Mexico; Phoenix, Las Vegas, Tampa,

and Orlando. Frontier Airlines now offers flights to Denver, one of the top 10 leisure destinations for northern Illinois travelers. Depending on the season, as many as 31 flights depart from RFD each week, with more to come in the near future. “We are always looking for more destinations,” said Ott. Over the past few years, more than $180 million has been invested in infrastructure improvements and facilities at RFD, which has helped accommodate growth in passenger and cargo services. When travelers arrive at RFD, they can expect a hassle-free experience, thanks to amenities such as free parking, wi-fi, a children’s area and short waiting times. “Customer service is important to our staff,” Ott said. “Our goal is to treat each of our passengers as members of our own family.”

RFD is also a top 25 U.S. cargo airport and a Midwest major transportation center. It’s home to the second-largest air hub sorting facility in UPS’s domestic division.

Every summer, RFD is home to AirFest, a two-day event that attracts more than 90,000 visitors from around the region. The popular festival features the biggest and best stars in aviation, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our world-class facilities,” said Ott. “AirFest brings awareness to our airport, especially with those people who didn’t know you could fly out of Rockford.”

While RFD moves people to and from Rockford, the Rockford Mass Transit District help residents move about the city. Mass Transit has 1.7 million riders each year.

The District has 64 fixed route and paratransit vehicles, and offers 18 hours of service, Monday through Friday,

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Rockford Chamber of Commerce

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD 13 hours of service on Saturdays, and eight hours on Sundays. “We are the community bus,” said Lisa Brown, marketing and public relations specialist. “For people who don’t own cars or can’t drive, we’re the alternative to get around the city. We provide service all week long throughout Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and now Belvidere.”

The Belvidere route is a welcomed addition for residents who previously lacked transportation to Rockford for shopping, entertainment and medical appointments.

The service runs from 7:20 a.m. until 5:20 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“This is exciting for residents of the Belvidere community,” Brown said. “Rockford and Belvidere are now joined together; people who live in Rockford can take advantage of things in Belvidere and Belvidere residents can get to Rockford. One Belvidere resident had no way to get to his cardiologist’s office before. Now, he’s thrilled to have bus service. This new route really opens that corridor and allows people to pass seamlessly from community to community.”

There’s more. This year, Rockford Mass Transit will unveil its new eastside transfer center located at 725 Lyford Rd. The state-of-the-art facility will provide connections to other parts of the region.

“People realize the value of using mass transit,” Brown said. “We provide a transportation alternative. Residents who are new to Rockford can use RMTD as a way to get acquainted with the community in a safe and affordable environment.”

PHOTO BY ROCKFORD MASS TRANSIT

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) Airport Terminal Building 2 Airport Circle, Rockford 815-969-4000 • FlyRFD.com Located just 85 miles northwest of Chicago, Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has made strides as the airport of choice for passengers planning trips to destinations like: Las Vegas, Orlando/Sanford, Tampa Bay/St. Pete, the Fort Meyers Area, Myrtle Beach, Phoenix/Mesa, and Cancun. RFD offers free parking, curbside express lanes for passengers and baggage, and non-stop jet service to these popular destinations.

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) 5300 South Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207 414-747-5300 • mitchellairport.com Close, affordable and convenient, Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is your low-fare, easy travel O’Hare alternative. A quick 90 minute drive from Rockford, the same as to O’Hare, MKE is the smart choice for northern Illinois travelers. MKE’s competitive fares, reasonable parking rates and unique local amenities make travel enjoyable. Visit “Mitchell Airport” on Facebook to learn more.

Rockford Mass Transit District 520 Mulberry St., Rockford 815-961-9000 • rmtd.org The Rockford Mass Transit District provides fixedroute and paratransit service to Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park. The 39 fixed-route buses operate more than 17 routes, Mondays through Saturdays, six night routes and five routes on Sundays. Fixed-route buses have bike racks. Paratransit service is a curb-tocurb service for persons with disabilities who are unable to ride the fixed route.

Van Galder Bus, A Coach USA Co. 7559 Walton St., Rockford 800-747-0994 • coachusa.com/vangalder Van Galder Bus/A Coach USA Company provides frequent, daily line-run service in a modern fleet of motorcoaches to Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, and to the Amtrak station in downtown Chicago. The company has served southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois for more than 60 years. The charter department provides motorcoach service for any size group or function, including executive coaches with living-room style seating, a galley area with microwaves and coolers, AM/FM Stereo system with CD Player and DVD players with monitors. The tour & travel department offers day trips, custom tours and extended motorcoach tours.

2012 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com

Dining Out What are you craving? Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Italian, Mexican, Canadian, Indian, vegetarian, traditional American? Burgers, fish dishes, steaks, appetizers, pizzas, sushi, sandwiches, salads?

Casual, elegant, family-style, buffet, fast food?

Jennifer and Kevin Ross of Rockford have always enjoyed dining out in the Rockford area. But ever since they became empty nesters about five years ago, they’ve made it a regular habit, eating out nearly every Friday evening.

Good atmosphere, good food and reasonable prices are absolute musts, when it comes to finding a locale. The couple often meets up with friends, whether it’s at a national chain like Olive Garden, or, most often, a local dining establishment.

“We believe it’s important to patronize local businesses,” Jennifer said. “You get a better flavor of the community when you visit locally-owned restaurants.”

Kevin and Jennifer live close to downtown Rockford and like to frequent centrally-located restaurants, including The Olympic, Bamboo Asian Noodles & Tapas Bar and the Irish Rose Saloon. They also enjoy Franchesco’s and Giovanni’s.

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

“We like to go to a place often, so you can get to know the servers,” Jennifer said. “You build a relationship with the staff, which can help provide better service.”

So, what are you hungry for? Italian, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Indian? Do you prefer vegetarian or traditional American? Do you like burgers, fish, steaks, appetizers, pizzas, sushi, sandwiches, or maybe just a salad? What’s it going to be tonight - casual, elegant, family-style, buffet, or maybe a quick bite at a fast food restaurant?

The Rockford area has a variety of dining options. From dining downtown along the Rock River, to dining conveniently near one of the area’s many shopping districts, there’s a unique experience waiting for you. “You can get anything you want here,” said Jennifer.

We agree.

But they also like to comb the city for the ultimate dining experience. Occasionally, Jennifer meets up with friends at Fiesta Cancun along East Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park. They also enjoy discovering new destinations, including MashUp, located in the Edgebrook Shopping Center.

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Rockford Chamber of Commerce

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the company of good family and friends any day of the week.

Here are some of our favorites...

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD Abreo Restaurant 515 E State St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 968-9463 www.abreorockford.com

Giordano’s 333 Executive Pkwy Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 398-5700 www.giordanos.com

Meg’s Daily Grind 1141 N Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 316-7669 www.megs-daily-grind.com

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 6845 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 226-8818

Giovanni’s, Inc. 610 N Bell School Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 398-6411 www.giodine.com

Old Chicago Restaurant 6280 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 227-4040 www.oldchicago.com

Granite City Food & Brewery 7140 Harrison Ave Rockford, IL 61112 (815) 332-7070 www.gcfb.com

The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 6367 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 399-3176 www.olivegarden.com

Hoffman House 7550 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-5800 hoffmanhouserockford.com

The Olympic Tavern 2327 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 962-8758 www.theolympictavern.com

Hooters of Rockford 6904 Argus Dr Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 229-0539 www.hooters.com

Pizza Hut 3329 S 11th St Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 229-5159

1675 E Riverside Blvd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 654-8337 www.applebees.com Aunt Mary’s Restaurant 4431 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-6461 www.auntmarysrestaurant.com Beefaroo, Inc. 6364 Sebring Way Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 637-1008 www.beefaroo.com Buffalo Wild Wings 6275 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-5649 www.buffalowildwings.com Chili’s Grill & Bar 1510 West Lane Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 282-8805 Ciao Bella Ristorante 6500 E Riverside Blvd Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 654-9900 Cronies Grill 9032 N 2nd St Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 282-2262 www.croniesgrill.com Culver’s Restaurant 5610 Wansford Way Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 398-9938 D.Q. Grill & Chill 2222 S Perryville Rd Rockford, IL 61112 (815) 332-2000 Egg Harbor Cafe 1603 N Alpine Rd Ste 121 Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 399-2650 www.eggharborcafe.com Franchesco’s Ristorante 7128 Spring Creek Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 229-0800 www.franchescos.com

JMK Nippon Restaurant 2551 N Perryville Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 877-0505 Jersey Mike’s 6284 E State St Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 226-0118 www.jerseymikes.com Johnny Pamcakes 3700 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 229-7415 www.johnnypamcakes.com Kochi Japan 7310 Walton St Unit A Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 391-8885 www.kochijapan.com Maciano’s Pizza 5801 Columbia Pkwy Unit 101 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 227-5577 6746 Broadcast Pkwy Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 633-7500 www.macianos.com Mary’s Market Cafe & Bakery NP 2636 McFarland Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 397-7272 www.marysmarket.com MashUp Restaurant 1641 N Alpine Rd Ste 212 Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 708-8740 www.mashuprestaurant.com

3748 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 963-6363 2560 S Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 399-0128 1533 West Lane Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 639-1111 www.pizzahut.com Der Rathskeller 1132 Auburn St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 962-2922 www.derrathskeller.net Red Mango 6876 Spring Creek Rd Ste 118 Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 282-1020 www.redmangousa.com Restoration Cafe 625 W State St Rockford, IL 61102 (815) 977-4361 www.rockfordrescuemission.org Shogun Japanese Restaurant 293 Executive Pkwy Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 394-0007 www.shogunofrockford.com Sonics of Rockford 2137 S Perryville Rd Rockford, IL 61112 (815) 394-2777 www.sonicdrivein.com

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com continued from the previous page Stockholm Inn 2420 Charles St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-3534 www.stockholminn.com TGI Friday’s 2408 Perryville Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 332-5355 Taco John’s 3007 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 282-5171 www.tacojohns.com

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Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Texas Roadhouse 7240 Walton Dr Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 227-1283 www.texasroadhouse.com Thunder Bay Grille 7652 Potawatomi Tr Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 397-4800 www.thunderbaygrille.com Vito’s Ristorante, Inc. 1620 N Bell School Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 312-5080

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) 50 W Douglas St Ste 1101 Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 235-7515 Whiskey’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill 3207 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 877-8007 www.whiskeysroadhouse.com Wired Café 414 E State St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 316-2524 www.wiredcaferockford.com

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com

Education The Rockford area offers a wide variety of educational choices for people of all ages, incomes and interests.

Rockford residents have access to state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs, whether for preschool, public or private school, workforce training, career enhancement, GEDs, higher education or life enrichment.

“This is a really exciting time for education in Rockford,” said Dr. Ehren Jarrett, assistant superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. “We are positioned to see dramatic improvements in our schools in the near future. We have plans to make significant investments in our schools, in terms of physical improvements, thanks to a comprehensive 10-year facility plan.”

Rockford Public Schools have five goals: enhance learning opportunities for all children, ensure parents are partners in the education process, provide clean and safe schools, hold adults accountable, and run an efficient business operation. “There is tremendous support for public education, as well as all education in the Rockford area,” said Jarrett. “We’re working to expand preschool access for all students, bringing back sevenperiod academic days for students sixth through 12th grades, increase access to higher education, and improving our overall learning environment.”

Rockford Public Schools also offers a variety of successful alternative programs. For example, Washington Academy is the fifth-ranked school academically in the state of Illinois. Ellis Arts Academy, along with the CAPA program at Auburn High School, provides opportunities for students looking to develop artistic talents and academic strengths. Barbour Language Academy is a multicultural school that teaches students to speak, read, and write in English and Spanish.

At Maria Montessori School, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own education. Working with a trained Montessori teacher, children move freely around the room, selecting materials needed to complete their work. There are 15 classrooms with two or three different age levels in each room. The older children serve as role models for the younger children.

Students stay with the same teacher for two or three years, which creates a strong bond between classmates and teacher.

New to the District?

For enrollment, contact: Rockford Public Schools Family Resource Center Roosevelt Community Education Center, Room 124 978 Haskell Ave. 815-967-8070

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Michelle Marcomb is one parent who knows what type of impact the Montessori program can have on children.

Her 14-year-old son, Davin, attended Montessori; her daughter, Avery, is currently enrolled in second grade at Montessori.

Working in small groups with other students, children such as Avery, 8, not only learn subject material, but

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD respect for her peers, teacher and her environment. “Avery is neat and organized,” said her mom. “She learns self control and to be responsible. The students are taught to handle situations for themselves; they know what’s going on in the world. They’re introduced to diverse cultures, races and nationalities. You can’t fit a square peg in a round hole. This is a great way for the children to figure out their strengths.”

According to Jarrett, one advantage of attending a large school district is the number of programs available for students through neighborhood schools. “For families who want an alternative approach, we have many outstanding programs,” he said. “When families attend

Public Education Rockford Public Schools Family Resource Center 978 Haskell Ave., Rockford 815-967-8070 • webs.rps205.com Rockford Public Schools is the third largest school district in Illinois and the largest employer in the Winnebago-Boone County area. It covers an area of about 170 square miles and serves a diverse group of more than 29,000 students.

Elementary students, grades K-5, and students going to the theme schools are processed at the Family Resource Center. Assignments to the K-5 schools are based on parent choice and seat availability, and made on a firstcome, first-served basis. Assignments to theme schools are based on specific admittance requirements. Students entering the middle and high schools receive a letter and assignment to the school in their geographic zone.

neighborhood schools, they can really invest the time and energy into being part of the school community.”

That’s what Marcomb did. She is president of the Montessori’s Parent Teacher Council. Families at Montessori pledge to volunteer at least nine hours a year at the school – whether it’s working family activity nights or pulling weeds. “I’m a firm believer in Rockford Public Schools,” she said. “I tell people all the time that our kids can get a good education at any of our schools. The tools to be successful are available in any of the public schools, as long as the children and parents choose to use them.”

THEME SCHOOLS/SPECIAL PROGRAMS Ellis Arts Academy (elementary) Ellis Arts Academy celebrates the unique spirit of children and builds successful and caring citizens through the development of artistic talents and academic strengths.

Montessori School (elementary) In the Montessori classroom, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own education. In a prepared environment with a trained Montessori teacher, children may move freely around the room selecting materials needed to carry out the child’s plan.

Academic Career Education (high school) Launched in 2008, high schools students gain exposure to technical studies and a new style of work-based learning. Students enter at the sophomore level and take the standard math, science, English, PE/health and elective continued on the next page

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LIVE IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com continued from the previous page courses. In addition, they explore areas of critical workforce need, like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace and engineering technologies.

Fresh Start/Fresh View Programs Fresh Start and Fresh View Programs address each student’s behavior and academic needs in a pro-active manner, so that each student, regardless of functioning level, grade placement or age, will be able to have a reasonable opportunity for success in school and in the community.

Academic Gifted/Creative & Performing Arts Gifted education identifies and nurtures student potential through the development of specialized curriculum offerings modified and adapted to meet the unique learning styles, learning rates, interests, abilities and needs of gifted students.

Wilson Aspire This special education center serves students classified as multiply challenged. The learning program is focused on an integrated approach that incorporates various therapies such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and vision therapy, and recreational and leisure programs.

Barbour Language Academy EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION The Early Childhood Program provides pre-K classes for children ages 3 to 5. Classes are located in elementary schools, Fairview Early Childhood Center, Dennis Early Education Center, Roosevelt Community Education Center and five childcare centers located through-

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out the city. Program services include in-home child development/case management services for parents and children, ages birth to three years old. These services help families identify family and child goals and educational and community resources to aid them in meeting identified goals.

High Schools ACE, Auburn, Auburn Freshman Campus, East, Guilford, Jefferson, Roosevelt Middle Schools Eisenhower, Flinn, Kennedy, Lincoln, RESA, West Elementary Schools Beyer, Bloom, Brookview, Carlson, Cherry Valley, Conklin, Froberg, Gregory, Haskell, Hillman, Jackson, Johnson, King, Kishwaukee, Lathrop, Lewis Lemon, Marsh, McIntosh, Nashold, Nelson, New Milford, Riverdahl, Rolling Green, Spring Creek, Stiles, Summerdale, Thompson, Walker, Washington, Welsh, West View, White Swan, Whitehead.

CHARTER SCHOOLS RockfordCharterSchools.com Charter public schools are privately-operated, publically-funded schools of choice open to any student in Rockford Public Schools District 205. They are required to meet state academic standards, but are allowed to operate free from many local district regulations that apply to other public schools, allowing for greater academic flexibility and innovation in the classroom. Charter public schools administer the same state standardized tests as traditional public schools and are held accountable to the results required by their charter agreement.

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD Galapagos Rockford Charter School 815-708-7946 • galapagoscharter.org Galapagos Rockford Charter School is dedicated to preparing students to be responsible, productive, collegeeducated adults who will prosper in the global economy.

During the 2009-10 school year, Galapagos serves students in grades K-3 and will add an additional grade each year as students advance.

Legacy Academy of Excellence 815-961-1100 • comped-csn.org compedservices@aol.com The Legacy Academy of Excellence focuses on lofty standards, extensively trained staff, well researched instructional strategies, high levels of accountability

for all stakeholders and the combined efforts of the school, its parents and the community. It believes all students can routinely attain the highest levels of academic excellence. During the 2009-10 school year, Legacy serves students in grades K-5 and adds an additional grade each year as students advance.

CICS Rockford Charter School (CRCS) 815-316-0093 • chicagointl.org In February, 2009, the Rockford School Board approved a resolution authorizing CRCS to open for the 2010-2011 school year. It is located at the Patriot’s Gateway Center at 615 S. 5th St., and will focus on providing an attractive and rigorous college-preparatory education that meets the needs of today’s student.

Rockford Chamber Educational Institutions Benedictine University 223 S Winnebago St Rockford, IL 61102 (630) 829-6370 benuniversity.com

Concordia University of Wisconsin 2040 Sutler Ave Beloit, WI 53511 (608) 361-1830 cuw.edu/beloit

CICS Rockford Charter School Organization 615 S Fifth St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 316-0093 chicagointl.org

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 60 Airport Dr Ste 120 Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 969-4409 erau.edu/rockford

Columbia College 2998 W Pearl City Rd Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 599-3585 ccis.edu

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Galapagos Rockford Charter School 2605 School St Rockford, IL 61101 (815) 708-7946 galapagoscharter.org

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center 5666 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 226-2000 osfsaintanthony.org

Judson University 1055 Featherstone Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 399-3500 judsonforadults.com

Rx Tech Prep School 6957 Olde Creek Rd Ste 2300 Rockford, IL 61114 (888) 560-5953 rxtechprep.net

Keith Country Day School 1 Jacoby Pl Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 399-8823 keithschool.com

Rasmussen College 6000 E State St 4th Fl Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 316-4800 rasmussen.edu

Keller Graduate School of Management and DeVry University 2250 Point Blvd Ste 250 Elgin, IL 60123 (847) 649-3980 devry.edu

Regional Office of Education 300 Heart Blvd Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 636-3060 4roe.org

Lydia Home - Rockford 2323 S 6th St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 966-0039 lydiahome.org/rockford Montessori Private Academy 8101 Sayer Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 332-8101 montessoriprivateacademy.com Northern Illinois University NIU - Rockford, 8500 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 753-0835 niu.edu

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Rock Valley College 3301 N Mulford Rd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 921-7821 rockvalleycollege.edu Rockford Career College 1130 S Alpine Rd Ste 100 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 965-8616 rockfordcareercollege.edu Rockford Christian Schools 1401 N Bell School Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 399-3465 rockfordchristian.org

rockfordchamber.com - LIVE IN ROCKFORD

Rockford College 5050 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 226-4000 rockford.edu Rockford Lutheran School 3411 N Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 877-9551 rockfordlutheran.org Rockford Public Schools, District #205 501 Seventh St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 966-3101 rps205.com Saint Anthony College of Nursing 5658 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 395-5091 sacn.edu University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County 1040 N 2nd St #40 Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 986-4357 web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw University of Illinois Rockford, A UIC Health Sciences Campus 1601 Parkview Ave Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 395-0600 rockford.medicine.uic.edu Upper Iowa University Rockford Center 1161 Tebala Blvd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 332-1414 uiu.edu

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Skilled Workforce Rockford is the center of manufacturing, healthcare, employment and commerce for the more than 300,000 residents who live in or near its borders. The area’s top employers come from a variety of industries. The three major healthcare systems and the college of medicine employ a large number of the area’s private sector employees. Rockford remains, as in the past, an important manufacturing town, with hundreds of companies as major employers and producers. It’s a world leader in the manufacture of machine tools and auto parts and increasingly is recognized as an important center for aerospace components. Retail makes up another important sector. Over the years, Rockford has diversified itself and now is home to a broader set of enterprises, including distribution centers and call center/office operations.

Number Employed in the Rockford Area 148,898 Mean Travel Time to Work 20.6 minutes

Employment Resources Visit the Rockford Chamber’s Business Directory, www.rockfordchamber.com, for a listing of employment agencies and services.

The WorkForce Connection, an Illinois workNet Center “One-stop shop” for employers to find workers and job-seekers to receive training, education and employment services.

Rockford Office 303 N. Main St. 815-395-6600; TTY 815-966-2436 Belvidere Office 998 Belvidere Road 815-547-9616; TTY 815-547-0253 Hotline 815-395-6608 theworkforceconnection.org 24

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Largest Area Employers Employer - Industry

Employees

Rockford Public Schools - Education

3,730

Rockford Health System - Health Care

3,003

SwedishAmerican Health System - Health Care

2,988

Wal-Mart Stores - Retail

2,750

Rockford Memorial Hospital - Health Care

2,700

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center - Health Care

2,303

Hamilton Sundstrand - Aircraft Components

2,200

Winnebago County - Government

1,731

Chrysler LLC - Automotive

1,700

UPS - Parcel Sorting Hub

1,600

Woodward - Governors & Auxiliary Equipment

1,325

City of Rockford - Government

1,122

Harlem Consolidated Schools - Education

1,099

Kroger Company - Food Stores

1,067

Belvidere CUSD 100 - Education

967

NCO Group - Customer Service Center

904

Honeywell - Telemarketing

885

Anderson Packaging - Pharmaceutical Packaging

883

Carpenter - Framing Contractors, Truss, Millwork

800

Lowes - Distribution Center

787

General Mills - Food Processing

750

Source: Rockford Area Economic Development Council, 2010

PLAY IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com

Parks/Green Space The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens No one was more excited than Heather Obert for the arrival of the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford’s newest attraction, located along the banks of the Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens.

The Dakota High School agriculture teacher was one of the first visitors through the doors when the Conservatory opened in October 2011. “It’s a great place to go and relax,” she said. “I like going and seeing the change in the plants. Every time I visit, I see something different. And I love the fact it’s located right here in Rockford.”

Five years ago, the Rockford Park District selected the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens as the signature project to be the centerpiece of the District’s 100th anniversary. The facility, which replaced the Sinnissippi Greenhouse, is 22,000 square feet and the third largest conservatory in Illinois.

The state-of-the-art, LEED certified Conservatory includes an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting. The exhibition house includes trees, shrubs, flowers, aquatic plants, streams, a waterfall, stone walls, an infinity pool, Koi, glass art totems, sculptures, and a children’s education and play area. There’s a spacious lobby area for displays and exhibits, classroom and workroom space, and a meeting room with an outdoor courtyard.

“Our community has such a strong connection to Sinnissippi Gardens and the surrounding area,” said Ruth Miller, Conservatory manager. “Many people have fond memories of time spent at the gardens. It’s our hope that new memories will be created at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens for generations to come.”

The Conservatory is named after the Nicholas family, who made a lead donation toward the project in honor

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of their late parents, William and Ruby Nicholas. The couple met, married, and raised their family in Rockford. The three Nicholas brothers, Bill, Dan and Ab, spent much of their time outdoors enjoying favorite spots such as the Sinnissippi Gardens.

In addition to being open to the public, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is available for special events, weddings and meetings. Educational seminars and programs also are held on a variety of topics such as the environment, beautification and recycling.

The Conservatory is popular with school groups. Obert has already brought her class to visit on a field trip – a first for many of the students. “They had a great time,” she said. “They didn’t know what to expect, but when they went through the doors, you could see their mouths drop and eyes open wide. It was a thrill to see how excited they were to be there.”

There is a minimal cost to visit the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens: the fee for residents is $6 and $8 for non-residents. Children ages 4 and under are free.

There is free admission on the third Wednesday of every month. Memberships are also available.

rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens compliments many other major attractions, including Anderson Gardens, Severson Dells, Nygren Wetlands, Klehm Aboretum & Botanic Garden, and the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens.

Rockford Park District officials expect 200,000 visitors – including 40,000 out-of-town guests – a year. “The Conservatory is a place the community will embrace,” said Obert, who is now a member. “It will draw people to the area. It’s exactly the type of recreational resource our community needs.”

Rockford Park District 401 S. Main St., Rockford 815-987-8800 • rockfordparkdistrict.org (TTY 888-871-6171) The Rockford Park District is nationally recognized as one of the best park and recreation systems in the United States, twice awarded the National Gold Medal for Excellence by the National Recreation and Parks Association, and accredited as a Distinguished Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. With abundant recreational facilities, you will discover enjoyment of life because of these terrific assets in our community, not often found in a city our size. There are golf courses, nationally-recognized museums and 175 parks in the system, including many neighborhood parks located within easy walking distance from most homes. You will find terrific access and enjoyment of the Rock River, one of our community’s greatest assets, with multiple boat launches, public docks and the Rock River Recreation Path. For walkers, runners, bicyclists, dog walkers, there are more than 30 miles of paved recreational paths throughout the community and neighborhood parks.

The Park District offers specialty parks for many outdoor interests, including BMX racing, dog parks, soft indoor playgrounds, disc golf courses, skate parks and a radio controlled plane park, Pickleball courts, and lawn sports. The

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

Park District has an award-winning and highly acclaimed Therapeutic Recreation Department, making facilities, programs, and services accessible to all participants, with adapted sports and veterans programs. It oversees public recreation facilities for virtually every kind of indoor and outdoor enthusiast. Environmental experiences are found at the Atwood Center, figure skating and hockey abound at the ice arenas, there are multiple outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools, excursion rides on the Forest City Queen Riverboat and Trolley Car 36, free concerts at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, and much more.

Byron Forest Preserve District 7993 North River Road, Byron, IL 815-234-8535 • byronforestpreserve.com The Byron Forest Preserve District is located on the rolling hills along the Rock River in Byron, Illinois. With many acres of prairie and woodlands, you don’t want to miss this beautiful setting during all seasons! You can enjoy these natural areas by walking our trails, using one of our picnic shelters, playing on the playground, going horseback riding, playing a round of golf, or just looking out over the prairie from the windows at the Jarrett Prairie Center.

The Byron Forest Preserve has a strong belief in preservation, conservation, and restoration of our natural lands. Our agency is devoted to purchasing and managing natural areas to increase biodiversity along with conserving rare animals and plants of our region.

The mission of the Byron Forest Preserve District is to provide for Preservation of open space/natural resources, provide Education concerning our natural environment/ heritage, and provide Recreation opportunities and enterprise operations that are consistent with District goals.

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Fun for Everyone Rockford is rich in cultural resources and offers a variety of entertaining and educational destinations, including numerous professional performance groups and facilities, museums and art galleries. The city boasts an award-winning Japanese garden and an arboretum. Water lovers have an outdoor park in the summer and indoor park all year round to choose from. There’s a place to visit for everyone – from the car aficionado to the ice skater, from the historian to the weekend scientist.

Museums Burpee Museum of Natural History 737 N. Main St., Rockford 815-965-3433 burpee.org Burpee is home to the famous dinosaur, Jane, a restored 21-foot skeleton of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex who lived and died 66 million years ago in the Cretaceous Period.

Burpee volunteers found Jane, and a number of other di-

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

nosaur skeletons in southeastern Montana. Kids of all ages will love visiting Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur; and other topnotch exhibits like the Children’s Gallery, the Carboniferous Coal Forest, the Ordovician Sea, Geoscience, First People and Windows to Wilderness: Exploring Nature in the Rock River Valley. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Dean Olson Specimen Viewing Lab for a window into how the museum works. Homer, the museum’s sub-adult Triceratops is found in and just outside the lab.

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Discovery Center Museum in Riverfront Museum Park 711 N. Main St., Rockford 815-963-6769 discoverycentermuseum.org Ranked one of the “12 Best Children’s Museums In The U.S.” by Forbes magazine, Discovery Center is a science adventure right at your fingertips with more than 250 interactive exhibits to satisfy any curiosity.

There are many exhibits to explore with Get the Message, Team Up! Explore Science & Sports, Discovery Center Planetarium, Tot Spot, Power House, Wild Weather, Simple Machines, Color & Light, Math & Puzzles, Body Shop, Art Studio, the WIFR Kids News Studio and Robotics Lab. Don’t forget to make a stop at Rock River Discovery Park, the nation’s first community-built outdoor science park, which reopened with the museum’s expansion in May, 2010.

rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD Rockford Art Museum in Riverfront Museum Park 711 N. Main St., Rockford 815-968-2787 rockfordartmuseum.org Located in the heart of downtown Rockford and Illinois’ third-largest museum, Rockford Art Museum houses 17,000 square feet of exhibition space in three galleries.

The permanent collection is a rotating display of more than 1,500 pieces representing Modern and Contemporary American Art, American Masters from 1830-1940, Photography, Contemporary Glass Art, and Outsider Art. Local, national and international artists are represented with a special emphasis on local and Chicago artists. The museum is home to the annual Greenwich Village Art Fair and the Rockford Midwestern juried art exhibition.

Ethnic Heritage Museum 1129 S. Main St., Rockford 815-962-7402 ethnicheritagemuseum.org Ethnic Heritage Museum, located in a home built in 1850, celebrates the history of six nationalities that helped shape the culture of Rockford’s southeast side.

In the heart of the old water power district, the museum houses African-American, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish and Hispanic galleries. History buffs will appreciate the scrapbook of newspaper clippings on Rockford’s west side residents beginning in the 1940s, and the book, That Men Know So Little About Me, about well known, local African-Americans in the Rockford area.

PHOTO BY STEVE PITKIN

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

Lockwood Pioneer Scuba Diving Museum 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park 815-633-6969 lockwoodmuseum.com Located in the Lighthouse Point Retail Center, the 2,000-square-foot museum houses vintage scuba and World War II hardhat diving equipment and shipwreck artifacts. The museum honors scuba diving pioneer James E. Lockwood of Racine, Wis. After moving to Rockford, Lockwood founded Lockwood Oil Co. service stations, and in 1938 invented a diving lung as well as an underwater housing for the Bell & Howell camera used during the 1930s filming of the original Tarzan movies.

Midway Village Museum, Rockford’s History Museum 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford 815-397-9112 midwayvillage.com Midway Village Museum is a true destination for turn-ofthe-century enthusiasts. Take a walk through yesteryear in a picturesque Victorian village set on 136 acres, with 24 historic buildings, artifacts and 19th century gardens.

Costumed interpreters give seasonal guided tours. The museum features galleries on Rockford history, including The Old Dolls’ House, The Girls of Summer on the Rockford Peaches, Queen City of the Prairies, and The Missing Link: Socks, Monkeys and Rockford’s Industrial Past. The Flight exhibit showcases Rockford’s pioneer aviators. See the Old Millhouse at Severin Lake -- a working replica of an operating water-powered machine shop.

Shop for unique gifts, sock monkeys, books and replica toys. Return for events throughout the year on museum grounds like World War II Days, the Scarecrow Harvest continued on the next page

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PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Festival, All Hallows Eve, the Sock Monkey Madness Festival and 1900 America Chautauqua.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum 411 Kent St., Rockford 815-964-2424 tinkercottage.com Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is one of only two dozen Victorian Swiss-style homes left standing in the United States and a rare example of Victorian “exotic” architecture. Built in 1865 by early Rockford industrialist Robert H. Tinker, the cottage tells the story of the family that lived there through a rare collection of original furnishings, photos, diaries and household belongings. Visitors can walk across the restored swinging bridge that Tinker built over Kent Creek to connect his estate with his soonto-be wife’s, Mary Manny. Take guided tours through the Victorian Rose Garden, the Tinker Railroad Garden and the Tinker grounds. The museum plays host to the region’s only croquet tournament, Mallet Mayhem. In December, enjoy a Victorian Christmas.

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

Japanese landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu, Anderson Japanese Gardens lies on a 14-acre site in the heart of Rockford and features two distinct gardens. The formal Japanese garden is in the style of the Kamakura period, 1185 to 1333 A.D., and the Guest House, Teahouse, and machiai are 16th century Sukiya-style architecture. The Garden of Reflection is a contemporary international garden with a strong Japanese influence. Come for serenity and reflection at the gardens, stay for the unique finds at the gift shop.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden 2715 S. Main St., Rockford 815-965-8146 klehm.org Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden has more than 155 acres filled with rare and unusual trees and shrubs, plus the Midwest’s most vigorous evergreen collection and the nation’s most extensive Azalea collection. As a “living

City of Gardens Anderson Japanese Gardens 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford 815-229-9390 andersongardens.org You might not think that the #1 ranked Japanese garden in North America would be in Illinois, but it is, according to Sukiya Living, a premier Japanese garden journal. Built by Rockford industrialist John Anderson and

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PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD museum,” there’s something new every season from the majestic colors of fall, to the hundreds of blooming crabapple trees in spring, to the butterfly gardens in summer, to the snow-covered evergreens in winter. There’s a 1.8mile, handicapped-accessible paved path going through the heart of the arboretum with many secondary, chipped trails. View the Fountain Garden, the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden, the Demonstration Gardens, the Prehistoric Garden, the Hosta Garden, the Grass Garden, the Butterfly Garden and the Daylily Garden. Tour the Visitor Center with a library, exhibition gallery, information center, classroom and the Flowering Magnolia gift shop.

Water Fun CoCo Key Water Resort at Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center 7801 E. State St., Rockford 815-398-6000 cocokeywaterresort.com There are many months of cold weather in the Midwest.

Rockford’s first major indoor waterpark at a warm 84 degrees is just the solution for the cold weather blues. Located at the Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center, CoCo Key is a fun-filled getaway any time of year with a Key West tropics theme and 60,000 square feet of water resort attractions, three thrilling water slides, an activity pool, outdoor splash pad, snack bar, lounge, arcade, cabanas, bar, private function and birthday party spaces.

Enjoy the Barracuda Blast two-person raft slide – an adventure river, and the Palm Grotto indoor/outdoor spa.

Kids will love Parrot’s Perch interactive play island with a 300-gallon tipping bucket and the “Dip-In Theatre” – a shallow pool with a constant display of movies and cartoons. This fun-filled attraction was rated as one of Nick Jr. Family Magazine’s “Top 7 Trips of ’07.”

Magic Waters Waterpark 7820 N. CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley 815-96-MAGIC magicwaterswaterpark.com Bring the whole family to Illinois’ premier water park for waves of FUN! For the adventurous, ride the Abyss, a dark tunnel tube five stories above the park. Board a two-person raft and ride Splash Blaster, rising a dizzying 80 feet above Magic Waters and plunging 35 feet over the edge. Enjoy some of the Midwest’s best body slides, the Keelhauler,

PHOTO BY COCO KEY WATER RESORT

SeaSerpent and Bonzai, rising five stories above the park.

Breaker Beach is everyone’s favorite wavepool, the largest in Illinois. For relaxation, float down SPLASHmagic River, a 1,200-foot-long river pool. For kids, nothing’s more fun than Splash Magic Island’s Castaway Adventure, a 50foot tall interactive water complex with a 1,000-gallon water bucket that tips and sends water splashing everywhere.

For the youngest, there’s Little Lagoon.

PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM

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Unique Attractions Blackhawk Farms Raceway 15538 Prairie Road, South Beloit 815-389-2000 blackhawkfarms.com This 1.95-mile private circuit racetrack is located on a 219-acre farm on the border between Wisconsin and Illinois. Established in the mid 1960s, the track is a favorite of SCCA, Midwestern Council, VSCDA, SVRA and other local and national racing organizations. Special events include Automotive Track Days for all experience levels to learn the fundamentals of track driving, and Motorcycle Track Days which gives street, sport and advanced riders the optimum environment to ride their motorcycles on a world-class race track facility.

Byron Forest Preserve/Jarrett Prairie Center 7993 N. River Road, Byron 815-234-8535 byronforestpreserve.com Formed in 1980 to preserve a small prairie remnant and to reestablish the plant and wildlife once flourishing at the site, Byron Forest Preserve has grown to nearly 900 acres. It has many activities for visitors including the Jarrett Prairie Center natural history museum; J. Weiskopf Observatory; PrairieView Golf Club, its acclaimed 18-hole bentgrass public golf facility; Heritage Farm Museum; Stone Quarry Park Recreation Park, and nearly 600 acres of restored dolomite prairie land.

The 6.5 miles of well marked trails through the restored prairieland and wooded areas provide opportunities for walking, jogging, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and more.

Carlson Ice Arena & Sapora Playworld 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park 815-969-4069 rockfordparkdistrict.org Part of the Rockford Park District, this indoor ice arena is fun for all ages and open year round for hockey, figure and public skating. Sapora Playworld is Rockford’s largest indoor, three-level soft playground for children 5 to 12. Tiny Tots Play Space offers a safe, fun place for toddlers to play, exercise and explore.

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Historic Auto Attractions 13825 Metric Dr., Roscoe 815-389-7917 historicautoattractions.com Auto aficionados and nostalgia fans will get a kick out of this museum where history meets entertainment. Historic Auto Attractions has a unique collection of more than 75 special interest autos and countless pieces of Hollywood memorabilia. See limousines used by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon and world leaders like Evita Peron. Tour the White House Room with furnishings used by several presidents. See the movie car from the 1967 film “Bonnie & Clyde,” and Al Capone’s 1929 Ford Model AA beer truck. View the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters Cadillac ambulance and more. In Legends of Racing, see Mark Martin’s 1980 short track Camaro stock car and Richard Petty’s earliest race car in existence, a 1960 Plymouth.

Macktown, a Living History Education Center 2221 Freeport Rd., Rockton 815-624-4200 macktownlivinghistory.com On a forested bluff overlooking the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers are the remnants of Winnebago County’s earliest settlement. See life as it was in the 1830s at the home of fur trader Stephen Andrew Mack, Jr., one of the area’s first settlers, and his wife, Hononegah. Founded in 1829, Macktown, then known as Pekatonic, represents a time of change on the Illinois frontier, when the fur trade collided with a progressive world. The buildings are open to visitors, schools and groups by appointment.

Grounds are open to enjoy during regular Macktown Forest Preserve hours.

rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD Riverview Ice House 324 N. Madison St., Rockford 815-963-7465 rockfordparkdistrict.org Rockford Park District’s original indoor ice arena, Riverview Ice House offers year-round ice skating on twin rinks and instruction in hockey and figure skating for all levels. Many Olympic, national and regional skating stars have trained here. Enjoy figure skating, hockey, broomball, parties, lessons and exhibitions; and the Strength and Conditioning Training Center.

PHOTO BY THE ROCKFORD SPEEDWAY

Theater/Music

Rockford Speedway/Forest Hills Lodge 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park 815-633-1500 rockfordspeedway.com Rockford Speedway is northern Illinois’ oldest professional and continuous sports venue and features a familyoriented racing schedule. The high-banked, quarter mile oval has been tabbed as “Mid-America’s Finest Racetrack.” Racing is sanctioned by the National Association of Stock Car Racing, NASCAR. Rockford Speedway participates in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

The divisions that compete at the Rockford Speedway include: Late Models, All-American Sportsmen, American Short Trackers, Road Runners, Hornets, Winged Women on Wheels and Figure 8s. The track also hosts many different touring series including: Big 8 Series, Mid-American Series, ASA Late Model Series Northern Division, INEX Legends, INEX Bandeleros, Super Cups, FIRA Mini-Indy, Allison Legacy, Rascal Outlaws and many more. Some of the events have been shown on Speed Channel’s “On the Edge” series.

Coronado Theatre 314 N. Main St. 815-968-0595 coronadopac.org The historic Coronado Theatre, Rockford’s “Crown Jewel,” is the home of “Coronado Presents,” a season of live musical and entertainment shows for all ages and demographics. The regional performing arts center is an anchor for downtown Rockford and plays host to performances by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Rockford Dance Company, and the Rockford Coronado Concert Association, as well as Broadway at the Coronado. The theater maintains its original grand style, featuring Spanish castles, Italian villas, oriental dragons, starlit skies and a Grande Barton Pipe Organ, thanks to an $18.5 million restoration completed in 2001 by the Friends of the Coronado.

Davis Park at Founders Landing 320 S. Wyman St. Davis Park near the MetroCentre showcases a variety of outdoor concerts, local festivals and recreational events throughout the year. Situated on seven acres along the city’s beautiful Rock River, it serves as center stage to Illinois’ largest musical festival, On the Waterfront, which takes place over Labor Day weekend. Davis Park was given to the people of Rockford by Morris and Roberta Davis as a place to play, celebrate and relax. Development of the park was accomplished with money from the Davis Trust, public funds and many private donations. continued on the next page

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Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center 415 N. Church St. 815-964-9713 mendelssohnpac.org Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center has the distinction of being the oldest, continuous community music organization in the United States. In 1884, Chandler Starr entertained her first group of Rockford music lovers at her home on North Main Street. Today it’s home to the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, the Mendelssohn Chorale, the Rock Valley Children’s Choirs and the Kantorei, The Singing Boys of Rockford. Mendelssohn is synonymous with quality music with performances by local and world renowned artists in the Mendelssohn Series and Music on Main.

Rockford Dance Company 711 N. Main St. 815-963-3341 rockforddancecompany.com The Rockford Dance Company, a pre-professional dance company, is one of four resident performing organizations of the historic Coronado Theater. Now in its 35th season, it produces The Nutcracker with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra annually and a fulllength ballet in the spring, as well as a variety of small concerts throughout the year in various venues. Most of the company members received their dance training through the School of Rockford Dance Company and have participated in DanceReach, the performing company of the school.

Rockford Coronado Concert Association 711 N. Main St. 815-968-9863 rccaconcerts.org The association plays host to world-class performances of classical, semi-classical music and dance at the historic Coronado Theatre in downtown Rockford. From opera to dance, symphonies to world music, live musical performances are priced affordably so young people can be introduced to the magic. Established in 1936, the RCCA has brought world-class artists like Itzhak Perlman, the Vienna Boys Choir, the Teatro Lyrico d’Europa production of the opera “Carmen” and the popular Peking Acrobats.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra 711 N. Main St. 815-965-0049 rockfordsymphony.com Housed at the Coronado Theatre in downtown Rockford, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra has entertained music lovers in the community since 1943.

Named Illinois Orchestra of the Year, RSO performs more than 20 annual classics, pops, summer and youth concerts; featuring compositions from Beethoven, Handel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, American composer Aaron Copland and more. The orchestra has hosted some of the world’s most renowned classical music talents such as legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman and internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. RSO is

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rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD home to the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra, a performance ensemble for young people.

Starlight Theatre - Bengt Sjostrom Theatre/ Studio Theatre 3301 N. Mulford Road 815-921-2160 rvcstarlight.com Located on the Rock Valley College campus in Rockford’s east side, the world-class Bengt Sjostrom Theatre houses Starlight Theatre, the longest-running summer theater program in the Rockford area. An average of 40,000 people come each June, July and August to see productions under the theater complex’s dramatic hexagonal dome roof made of six triangular “roof leaves.”

During cool summer evening performances, the retractable roof opens from the center point like the petals of a flower to give the audience a glimpse of the night sky through the star-shaped opening. The theater also plays host to a number of concerts and other entertainment.

In winter, Rock Valley College’s Studio Theatre hosts Agatha Christie murder mysteries and original plays.

PHOTO BY GREG MURPHY

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Concerts. Professional Hockey. Harlem Globetrotters. Disney on Ice. Monster trucks. The BMO Harris Bank Center has something for everyone.

Since opening in 1981, the BMO Harris Bank Center has been home to live entertainment and sporting events for residents across the region. In the last five years alone, the BMO Harris Bank Center has hosted more than 30 sold out performances such as Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson Reba McIntire, Toby Keith, Larry the Cable Guy, Mötley Crüe, Blue Man Group, and Carrie Underwood.

“We have all the amenities of a major arena, yet you are never more than 25 rows away from the action,” said General Manager Gordon Kaye. “This facility has a great intimacy. It’s very much reflective of Rockford. This community has everything someone could want.”

The downtown arena, which is operated by Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority (RAVE), has 7,000 seats and hosts more than 115 event days a year, most of which are open to the public. The regional destination attraction draws patrons from a 45-mile radius, including DeKalb, Marengo, Beloit, Janesville, Freeport, as well as Rockford.

“Having a corporation like BMO Harris Bank invest new dollars in the arena and Davis Park that heretofore were being paid by taxpayers is tremendous,” said RAVE Authority Chairman Mike Dunn. “The ongoing investment, in addition to the sponsorship dollars in the BMO Arena and Davis Park in items that reduce costs or increase efficiencies, allow us to continue to attract better shows and larger audiences.”

One of the arena’s biggest draws is the Rockford IceHogs. The hockey club is the top minor-league affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks. Six months a year, the IceHogs provide quality entertainment for thousands of fans like Shane Hartje, a former season ticket holder, who still gets downtown for at least 10 games a year with his two young children.

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“To live in Rockford and watch these players grow up who will someday play with the Blackhawks, that’s cool,” said Hartje, who gets to a handful of Blackhawks games as well. “The food is excellent, the parking is reasonable and the staff goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable. From a hockey fan’s perspective, taking in a game at the BMO Harris Bank Center is the ultimate experience.”

These days, the fan experience is even better, thanks to a $23 million renovation completed in 2008 by the BMO Harris Bank Center Authority, City of Rockford and Winnebago County. Upgrades focused on enhancing the patron experience, attracting corporate clients, improving revenue-generating amenities, and increasing awareness in the region.

The project included adding a state-of-the-art video scoreboard, club boxes and club lounge, 11 executive suites, a new press box, a 200-person group terrace, additional bathrooms, an exterior façade update, a new box office and new entrance. Most of the renovations were completed by the end of 2008.

“There’s life, activity, and an energy in the building that was lacking before,” said Kaye. “Most of all, it’s a new beginning. We are committed to being a strong partner in the revitalization of downtown Rockford. We need to continue to get the word out that downtown is a fun and exciting place to be.”

Others agree.

“Rockford is now beginning to understand that we are developing up and down North Main and South Main a “Cultural Corridor” for our region,” said Dunn. “From the museums, to Mendelssohn, Coronado Performing Arts Center, the Sullivan Theater, the BMO Harris Bank Center, to Davis Park, Tinker Swiss Cottage and the Ethnic Heritage Museum, these venues, in addition to all of the other entertainment and performance venues in the area, really cause people new to the city to stand up and take notice of who we are and what we have here.”

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Rockford Golfs There’s no question about it, this is a city that loves golf! Rockford has a national reputation for the quality and number of its public golf courses. It has consistently been named by Golf Digest as number one for mid-sized U.S. cities for the excellence of its public courses. In 2005, the magazine ranked Rockford 22 out of 330 in the United States for the quality of its golf. Between the Rockford Park District and the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, the city offers eight of the finest and most affordable competitive courses in the region.

Brad Benjamin has accomplished things on the golf course that most golfers can only dream about. He’s achieved success at every level, from winning the first tournament he ever played in, to doing the unthinkable – winning a national, state, and city title in consecutive tournaments.

In 2010, Benjamin became the first Rockford golfer to compete in the prestigious Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. Last year, Benjamin was the first Rockford native to ever make the cut at the U.S. Open.

Not since Rockford native Dean Lind defeated future U.S. Open champion and legendary golf announcer Ken Venturi in the first U.S. Junior Amateur in 1948, has there been so much buzz on the Rockford golf scene.

Benjamin was just four years old when he started swinging a club. Within a few years, he began putting balls on the green his father, Steve, designed in the family’s basement. Benjamin played in his first tournament at the age of 10, and won the nine-hole event by seven-strokes.

The rising star credits his start in Rockford with the success he’s achieved on the course. “The golf resources we have in this community are amazing,” Benjamin said. “It’s not only the facilities, but the competition.

I’ve played against the best golfers in the community – many of them have become my good friends.”

Rockford is a city that loves its golf. Rockford has a national reputation for the quality and number of its public golf courses. It has been named by Golf Digest as

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PLAY IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com continued from the previous page In 2005, the magazine ranked Rockford 22 out of 330 in the United States for the quality of its golf. Between the Rockford Park District and the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, the area offers eight of the finest and most affordable competitive courses in the region.

Aldeen Golf Club was rated 4-1/2 stars by 2008 Golf Digest Magazine’s Places to Play guidebook. GOLF Magazine calls it one of the Thrifty Fifty (top 50 courses in the country under $50).

“If it wasn’t for the Park District and Aldeen Golf Club, I never would have played in the Masters,” Benjamin said. “You can go out there any day of the year to work on your game. I have played all over the country, and have yet to find a public course like Aldeen Golf Club.

It’s quality and affordability is impressive.”

The Park District has other noteworthy golf courses.

Opened in 1968, Elliot Golf Course is located off Interstate 90, near the hotel district on Rockford’s far east side. Ingersoll Golf Course is a west side 18-hole course with narrow fairways and gently rolling terrain. Ingersoll, which includes a Learning Links four-hole course and practice center adjacent to the clubhouse, was se-

Rockford Park District Courses rockfordparkdistrict.org Aldeen Golf Club and Practice Centre 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford • 815-282-4653 AldeenGolfClub.com The course located near Interstate 90 on Rockford’s east side sets a new standard for upscale public golf.

With 18 landscaped holes, 14,000-square-feet of putting greens, challenging water hazards on 12 of 18 holes, and 62 sand bunkers (including three Dick Nugent-designed “beach bunkers”), the course has earned 4½ stars by 2004 Golf Digest magazine’s Places to Play guidebook, the highest rating available for a public course. It was chosen as one of the “top 50 courses in the USA under $50” in the September 2004 issue of GOLF magazine.

Par is 72.

lected by the Tiger Woods Foundation to host Tiger Woods for a two-day golf clinic in 2001 and 2004. Sandy Hollow Golf Course, which opened in 1930 on the south side, is an 18-hole tree lined fairway course.

Besides the Park District, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve features three popular courses of its own – the Ledges, Macktown and Atwood. Growing up, Benjamin played many tournaments on these golf courses. “With each course, you get three different golf perspectives,” he said.

Over the past few years, Benjamin has teed it up on many of the best golf courses around the country. He’s played in tournaments with some of golf’s best, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. While his future appears bright, Benjamin will always have a fondness for Rockford golf.

“Each Rockford golf course has its own character,” he said. “If you play these types of courses in other parts of the country, you’re paying at least $70 or $80. In Rockford, golf opportunities are available to everyone. From a dollar perspective the golf around here doesn’t get any better.”

The golf club is home to the Practice Centre, one of the finest practice facilities in the United States, with well positioned and shaped greens, bent grass fairway, trees, and rough areas.

Elliot Golf Course 888 S. Lyford Road, Cherry Valley • 815-332-5130 Opened in 1968, Elliot Golf Course is conveniently located off Interstate 90 on the city’s far east side. This 18-hole championship course was rated 3½ stars by Golf Digest. Elliot’s 6,433 yards of rolling terrain, large trees, spacious greens, and a smattering of water hazards and sand bunkers make it a challenging course for any golfer. Par is 72. The course also offers a driving range. The course is named for Earl F. Elliot, a long-time director of the Rockford Park District. continued on page 40

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PLAY IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com ed the 18-hole, tree-lined fairway course with three stars.

Par is 71. One of the more challenging holes is number 11, which requires a tee shot over a pond. Sandy Hollow is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and placed first in the Public Space category of the 2002 City of Gardens Rockford in Bloom Awards.

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Ingersoll Golf Course and Learning Links 101 Daisyfield Road, Rockford • 815-987-8834 Ingersoll is a heavily wooded, 18-hole, par-71 course on Rockford’s west side with narrow fairways and gently rolling terrain on 6,107 challenging yards. Opened in 1922, the course is named for Lt. Clayton Ingersoll, who lost his life in an air crash over France in World War I. While there is no water, the par fours are short, and the tightly tree-lined fairways make keeping the ball down the middle imperative. Ingersoll was selected by the Tiger Woods Foundation to host Tiger Woods for a two-day golf clinic in 2001, as well as the Tiger Woods Foundation’s In the City Festival in 2004.

Ingersoll Learning Links includes a four-hole, par-three golf course, practice green, practice bunker and driving range. Dedicated in 2004, the facility is the primary site for the park district’s extensive youth instructional program, and the perfect place for families and children.

Adults can level the playing field for a more competitive experience by using Cayman or “Almost Golf” balls to lengthen the Learning Links.

Sandy Hollow Golf Course 2670 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford • 815-987-8836 Opened in 1930 on Rockford’s south side, this beautiful and challenging course on 6,228 yards is by far the most popular of the five park district courses. Golf Digest rat-

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Sinnissippi Golf Course 1401 N. Second St., Rockford • 815-987-8838 Sinnissippi Golf Course opened in 1912 and is the oldest of the five Park District courses. Centrally located in beautiful Sinnissippi Park, the nine-hole, par-37, 3,230yard course is best known for its hilly layout and treelined fairways. Sinnissippi offers challenges for advanced golfers as well as opportunity for novices. From the foresight of the first Park District commissioners, Sinnissippi has been nationally recognized for many years. At one time, it was the longest nine-hole course in the nation.

Winnebago County Forest Preserve Courses wcfpd.org Atwood Homestead Golf Course 8990 Old River Road, Rockford • 815-623-2411 Located six miles north of Rockford, this 18-hole course opened in 1971 on land donated by Seth B. Atwood.

Par is 72. The course was designed by Charles Maddox to present a variety of alternatives so that golfers could select the tees most appropriate for their ability. The site includes a Clubhouse and Pro Shop remodeled from the Atwood family’s large stone homestead.

Ledges Golf Course 7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe • 815-389-0979 Built originally as a private course in 1966, the 18-hole course was purchased by the Forest Preserve in 1978.

Par is 72. Fairway bunkers and sand traps test skill and accuracy. Water hazards are featured on 10 holes.

Macktown Golf Course 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton • 815-624-7410 This sporty 18-hole, 5,770-yard blue grass course was built in the 1930s. The mature trees and established conditions make it a popular course for beginning golfers. With limited sand traps and one small pond, the course plays rapidly. Par is 71.

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Area Public and Private Courses Sandy Hollow Golf Course 18 holes - 6,228 yards. Par 71 (Municipal) 2500 Sandy Hollow Rd Rockford, IL 61109-2350 (815) 987-8836

Ingersoll Golf Course and Learning Links 18 holes - 6,107 yards. Par 71 (Municipal) 101 Daisyfield Rd Rockford, IL 61102-1300 (815) 987-8834

Savannah Oaks Golf Club of Candlewick Lake 18 holes - 2,925 yards. Par 35 (Public) 100 Savannah Dr Poplar Grove, IL 61065-6601 (815) 765-0111

Sinnissippi Park Golf Course 9 holes - 3,230 yards. Par 37 (Municipal) 1401 N 2nd St Rockford, IL 61107-3044 (815) 987-8838

Atwood Homestead Golf Course 18 holes - 7,470 yards. Par 72 (Municipal) 8990 Old River Rd Rockford, IL 61103-8738 (815) 623-2411

Red Barn Golf Course 9 holes - 1,598 yards. Par 28 (Public) 12379 Wagon Wheel Rd Rockton, IL 61072 (815) 624-8037

The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club 18 holes - 6,419 yards. Par 71 (Private) 5151 Guilford Rd Rockford, IL 61107-2410 (815) 399-0682

Newburg Village Golf Club 9 holes - 3,154 yards. Par 36 (Public) 253 Club House Dr Cherry Valley, IL 61016-8810 (815) 332-9002

Macktown Golf Course 18 holes - 5,770 yards. Par 71 (Municipal) 2221 Freeport Rd Rockton, IL 61072-1817 (815) 624-7410

Elliot Golf Course 18 holes - 6,433 yards. Par 72 (Municipal) 888 S Lyford Rd Rockford, IL 61108-2749 (815) 332-5130

Swan Hills Golf Course 18 holes - 6,359 yards. Par 71 (Public) 2600 Gustafson Rd Belvidere, IL 61008-9775 (815) 547-3232

Ledges Golf Course 18 holes - 6,740 yards. Par 72 (Municipal) 7111 McCurry Rd Roscoe, IL 61073-8288 (815) 389-0979

Rockford Country Club 18 holes - 6,626 yards. Par 71 (Private) 2500 Oxford St Rockford, IL 61103-3192 (815) 962-0948

PrairieView Golf Club 18 holes - 7,117 yards. Par 72 (Municipal) 7993 N River Rd Byron, IL 61010-9533 (815) 234-4653 x 12

Oregon Country Club 9 holes - 2,901 yards. Par 35 (Private) 250 S Daysville Rd Oregon, IL 61061-9701 (815) 732-7405

Forest Hills Country Club 18 holes - 6,650 yards. Par 72 (Private) 5135 Forest Hills Rd Rockford, IL 61114-5998 (815) 877-5733

Timber Pointe Golf Club 18 holes - 7,077 yards. Par 72 (Public) 5750 Woodstock Rd Poplar Grove, IL 61065-8837 (815) 544-1935

Sugar River Greens 9 holes (Public) 7330 Yale Bridge Rd Rockton, IL 61072-9538 (815) 629-2227

Aldeen Golf Club 18 holes - 7,058 yards. Par 72 (Municipal) 1900 Reid Farm Rd Rockford, IL 61107-5644 (888) 425-3336

Westlake Village Course 18 holes - 6,337 yards. Par 71 (Public) 3820 Westlake Village Dr Winnebago, IL 61088-8024 (815) 335-7177

Rochelle Country Club Inc 18 holes - 4,677 yards. Par 66 (Private) US 251 South Rochelle, IL 61068 (815) 562-6666

Source: golflink.com

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Shopping There are many places to shop, both indoors and out, in the Rockford area. Retail stores with ample parking and distinctive selections have coalesced around key transportation intersections, including State Street and Perryville Road, Broadway and Alpine Road, North Second Street and IL 173, Riverside Boulevard, and State Street in downtown Rockford.

Unique stores, big box stores and shopping centers are found throughout the region.

CherryVale Mall and The District At CherryVale 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford 815-332-2440 • shopcherryvalemall.com Rockford’s largest indoor shopping mall, at Harrison Avenue and Perryville Road, has more 130 stores, including Bergner’s, Macy’s, Sears and JCPenney department stores, and 16 eateries. The District at CherryVale houses Barnes & Noble, Coldwater Creek, Granite City Food & Brewery, Jos. A. Bank, Talbots and more!

River District Association 127 N. Wyman St., Rockford 815-964-6221 • riverdistrict.com River District, located in Rockford’s historic downtown, offers a collection of unique boutiques and retail stores and some of Rockford’s trendiest restaurants. The district is in walking distance of some of the city’s top entertainment destinations including the Coronado Theatre, Sullivan Center and BMO Harris Bank Center.

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summer and fall, the Cider N’ Cinnamon craft fair and Festival Of Fantasy Halloween Contest & Parade in fall, and a Fashion Show in spring.

Highcrest Centre 1670 N. Alpine Road, Rockford 815-397-6400 Machesney Park Mall 8750 N. Second St., Machesney Park Machesney Park Mall enclosed mall facilities are anchored by Bergner’s, JC Penney Outlet Store, Big Lots and Burlington Coat Factory.

North Towne Mall North Main Street & West Riverside Blvd., Rockford North Towne Mall features specialty stores, restaurants and taverns, and Gustafson’s Furniture.

MainStreet Machesney N. Second St. & Harlem Road, Machesney Park 815-877-5432 This is the village’s original “downtown.” Remember shopping before the big box stores? Most of the shops are independently owned by local residents and families who have been doing business in the community for 30 years or more. The area features a beautiful streetscape, with brick walkways and old-fashioned lantern lighting.

The Shops of Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford 815-226-0212 • edgebrookshops.com The Shops of Edgebrook features an eclectic mix of stores and services. The upscale shopping center has restaurants, clothing boutiques, furniture, gifts and more.

It plays host to a number of events throughout the year, including Farmers Markets and Music on the Mall in

Gateway District IL 173, Machesney Park Located along a five-mile corridor on IL 173 between IL 251 east to the I-90 interchange, the Gateway District is a shopper’s paradise, offering national big box retailers, smaller boutique stores, financial institutions, and restaurants.

Stores include Menards, Kohls, Target, Home Depot, Gordmans, Office Depot, Pier I Imports and PetSmart.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD

Sports Town The Rockford Park District’s Sportscore Complexes are revered by athletes, respected by coaches, and recognized by professional organizations as some of the finest amateur sports facilities in the Midwest and the USA. Athletes know these as the “field of dreams.” Sports Turf Manager’s Association has twice awarded Sportscore Complexes “Sports Complex of the Year.”

Because of earned reputation and past experience, we can accommodate larger tournaments - we were selected to host the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) Region II soccer tournament five times in the past decade, and the Midwestern location for the Olympic Development Program for soccer.

The Rockford Region is the Amateur Sports Capital of the Midwest Sportscore Complexes

Sportscore One - Veteran’s Memorial Sportscore 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 636-8339 The original Sportscore One complex is located adjacent to the Rock River in northwest Rockford. The 105-acre complex was built in 1983 and has 8 lighted softball diamonds, 8 regulation soccer fields, and 11 practice soccer fields.

Recreational activities at Sportscore One include soccer, PHOTO BY MIKE GRAHAM softball, baseball, boating, fishing, and recreational path use. Local play plus regional and national tournaments attracts over a million visitors to this location a year, and is consistently rated as the area’s top tourist destination.

Sportscore Two 8800 East Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Illinois (815) 885-1135 Sportscore Two is a busy hub of activity, a 124-acre site developed in 2001. It’s a major tourism draw on weekends and provides local players home field advantage! On weekdays, local teams use the Sportscore Complex for practice, training, and matches. On weekends, local clubs host tournaments so players can participate close to home on high quality fields.

Sportscore Two has 19 regulation soccer fields and 14 practice fields outdoors, with an Indoor Sports Center containing 3 multi-sport surfaces. This recreation center hosts activities that include soccer, rugby, football, volleyball (hard court), golf, softball, basketball, Pickleball, wiffle ball, dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, adapted and wheelchair sports.

The Indoor Sports Center is also the venue for trade shows, expositions, and entertainment, including women’s roller derby.

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PLAY IN ROCKFORD - rockfordchamber.com continued from the previous page

Rockford IceHogs Professional Hockey 300 Elm St., Rockford 815-986-6465 • icehogs.com The IceHogs hockey organization has established itself as a staple in the Rockford community. As the longest running professional sports team in Rockford, the IceHogs prides itself on its work in the community through the IceHogs Charitable Foundation and as the premiere choice for entertainment in the Forest City.

The IceHogs are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks in the American Hockey League and have an unprecedented 10-year affiliation agreement with the Blackhawks.

Rockford RiverHawks Baseball 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park 815-885-BALL • rockfordriverhawks.com The Rockford RiverHawks makes its home in Loves Park, IL in a more than 3,000-seat stadium off Interstate 90 and Riverside Blvd. As a Central Division member of the independent professional Frontier League, the RiverHawks plays dozens of home games against teams from across the Midwest and is host to concerts and other events throughout the summer and early fall. The team has won multiple league championships.

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Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Rockford Foresters Baseball PO Box 611, Rockford 815-708-0242 • rockfordforesters.com The Rockford Foresters are an amateur baseball team based in Rockford, Illinois. The team began play at Marinelli Field in downtown Rockford in the May 2010. The Foresters are a member of the Great Plains Baseball League and consists of college players playing in collegiate summer ball leagues. In their first season at Marinelli Field, the Foresters won the league’s Championship.

rockfordchamber.com - PLAY IN ROCKFORD

Chamber Staff The Rockford Chamber of Commerce staff can be reached directly with the contact information listed below: Einar K. Forsman President & CEO 815-316-4304 eforsman@rockfordchamber.com

Cyndie Landis Financial Assistant 815-316-4300 clandis@rockfordchamber.com

Heidi Garner Executive Assistant to the President 815-316-4312 hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

Joy Moriarty Vice President, Finance 815-316-4316 jmoriarty@rockfordchamber.com

Doug Hessong Director of Publications & Technology 815-316-4338 dhessong@rockfordchamber.com

Stacy Mullins Director of Events 815-316-4302 smullins@rockfordchamber.com

Lynette Jacques Advertising and Sponsorship Executive 815-316-4317 ljacques@rockfordchamber.com

Diane Navickis Membership Development Manager 815-316-4315 dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com

Vee Jevremovic Manager of Education Programs & Events 815-316-4337 vee@rockfordchamber.com

Joan Sundvall Membership Contact Coordinator 815-316-4320 jsundvall@rockfordchamber.com

Jazzminne Keyes Director, IGNITE Young Professionals 815-316-4335 jazz@igniterockford.com

Valerie Tippitt Membership Development Manager 815-316-4336 vtippitt@rockfordchamber.com

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ROCKFORD CHAMBER - rockfordchamber.com

Advertisers Index The Rockford Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our advertisers for supporting this publication.

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Old Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Anderson Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Baker Tilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Rasmussen College, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Choice Funiture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Red Leaf Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Egg Harbor Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Reno & Zahm, LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Furst Staffing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Rock River Valley Blood Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Humana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rock Valley College - BPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Jersey Mike’s Subs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Johnny Pamcakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Rockford Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Kochi Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Rockford Career College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Leading Lawyers Network . . . . Inside Front Cover

Rockford Christian Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Rockford College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Maciano’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Stockholm Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

SwedishAmerican Health System . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 TDS Metrocom . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Miller Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 University Club of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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Northern Illinois University Conference Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Vito’s Ristorante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Octopus Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Wipfli LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Rockford Chamber of Commerce