2016 Rockford Chamber Community Relocation Guide

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Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Perspective of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . 5

815.987.8100 815.987.8122 fax

Making a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

info@rockfordchamber.com rockfordchamber.com

Transform Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Design/Layout/Production Doug Hessong

Young Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Advertising Sales Lynette Jacques Database Manager Joan Sundvall Writers Paul Anthony Arco Barb Connors ABOUT THIS BOOK - The 2016 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Community 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 815987-8122, 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, V.P., Member Investment at 815-316-4317. Š Copyright 2016 Rockford Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the Rockford Chamber.

Photos provided by: Brian Thomas Photography, Capri Restaurant, Chicago Rockford International Airport, Coronado Perfoming Arts Center, General Mitchell International Airport, Greenfire Restaurant, Mercyhealth, OSF Healthcare, Paul Anthony Arco, Prairie Street Brewhouse, Rock Valley College (Greg Murphy), Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (Mike Graham, Steve Pitkin), Rockford City Market, Rockford Park District (Jesse Fox), Rockford Speedway, The Rockford Register Star, Rocktown Adventures, Stockholm Inn, SwedishAmerican, A division of UW Health, United Way of Rock River Valley and Van Galder Bus Company

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Building Leadership Step by Step . . . . 17

contents

Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 West State Street, Suite 190 Rockford, Illinois 61101

Regional Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Key City Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Local Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . 28 College and Career Academies of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Dining Out in Rockford . . . . . . . . . . 38 Plenty to Do in Downtown . . . . . . . . . 43 Fun for Everyone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Great Golf: Par for the Courses in Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Amateur Sports Capital . . . . . . . . . . 63 Rockford Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Rockford Chamber Board of Directors . . 65 Rockford Chamber Staff . . . . . . . . . 66 Who to Call, Chamber Services . . . . . 67 Advertiser’s Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

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Welcome to the 2016 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Community Relocation Guide. Whether you’re a visitor, a recent transplant to the area or a long-time Rockfordian, this guide is packed with information to help you feel right at home within our community.

From our ground-breaking healthcare systems, city services, local transportation, educational institutions, award-winning park system and too many dining options to count, there’s plenty to see and do here in Rockford. Everything you need to know can be found on the pages that follow.

For starters, spend some time getting to know the downtown area, which includes many restaurants, shops and plenty of places to visit such as the popular Rockford City Market; soak in a magnificent butterfly exhibit at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens; kick off your holiday season at Stroll on State, or bring the family to a movie at Friday Night Flix at Davis Park. This year marks the debut of the UW Health Sports Factory, a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility located along the riverfront that will be home to basketball, volleyball and many other events.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the Rockford region. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Rock River, a theatrical performance at Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre, or take a dip at Magic Waters Waterpark. Other popular outdoor destinations include Rock Cut State Park, the Sinnissippi Rec Path, forest preserves and many gardens located throughout the city.

Music fans of all ages have plenty of options to enjoy up and coming bands, whether it’s a cozy bar or restaurant, or a national act headlining at the BMO Harris Bank Center or Coronado Performing Arts Center. Who knows, you might see the next Cheap Trick, Rockford’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame heroes.

In this guide, you’ll read about some amazing people – many, like you – are new to Rockford, but are quickly making an impact through their jobs and volunteer work in the community. Developing strong leadership is the key to success for many local businesses and it starts with creating a solid workforce.

Regardless of your interests, be sure to hang on to this guide and use it as a resource to locate many of the businesses and services that are available in Rockford. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is a 1,200-member organization with a combined workforce of 60,000. And everyone featured in this guide is a chamber member, and takes great pride in supporting our community. If you need further information about Rockford, please visit rockfordchamber.com.

Welcome to Rockford.

Sincerely,

Einar Forsman President and CEO Rockford Chamber of Commerce

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Perspective of ROCKFORD

Rockford is changing by the day. People are moving to the area for career opporunities, affordable housing, and a chance to make a difference in their community. Meet two people who are relatively new to town and, for the time being, can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Feels Like Home

Before she moved to Rockford from Atlanta, Angelique Carter knew virtually nothing about her new community. But that didn’t stop her.

“I have a philosophy,” she says. “If I decide to get involved in a community, I can live anywhere.”

And that’s what Carter did in 2013 when she graduated from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala. “I was looking for something different,” she says. “I went to Tuskegee’s career fair and the rest is history. I moved up here with just my luggage. I even left my car at home.”

UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. The company design, manufacture and service systems and components and provide integrated solutions for commercial, regional, business and military aircraft, helicopters and other platforms.

Carter, a native of Atlanta, is a reliability, maintainability and safety engineer. Her role is responsible for providing key information to the engineering team to ensure the safety and reliability of the actuation system. “My job is telling the design team what the probability of failure is for a component and to ensure the system is built to always have a backup plan,” she says.

“My home is where my life is, I’ve made a home in Rockford” continued on the next page

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continued from the previous page There are times, of course, when Carter gets homesick. But after a few days back in Atlanta, she’s ready to resume her life in Rockford. She’s made good friends here and she works hard to get out of her comfort zone. She admits having an outgoing personality is a plus. “My home is where my life is,” she says.

“I’ve made a home in Rockford.”

Aside from work, Carter keeps busy thanks to her desire to help throughout the community. She volunteers as a youth leader at her church. She volunteers in the Explorers program where middle and high school students visit UTC Aerospace Systems to learn about engineering careers, and mentors high school girls through Rock Valley College’s Sister to Sister conference for young women who are looking at various career options.

Carter is also involved with the Transform Rockford movement.

She’s the co-spoke lead for the unity pride and culture team, a group looking at ways to attract people to Rockford. People like herself.

“Our job is to bridge the gap between the east side and west side,” Carter says. “Our goal is to have a region that is unified.

We want to have a community where people want to help each other succeed, and we should recognize that we all want the same thing.”

Still, Carter knows that the road is long. Becoming a Top 25 community isn’t going to happen overnight. But she’s willing to do whatever it takes as long as she’s part of the community.

“Growth and change are never easy,” she says. “But at least there are conversations taking place about changing Rockford, and that’s a good start. The best part about Transform Rockford is that it’s people from the region who want to be a part of the change. It’s people who live here and work here who are committed to this important cause.”

A Midwest Feel

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green spent his entire career on the East Coast. He loved it. But two years ago, when the position of regional dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford became available, the New York native jumped at the chance to relocate to Rockford, a city where he had never been.

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“I was looking for a school and a community where I could make a difference,” he says. “I wanted to be actively involved in creating the curriculum, teaching the students and having the ability to shape the environment in which they learn. I wanted to go to a place where I could be a part of the community and where the college could partner with the community. Rockford fit all those criteria.”

Born in Brooklyn, Stagnaro-Green spent his early years in New York and New Jersey. Before coming to Rockford, StagnaroGreen served as senior advisor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and professor of medicine and obstetrics/gynecology.

His specialty is thyroid disease and pregnancy. He has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on

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“I’ve been amazed at how welcoming the community has been to me and my family” the subject and is leading an effort to make sure that all prenatal vitamins in the United States include iodine, which is critical to normal fetal development.

Stagnaro-Green and his wife, Doreen, have two grown children, Danny and Laura, who live in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, respectively. Stagnaro-Green loves to travel. Over the years, he’s made medical presentations in countries such as Thailand, Spain, China, Australia and Argentina.

But these days, they’re most comfortable right here in Rockford.

“I’ve been amazed at how welcoming the community has been to me and my family,” he says. “We’re not from the Midwest, but people have been very accommodating, friendly and supportive. The transition has been seamless.”

And those good feelings extend into the College of Medicine as Stagnaro-Green works to expand the college’s reach into

Rockford and beyond. “I’ve found Rockford to be very supportive of our goals and initiatives,” he says. “Everyone from Mayor Morrissey to the Chamber of Commerce to the Rockford Area of Economic Development have been phenomenal to work with.”

In a short time, Stagnaro-Green got right to work, volunteering for many local nonprofit agencies, including Rock House Kids. And he’s excited about working with Transform Rockford, a movement that he says has great potential.

“Transform Rockford is going to move the city as a whole,” he says. “As the College of Medicine is expanding it seems to dovetail with what the city is doing on a larger scale. By bringing researchers and students to Rockford we’re growing and it appears to be a similar story for the city. People are a lot more optimistic these days.”

Stagnaro-Green and his wife enjoy the Rockford parks, biking, spending time at the YMCA of Rock River Valley but they’re also content just staying home some nights. Rockford feels right, he says. “I’m delighted to be part of a growing community and the College of Medicine is happy to be a part of it.”

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Making a DIFFERENCE One of Rockford’s endearing qualities is the generosity often shown by local residents. Dozens of nonprofit organizations, schools, churches and social service organizations depend on volunteers to lend a helping hand.

Here are four areas residents who are shining examples of Rockford’s generous spirit.

Dan Misek knows the importance of living in strong neighborhoods. He came from one, growing up just outside of Elizabeth, Ill., a small rural town in the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County.

“My parents, brothers and I were always working outdoors,” says Misek, a program manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Rockford. “Our neighbors were very loving, caring people who worked hard.”

It was through his work that Misek became involved in helping with Strong Neighborhoods Houses – a partnership between the Rockford Police Department, Zion Development and United Way of Rock River Valley, which provides police outposts in at-risk neighborhoods and space for United Way and other programming.

There are three Strong Neighborhood houses in the Rockford area – Midtown neighborhood, Jackson Oaks neighborhood and a third in the Ellis Heights neighborhood scheduled to open soon.

Last fall, Misek and a group of co-workers took part in a day of caring through United Way. Working at the Strong Neighborhood House on Eighth Ave., Misek and his team were responsible for working around the home, clearing branches and trimming trees.

The work was right up Misek’s alley – he enjoys working on his father Jerry’s rural property every chance he gets.

The volunteer work left an impression on Misek. Since last fall, he’s returned to the Strong Neighborhood home, and has even

Photos by Roman J. Salamon / United Way of Rock River Valley

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continued from page 8 volunteered to work at other sites. “There’s great potential to make change in some of these areas, and we don’t know how far that positivity can reach,” he says.

Currently a Freeport resident, Misek has reached out to the Freeport Police Department, in hopes of bringing a similar Strong Neighborhood Houses program to his town.

Misek’s passion for the outdoors is contagious. His family – wife Andrea, son Andrew, and daughters Amiah and Arianna – love spending time outdoors, camping and riding bicycles. He’s thankful his children are learning the value of making a difference in the community.

“These are opportunities for all of us to get involved,” Misek says. “We need to embrace the vision of what these houses represent. We need to keep that positive momentum going for the next generation.”

Picking up the Pieces

Following the death of her husband, Burton, in 2014, Nancy Smith found herself at a crossroads.

“I was lost,” she says.

Over the years, Smith had been a housewife, worked on a farm and sold antiques with her husband of 38 years. But with Burton gone, Smith needed something to occupy her time. That’s when she decided to become a volunteer at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, where her husband had received his medical care.

“I needed something to do,” she says. “It’s better than I could have ever imagined. It’s filled a void in my life.”

Smith started volunteering at the hospital last summer. She volunteers three times a week, greeting visitors at the front desk and transporting patients to various departments within the hospital. She started out working four hours a week, but that number quickly grew to 14 hours. And she would like to do more.

“I love interacting with patients,” she says. “I like talking to people and making them laugh when they need a pickup. I believe in doing good deeds.”

Mostly importantly, she wants to help people feel better. “People come here because they’re sick,” she says. “My husband received such great care. I want to do something that helps.”

When she’s not working, Smith enjoys spending time with her daughter and three grandchildren. She likes reading, doing puzzles and traveling. She’s made it to 49 states and hopes to get to the state of Washington in the near future.

Volunteering has also allowed Smith to meet new friends at the hospital. She encourages others to give it a try. “It’s a great release,” says Smith, who estimates that she walks 4-5 miles a day in her volunteer role. “It’s something to do when you’re

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stuck in a rut. It’s a chance to get out with people; I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself.”

In her volunteer position at OSF, Smith has already earned a 100-hour pin. And she predicts it won’t take long to reach her next goal – 500 hours of service.

Over the years, Hagshenas, who became an U.S. citizen in 1988, worked in a number of roles. He owned a vending business with his brother, served as a plant manager for a hospital laundry company and sold insurance for nearly a decade. “I was a workaholic,” he says. “I finally reached the point where I decided it was time to step back and make some changes.”

“It’s been a rewarding experience,” she says. “I absolutely love it.”

Leaving Stress Behind

Behshid “Bob” Hagshenas worked hard his entire life. But when his older brother, Bruce, died, Hagshenas knew what he needed to do. He retired.

“You have to enjoy every moment,” he says. “Tomorrow is promised to no one.”

Hagshenas came to the United States in the 1970s from Iran, a country that was paralyzed by strikes and demonstrations during the Iranian Revolution. He attended Northern Illinois University and eventually settled in Rockford, where he and his wife, Minoo, raised two children. “It was a hard journey,” he says of the decision to leave his home country. “But coming here was the best decision I could have made.”

The final straw was when his brother, Bruce, lost his battle with cancer in 2014. Six months later, Hagshenas retired. “I saw what stress did to my brother,” he says. But he didn’t just sit around the house. A friend told Hagshenas about a volunteer opportunity with Lifescape Community Services, the largest agency in northwestern Illinois serving older adults, families and caregivers in Winnebago, Boone, Lee and Ogle counties. Last year, between Meals on Wheels and its senior dining sites, Lifescape provided 296,887 meals to seniors who cannot afford adequate nutrition.

These days, Hagshenas is busy driving meals to seniors around Rockford. He volunteers anywhere from 2 to 5 days a week. And he loves it. “I get so much satisfaction helping these people,” he says. “I like talking with them and getting to know them. I feel like I’m bringing them sunshine on what could be a cloudy day.”

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continued from the previous page In their free time, Hagshenas and his wife enjoy traveling.

Minoo, a master gardener, also volunteers. And they enjoy spending time with their children, Leila, who is a doctor, and Saam, who recently graduated from Loyola Law School.

family event celebrating the end of winter every year. She’s also volunteered for Children’s Home + Aid, a local service agency.

“There are many movements that are looking for people who want to get involved,” she says.

“I don’t stress anymore,” says Hagshenas. “I’m enjoying my life, my family and helping others. Volunteering makes me feel good.”

In their free time, Smith and her husband, Michael, the youth director at Kishwaukee Presbyterian Church, write a blog called CitySmiths. It’s an opportunity for the couple, who love touring historic places, to express their views on various aspects of Rockford, a place they now call home.

A City That Matters

Jennifer Smith wasted little time getting involved in Rockford when she moved to town four years ago.

Smith is program and membership coordinator at the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) at Rockford University. She’s responsible for developing marketing material for various NICNE programming. “I love getting to know all about the many organizations in the community,” she says. “It’s been a great learning opportunity.”

“It’s been astounding to learn how many people are reading it,” Smith says. “Our community has its challenges, without question. But it’s a city that matters.”

And so has been getting involved with Transform Rockford.

Smith is a co-spoke lead of the Arts & Recreation spoke team; her group is charged with looking at strategies that will reshape lives, neighborhoods and communities through arts and recreation.

“I was immediately impressed by the momentum of Transform Rockford,” Smith says. “The drive and mission was inspiring.

Having just relocated to Rockford, I was excited to get involved with such a movement. I’m not one of those people who can stay on the sideline and complain about things. I have to roll up my sleeves and get involved.”

Being involved in Transform Rockford has given Smith an opportunity to meet other volunteers who are passionate about the local community. “Our team is made up of a fantastic mix of people, some who work within the arts and recreation community and some who, like me, are just citizens who want to be more deeply engaged,” she says. “I’ve been impressed with the number of people who are getting behind the Transform Rockford movement. It’s a really good sign for the future of Rockford.”

Smith’s commitment extends beyond her work with Transform Rockford. She serves on the planning committee for MeltFest, a

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Transform ROCKFORD

Volunteers join together with the goal to make Rockford a top 25 community In 2012, Wester Wuori joined Transform Rockford as a volunteer when the initiative was just getting moving; in fact, it hadn’t even been officially named Transform Rockford at that point.

Now, the Rockford resident serves on the Living the Brand spoke team.

Transform Rockford is a long-term planning effort to dramatically improve the social and economic condition of the Rockford region. Transform Rockford is spearheaded by a group of business leaders, civic officials and community residents.

“Transform Rockford has touched areas of our city and groups of people that have, historically, not been asked for their input,” says Wuori, vice president for Chartwell Agency, a communications firm. “We’re all in this together and it’s up to us to work together to make this a better city. We are, of course, going to disagree about vision and strategies and tactics, but that should be expected and welcomed. When people are honest with each other, we’re going to have differences of opinion. However, if we keep our eye on the goal of true transformation, we’ll have success in the end.”

Transform Rockford held its first public meeting in 2013. Since then, more than 3,000 people have attended more than 50 meetings to give input about what they want Rockford to become.

The goal is to become a top 25 community by 2025. The focus includes embracing diversity, fostering a crime-free culture and delivering excellent education to all children. Other focal points include vibrant neighborhoods and cultural and recreational amenities, a robust infrastructure and a strong economy built on manufacturing, logistics and agribusiness.

“The word ‘transform’ means, if we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it in a large way,” says Mike Schablaske, Transform

Rockford executive director. “It’s not improve Rockford or make it a little better. It’s transform. We’re going for an inspirational change. It can and should be a lot better.”

The idea for Transform Rockford started with Tom Gendron, a Rockford native and chairman of the board and CEO of Woodward Inc. “The idea to create Transform Rockford came from a group of concerned business people who got together and combined resources to launch a program focused on transforming the community,” Gendron says. “We organized a group to create a strategic plan, get people aligned and implement change using a business approach. Engaging a cross section of the community is a powerful thing. People are craving optimism and many organizations will be key towards our goal in becoming a top 25 community.”

Transform Rockford came up with nine shared values as the foundation for a civil and cultivating environment. They include inclusion, caring, respect, transparency, unity, ideation, responsibility, trustworthiness and interconnectedness.

“Believing in the process is a powerful thing,” says Schablaske.

“We must to be strong enough and good enough to delve into root causes. We must consider initiatives that have worked here and elsewhere. Tough conversations and analysis must occur on related subjects like poverty, education and personal responsibility.

Transform Rockford Email: info@transformrockford.org Phone: 815.977.5840 Mailing Address: 303 N Main, Suite 110 Rockford, IL 61101 continued on the next page

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continued from the previous page energies to celebrating our strengths rather than wringing our hands over our challenges.”

Most of all, we need to engage the great people of this community to do this work. This is why Transform Rockford uses shared values to guide behavior in challenging moments. Together, we can do this work with respect for one another and our community.”

Wuori agrees. “Our strength is our people, first and foremost.

We’re a hard-working, diverse and generous community that wants to move forward. We have plentiful arts, culture, recreation, education and sports offerings that should be the envy of many cities our size. And, quite frankly, our close proximity to cities such as Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee is a benefit of living in Rockford, not a detriment. Our weakness is that we don’t always appreciate the strengths of our community and we, quite often, focus only on the negative. We need to direct our

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Transform Rockford leaders have been impressed with the number of volunteers who have stepped up to become involved in the effort. The organization has more than 3,000 names of people who have asked to be informed. More than 300 are active volunteers, many serving on various committees. “A lot of the work of Transform Rockford is very challenging,” says Schablaske. “It’s for the strong and committed. It’s about connecting people to the opportunities we have in education, employment and recreation. It’s about finding things that people are passionate about.”

Passionate volunteers like Wuori already see Transform Rockford’s impact on the community. But he knows the work is far from over. “Bringing people together toward common goals is one critical benefit of Transform Rockford and how it will shape our city’s future,” Wuori says. “My hope is that in 10, 15, or 20 years, we’re rolling along as a healthy and vibrant community and we’re looking back at how Transform Rockford was a catalyst for our success.”

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Young

PROFESSIONALS IGNITE: Getting Young Professionals Involved in the Rockford Community

When Derek Erwin, a financial advisor at Raymond James, moved to Rockford nine years ago, he knew no one. That’s when a friend told him about IGNITE. IGNITE is a membership organization dedicated to the next generation of professionals. The group hosts a series of events and programs dedicated to connecting young professionals to each other and the community. IGNITE also educates members on current issues and trends and provides an atmosphere for young professionals to call home.

“We connect people to people, jobs and opportunities,” says Caitlin Ludwig, REACH co-chair. “We’ve had members, for example, who are new to town that need help finding a place to live, a nonprofit to volunteer with, or a doctor or hair salon. We help fill in those gaps.”

Seven years ago, IGNITE started with 12 members and now has more than 450 members. The organization is open to professionals in their 20s to 40s from all types of backgrounds, including bankers, graphic designers, lawyers, engineers, teachers, account executives, event coordinators, and many other professions. “We don’t turn anyone away; there could be other reasons they’re involved,” Ludwig says.

Erwin, who grew up in the small town of Pearl City, moved to Rockford after graduating from Bradley University in 2006. He was invited by a friend to attend an IGNITE event and became hooked. Now he’s the co-chair of the REACH committee, the social arm of the organization.

IGNITE members participate in a number of volunteer activities across the city; they serve meals, clean schools, help at charity runs and serve on boards. The organization also hosts an annual corporate cup, called IGNITE Cup, where teams tally points based on their community engagement and social events such as bowling, Frisbee golf, a field day and more.

“It’s the easiest way for people to get involved,” Erwin says.

“There’s no pressure. We’re trying to create environments where people can come and have fun, even if they don’t know anyone.”

Melissa Patel moved to Rockford 13 years ago, but didn’t really become involved with the community until she joined IGNITE two continued on the next page

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continued from the previous page

“There’s no pressure. We’re trying to create environments where people can come and have fun, even if they don’t know anyone.” years ago. “As Leadership Rockford was wrapping up a few of my friends wanted to continue to have fun over the summer, so we joined IGNITE Cup,” says Patel, who is sourcing and account manager team leader at Field Fastener in Machesney Park. “That was my first introduction to IGNITE. We won the first year and came in 2nd or 3rd the following year. Our team was a group of friends that came from Leadership Rockford. We won a large trophy and it was fun and, of course, knowing we were the first winners ever.”

Since then Patel has joined the board and assist as a Co-Lead for the INVOLVE committee. “I enjoy helping members interact with our community and region,” she says. “Currently we are working on Won’t You Be My Neighbor series that focuses on Ellis Heights. We are working with United Way to have our members participate in mentorship programs and career talks at schools within Ellis Heights.”

There is no cost to become a member of IGNITE, which is a volunteer-led organization. “People understand the need for the group,” says Ludwig. “Millennials are currently the largest generation – bigger than baby boomers. We’re marrying, buying houses, and having children. There will always be a place for young people at the table. IGNITE is that voice for young people.”

Erwin offers some simple advice to young professionals who are thinking about joining IGNITE. “Just show up to an event,” he says.

“We’re a very social and relaxed organization. People who come out for an event end up staying involved for a couple of years or longer. It’s a great way to form relationships with likeminded people.

I’ve found that many young people who don’t get involved with some activity end up moving away. IGNITE is fun, low cost and a great way to meet people. There’s no excuse for not getting involved.”

Erwin, who will be married this summer, is plenty busy. He is a youth basketball coach, involved with his church and volunteers for various nonprofits.

“Rockford has grown on me,” he says. “Meeting new people made it easy on me. As big as Rockford is, after meeting so many people, it feels like a small town. I have IGNITE to thank for that.”

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Building Leadership

STEP BY STEP Strong leadership is essential to any successful organization. Read about two organizations that are taking leadership development to another level.

Center for Leadership Development

to the connections being made and to seeing the growth people experience over the next year.”

One of the Rockford Chamber’s missions is to deliver value to the community by providing educational opportunities that develop leaders and help its members grow. As a result, last year the chamber formed the Center for Leadership Development to serve as the central base for new and current programs, to develop leaders.

Following concepts found in Covey’s book, the leadership alliance will include a mix of local, regional and national speakers throughout the year. The program includes seven half-day workshops, two 360° reviews, two leadership luncheons and a graduation event.

The focal point for the Center is the new Rockford Leadership Alliance (RLA). RLA will progress throughout the year with continued thematic, development training and workshops provided by business and educational leaders and certified trainers, all focused on supporting, reinforcing and further developmenting the Speed of Trust in the Rockford community.

The program started with the chamber’s annual dinner Jan. 21 at Giovanni’s, followed by a half-day session the following morning led by best-selling author Stephen M.R. Covey, who spoke on the topic of trust.

“Trust is fundamental in leadership and in life,” says Covey. “At one level we all know this. But at another level, we need to be constantly reminded of this and come back to it. Trust is learnable. You need to give people a framework, common language and a process to build trust. That’s exciting for people.”

“Stephen Covey’s message was a great way to kick off the series,” says Caitlin Ludwig, the chamber’s vice president of leadership development. “He demonstrated the importance of trust and why we’re doing this program. I’m encouraged that future speakers will pick up where he left off. I’m looking forward

“We really want the program to be meaningful for everyone involved,” says Ludwig. “We’ve been very purposeful in creating groups that will provide mutual benefits, where people can learn from one another, are speaking the same language and facing similar opportunities.”

Within the Center for Leadership Development are the chamber’s other programs connected with leadership, including Lead 360, IGNITE Young Professionals, and Leadership Rockford.

“We are excited to bring together a robust series of programs to expand our leadership base in our community,” says Einar Forsman, president and CEO. “We believe we have the background to carry out this mission in an effective way that will be meaningful to the long-term positive direction of our community.”

Giving Young People a Chance Matthew Simpson remembers the mentors who helped him get to where he is today. That’s why he co-founded an organization, the Wabongo Leadership Council, to help young people get their career off to a solid start.

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continued from the previous page “We’re building leaders,” says Simpson, who, along with his brother, Joshua Patterson, started the organization three years ago.

can we collaborate with on this,’ says Simpson. “We intentionally collaborate. We’ve done well up to this point. We see a bright future.”

Wabongo’s mission is to enhance leadership capacity within Rockford’s African-American community. They rally resources and collaborate with partners to engage the community around three central pillars: education, health/wellness and community & economic development.

The Wabongo Leadership Council has partnered with the Rockford Park District to help young people prepare for, and potentially find, summer employment through a program known as the Youth Employment Series.

“We look at the challenges in our community through a cultural lens,” says Simpson. “Culture is pervasive, and it influences people’s lived experience. The people in our community have a different lived experience and a unique set of problems. We can’t address unique problems with broad solutions – we have to be more strategic.”

Recently, the Wabongo Leadership Council held its second annual College Tour — named after Zora Neal Hurston — this year. The tour took 50 students to colleges in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, New York and Washington, D.C. Students also visited the Senate, Lincoln Memorial, Ellis Island and other historical sites.

According to the organization’s website, “Wabongo is a Swahili word learned from the Tanzanian culture. The nation’s first president J.K Nyerere encouraged education and professed that in order to live in Dar es Salaam (home of the nation’s largest university) people must use “Ubongo” (their brains). People living in Dar were called “Wabongo.” Today the term has evolved to describe black people, identifying black people thinking people. The Wabongo Leadership Council is an organization of thinking individuals that leverages the power of our collective intelligence to take action and evoke change in the community.”

“We pride ourselves on empowering young people and creating platforms for them to engage,” says Simpson. “The Wabongo approach is as a leader you don’t hoard power, you give power away. That’s the sign of a great leader.”

The Wabongo Leadership Council relies greatly on community partners. The organization has worked with several organizations, including the Rockford Public Schools, Northwest Community Center and CherryVale Mall. “With every project we ask ourselves, ‘Who

“I love Rockford; great things are happening,” Simpson says. “I’m inspired by the challenges that are before us. We’re all busy. It’s easy to say there is no time. You have to make time. When we come together, we can do amazing things.”

The Wabongo Leadership Council has a volunteer board of seven community members. All, Simpson said, have fulltime jobs and other commitments. The organization is always looking for more volunteers to step up.

7 members of the Wabongo board accepting the Soul News Network “25 Black Leaders to Watch” award last year.

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Regional

HEALTHCARE

Quality healthcare 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. And the University of Illinois College of Medicine educates doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

Shaping the Future of Care in the Rockford Region Plenty has changed since Saint Anthony Hospital was founded by the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis at the corner of East State and Summit Streets in Rockford in 1899.

254-bed tertiary care facility located in Rockford, is a member of OSF HealthCare, an affiliate corporation of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the system’s commitment to providing quality care to patients throughout the northern Illinois area. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, a

“OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center has been committed to the Rockford region for more than 117 years,” says OSF President Paula Carynski. “As the needs of the community grow and

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continued from the previous page change, so, too, have the services OSF provides to the region.

We are proud that our patients can receive world-class care right here at home.”

Many projects are starting to take shape that will further enhance OSF’s quality of care. The largest is the construction of a 144,247 square-foot, four story bed pavilion attached to the existing hospital building. It will house 78 private rooms for medical and surgical beds. In the existing hospital, semi-private rooms will be converted to private rooms, allowing for a total of 190 private rooms when the project is completed in 2018. In addition, some ambulatory services will be offered on the first floor of the new pavilion, including PromptCare and the relocation of Women’s Services comprised of mammography, ultrasound and bone densitometry.

The project will create 650 to 700 construction jobs.

“Enhancing the experience for our patients, families, employees and medical staff is always at the forefront of our planning,” says Carynski. “Private rooms and a more modern setting will truly help with that endeavor. We are also very pleased to be able to make such a tremendous investment in our community through this expansion.”

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In 2015, OSF Surgical Group-Rockford was established, creating the largest multispecialty surgical group in the region. In addition, the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care, located on the medical center campus, was expanded last year to meet increased patient needs and their comfort.

This fall, the OSF Medical Group will open the OSF Center for Health-Parkview. The two-story clinic, located at 1502 Parkview Ave., will house primary care and physical therapy services as well as a health fitness center.

“We’re excited about all of the projects going on at OSF,” Carynski says. “It’s going to be a busy two years around here, but, ultimately, it’s going to provide a better experience for the patients and the communities we serve.”

New Year’s Day Marks One-Year Anniversary New Year’s Day of 2016 marked the one-year anniversary of SwedishAmerican becoming a division of UW Health, a merger that brought many changes to healthcare in the Rockford area.

Some things haven’t changed. SwedishAmerican Hospital resides at the same location along State Street since it was com-

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pleted in July 17, 1918 at a cost of $175,000. SwedishAmerican maintains its local board, with responsibility for local governance and policy making. Management remains local, with responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making.

The merger included a commitment of $255 million in capital investments in Rockford over the next five years to improve information technology, hospital infrastructure and new clinical care locations.

With the merger in 2015, SwedishAmerican and UW Health voiced their shared commitment to providing greater and more convenient access to medical specialties, research and physicians. SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, added 50 doctors from UW Health to its medical staff, representing more than 15 different specialties: colon and rectal surgery, neurology, pediatric cardiology and surgery, plastic surgery, vascular neurology and more. So far, these doctors helped more than 1,200 oncology and hematology patients at the SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center and thousands of patients with heart disease at the Heart Hospital, with procedures as complex as robotic surgery.

The new, 10,000-sq.-ft. Byron medical clinic opened this year with expanded services and physician practices. SwedishAmerican’s Rockford Vascular Surgery and UW General Surgery

“2015 was a great year for SwedishAmerican, and we are very pleased to be a division of UW Health,” says Dr. Bill Gorski, president and CEO of SwedishAmerican. “We have truly enhanced our clinical strength and have continued to create remarkable patient experiences of the highest quality in northern Illinois.”

SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, has added more than 50 doctors from UW Health to its medical staff, practicing in areas such as its Heart and Vascular Center.

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continued from the previous page expanded at the Renaissance Pavilion, with a larger vascular laboratory and an increase from one procedure room to two.

UW Health made a major investment in the Rockford community as the naming rights partner for the Rockford Park District’s downtown sports facility, now called the UW Health Sports Factory. The sports facility once was the site of the historic Ingersoll factory located in the heart of the major downtown manufacturing hub. The 108,000 sq.-ft. facility is set to open in summer 2016 with 14 volleyball courts, seven basketball courts, five meeting rooms, a riverfront restaurant and more.

One Hospital, Two Campuses In 2015, Rockford Health System partnered with Mercy Health System to become Mercyhealth, a $2.5 billion healthcare system with 85 medical and specialty centers across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. It announced its “One Hospital, Two Campuses” project, a new hospital campus in the Rockford area at East Riverside Boulevard, off of Interstate 90.

“Our $485 million state-of-the-art Riverside Boulevard Hospital and Medical Center Campus, as well as hotel and retail developments on the property, will bring significant economic growth and viability to our region,” says Javon R. Bea, president and CEO of Mercyhealth.

The campus will feature 188 private room inpatient beds, a state-of-the-art women’s and children’s hospital, a Level I (highest level) trauma center, state-of-the-art operating suites and surgical services, comprehensive diagnostic center, with laboratory and imaging, outpatient primary and specialty physician care clinics, and a comprehensive cardiac, peripheral and neurovascular interventional laboratory.

Construction began in March 2016, after the Rockford City Council approved the annexation of the East Riverside Boulevard hospital and medical center campus. The project is poised to create 1,500 new jobs and 300 acres of land for further development. Plans are to open in early 2019.

Construction has begun on MercyRockford Health System’s $485 million Riverside Boulevard Hospital and Medical Center Campus, which will include a state-of-the-art women’s and children’s hospital, a Level I (highest level) trauma center, and hotel and retail developments.

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Mercy pledged $50 million in additional development dollars over the next 10 years to Rockford Memorial Hospital at the original East Rockton Avenue campus, and a local committee will help determine what goes into a new 200,000-sq.-ft. community facility on that campus.

The current Rockford Memorial Hospital will operate with a comprehensive emergency department, convenient care and 94 adult inpatient hospital beds, as well as a cancer center, surgical center, ancillary services and a variety of primary care physicians.

Mercyhealth has been updating and adding other Rockford-area facilities.

In Cherry Valley, it’s building a new 7,500-sq.-ft. clinic featuring family medicine, sports medicine, a podiatry laboratory and convenient care that will open in late 2016. In May 2016, the organization debuted a remodeled clinic in Roscoe, with 8,300 square feet of additional space for cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, rheumatology, sports medicine, mammography, CT, ultrasound and expanded convenient care.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center 5666 E. State St., Rockford 815-226-2000 osfsaintanthony.org Mercyhealth 2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford 815-971-5000 rockfordhealthsystem.org SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health 1401 E. State St., Rockford 815-968-4400 swedishamerican.org University of Illinois at Rockford 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford 815-395-0600 rockford.medicine.uic.edu

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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 to contact 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 - 779-348-7300 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.

LIBRARY CARDS - 815-965-7606 Library cards are free to all residents of Rockford.

ROCKFORD WATER SERVICE - 779-348-7300

HUMAN SERVICES - 779-348-7170 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.

SANITATION - 815-965-2489 All one- to four-family residential properties are serviced

by Rock River Disposal Services, Inc. The Water Department handles water service.

PUBLIC WORKS - 779-348-7260 Handles water resources, solid waste disposal, recycling, transportation needs, road maintenance and improvement, forestry, engineering services and parking.

BUILDING PERMITS - 779-348-7158 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 change-the-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.

POLICE, City - Non-Emergency: 815-966-2900 Handles law enforcement, peace preservation, crime prevention, traffic control and education. For all areas outside the City of Rockford: Winnebago County Sheriff Non-Emergency: 815-282-2600.

THE MAYOR’S OFFICE – (779) 348-7150 LEGAL - 779-348-7154 Legal representative for the City of Rockford, its officers and employees. Prosecutes city ordinances and provides a variety of services including the land acquisition program, administration of liquor licenses and the coordination of special events.

CUSTOMER SERVICES - 815-987-5500 City of Rockford

FIRE & 911 CENTER - 911, 779-348-7171 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 - 779-348-7163 Ensures that the buildings 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.

“Excellence Everywhere for Everyone” 425 E. State St. • 815-987-3024 • rockfordil.gov 24

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Most Commonly Requested Services Service

Agency Telephone

Arts Council

Rockford Area Arts Council

815-963-6765

Animal Services

Winnebago County

815-319-4100

Attorney General’s Office

State of Illinois

815-967-3883

Block Parties

City of Rockford - Public Works Department

779-348-7660

Bus Service

Rockford Mass Transit

815-961-9000

Chamber of Commerce

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

815-987-8100

Community Development

City of Rockford

779-348-7162

Construction & Development

City of Rockford - Comm. & Economic Dev.

779-348-7158

Consumer Information

Better Business Bureau

815-963-2222

Convention and Visitors Information

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

815-963-8111

Crime Stoppers

Rockford Area Crime Stoppers, Inc.

815-963-7867

Delinquent Taxes

Winnebago County

815-319-4253

Department of Children and Family Services

State of Illinois

815-987-7640

Driver’s License

Illinois Secretary of State

815-394-0179

Drugs (to report drug activity)

City of Rockford - Police Narcotics Unit

815-987-5034

Economic Development Information

Rockford Area Economic Development Council

815-987-8118

Elections/Voter Registration

City of Rockford - Board of Election Commissioners

815-987-5750

Election Information

Winnebago County Clerk

815-319-4250

Employment Services

St. of Illinois – Dep. of Employment Security

815-395-6627

Employment - YouthBuild Rockford

Comprehensive Community Services

815-963-6236

Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

City of Rockford - Human Services Department

844-710-6919

Environmental Protection Agency

State of Illinois

815-987-7760

Fire Prevention

City of Rockford

779-348-7172

Garbage Collection

Rock River Disposal

815-965-2489

Graffiti Hotline

City of Rockford

779-348-7261

Head Start

City of Rockford - Human Services Department

779-348-7170

Housing

Rockford Housing Authority

815-489-8500

Housing

Winnebago County Housing Authority

815-963-2133

Housing

HomeStart 815-962-2011

Human Services

Rockford Township

815-962-8855

Human Services

Illinois Department of Human Services

815-987-7620

Jury Duty

Winnebago County

815-319-4880

Landfill

Winnebago Landfill Company

815-874-7375

Library (Rockford Public Library)

City of Rockford

815-965-7606

Licenses (new businesses)

City of Rockford

779-348-7300

Liquor Licenses

City of Rockford

779-348-7383

Neighborhood Development

City of Rockford

779-348-7162

Neighborhood Standards

City of Rockford

779-348-7160

Parking Information (Passes & Tickets)

City of Rockford/ABM Parking Services

815-968-5294

Park District

Rockford Park District

815-987-8800

Police Chaplain

City of Rockford Police Department

815-987-5889

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continued from the previous page Police Community Services Unit

City of Rockford Police Department

815-987-5041

Police Detective Division

City of Rockford Police Department

815-987-5878

Police Records

City of Rockford Police Department

815-987-5092

Police Traffic Unit

City of Rockford Police Department

815-987-5868

Post Office

United States Post Office

815-229-4801

Pothole Hotline

City of Rockford - Public Works Department

779-348-7260

Probation-Adult

Winnebago County

815-319-6250

Property Tax Information

Winnebago County Treasurer’s Office

815-319-4400

Property Tax Assessments

Winnebago County Supervisor of Assessments

815-319-4460

Public Works (after-hours emergencies)

City of Rockford

779-348-7368

Purchasing

City of Rockford

779-348-7164

Social Services

Salvation Army

815-972-1135

Special Events Information

City of Rockford

779-348-7660

Street Lights (burned out)

ComEd

800-334-7661

Street Division (includes forestry)

City of Rockford - Public Works Department

779-348-7260

Vital Records

Winnebago County Clerk

815-319-4250

Water Emergencies (after-hours)

City of Rockford

779-348-7368

Winnebago County Board Chairman’s Office

Winnebago County

815-319-4225

Winnebago County Circuit Clerk

Winnebago County

815-319-4500

Winnebago County Coroner

Winnebago County

815-319-4970

Winnebago County Clerk

Winnebago County

815-319-4250

Winnebago County Health Department

Winnebago County

815-720-4000

Winnebago County Recorder

Winnebago County

815-319-4325

Winnebago County Sheriff

Winnebago County

815-319-6000

Winnebago County State’s Attorney

Winnebago County

815-319-4700

Winnebago County Treasurer

Winnebago County

815-319-4400

Zoning (City)

City of Rockford

779-348-7163

Zoning (County)

Winnebago County

815-319-4350

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.

Telecommunications

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AT&T 800-222-0300 att.com

Verizon Wireless 815-395-0150 815-282-3385 verizonwireless.com

Forest City Communications 815-395-1800 fcitycommunications.com

TDS 815-639-4700 tdsbusiness.com

Electric

Electric/Gas

Gas

Television, Cable

ComEd, An Exelon Company 800-334-7661 comed.com

Rock River Energy Services, Inc. 815-732-4603 rockriverenergyservices.com

Nicor Gas 888-642-6748 nicorgas.com

Comcast 866-594-1234 comcast.com

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Apartments Hampton Properties (Leasing Office) 3464 Hampton Ridge Dr Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 874-8200 www.hamptonpropertiesapts.com Mulford Park Apartments 444 Gramercy Dr Ste 10 Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 398-8553

Rock River Tower Apartments 913 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 963-2111 Rock Valley Apartments 7102 Rock Valley Pkwy Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 637-6508 www.rockvalleyapartments.com

Terra Creek Apartments 375 Bienterra Trl Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 397-3320 www.terracreek.com Terrace Senior Apartments 2321 Halsted Rd Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 654-7313

Churches Banner of Truth International 1401 W State St Rockford, IL 61102 (815) 968-0026 www.banneroftruthinternational.com

Faith Center 4721 S Main St Rockford, IL 61102 (815) 964-8000 www.rockfordfaithcenter.com

Heartland Community Church 1280 S Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 395-8000 www.heartland.cc

Catholic Diocese of Rockford PO Box 7044 Rockford, IL 61125 (815) 399-4300

First Evangelical Free Church 2223 N Mulford Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 877-7046 www.firstfreerockford.org

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church 604 Salter Ave Rockford, IL 61102 (815) 964-3114 www.newzionrockford.com

Court Street United Methodist 215 N Court St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 962-6061 www.courtstreetumc.org

Global Spiritual Organization 714 3rd Ave Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 308-3313

Rockford First 5950 Spring Creek Rd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 877-8000 www.rockfordfirst.com

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 108 N 5th St Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 963-8625 www.constantineandhelen.org Westminster Presbyterian Church 2821 Bell School Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 282-1500 www.westminsterrockford.org

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Local

TRANSPORTATION Visitors and Residents Alike Find Plenty of Ease Getting Around the Rockford Region Former Rockford resident Aimee Kuelling and her teenage son, Tanner, use the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), at least twice a year.

“It’s the easiest way to visit family back home in Rockford,” says the Palm Harbor, Fla. resident. “It was the first option we used to visit Florida and truly wish it could be our only option. We tend to use it for shorter trips where we won’t need much luggage because the add-ons can make it less cost effective. And we use it for last minute trips because I love the option of taking a Friday-Sunday trip.

“And we use it because it’s easy – actually easier than waiting in the pickup line at most schools. There is certainly no getting lost. There are no long wait times for luggage, and no figuring out which baggage belt is the right one. Even the security is friendly, making it the most pleasant security check ever and I’ve been through more than a dozen different airports in the past few years.”

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Located 62 miles northwest of Chicago, RFD is the 215th largest passenger airport in the country. More than 225,000 passengers depart from RFD each year and 2015 marked the highest passenger traffic since the return of air service in 2003.

RFD offers non-stop flights to eight destinations. Travelers can reach three warm-weather international destinations via Apple Vacations, including Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Cancun, Mexico; Allegiant Airlines flies to Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Tampa, Orlando, and its newest destination, Fort Collins, Colorado. Depending on the season, as many as 31 flights depart from RFD each week, with more to come in the future.

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. The airport will undergo current and future construction projects that cost roughly $100 million.

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In 2015, Rock Valley College opened a $5.1 million aviation maintenance instruction center. The 40,000 square-foot stateof-the-art building at the airport houses RVC’s program for aeronautical maintenance and repair. The new facility is more than quadruple the size of the former one and allows for triple the number of annual graduates.

AAR Corp., an international maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, is building a new facility at the airport. The two 90,000 square-foot hangars and 20,000 square feet of office and warehouse space is expected to open this summer at the airport.

The MRO will hire at least 500 skilled aviation mechanics.

Many of the AAR jobs will be filled by those RVC graduates at the aviation maintenance center. “We’ve worked on passenger and cargo services to Rockford, but this is a new element, bringing jet maintenance to town,” says airport director Mike Dunn. “AAR is the second largest MRO in the country and we’re excited to partner with them. We will have airplanes coming in from all over the world for repair. This is a great job creator and terrific awareness project for the airport.”

In addition to the MRO project, a $20 million terminal expansion will be completed in phases over the next five years. Also, a new, larger tower could be in place by 2017.

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

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee is the only airport in Illinois or Wisconsin with service from all the major domestic airlines.

Mitchell Airport offers nonstop flights to 38 destinations coastto-coast – many on full-size mainline aircraft – and 160 international destinations are available from Milwaukee with just one connection. MKE is served by Southwest, Delta, United, American, Frontier, Alaska, Air Canada, and OneJet. The complete list of nonstop cities can be found at www.mitchellairport.com.

MKE has a number of family-friendly amenities, including children’s play areas, charging stations for electronic devices, ping pong, an aviation museum, live piano players, and a used book store. Mitchell is a 75-minute drive from Rockford on I-43.

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Bus Travel

The Rockford Mass Transit District help residents move about the city. Last year, more than 1.7 million riders used RMTD and that number continues to grow.

RMTD has 19 routes which offer 18 hours of service, Monday through Friday, 13 hours of service on Saturdays and 8 hours of service on Sundays. The service area encompasses four cities – Rockford, Loves Park Machesney Park and Belvidere – with 28 vehicles on the road during peak operating hours. From the 173 corridor to the North, to the Rockford airport to the South, and from Belvidere to the East and Ingersoll Golf Course to the West, RMTD offers an alternative method of transportation to anyone needing to get around in the greater Rockford region.

RMTD maintains a fleet of 41 fixed route vehicles all purchased within the last eight years and all boasting the latest in transit technologies. RMTD also provides service to those with a certified disability through its Rockford Paratransit service.

Rockford residents who need to go beyond the northern Illinois area can access Trailways Motor Coach from RMTD’s East

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Side Transfer Center at 725 Lyford Rd. An a.m. dispatch and a p.m. dispatch can take residents West into Iowa or East to Chicago, where they can hook up with Trailways routes taking them wherever they need to go.

“With our expanded service area we like to say that Rockford Mass Transit can now get you where you need to go, no matter which way your compass is pointing,” says Lisa Brown, marketing and public relations specialist.

The Van Galder Bus Company has been providing transportation since 1947. Van Galder provides service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago every day of the year, as well as single and multi-day excursions throughout the region for sporting events, theater performances and sightseeing in some of the Midwest’s most incredible locales. The Van Galder bus terminal is located at 7559 Walton St. with a stops at the Best Western Clock Tower Resort, located on East State Street near I-90. Van Galder has added some routes to its downtown Chicago and Midway Airport service. The downtown Chicago/Midway Airport routes only depart from the terminal at 7559 Walton Street. The hourly service to O’Hare still departs from both the terminal and the Clock Tower locations.

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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 fixed-route and paratransit service to Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park and Belvidere. 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-to-curb service for persons with disabilities who are unable to ride the fixed route.

Classic Limousine of Rockford, Inc. 5024 Willow Creek Rd, Ste C, Machesney Park 815-282-1868 • rockfordlimo.com Transportation services offered include one way or round trip airport transportation, wedding service, prom or homecoming service, and various other charter services for sporting events, dinner theater, concerts, movies, birthdays, anniversaries and more. From smaller parties of only 2 passengers to those with accommodation needs of 14+, the staff of professional drivers and office personnel strive to provide high quality, professional, personable, and courteous services for corporate and personal uses at reasonable prices.

Van Galder Bus, A Coach USA Co. 7559 Walton St, Rockford 800-747-0994 • vangalderbus.com 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.

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College and Career ACADEMIES

of ROCKFORD

Just five short years ago, Alignment Rockford’s High School Pathways team was working on a pilot that focused on counseling. There was a moment of pause, as team members took a look at the pilot and said, “We need to do something bigger.”

For students not planning on going on to college, there was little reason to get excited about the educational experience.

“The goal for the College and Career Academies of Rockford is that every high school student will graduate from RPS, ready for college and/or a career,” he adds. “High school career academies are a proven national model in which students learn in a career-centered or interest-themed environment to make learning more relevant and engaging.”

“There needed to be a real sense of urgency as we move forward in creating and sustaining greater post-secondary education access and completion for all students,” says David Carson, RPS executive director of college and career readiness.

“In 2010, school district and community members were looking for ways for high school students to not only graduate, but find purpose and meaning in their lives. That’s how the College and Career Academies of Rockford were born.”

Students begin their “pathway” during 8th and 9th grade, exploring career choices. They select one of the following academies to enter during their sophomore year: Business, Arts, Modern World Languages and Information Technology (BAMIT), Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial and Trades Technologies (EMITT), Human and Public Services (HPS), and Health Sciences (HS). Students choose one of these four academies to enroll in for 10th through 12th grades. The goal, says Carson, is to make school fun and enjoyable for students as they make the transition to college or the workforce.

In the spring of 2012 the Rockford Public School’s board voted unanimously to implement a district-wide high school redesign, adopting the Academy model. Academies are small learning environments where students with similar career and academic interests take a number of career-based classes while still in high school. They also have an opportunity to visit local companies and talk with professionals who work in their career path.

Jefferson High School was the pilot school and implemented the model beginning with the freshman class in 2012. The remaining high schools – Auburn, East, and Guilford – began their program the following school year.

“As we prepare students to succeed as adults, we know that most will need advanced learning beyond their high school diplomas to get good jobs,” says Carson, “For some that may mean completing professional certificate programs. Others will go on to earn advanced degrees.

“Students connect better in a smaller environment,” he says.

“Not only do they connect, but they share similar interests and bond. There’s a real sense of belonging.”

Alignment Rockford, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to align community resources in support of public school strategies, works with Rockford Public Schools to help students make relevant community connections. Alignment Rockford hosts a career expo for high school freshmen, where students have the opportunity to meet with 150 businesses and explore hands-on career demonstrations. In addition, sophomore students take site visits, where 10th grade students actually make site visits to area businesses. Alignment Rockford also piloted job shadows for juniors and supports Capstone projects for seniors.

“These experiences give students a snapshot of the pathway they’ve chosen,” says Bridget French, Alignment Rockford continued on page 34

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continued from page 30 executive director. “These are opportunities that students can’t experience in the classroom.”

The success is in the numbers. Since the College and Career Academies of Rockford was launched, more 9th graders are on schedule to graduate in 4 years, attendance has improved and graduation rates have increased.

For its efforts, Rockford Public Schools has been named a Ford Next Generation Learning Community. Rockford is among 17 communities in the nation to receive the recognition. Rockford was named a model community by Ford NGL in 2015 and will continue to host other communities who are looking to start the model in their schools.

In addition, RPS and its partner, Alignment Rockford, recently received a $400,000 Great Lakes College and Career Pathways grant from the Joyce foundation, a Chicago-based charitable organization that supports research and policy solutions in the areas of education, employment, environment and quality of life issues, for its work in the college and career arena.

“We want to help kids understand there are plenty of opportunities, including here in Rockford,” says Carson. “By the time many of the students are freshmen they have a clear idea of what they want to do with their career. That’s a good thing.”

Public Education SPECIAL PROGRAMS Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour - for grades K through 8, is a two-way language immersion school. In kindergarten and first grades, students receive 90 percent of their daily instruction in Spanish, and instructional time in English increases by 10 percent each subsequent grade. By fifth grade, time is evenly balanced between Spanish and English.

The academic standards and curriculum align with traditional RPS schools. The program promotes bilingualism, biliteracy and positive cross-culture attitudes and behaviors.

The Creative and Performing Arts, or CAPA - provides grades 6 through 12 with a more in-depth arts experience.

The program is housed at West Middle School (6- 8) and Auburn High School (9-12). After a successful audition, students may take part in theatre performance, dance, instrumental or vocal music, theatre production, media and visual arts.

At Year-Round Program at Haskell School - elementary students in Pre-K through grade 5 receive the same number of instructional days as other RPS 205 schools, but they are spread throughout the calendar year. Students typically attend school for nine weeks and take two weeks off, which helps to avoid the “summer slide” – a loss of academic skills that typically occurs during the normal three-month summer break.

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The Maria Montessori Program - serves students Pre-K through grade 8. In the multi-aged Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own education. Students move freely around the room, selecting materials needed to carry out their individual plans. They work with a trained Montessori teacher, and older students serve as models for younger children. Students remain with the same teacher and classmates for two or three years, allowing the development of a strong sense of community within the classroom. Beginning in fall 2016, the program will be housed at Marsh School.

The Renaissance Gifted Program - for grades 1 through 12, identifies and nurtures gifted students through specialized curriculum offerings which are modified and adapted to meet students’ unique learning styles, interests, abilities and needs.

Students must test into the program, which challenges students to accelerate their skills and infuse creative and analytical thinking into core subject areas. Students in grades 1 through 4 attend Haight School, and they continue the program at Thurgood Marshall for grades 5 through 8, and Auburn High School for grades 9 through 12.

CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Early Childhood Program: provides pre-K classes for children ages 3 to 5. Classes are located in some elementary schools,

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plus three Early Childhood-only sites: Fairview Early Childhood Center, Dennis Early Education Center and Summerdale Early Childhood Center. Program services include in-home child development/case management services for parents and children, ages birth to 3 years old. These services help families identify family and child goals and educational and community resources to aid them in meeting identified goals. Contact the Early Childhood office at 815-227-8415 for more information.

Traditional Elementary Schools: Beyer, Bloom, Brookview, Carlson, Cherry Valley, Conklin, Ellis, Froberg, Gregory, Swan Hillman, Johnson, King, Kishwaukee, Lathrop, Lewis Lemon, McIntosh, Nashold, Nelson, Riverdahl, Rolling Green, Spring Creek, Thompson, Welsh, West View, White Swan and Whitehead.

Traditional Middle Schools: Eisenhower, Flinn, Kennedy, Lincoln, RESA and West

Galapagos Rockford Charter School 815-708-7946 • galapagoscharter.org Galapagos Rockford Charter School is dedicated to preparing students to be responsible, productive, college-educated adults who will prosper in the global economy. Galapagos serves students in grades K through 8th Grade and will add an additional grade each year as students advance.

Legacy Academy of Excellence 815-961-1100 • legacy-academy.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. Legacy serves students in grades K through 6th and adds an additional grade each year as students advance.

High Schools: Auburn, East, Guilford, Jefferson and Roosevelt CHARTER SCHOOLS rockfordcharterschoolalliance.org Charter School Information: Charter public schools are privately-operated, publicly-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.

CICS Jackson Rockford Charter School 815-316-0093 • cicsjackson.org CICS Jackson (formerly CICS Patriots) is a free, public college preparatory charter school. Currently serving students in Kindergarten through Grade 7 and will continue to expand annually until

New to the District? For enrollment information: Student Assignment Center: 815-967-8070 2000 Christina St., Rockford, IL 61104 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday

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continued from the previous page the school becomes a full K through 12 school. Focus is on providing an attractive and rigorous college-preparatory education that meets the needs of today’s student.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Boylan Catholic High School 815-877-0531 • boylan.org Boylan Catholic High School is accredited by North Central Association and recognized by the Illinois State Office of Education. It is a three-time winner of the U.S. Dept. of Education Exemplary School Award, and a two-time winner of the Catholic High School Honor Roll. With an Academic Support Center, 20 Advanced Placement courses and three challenge levels, the school provides excellent academic preparation; 97 percent of Boylan graduates attend college.

Keith Country Day School 815-399-8823 • keithschool.com Celebrating 100 years of excellence in education, Keith Country Day School proudly stands as the premier college-preparatory school in northern Illinois region. Keith has a rich tradition in preparing students, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, in academic rigor and excellence, character development, leadership and philanthropy. Our mission is to prepare children for lives of meaning and purpose. Keith graduates have made significant contributions to college and universities across America, including campuses such as Yale, Harvard, Northwestern, Stanford, and Notre Dame.

Rockford Lutheran School 815-877-9551 • rockfordlutheran.org Rockford Lutheran School provides an exceptional college preparatory education in a challenging and inspiring Christian environment. RLS is more than any one classroom or grade. With a program beginning in preschool and ending with students acquiring college credit, we walk with families as their young people develop and mature. Rockford Lutheran offers academics, athletics and the arts that not only prepare our students for college, but for life as well rounded, solid citizens.

Rockford Christian Schools 815-391-8000 • rockfordchristian.org Rockford Christian Schools provide a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education for students prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. As the largest independent, non-denominational Christian school in the region, its student body represents nearly 130 area churches and 23 denominations. The advanced college preparatory curriculum at Rockford Christian includes gifted enrichment and honors programs, 17 Advanced Placement courses and many academic and extracurricular clubs and organizations.

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Rockford Chamber Educational Institutions Boylan Catholic High School 4000 St Francis Dr Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 877-0531 www.boylan.org

Judson University 1055 Featherstone Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 399-2500 www.judsondegrees.com

Rock Valley College 3301 N Mulford Rd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 921-7821 www.rockvalleycollege.edu

CICS Jackson Rockford Charter School 315 Summit St Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 316-0093 www.cicsjackson.org

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

Rockford Career College 1130 S Alpine Rd Ste 100 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 965-8616 www.rockfordcareercollege.edu

KinderCare Learning Center 308 N Mulford Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 398-2800 www.kindercare.com

Rockford Christian Schools 1401 N Bell School Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 391-8000 www.rockfordchristian.org

Montessori Private Academy 8101 Sayer Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 332-8101 www.montessoriprivateacademy.com

Rockford Lutheran School 3411 N Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 877-9551 www.rockfordlutheran.org

Northern Illinois University 8500 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 753-0835 www.niu.edu

Rockford Public Schools, District #205 501 Seventh St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 966-3101 www.rps205.com

Columbia College 2998 West Pearl City Road Freeport, IL 61032 (815) 599-3585 www.ccis.edu Concordia University of Wisconsin 2040 Sutler Ave Beloit, WI 53511 (608) 361-1830 www.cuw.edu/beloit DeVry University and Keller Graduate School of Management 2250 Point Blvd., Suite 250 Elgin, IL 60123 (847) 649-3980 www.devry.edu Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 7479 Walton St Ste 4 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 904-6532 www.worldwide.erau.edu/rockford Galapagos Rockford Charter School 2605 School St Rockford, IL 61101 (815) 708-7946 www.galapagosrockford.org Huntington Learning Center 5301 E State St Ste 104 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 395-1011 www.huntingtonhelps.com

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center 5666 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 226-2000 www.osfsaintanthony.org Rasmussen College 6000 E State St 4th Fl Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 316-4800 www.rasmussen.edu Regional Office of Education 300 Heart Blvd Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 636-3060 www.bwroe.org

Sylvan Learning 6330 E Riverside Blvd Loves Park, IL 61111 (779) 210-4570 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/ loves-park-il University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford 1601 Parkview Ave Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 395-0600 www.rockford.medicine.uic.edu University of Illinois College of Nursing, Rockford Regional Campus 1601 Parkview Ave Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 395-5624 www.nursing.uic.edu University of Illinois College of Pharmacy at Rockford 1601 Parkview Ave Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 395-5749 www.uic.edu/pharmacy University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County 1040 N 2nd St #40 Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 986-4357 web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw

Rockford University 5050 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 226-4000 www.rockford.edu Saint Anthony College of Nursing 5658 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 395-5091 www.sacn.edu

Upper Iowa University - Rockford Center 1161 Tebala Blvd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 332-1414 www.uiu.edu

Spectrum Progressive School of Rockford 2909 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 877-1600 www.spectrumschool.org

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Dining Out ROCKFORD As a busy family, Kristen and Ryan Comer and their 6-year-old daughter, Anna, like going out to dinner as often as they can.

Kristen is a marketing manager and Ryan is a nurse.

“We typically eat out during the week,” says Kristen. “We do a table service dining 2-3 times a month and we’ll do carry out a couple of times a week. The weekends allow more time to stay home and cook. As a busy, working family you do the best you can.”

The Comers like the variety that Rockford restaurants offer.

“There is a wide variety and different price points,” Kristen says.

“We can go to Prairie Street for a reasonable priced meal or go more upscale to Shogun. When we hang out downtown for Coronado or City Market, we like to go to Capri or Abreo. “I like to mix it up,” she says. “My friends and I like to go out and try new restaurants where we can try new things. There are many options to suit your budget and needs.”

Unquestionably, Rockford is a city that appreciates good restaurants. And we have plenty of them. “Rockford has fantastic restaurants,” says Joshua Binning, owner of Lucha Cantina. “We have a variety of restaurants downtown that are very chef driven.

If you’re traveling through town, there are many great restaurants along East State Street. There’s something for everyone.”

Capri Restaurant is a popular Italian restaurant at 313 E. State St. Capri specializes in handmade foods, fresh ingredients, and large-portion meals.

This downtown restaurant offers a full menu including pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, salads, chicken, fish, and steaks. It is best known for its pizza and homemade baked lasagna. The staff continues to refine its menu, adding new items, including homemade bread that is baked daily. Capri also features an extensive wine selection to compliment any meal. A few years ago, Capri added a full service bar to enhance the restaurant’s unique Italian ambiance.

“Capri has been around forever,” says Kristen. “It’s a great place to go after City Market. You know you will always get a good meal there. I never get tired of going there.”

GreenFire Restaurant Bar & Bakery, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., is a breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar created by the late Chef Philippe Forcioli, who opened Greenfire in 2012 after building a reputation with Cafe Patou and Cliffbreakers. “Philippe was the best chef I’ve ever known,” says general manager Shendet Ismajlaj. “His passion was food.”

At GreenFire, everything is cooked in wood- and brick-fired ovens.

The menu is extensive. Appetizers include pork sliders; salads range from kale to Greek; there’s a variety of burgers. Signature dishes

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include salmon, pizzas and New York Strip. And be sure to check out the large bakery case full of pastries made in-house.

“We serve unique and healthy food,” says Ismajlaj. “We may not have fryers, but we can still provide a healthy meal including grass-fed beef burgers, cheese tortellini and fresh fruit.”

The dining room is large and open with concrete floors and high ceilings. The bar is also spacious, and is surrounded by big-screen televisions. GreenFire welcomes special events including birthday and wedding celebrations and also hosts occasional wine dinners. Guests come from Rockford, Roscoe, Belvidere as well as visitors who are in town for soccer tournaments and other special events.

The Prairie Street Brewhouse is an 85,000 square-foot mixed use building, located along the Rock River. The building includes the Rockford Brewing Company and restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner, 10 loft-style apartments, four office suites, a 40-slip marina and a busy banquet facility.

One of the most popular offerings at the Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., is “Dinner on the Dock,” which draws hundreds of visitors for dinner and entertainment on Thursday evenings during the summer.

“I love Prairie Street Brewhouse,” says Kristen. “You get generous portions of food and the environment is great. It’s a one-ofa-kind building that’s been restored.”

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continued from the previous page Shogun Japanese Restaurant, 293 Executive Parkway, is perfect for any type of occasion. Guests can dine at the teppan tables where a personal chef will cook for you right before your eyes.

For an appetizer, try the Rockford Roll, a local sushi favorite. If you prefer table side service try some authentic traditional Japanese cuisine. The menu offers a wide range of options, including Teriyaki Chicken, Hibachi Chicken, and Hibachi Steak. Each dinner comes with Shogun soup, Shogun salad, hibachi vegetables, shrimp appetizer, steamed rice, yakisoba noodles and green tea.

After dinner head over to the Izakaya 88, Rockford’s newest contemporary dining experience. The space has been completely redesigned with modern wall art and lighting. There’s a full bar, a lounge area with a big-screen TV, a room for karaoke and a large dining area.

“Shogun is a favorite because the food is good and we enjoy having the chef cook at the table,” Kristen says. “Anna is easily entertained.”

Jun said he’s still tweaking the menu, but the goal is to offer diners small plates of food that range in price from $5 to $10, as well as sushi. Photos on Izakaya’s Facebook page show creative dishes featuring salmon, pork belly and soft-shell crab, and Jun said fusion items such as tacos and pizzas also will be featured.

Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles Street, the spirit of hospitality— is their hallmark. Hospitality goes beyond inviting soon-to-be friends to the table. They encourage you to ‘ta mer’: take more!

From morning ‘til night, they cook just for you, with fresh, highquality ingredients and some Scandinavian hospitality.

So, what are you hungry for? Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Swedish or traditional American? Do you crave pizza, fish, steaks or burgers? Maybe it’s casual, fine dining, buffet or a quick trip through a fast food restaurant? Whatever it is, Rockford is sure to have it. Sample a few of the restaurants below.

Chamber Member Restaurants

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

Ben’s Soft Pretzels 1770 West Lane Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 (224) 501-5788 www.benspretzels.com

Cronies Grill 9032 N 2nd St Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 282-2262 www.croniesgrill.com

Franchescos Ristorante 7128 Spring Creek Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 229-0800 www.franchescos.com

Beefaroo, Inc. 9934 N Alpine Rd Ste 101 Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 637-1008 www.beefaroo.com

Capri Restaurant, Inc. 313 E State St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 965-6341 www.caprirockford.com

Culvers Restaurant 5610 Wansford Way Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 398-9938

Genes Place 4412 Manchester Dr Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 977-4365 www.genesplace.biz

Behr Iron & Metal 1100 Seminary St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 987-2600 www.behrim.com

Chick-fil-A Rockford 280 N Perryville Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 381-1010 www.cfarestaurant.com/rockford

Ben’s Soft Pretzels 2013 McFarland Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (224) 501-5787 www.benspretzels.com

Ciao Bella Ristorante 6500 E Riverside Blvd Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 654-9900

Dusty Boots Saloon and Eatery 3907 Broadway Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 399-3185 www.dustybootssaloon.com Fifteenth & Chris 201 15th Ave Rockford, IL 61104 (779) 774-4116 www.15thandchris.com

Giordanos 333 Executive Pkwy Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 398-5700 www.giordanos.com Giovannis Inc. 610 N Bell School Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 398-6411 www.giodine.com

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

Johnny Pamcakes 3700 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 229-7415 www.johnnypamcakes.com

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

Stockholm Inn 2420 Charles St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-3534 www.stockholminn.com

GreenFire Restaurant Bar and Bakery 6795 E Riverside Blvd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 316-3473 www.greenfirerestaurant.com

Lone Star Steakhouse 6690 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 226-1122 www.lonestarsteakhouse.com

Panino’s Restaurant (Main Street) 2725 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 636-0036 www.paninosofrockford.com

Taco Johns - South Alpine 3269 S Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61109 (779) 386-0832 www.tacojohns.com

Hoffman House 7550 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-5800 hoffmanhouserockford.com Hooters of Rockford 6904 Argus Dr Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 229-0539 www.hooters.com Howard Johnson Hotel 3909 11th St Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 397-9000 www.hojo.com Jason’s Deli 575 S Perryville Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-8606 www.jasonsdeli.com Jersey Mike’s 6284 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 226-0118 www.jerseymikes.com 1513 West Lane Rd Unit C Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 633-4200 Jimmy John’s 3416 S Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 874-6900 www.jimmyjohns.com

Lucha Cantina, Inc. 1641 N Alpine Rd Ste 212 Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 977-4319 www.luchacantina.com Macianos Pizza (Perryville Pizza, LLC) 6746 Broadcast Pkwy Loves Park, IL 61111 (815) 633-7500 www.macianos.com 5801 Columbia Pkwy Unit 101 Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 227-5577 Marys Market 4431 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 397-7291 www.marysmarket.com Megs Daily Grind 1141 N Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 316-7669 www.megs-daily-grind.com Murphy’s Pub and Grill 510 S Perryville Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 986-0950 www.murphyspubrockford.com Olive Garden Rockford, The #1233 6367 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 399-3176 www.olivegarden.com/location

5403 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 227-9200 Pizza Hut (Rockford Pizza Inc.) 1533 West Lane Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115 (815) 639-1111 www.pizzahut.com 3329 S 11th St Rockford, IL 61109 (815) 229-2929 3748 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 963-6363 2560 S Alpine Rd Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 399-0128 Restoration Café 625 W State St Rockford, IL 61102 (815) 977-4361 www.rockfordrescuemission.org

Tavern on Clark 755 Clark Dr Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 708-6569 www.tavernonclarkrockford.com Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) 5965 E Riverside Blvd Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 636-9612 www.wendys.com 6390 E State St Rockford, IL 61108 (815) 229-7992 1110 E State St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 962-1101 Wired Café 414 E State St Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 316-2524 www.wiredcaferockford.com

Rockford Roasting Company 206 N Main St Rockford, IL 61103 (815) 290-9591 www.rockfordroastingcompany.com Shogun Japanese Restaurant Izakaya 88 293 Executive Pkwy Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 394-0007 www.shogunofrockford.com

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Plenty to Do in

DOWNTOWN

Rockford resident Michelle Gorham has always had a fondness of downtown Rockford. But now that she works downtown, she has an even greater appreciation for the spirit and energy of the area.

“The downtown has seen a great revitalization with fresh shops and interesting spaces,” says the new chief advancement officer for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley. “I stopped by Salvaged by Sonia twice in one week and just looked around.

My daughters love Bath and Body Fusion and have recently found Minglewood and Rockford Art Deli, where we picked up a Rockford t-shirt during Art Scene. My husband, Jason, and I love to eat great food so we typically go to Social, one of our favorite Rockford restaurants. If I’m out with my friends, we like to start with wine and appetizers at Irish Rose and end up at Bamboo for more great food.

“Now that I’m lucky enough to be working downtown, I’ve found that I’m walking a little more. We have meetings at Wired Café and lunch at Woodfire Grill. I think it’s exciting to be a part of the growth, and I’m looking forward to the new restaurants and event spaces coming into the area.”

Yes, there’s plenty to do in downtown Rockford. New businesses continue to enter the market, and longtime businesses are reinvesting in the area, making it one of the most desirable places in the city to be and be seen. Some of the most popular destinations for great dining and fun include Abreo, Capri Restaurant, and Prairie Street Brewhouse.

New to the downtown scene this year is the UW Health Sports Factory, one of the largest sports facilities in the Midwest. It’s operated by the Rockford Park District and the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau markets and books tournaments at the facility.

The $24.4 million center is expected to draw a half-million people a year for basketball, volleyball, wrestling and pickleball tournaments, as well as trade shows, and meetings as a way to increase tourism.

One of the biggest downtown draws is the Rockford City Market. The market, which this year runs from May 20 to September 30, takes place on Fridays along Water Streets between State and Jefferson Streets. It features local growers and vendors who sell handmade products including vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat,

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continued from the previous page cheese, flowers, herbs, baked goods, craft beer and wine, prepared food and artisans.

Most vendors and performers comer from a 150-mile radius, ensuring locally grown produce and unique retail items. Patrons can sample local food and brews and listen to live music under the new pavilion. There are also demonstrations and kids’ activities for younger guests.

“City Market is a place the community can meet up and socialize on a weekly basis,” says Cathy McDermott of the Rock River Development Partnership, which manages the market. “Additionally, it helps many local vendors grow their business and positively impacts the downtown area as a whole.”

The City Market first opened in June 2010, welcoming nearly 1,000 visitors including families, young professionals, kids and seniors. By the end of the first season the market had a total of nearly 20,000 visitors and 40 vendors. The second season grew to 40,000 visitors and 60 vendors, and the third season had almost 60,000 visitors and 70 vendors. In 2015, 101,860 patrons visited over 75 vendors at the market, an average of over 5,000 weekly.

One of the keys to downtown Rockford’s revitalization is the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE), the organization that manages the BMO Harris Bank Center, Coronado Theater and Davis Park.

The Coronado brings to town Broadway shows, international musicians and dancers, comedians as well as the Rockford

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Symphony Orchestra. The BMO Harris Bank Center features the likes of Barry Manilow, Carrie Underwood and the fastpaced action of Rockford IceHogs hockey.

One business making a splash in downtown Rockford is Rocktown Adventures, a specialty outdoor retailer and adventure club that offer sales, rentals, lessons, guided trips, and related apparel for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards in the summer and Nordic skiing and snowshoeing during the winter.

The store also carries camping equipment, lifestyle apparel, and transportation equipment such as roof racks and trailers.

Downtown Rockford is also the place to be for special events.

The Screw City Beer Festival is a craft beer festival that gives beer lovers a reason to celebrate and enjoy the fruits of the craft beer industry’s laborers.

Friday Night Flix features large screen movies that the entire family can enjoy on the north lawn of David Park, 320 S. Wyman St. The moves run from June to August.

Stroll on State is a spectacular holiday event that kicks off the holiday season. The one-night event includes a tree lighting, live entertainment, a visit from Santa, ice skating rink, shopping and much more.

“People are happy and joyful coming together,” says John Groh, president and CEO of the Rockford Area Visitors Bureau.

“It’s a great way to start the holiday season.”

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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.

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 dinosaur skeletons in southeastern Montana. Kids of all ages will love visiting Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur; and other top-notch 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.

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: Get the Message, Team Up! Explore Science & Sports, Discovery Center Planetarium, Tot Spot, Power of Electricity, Wild Weather, Simple Machines, Color & Light, Math & Puzzles, Body Shop, Art Studio, and the Kids News Studio. Don’t forget to head outside to Discovery Center’s outdoor science park and experience the twostory maze, Whisper Dish, Dino Dig Pit, Secret Garden, water play area, and much more.

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Rockford Art Museum in Riverfront Museum Park 711 N. Main St., Rockford 815-968-2787 • rockfordartmuseum.org Rockford Art Museum has been enriching the quality of life in the Rockford region since 1913 through a permanent collection, frequent exhibitions and lifelong educational programming.

More than 1,900 works focus on modern and contemporary art, photography, outsider art, contemporary glass, and regional art with an emphasis on Illinois artists. Three galleries on two floors showcase major feature exhibitions each year and changing exhibits of work from the RAM Collection. The museum’s annual Greenwich Village Art Fair, held rain or shine on the second weekend after Labor Day, is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest.

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 AfricanAmericans in the Rockford area.

Midway Village Museum, Rockford’s History Museum 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford 815-397-9112 • midwayvillage.com Midway Village Museum is a true destination for history enthusiasts. Inside the Museum Center, visitors can engage and explore history through interactive exhibits in the more than 20,000 square feet of gallery spaces. The new “touch friendly” Many Faces, One Community exhibit features stories of immigrants to the Rockford and northern Illinois region.

May through August, a Victorian Village, part of the 148-acre campus, is open for tours, and includes 26 structures and 10 heritage gardens representing a rural community during the era of 1890-1910. Private garden tours uncover the mysteries of 19th century garden design and the legacy of heirloom planting. Interpreters in Victorian costumed clothing lead tours exploring the life and culture of that period. Other permanent continued on the next page

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continued from the previous page exhibits in the gallery feature 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. A new flight simulator lets visitors explore aviation, and the 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 Festival, All Hallows Eve, the Sock Monkey Madness Festival, and a Winter Lecture Series beginning in January each year. Rental facilities are also available to host private parties. Museum memberships are available, offering many benefits. To inquire about Midway Village Museum’s exhibits, Victorian Village, membership program, special events, or rentals, call 815-397-9112 or visit www.midwayvillage.com. Admis-

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museum plays host to the region’s only croquet tournament, Mallet Mayhem. In December, enjoy a Victorian Christmas.

sion varies for programs, lectures, tours, and special events.

City of Gardens

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens 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 is 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 soon-to-be wife’s, Mary Manny. Take guided tours through the Victorian Rose Garden, the Tinker Railroad Garden, and the Tinker grounds. The

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 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

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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 museum,” there’s something new every season from the majestic colors of fall, to the hundreds of blooming crab-apple trees in spring, to the butterfly gardens in summer, to the snow-covered evergreens in winter. There’s a 1.8-mile, 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.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford 815-987-8858 • nicholasconservatory.com Situated along the banks of our beautiful Rock River, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois, offering an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting. The beauty continues outdoors with the restored Eclipse Lagoon, complete with two fountains and a waterfall, pedestrian bridge, patio areas, and walkway connecting the Conservatory to the Sinnissippi Rose Garden. The Conservatory also offers special themed exhibits throughout the year, a summer concert series and rooftop dinners, as well as ongoing programs, workshops, and learning opportunities for all ages. The Conservatory and its meeting room and outdoor spaces are available for wedding, event, private, and corporate rentals. continued on the next page

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Water Fun

a 1,000-gallon water bucket that tips and sends water splashing everywhere. For the youngest, there’s Little Lagoon. Cabanas, bungalows, shade chalets, and patios available for rental; free Luau Lanes picnic areas also available.

Unique Attractions

Magic Waters Waterpark 7820 N. CherryVale Blvd., Cherry Valley 815-96-MAGIC • magicwaterswaterpark.com Bring the whole family to Illinois’ premier award-winning waterpark for waves of FUN! For the adventurous, ride the Abyss, a dark tunnel tube five stories above the park; for those who love speed, the Double Dare Drop slides drop riders a thrilling 75 feet! Enjoy some of the Midwest’s best body slides, the Keelhauler, SeaSerpent, and Bonzai, rising five stories above the park. Breaker Beach is everyone’s favorite wave pool, 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 50-foot tall interactive water complex with

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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 2000 acres at five different sites. 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; and nearly 1500 acres of natural areas. Over 27 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 skating, public skating, and a wide variety of lesson programs. Special themed public skating events are held throughout the year.

Sapora Playworld is Rockford’s largest indoor three-level soft playground for children ages 5 to 12. Tiny Tots Play Space offers a safe, fun place for toddlers to play, exercise, and explore.

Birthday party packages and private rentals available.

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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.

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

Kilbuck Creek 6752 N. Kilbuck Road, Monroe Center 815-393-3247 • kilbuckcreek.com Secluded, exclusive, and feels just like home. A retreat venue that stands above the rest. We are simply the best venue for your family, company, church or wedding. Nestled in 200 acres of forest and tucked away just south of Rockford Illinois, Kilbuck Creek is close to you, but you’ll feel like you’re 100 miles away from the hustle and bustle. Perfect for Team Getaways, Day Outings, Strategic Development, Corporate Events, and Weddings. continued on the next page

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continued from the previous page Riverview Ice House 324 N. Madison St., Rockford 815-963-7465 • rockfordparkdistrict.org Rockford Park District’s original indoor ice arena, Riverview Ice House has two rinks, and offers year-round ice skating and instruction in hockey and figure skating for all levels and ages.

Many Olympic, national, and regional skating stars have trained here. Enjoy figure skating, hockey, parties, lessons, and exhibitions. The Jr. IceHogs Off-Ice Training Facility, located just to the north, offers hockey shooting lanes, stickhandling stations, and workout equipment including weights, treadmills, and elliptical machines, as well as the fun and fast-paced RapidShot hockey training system.

Rocktown Adventures 313 N. Madison St., Rockford 815-636-9066 • rocktownadventures.com Rocktown Adventures is a specialty outdoor retailer and adventure club with locations in Aurora, IL and Rockford, IL. We offer paddlesports, nordic sports, camping, and lifestyle apparel from industry leading brands you won’t find anywhere else. Our mission is to provide you an opportunity to embrace an active outdoor lifestyle through participation in outdoor recreation using your community’s natural assets. We can show you what you need, where you can go, and how to do it. We offer lessons, public and private tours, rentals and retail. We want our appreciation of the outdoors to inspire you to take on new challenges, leading to a healthier lifestyle, providing you an opportunity to meet new people, and ultimately helping you

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define your idea of outdoor recreation. From the water to trail, Rocktown Adventures has what you need to enjoy the great outdoors. “Gear Up, Head Out!”

Rockford Speedway/Forest Hills Lodge Office 1601 West Lane Road, Loves Park 815-633-1500 • rockfordspeedway.com Rockford Speedway is northern Illinois’ oldest professional and continuous sports venue and features a family-oriented 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

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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.

Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center 1922 IL-2, Oregon 815-732-6111 • strongholdcenter.org Stronghold Center is a four-season retreat and camping center, operated by the Presbytery of Blackhawk, Presbyterian Church (USA). Our facilities include wilderness cabins, a camping area, dining and meeting rooms, and seven retreat houses able to accommodate 6-56 guests. Located in Oregon, IL, the beauty of nature exists in a variety of environments, all along bluffs overlooking the Rock River.

Founded in 1963, Stronghold Center proudly continues to provide a variety of Christian and secular programming and events. Our unique programming includes summer camps for ages 6-18, challenge courses, and a Confirmation Retreat.

In October, Stronghold hosts the annual Olde English Faire.

Stronghold is also a great location for one-day seminars, business meetings and professional development programs, church picnics, and family reunions!

West Rock Wake Park at Levings Lake 1420 S. Pierpont Av., Rockford 815-596-9025 • westrockwakepark.com The first cable park of its kind in the northern Illinois/southern Wisconsin area is located at Rockford Park District’s Levings Lake, and operated by Daniel Jarrett. West Rock Wake Park

operates seasonally, and provides the opportunity for beginner through advanced level wakeboarding and water skiing without the need for a boat, by utilizing a revolutionary and environmentally friendly two-tower straight line cable system, by which the skier’s and wakeboarder’s rope and handle are pulled by an electrically driven cable instead of a traditional motorboat.

Womanspace 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford 815-877-0118 • womanspace-rockford.org Located on a seven-acre campus in northeast Rockford, Womanspace offers opportunities for women, men and children to enhance body, mind and spirit. Programs are focused in the areas of creative arts, holistic health, interfaith and cultural exploration and environmental stewardship. A number of art classes are availcontinued on the next page

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continued from the previous page snowboarding, and tubing (snowmaking equipment on site); and a five-hole golf course that is home to the Rockford Park District’s Junior Golf Program.

Theater/Music

able year round in media such as watercolor and acrylic painting, drawing, pottery, and other unique techniques. Bodywork classes such as yoga and foam rolling are available weekly and fun and informational programs round out the calendar. Womanspace also hosts several fundraising events throughout the year.

The Womanspace campus boasts a main building containing administrative offices, the William Reif Gallery, which hosts numerous exhibits throughout the year and a lower-level media room/library; the New Dimensions Art Studio; the Anjali Pavilion, where some classes and events are held in warmer months; the largest Chartes-style labyrinth in northern Illinois; and several beautiful gardens maintained by the dedicated Womanspace grounds committee.

Alpine Hills Adventure Park - Four Seasons of Fun! 4402 Larson Av., Rockford 815-987-8800 • rockfordparkdistrict.org/alpinehills The 52-acre facility features year-round activities for all ages, including: canopy zipline tours operated seasonally by Rockford-based EBL Zipline Tours; a seasonal snow park for skiing,

Coronado Theatre 314 N. Main St., Rockford 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.

Rockford Coronado Concert Association 711 N. Main St., Rockford 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.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center 406 N. Main St., Rockford 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 synony-

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mous with quality music with performances by local and world renowned artists in the Mendelssohn Series and Music on Main.

Davis Park at Founders Landing 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford Davis Park, near the BMO Harris Bank Center, 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, 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.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra 711 N. Main St., Rockford 815-965-0049 • rockfordsymphony.com

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continued from the previous page area residents the opportunity to learn more about music.

The RSO is also the parent organization of the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO), the region’s only full orchestra training opportunity for students.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) was founded in 1934 to celebrate the city of Rockford’s centennial. Now in its 80th season, the RSO is an award-winning orchestra, and the third largest in Illinois. Music Director Steven Larsen has led the Symphony since 1991. The RSO concert season includes six Classics concerts, three Pops concerts, The Nutcracker ballet, an outdoor Independence Day concert, and Youth Concerts.

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Starlight Theatre - Bengt Sjostrom Theatre/ Studio Theatre 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford 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.

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Rockford Park District 401 S. Main St., Rockford 815-987-8800/771 IL Relay Service • rockfordparkdistrict.org The Rockford Park District is nationally recognized as one of the best park and recreation systems in the United States, has been three times 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 179 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, and 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, a junior golf club, skate parks, wakeboarding/cable skiing and winter sports facilities, a zipline canopy tour operation, a radio controlled plane park, pickleball courts, and lawn sports. The 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. The Park District oversees public recreation facilities for virtually every kind of indoor and outdoor enthusiast. Environmental experiences are found at the Atwood Center and Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens; 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 Levings Park, 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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Great Golf: PAR FOR THE COURSES IN ROCKFORD

Norris Aldeen had a dream: to provide a quality golf experience for Rockford golfers and visitors alike.

A lifelong golfer, Aldeen’s mother taught him to play the game on a public course. Aldeen was so appreciative of his opportunity, that the late Rockford businessman and his wife, Margaret, approached the Rockford Park District in 1988 with an offer: to provide the property and “seed” money to help the district build its fifth golf course.

Aldeen opened in 1991. This summer the park district is celebrating the 25th anniversary with a series of special events.

“The 25-year mark is a great milestone,” says Duncan Geddes, Rockford Park District director of golf. “It’s been fun to look back and see all that we’ve accomplished, but we have much more to do.”

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Aldeen offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels. The 18hole course covers 7,131 yards, which includes manicured greens, tees, and fairways, 62 sand bunkers (including 3 beach bunkers), water on 12 of the 18 holes, and four sets of tees. The course’s signature hole is No. 8, a par-3 island green.

“Aldeen is a fair golf course that features a great design,” says Geddes. “It’s not tricked up, and it’s always in good shape. It’s a good test of golf. It’s not easy but it’s fair. What you see is what you get.”

In addition to the course, Aldeen has a 26-acre practice center that includes a driving range, two short-game areas with sand bunkers, and a 14,000 square foot putting green.

Golfers and non-golfers alike will enjoy Graystone Grill, the new restaurant located at Aldeen. Graystone is open seven days a

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week and features breakfast, lunch and dinner, with menu items such as burgers, wraps, kabobs, salads and craft beers. Catering is also available.

“Aldeen is a country club caliber facility that’s on a public level at an affordable price,” says Geddes. “It’s the best golf value around with services and amenities available for anyone. It’s one of the shining stars in the Rockford area.”

But Aldeen is just one of the golf experiences offered by the park district, which also owns and operates Alpine Hills Golf Center, Elliot Golf Course, Ingersoll Golf Course and Learning Links, Sandy Hollow Golf Course, and Sinnissippi Golf Course. The courses offer beginners and the highly-skilled, a fun and challenging golf experience, a strong junior golf program, individual and group lesson programs and an impressive tournament schedule.

“It’s a great time to be a golfer,” says Geddes. “Golf in the Rockford area is affordable and the course conditions are excellent.”

PrairieView Golf Club One of the well kept secrets in local golf is PrairieView Golf Club in Byron. Opened in 1991, PrairieView was designed by James Spear and is owned and operated by the Byron Forest Preserve. Rated four stars by Golf Digest, PrairieView is surrounded by natural beauty. On any given round, there’s a good

chance golfers will see a fox, deer, or bald eagle watching the action on the course.

“We’re an 18-hole golf course built on a challenging, picturesque site overlooking the Rock River with bent grass greens, tees and fairways,” says Andy Gramer, head golf professional.

“With four sets of tees, you will have an amazing day of golf no matter your skill level.”

Additionally, golfers at PrairieView have the advantage of using electric-powered golf carts equipped with Visage GPS Systems. The carts include a GPS system that pinpoints yardage distance to the hole and provides a hole “fly over,” allowing golfers to see the hole before it’s played.

PrairieView draws golfers from Ogle County, Rockford and the Chicago suburbs. The course has a banquet facility with plenty of space for 200 guests. The Prairie Grass Pub has a new menu this year featuring a signature sandwich, pizzas, appetizers and children’s menu. There’s also a practice facility that includes a driving range, chipping and bunker areas.

Rockford Country Club One of the most endearing qualities about the golf course at the Rockford Country Club (RCC) is its close proximity to the Rock continued on the next page

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River, which runs along Nos. 6 through 9. Golfers describe it as very tight, not very long and walkable. And the view is incredible.

The original golf course at RCC was designed in 1899 as a nine-hole course by Herbert James Tweedie. A year later, a newly-built clubhouse was opened where members held their first reception. Eight years ago, the clubhouse underwent a major renovation. Space was created for new offices, bag area and storage space, as well as upgrades to the locker facilities.

RCC has a practice facility with a bunkered chipping green and putting green. The club offers a Caddie program and supports the Evans Scholarship Foundation which awards educational scholarships to young people who participate in caddie programs throughout the country.

The Golf Shop provides bag storage, club cleaning and repairs.

Private and group lessons are available from PGA Professionals. In addition to golf, RCC has tennis facilities, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Forest Hills Country Club Forest Hills offers a fun and challenging golf experience. The 6,816-yard course features five sets of tees, 120 acres of rough, six acres of natural prairie grasses, four ponds, 1,800 trees and a double row irrigation system.

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The course is rather tight, with bent fairways, and quick, fast greens. The signature hole is No. 15 – a breathtaking, 362-yard par four that features a lake on the right side of the green.

Forest Hills was founded in 1920. The current clubhouse was built in 1925 and nine years later was incorporated into Forest Hills Country Club. For many years, the private club hosted the Pro-Am, the nation’s longest freestanding pro-am in the country. PGA TOUR professionals team up with local amateurs to raise funds for several Rockford charities.

The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club is a full-service facility that opened in 1926. It offers members a swimming pool, tennis courts, restaurant and an 18-hole course.

The course is a hilly, tree-lined, bent grass course that features 6,419 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. Most of the course has narrow, dogleg fairways. One of the most popular holes is No. 3, a par five risk-reward hole. The signature hole is No. 16 – a long par three over water that’s guarded by large trees.

Mauh-Nah-Tee-See has hosted the Illinois State Amateur, numerous Illinois PGA events, and the USGA Mid-Amateur qualifying event.

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Rockford Park District Courses: golfrockford.org • 815-968-7529 (You Play) Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Centre 1902 Reid Farm Rd., Rockford Celebrating 25 years of “playing the dream” in 2016, the course located near Interstate 90 on Rockford’s east side sets a high 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, and was ranked in 2015 as one of the top 50 public golf courses in the U.S. by GolfAdvisor. Par is 72.

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.

New in 2016, the clubhouse features Graystone Grill Driven

by Giovanni’s restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week; also available for corporate retreats, weddings, showers, and private parties.

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 perfect place for families and children to enjoy golf together. 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 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 rated 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.

Sinnissippi Golf Course 2004 Arlington Ave, Rockford 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, 3,230-yard course is best known for its hilly layout and tree-lined 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.

Elliot Golf Course 888 S. Lyford Road, Cherry Valley 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, and FootGolf during designated days and times. The course is named for Earl F. Elliot, a long-time director of the Rockford Park District.

Ogle County Golf Course

Ingersoll Golf Course and Learning Links 101 Daisyfield Road, Rockford 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.

Prairie View Golf Club 7993 N. River Road, Byron • 815-234-GOLF (4653) prairieviewgolf.com Designed by renowned golf course architect James Spear and owned and operated by the Byron Forest Preserve District, PrairieView’s bentgrass layout can be challenged from four sets of tees, stretching to over 7,000 yards, to test the skills and nerves of every golfer. Along with dramatic bunkering, supreme conditioning, and an amazing view of the prairie, a fleet of electric golf carts with GPS capabilities will enhance your golfing experience. It’s no wonder that PrairieView has garnered so many lofty recognitions and accolades. continued on the next page

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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.

Area Public and Private Courses

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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

Sinnissippi Park Golf Course 9 holes - 3,230 yards. Par 37 (Municipal) 2004 Arlington Ave 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

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

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

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

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

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 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 Red Barn Golf Course 9 holes - 1,598 yards. Par 28 (Public) 12379 Wagon Wheel Rd Rockton, IL 61072 (815) 624-8037 Macktown Golf Course 18 holes - 5,770 yards. Par 71 (Municipal) 2221 Freeport Rd Rockton, IL 61072-1817 (815) 624-7410 Ledges Golf Course 18 holes - 6,740 yards. Par 72 (Municipal) 7111 McCurry Rd Roscoe, IL 61073-8288 (815) 389-0979 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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The Rockford Region is the Amateur Sports Capital of the Midwest Mercy Sportscore 1 - Veteran’s Memorial Sportscore 1288 Elmwood Rd., Rockford | (815) 987-1640 The original Mercy Sportscore 1 complex is located adjacent to the Rock River in northwest Rockford. The 105-acre complex was built in 1983 and has 8 lighted softball/baseball diamonds that can accommodate players ages 8-80, 13 full-size soccer fields for youth and adults, and 4 U/10/12 fields for younger players. Recreational activities at Mercy Sportscore 1 include soccer, softball, baseball, boating (one launching area with ample paved parking), fishing, and recreational path use; the rec path runs through the park, and connects Riverside Blvd. with Bauer Pkwy. There’s also a covered shelter picnic area with grills and restroom facilities. 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.

Mercy Sportscore 2 8800 East Riverside Blvd., Loves Park | (815) 987-8890 Mercy Sportscore 2 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 facility for practice, training, and matches. On weekends, local clubs host tournaments so players can participate close to home on high quality fields. Mercy Sportscore 2 has 18 regulation grass and 6 turf soccer fields outdoors, with an Indoor Sports Center to be expanded by summer 2017 to contain 6 multi-purpose synthetic turf fields for soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, and other turf-related programs.

This recreation center hosts activities that include soccer, rugby, football, volleyball (hard court), golf, softball, wiffle ball, dodgeball, and ultimate Frisbee®. The Indoor Sports Center is also the venue for trade shows, expositions, and entertainment.

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.

UW Health Sports Factory 305 S. Madison St., Rockford | 815-966-8770 uwhealthsportsfactory.com Opened in June 2016, the 108,000-square-foot UW Health Sports Factory on the Rock River in downtown Rockford is one of the largest sports facilities in the Midwest, and will host tournaments for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, table tennis, dance, cheerleading, and wrestling. Community programming for basketball and volleyball will be available, e.g., leagues, camps, classes, and rentals. Meeting rooms and trade show space are also available. The Sports Factory is operated by the Rockford Park District; the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau markets and books tournaments at the facility.

The UW Health Sports Factory name symbolizes the history of the site, as it was once the former Ingersoll factory located in the heart of a major manufacturing hub in Rockford. The shell of the former factory remains in place today.

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Rockford Chamber

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

executive committee

Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems

Chairman of the Board Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc.

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home

Chairman Elect Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Vice Chairman Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Immediate Past Chairman Rich Walsh Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP

directors Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Kris Kieper YWCA Northwestern Illinois Paul McCann Stanley Steemer Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates CherryVale Laura Pigatti Williamson Rockford Park District Dan Ross Williams-Manny Insurance Group Patrick Shaw RSM US LLP

ex-officio directors Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Michael Nicholas Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Darlene Furst Furst Staffing

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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

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

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

Doug Rand Accounting Manager/Controller 815-316-4316 drand@rockfordchamber.com

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

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

Lynette Jacques Vice President, Member Investment 815-316-4317 ljacques@rockfordchamber.com

Mary Ann Suprenant Membership Development Manager 815-316-4336 msuprenant@rockfordchamber.com

Caitlin Ludwig Vice President, Leadership Development 815-316-4337 cludwig@rockfordchamber.com

Sue Boyer Member Relations 815-316-4315 sboyer@rockfordchamber.com

Stephanie Mathews Administrative and Finance Assistant 815-987-8100 smathews@rockfordchamber.com

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Who to Call

CHAMBER SERVICES

Service

Staff

Direct Line

Customer Service

815.987.8100

info@rockfordchamber.com

Address/Contact Changes

Joan

815.316.4320

jsundvall@rockfordchamber.com

Advantage Clubs

Stacy

815.316.4302

smullins@rockfordchamber.com

Lynette

815.316.4317

ljacques@rockfordchamber.com

Accounts Payable/Receivable

Advertising (publications/web site) Ambassadors Annual Publications (editorial/distribution)

Sue

E-mail Address

815.316.4315 sboyer@rockfordchamber.com

Doug H

815.316.4338

dhessong@rockfordchamber.com

Board Meetings

Heidi

815.316.4312

hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

Business After Hours

Stacy

815.316.4302

smullins@rockfordchamber.com

Business Women’s Council

Stacy

815.316.4302

smullins@rockfordchamber.com

Certificates of Origin

Heidi

815.316.4312

hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

Chamber 101

Stacy

815.316.4302

smullins@rockfordchamber.com

Education Council

Heidi

815.316.4312

hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

E-mail Newsletters

Doug H

815.316.4338

editor@rockfordchamber.com

Good Morning Rockford!

Stacy

815.316.4302

smullins@rockfordchamber.com

Government Affairs Council

Heidi

815.316.4312

hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

Lead 360

Caitlin

815.316.4337

cludwig@rockfordchamber.com

Leadership Rockford

Caitlin

815.316.4337

cludwig@rockfordchamber.com

Mary Ann

815.316.4336

msuprenant@rockfordchamber.com

Einar/Heidi

815.987.8100

eforsman@rockfordchamber.com

Mary Ann

815.316.4336

msuprenant@rockfordchamber.com

Membership (Existing Members)

Sue

815.316.4315

sboyer@rockfordchamber.com

Public Education Council

Einar

815.987.8100

eforsman@rockfordchamber.com

Customer Service

815.987.8100

info@rockfordchamber.com

Manufacturers Council Media Calls Membership (New Members)

Relocation Information/Maps Ribbon-Cuttings

Heidi

815.316.4312 hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

Rockford Leadership Alliance

Caitlin

815.316.4337

cludwig@rockfordchamber.com

Special Events

Stacy

815.316.4302

smullins@rockfordchamber.com

Sponsorships

Lynette

815.316.4317 ljacques@rockfordchamber.com

The VOICE (editorial/distribution)

Doug H

815.316.4338

dhessong@rockfordchamber.com

rockfordchamber.com

Doug H

815.316.4338

dhessong@rockfordchamber.com

IGNITE - Young Professionals

Caitlin

815.316.4337

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Advertiser’s INDEX

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

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Leading Lawyers . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Anderson Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Lucette Salon Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Associated Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Meijer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Axberg, A Div. of Black Diamond . . . . . . . . . . 23

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Meridian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Classic Limousine of Rockford, Inc. . . . . . . . . 31

OSF Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Dickerson & Nieman Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Rock River Valley Blood Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

First Northern Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Rockford Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Stockholm Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 SwedishAmerican, a Div. of UW Health . . . . . 20

FurstStaffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Gift of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 University Club of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Illumination.io . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Woodward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

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