2017 Rockford Chamber Yearbook

workforce

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networks

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rockfordchamber.com - ROCKFORD CHAMBER

308 West State Street, Suite 190 Rockford, Illinois 61101 815.987.8100 815.987.8122 fax info@rockfordchamber.com rockfordchamber.com Writers/Editors Barbara Connors Caitlin Pusateri Layout/Design/Production Doug Hessong

A Letter to Chamber Members . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Rockford Chamber Mission-Vision . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Business Growth

Small Business Development Center . . . . . . . . . . .5

Ambassadors Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Caught On Digital! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Database Manager Joan Sundvall Photography Brian Thomas Photography and the Rockford Chamber Staff

Business Luncheon Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Business Advocacy

Advertising Sales Lynette Jacques

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Table of Contents

Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leadership

15-16

Rockford Leadership Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18

Lead 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Leadership Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Confluence Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

IGNITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Professional Development

2017 Events & Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-28

Looking to 2018

The 2018 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

Rockford Chamber Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Advertiser's Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

ABOUT THIS BOOK - The 2017 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Yearbook is published by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions which may occur.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - Contact the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101, 815-987-8100, fax 815-987-8122, or e-mail at info@ rockfordchamber.com. For advertising information call Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment at 815-316-4317.

Š Copyright 2018 Rockford Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the Rockford Chamber.

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Dear Valued Chamber Members, 2017 was a very busy and quick year! Seemed like we had only launched our year with Vinh Giang at the Annual dinner and we were off and running. Being busy can be a great thing; we hope you had a prosperous 2017 and maintain a continued positive trajectory for 2018! We are grateful for the engagement and support our members provide in creating a healthy business environment.

During 2017, the Rockford Chamber launched its second year of the Rockford Leadership Alliance by featuring Patrick Lencioni, renowned author and thought leader who gave us “The Five Dysfunctions of Team” and “The Advantage.” We're sure anyone who attended his presentation walked away with some great tools for their own leadership portfolio.

The RLA continued throughout the year with the teachings of Lencioni and had over 200 people complete the program! We look forward to our offering of Joseph Grenny this year and to have valuable leadership skills developed under his topics of Crucial Accountability.

2018 represents the third leg of our five-year program to inspire, grow, and produce effective and positive leaders throughout the spectrum.

As the business community’s public policy voice, with 1,200 members strong representing a workforce of 60,000, the Rockford Chamber committed itself in 2016 and 2017 to political action; supporting candidates with a pro-business agenda in area elections through ROCPAC, its political action committee. We supported the candidacy of Frank Haney for Winnebago County Chairman and Tom McNamara for Mayor of Rockford. Both have quite the challenges on their plate but they are working sincerely for the betterment of our region. Its Government Affairs Council met monthly to discuss public policy issues and present a collective and powerful business perspective to elected officials.

There are many activities the Chamber engaged in during 2017, with some highlighted in this letter. We encourage you to review the entire Yearbook to learn what the Rockford Chamber is doing for its members and the community.

Small Business Development and Growth Business growth is a key reason why we have a Chamber, and we believe small businesses are at the very core of a strong local economy. The Chamber is excited to have launched the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in early 2017. We received initial approval by the State of Illinois this past December, and look forward to offering this important resource to move businesses forward. The Chamber SBDC has already been authorized for 2018 and we continue to see a steady stream of individuals and entrepreneurs who wish to start and grow their business.

Looking to 2018, the Small Business Tasks Force will be rolling out a well thought out program to help our existing small, local businesses develop and fine tune effective habits that will further advance their business growth.

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Transform Rockford The Rockford Chamber continued to provide support and collaboration where appropriate with Transform Rockford during 2017. Our efforts to establish a Small Business Development Center were in concert as community priorities for our region.

In addition, during 2017 we worked together with Transform Rockford to host an international expert on the case for civility and how that grows strong organizations and businesses.

Many people attended to work to bring more civility to their workplace.

Crime and Civic Leadership Progress on Crime in our community is showing positive results from a crime statistic perception, with significant drops in many areas. However, the areas of violence and perception of a lack of a safe environment persists to this day. Having said that, we have worked with the City of Rockford and Winnebago County in these areas to help articulate the strategies being carried out and are also encouraged by the wonderful collaborations that have been formed. The Chamber and its Public Safety Council expects to continue to engage elected leadership, public safety leaders and other agency support to work on strategies in partnership with these groups.

The Chamber will continue to offer its valued events, educational programs, publication and services to advance members’ economic growth and professional development, advocate for an inclusive, pro-business environment and cultivate business connections.

Stay tuned for more information in this publication, The Voice and social media, or call 815-987-8100 for questions on how you can get involved in any of these key priorities.

2018 is going to be an exciting year!

Sincerely,

Richard Zumwalt

Board Chairman 2017-2018

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO

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Workforce Development This remains a critical issue for growing our economy. Developing a talented, quality workforce remains an imperative in Rockford, as it does in many urban areas. The Rockford Chamber has partnered with other agencies to develop a stronger talent pipeline addressing core workforce weaknesses (soft skills) and industry-specific demands as well (engineering, aerospace, machining, and healthcare).

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GROWTH Connections, Networking, Business Referrals and Illinois Small Business Development Council (SBDC)

LEADERSHIP Develop Skills that Foster Leadership through Our Center for Leadership Development

EDUCATION Resources and Tools to Strengthen Your Business through Workshops, Forums and Seminars

ACCESS Connects You to Elected Officials and Community Leaders

WHAT WE DO

VALUE Access to Member-Only Discounts Saves You Money

Unified Political Voice to Advance Business Priorities to Local, State and National Legislators

Increased Exposure through Our Publications, Websites, Social Media, and Sponsorships

VISIBILITY

Consumers are 80% More Likely to Patronize a Business They Believe is a Chamber Member

ADVOCACY

(The Shapiro Group Study)

CREDIBILITY

“Joining the chamber immediately helped grow my business. Participating in chamber events sends a message that my business is not a temporary endeavor and shows a willingness to work with others. We learn and stay current from the Chamber network and get to share our insights as well."

“Two established business owners in town shared with me that their biggest regret from the startup phase was not joining the chamber soon enough. I took that cue. As a result, my business has grown.

I’ve developed my network by working with others and developing these relationships.”

-- David Armstrong, founder, HIRE LLC, Hope In Recovery Employment (HIRE) 4

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A ‘One-Stop Shop for Entrepreneurs’

The Rockford Chamber hosts an Illinois Small Business Development Center thanks to a combination of State of Illinois DCEO SBDC program grants, Rockford Chamber funding and support from NIU Rockford and local lending institutions. It operates from NIU EIGERlab at NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St., and at the chamber office downtown.

Services are no charge to chamber members and non-members.

• • • • • • •

One-on-one business advice and management assistance.

Assistance with the development of business plans.

Help with accessing market information, and the development of marketing plans.

Assistance with accessing business financing programs.

Assistance with financial analysis and planning.

Access to business education and training opportunities.

Specialized services in technology, innovation and entrepreneurial development.

Harold “Bo” Boger is SBDC director for the Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

For three years prior, he served as VP of special projects and outreach, including oversight of the SBDC, PTAC and ITC. His training experience includes leadership development, sales, team-building, strategic planning and collaboration.

Contact him at SBDC@rockfordchamber.com or 815-316-4301.

Edward Caceres is a consultant with the Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

From 2013 to 2015, he worked as a strategic planning and professional business consultant with the Illinois SBDC, when it was under Rock Valley College. Spanish bilingual, he has hosted a series of Spanish-language YouTube videos with WTVO-TV, offering advice to the Hispanic business community.

Contact him at Edward.SBDC@rockfordchamber.com or 815-566-1953.

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Small Business Development Center

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Ambassadors This volunteer arm of the Rockford Chamber is always looking for new members!

Ambassadors are visible at ribbon cuttings, grand openings, open houses and chamber events, especially when wearing the traditional red blazers or attire. Ambassadors gather for monthly luncheons at different locations; catered by different member restaurants.

Rockford Chamber Ambassadors gathered for the December luncheon at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Ambassadors donated items to KFACT Inc., and Shamika Williams, KFACT Inc., and Einar Forsman spoke at the event. Lunch was catered by Mary’s Market.

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Ambassadors tour Crusader Community Health on Alpine for the monthly luncheon in June.

Ambassadors tour the Graham-Ginestra House in August.

Ambassadors meet for a luncheon and tour at Woodward’s Rock Cut campus in September.

Ambassadors meet in November for a tour of Rockford Park District’s UW Health Sports Factory. Lunch is catered by Prairie Street Brewhouse.

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Caught on Digital!

Always a celebration, ribbon cuttings represented grand openings and expansions for member businesses in 2017

Comfort Keepers held a ribbon cutting and open house on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 4835 Manhattan Dr., Rockford.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois held a ribbon cutting, tour and luncheon on Feb. 16 for its new admin/mission services building at 850 N. Church St., Rockford.

EGS/Alorica announced a hiring event to fill 175 open positions, mostly for chat-based customer service representatives, at its Rockford facility at 7180 Spring Brook Road.

FitRight Precision Orthotic Prosthetic Lab held a ribbon cutting on Feb. 28 at 5929 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

Lehan’s Medical Equipment held a ribbon cutting on March 9 for their new business at 811 S. Perryville Road, Ste. 101, Rockford.

Rockford Rescue Mission held a ribbon cutting on March 23 for the grand opening of its Works Center job training facility at 715 W. State St.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes held a ribbon cutting on April 7 at 881 S. Perryville Road, Suite 200, Rockford.

[design] [build] by architects held a ribbon cutting on April 10, Rockford.

University of Illinois Extension 4-H Robotics team, the Winnebago Broccoli Bots, May 6 won Best Table Performance and the Judge’s Awards.

Market Dimensions, Inc., held a ribbon cutting on May 18 for their new location at 4320 Morsay Dr., Rockford.

Crusader Community Health on Alpine held a ribbon cutting on May 18 for its sixth location at 1215 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

Northwestern Mutual held a ribbon cutting and open house on June 1 for their new office location at 1252 Bell Valley Road, #100, Rockford.

Rockford Dermatology held a ribbon cutting on June 6 at 4338 Morsay Dr.

Safelite Auto Glass held a ribbon cutting on June 8 at 1803 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

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business growth

Wintrust Bank held a ribbon cutting at June 14 at 6885 Vistagreen Way, Rockford.

2HB Solutions held an open house and ribbon cutting on June 14 at 1515 S. Meridian Road, Rockford.

Agrace Hospice Care held a ribbon cutting on June 19 at 7290 Argus Dr., Rockford.

Baci’s Kitchen held a ribbon cutting on June 20 at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Ste. 1100, Rockford.

Sosnowski Szeto, LLP held a ribbon cutting and grand opening on June 22 at 6735 Vistagreen Way, Suite 300, Rockford.

Arco Machinery Movers LLC held a ribbon cutting and open house on June 23 at 545 Blackhawk Park Ave., Rockford.

Graham-Ginestra Home at Heritage Museum Park held a ribbon cutting on July 7 at 1115 S. Main St., Rockford.

Century Plaza Business Center held a ribbon cutting and open house on July 11 at 7210 E. State St., Ste. 102, Rockford.

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Club Pilates Chandan Place held a ribbon cutting on July 12 at 3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford.

Cucina Di Rosa held a ribbon cutting on July 18 at 1620 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Judson University celebrated its new, state-of-the art campus with a ribbon cutting inside the YMCA of Rock River Valley on July 26.

Rasmussen College held a ribbon cutting and open house on Aug. 9 for its surgical technologist program at 6000 E. State St., Rockford.

Northern Illinois Vein Clinic held a ribbon cutting and open house on Aug. 10 at 2990 N. Perryville Road, Ste. 3400 (Perryville Place), Rockford.

KFACT held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 15 for its new GIRLS Space from a Club Blue grant at 227 N. Church St., Rockford.

SwedishAmerican, celebrated 815 Day on Aug. 15 with the groundbreaking of its new $4.1 million clinic in southwest Rockford. Construction is slated for completion in 2018.

SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health, held a ribbon cutting & grand opening on Aug. 18 for Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness at 1401 E. State St., Rockford.

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business growth

Rock House Kids held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 24 for their expansion at 1325 7th St., Rockford.

Rock Valley College Health Sciences Center ribbon cutting, open house & tours of Health Sciences Center and Classroom Building I, Aug. 25 at 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford.

Event Floral held a ribbon cutting and open house on Aug. 29 at 7302 Rock Valley Pkwy., Loves Park.

Choice Furniture, Inc., held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 1 at 199 Deane Dr., Rockford.

Discount Med Direct held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 5 at 129 S. Phelps Ave., Ste. 213, Rockford.

Rockford Star Tours held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 6 for their Rockford location at Windstar Lines, Inc., 3510 Merchandise Dr.

Rockford Rescue Mission Ministries held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 22 for Rockford Remade at 611 W. State St.

Thrive CafĂŠ held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 27 at 6731 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park.

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Rockford Housing Authority, Gorman & Company and Bridge Rockford held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 28 to celebrate the completion of The Grove at Keith Creek.

Mary’s Market held a ribbon cutting and open house on Sept. 28 for their new meeting facility at 4431 E. State St., Rockford.

Project SEARCH at Mercyhealth and RAMP held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 18 at the Ingersoll Building, classroom #5, 2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford.

Children’s Home & Aid held a ribbon cutting on Nov. 14 for their new location at 474 7th St., Rockford.

Associated Bank held a ribbon cutting on Nov. 28 for its new branch grand opening at 2714 11th St., Rockford.

Dog Haus, offering gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers and one-of-a-kind creations, holds a ribbon cutting on Dec. 13 at 7616 Walton St., Rockford.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME) breaks ground on Dec. 11 on a $3.5 million facility expansion., Rockford.

Hennig, Inc., holds a groundbreaking event on Dec. 20 at its main building at 9900 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park.

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The Rockford Chamber participated in the confluence concept, collaborating with organizations across the community.

Advice from Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce and Rockford Police Department partnered in a Business Forum with Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea on April 18, 2017 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

O’Shea outlined to the 100+ members from the business community, the use of public video surveillance to track and monitor crime using Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software. He stated that the department could provide recommendations to businesses on camera placement and direction in their video surveillance, and encouraged them to share videos, live or recorded, to help track crimes.

Return of SCORE

NIU EIGERlab and the Small Business Development Center at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomed the reestablishment of a SCORE chapter at NIU EIGERlab, 8500 E. State St., to assist small business startups and expansions in the Rockford Region. NIU EIGERlab, with support from the Fox Valley SCORE, SCORE Regional (northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan) and SCORE national advanced the effort. The chapter seeks counselors with backgrounds in different disciplines to serve as volunteers. Call 815-965-3522.

Civility in Business Workshop

The 815 Choose Civility Initiative, a project of Transform Rockford, held a seminar on Oct. 10 co-hosted with the Rockford Chamber to encourage citizens to act in a manner that is honest and respectful, even towards those with whom they disagree. Lewena Bayer spoke on implementing civility as a way to improve the business bottom line in Regents Hall at Rockford University, During the seminar, Bayer offered this advice: 1) identify and adopt a practical definition of civility in the workplace, 2) assess the extent to which incivility is impacting the bottom line, and 3) understand how training plans can be implemented to engage in core competencies that foster civility in the workplace.

Manufacturing DaySM, Oct. 12

Thirteen manufacturers from the Rockford area opened their doors to students and educators from 12 area high schools for tours on Manufacturing Day, Oct. 12, 2017. More than 350 students got a picture of the rewarding careers in manufacturing, and after the tours, convened at Rock Valley College to hear from local manufacturers about jobs and careers and from President Doug Jensen on connecting education to manufacturing, in particular NIU Engineering @ RVC. Manufacturing Day in Rockford was coordinated by the Rockford Chamber, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, CEANCI and Rock Valley College.

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Partnerships

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Business Luncheon Series Presented by BMO Harris Bank, the Business Luncheon Series keeps members engaged and informed on a variety of topics vital to the success of their business throughout the year at panels or presentations with topic-driven agendas.

Also allowing for networking opportunities, this luncheon series is not one to be missed.

Out Think - Out Market - Out Sell

The Rockford Chamber hosted Out Think - Out Market Out Sell Your Competition, a business growth luncheon, on April 20 at The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, featuring Scott Hanson. The sought-after speaker and podcast host has been featured on Inc.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, and Entrepreneur magazine.

State of the County

Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney spoke to a crowd of business leaders at his first Rockford Chamber State of the County address on May 4 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. Haney said he wanted the county to win the 2018 Sunshine Award by the Illinois Policy Institute for most transparent governmental bodies and the 2019 Budget Award from the Government Financial Officers Association for best budget practices.

Education Outlook Luncheon

In keeping with tradition, Dr. Ehren Jarrett, Superintendent of RPS 205, shared an update on the progress of realizing RPS 205’s vision to be the first choice school for all families in the area at the Education Outlook Luncheon.

Since Jarrett told the helm 4.5 years ago, the district has accomplished many great initiatives, including working on a 10-year, $250-million facilities plan, creating high school career academies, building two new elementary schools and being named a Ford Next Generation Learning Model Community. Because area education plays a large role in the business community, local education continues to be an element in the roadmap to success for the regional economy.

Healthcare Industry Update

The Rockford Chamber’s Healthcare Industry Update took place on Oct. 19 at Francesco’s Ristorante. Healthcare compliance expert Julie Jagla of Gallagher Benefit Services presented “ACA and Health Care Reform, Uncertain Time, 2017 and Beyond;” untangling the maze of the current state of healthcare reform.

Mayor’s Business Address

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara gave his first address to a Rockford Chamber audience on Nov. 16. He shared that crime was his top priority and cutting public safety funding was not in his plans. Another goal was returning Rockford to home rule, something the city has not had since the 1980s. He also talked about the city’s work in transforming the Barber-Colman Complex into a workforce development community.

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The Rockford Chamber supports issues that contribute to strengthening the overall business climate.

Government Affairs Council

The Government Affairs Council met monthly in 2017 to discuss public policy issues and present a collective and powerful business perspective to elected officials.

Some special guests included: Tim Hanson, Rock River Water Reclamation District; Richard McVinnie, Rockford Mass Transit District; Michael Dunn, Jr., Region 1 Planning Council (formerly RMAP); 16th District Congressman Adam Kinzinger; Belvidere Mayor Mike Chamberlain, and Ryan Brauns, Board of Election Commissioners.

On Feb. 10, 2017, the council hosted Rockford Alderman Pam Connell and Brian Leggero in a Candidate Forum for the Republican primary election for Rockford Mayor on Feb. 28.

On March 10, 2017, the council and Next Rockford co-hosted a Rockford Mayor Candidate Forum for the four candidates on the ballot for April 4 Consolidated Election.

ROCPAC, the business community’s public policy voice

ROCPAC, the political action committee representing the Rockford Chamber’s 1,200+ members and a workforce of 60,000, committed itself in 2016 and 2017 to political action.

One of its main priorities was supporting candidates with a pro-business agenda in area elections. After attending candidate forums and having private interviews with candidates from the respective elections, ROCPAC and the Rockford Chamber board supported the candidacy of Frank Haney for Winnebago County Chairman on the Nov. 8, 2016 ballot and Tom McNamara for Mayor of Rockford on the April 4, 2017 ballot.

Tom McNamara, Mayor of Rockford Business Advisory Committee Mayor McNamara voiced early in his term the need to improve the relationship with the business community on city services such as zoning and permitting requirements, as well as turnaround times.

The Rockford City Council adopted a resolution proposed by the mayor at the Aug. 21, 2017 City Council meeting to create an advisory committee to evaluate and recommend best practices and regulations for doing business in Rockford. The advisory committee has 180 days from its formation to forward its final recommendations to the Rockford City Council.

Among its goals:

• Recommend steps to improve customer service.

• Reduce the overall time for departments to process investment requests, issue a building permit and issue a certificate of occupancy.

• Recommend steps to foster an ecosystem that encourages small business start-ups and investment.

• Recommend implementation steps to encourage minority- and womenowned businesses.

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Government Affairs

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Public Safety In a November VOICE column, Mayor McNamara addressed public safety which is top of mind for both citizens and the business community. “Crime is having a negative impact on our community, and we must do better.”

He said strategies for the city will include:

• Community engagement.

• Focused deterrence, with activities such as tracking individuals most likely to be involved in or to be a victim of a crime.

• Addressing domestic violence, which comprises 29 percent of all service calls to the police department.

In 2017, the City Council authorized nearly $1 million in technology and resources to aid police including gunshot detection software and hardware, license plate readers, social media network analysis software and comprehensive video surveillance in public areas.

Home Rule Mayor McNamara told an audience of Rockford Chamber members during his first Mayor’s Business Address on Nov. 16, 2017 at Giovanni’s that one of his goals was returning Rockford to home rule and reducing reliance on property taxes. Rockford has not been a home rule community since the 1980s.

Winnebago County Chairman Frank Haney

ROCPAC supported the candidacy of Frank Haney for Winnebago County Chairman on the Nov. 8, 2016 ballot.

After his election, Chairman Haney spoke to 380 Rockford Chamber members at the State of the County luncheon on May 4, 2017 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.

He touched on:

• His vision for the ACT Initiative; to be the most accountable, collaborative and transparent unit of government in Illinois.

• His focus on what he called “the Big 4” -- public safety, economic development, education and community health.

• His short-term task of dealing with tough, public budgets.

“A multitude of public agencies have tough budgets. We need to make sure we’re rightsizing our budgets.”

• His partnership with Mayor McNamara on forming a Joint Chairman and Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council to keep future leaders in Winnebago County.

Rockford Chamber on Home Rule The Rockford Chamber’s Government Affairs Council undertook its own public policy process on its position on Home Rule in anticipation of the vote on March 20, 2018. At the Nov. 17, 2017 council meeting, members heard a presentation on Home Rule and its implications for the city.

Encouraging all to be informed and vote, the Rockford Chamber set up a webpage at www.rockfordchamber.com/homerule.html as an objective resource center on the Home Rule issue, with links to Chamber communications, research, media coverage and City of Rockford-related materials.

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Organizational Health

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Rockford Leadership Alliance

The Rockford Chamber kicked off the second year of its Rockford Leadership Alliance with an event on Feb. 2 at Coronado Performing Arts Center. Nationally acclaimed writer and leadership guru, Patrick Lencioni, presented “The Untapped Advantage of Organizational Health” based on his book, The Advantage.

Nearly 1,000 people attended the event, drawing some from Chicago, St. Charles, Elgin … even New York City.

Inspired by Patrick and his book, The Advantage, they worked throughout 2017 on four concepts of improving organizational health: building a cohesive leadership team, creating clarity, reinforcing clarity and over-communicating clarity. Led by facilitators from The Anser Group, they worked in small groups of 10, representing different industries and/or organizations but with similar opportunities and challenges based on their roles in their organizations.

The 200 participants of Rockford Leadership Alliance toasted a year of growth in November upon completion of the program.

“Patrick made an overwhelming case that organizational health will surpass all other disciplines in business as the greatest opportunity for improvement and competitive advantage.”

– Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber

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“I took away the need for senior leadership to overcommunicate the mission and goals of the organization.�

-- Tom Walsh, Northwest Bank

Rockford Leadership Alliance Investors Thank you to our 2017 investors who made this program possible:

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Facilitated by:

Rockford Leadership Alliance will resume in fall 2018.

Registration will be open to any and all leaders in the community.

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Lead 360 Members include: Debra Adkins, Jennifer Anderson, Teresa Beach-Shelow, Kim Blascoe (Co-Chair), Jan Bowman, Amy Brewer, Karen Brown, Jedediah Cantrell, Paula Carynski, Penny Christians, Jean Crosby, Kelly Davit, Patti DeWane, Lori Diaz, Michele Diedrichs, Linda Gerber, Mary Jo Hare, Eve Harker, Sherry Harlan, Emily Hartzog, Linda Heckert, Bobbie Holzwarth, Lynette Jacques, Saba Jaffery, Lisa Johnson, Kris Kieper-Machajewski, Nancy Kolar, Penny Lechtenberg, Elizabeth Lee, LoRayne Logan, Betsy Makris, Tonya Markert, Melissa McCormick, Kelly McWilliams, Laurie Miller, Joy Moriarty, Marcia Mueller, Diane Navickis, Linda Niemiec, Amy Ott, Christina Ott, Michele Petrie, Betsy Pierson, Laura Pigatti Williamson, Michelle Polivka, Caitlin Pusateri, Linda Sandquist, Denise Sasse, Sue Schrieber, Martina Schumaker, Teri Sharp, Sandie Soldwisch, Maribeth Speckman, Lynn Stainbrook, Kathy Stimes, Samantha Stovall, Patti Thayer, Judy Thompson, Janis Waddell, Jennifer Whiteford, Peg Wilkerson, Barb Williams, Rhashonda Williams, Julia Zimmerman, Tammy Zurfluh

leadership

Lead 360

Lead 360, co-chaired by Kim Blascoe, Wipfli LLP, and Saba Jaffery, UTC Aerospace Systems, brought 63 top executive-level chamber member women together throughout the year. These C-Suite, presidents, vice presidents, business owners and general decision makers in their organizations worked towards expanding the impact and influence of woman business leaders in the Rockford Region.

This year, participants heard from four speakers. In March, Jim Signorelli spoke on Storytelling for Leaders. June brought Valerie Groth to speak on The Glass Ceiling Revisited: Why Women Need to Stop Playing Small. In October, the group welcomed back Kathryn Tack to speak on The Leader’s Edge. Kathryn has strong ties to Rockford having lived her for decades running a very successful restaurant chain in the area. The year closed with Bill Marklein speaking on Emotional Intelligence: Awareness, Adaptability & Empathy for 21st Century Leadership.

Participation in Lead 360 is open to executive-level women who meet the outlined criteria found at rockfordchamber.com

“Through Lead 360, about 70 women are working hard to change our community’s perception of what it means to be a “C-Suite” executive.”

-- Patti Thayer, Rockford Chamber board chairman

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Leadership Rockford

Celebration of Leadership Luncheon The Celebration of Leadership Luncheon on May 18 at Prairie Street Brewhouse recognized the 38 graduates of the 63rd class of Leadership Rockford. Keynote speaker was John Groh, president and CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and a former graduate of the program.

Outgoing moderators of the nine-month program were honored: Sean Muserallo, 13WREX; Daniel McKee, Rockford Toolcraft, and Brandon Latino, Spectrum Insurance. The incoming 2017-2018 moderators are: Michelle Angileri, Savant Capital Management; Carly LaMonica, LaMonica Beverages, and Becky Hopper, SwedishAmerican, a Division of UW Health.

Graduates of Leadership Rockford (over the years): 1,810

2016-2017 Leadership Rockford Class:

Michelle Angileri, Savant Capital Management; Matt Armstrong, Savant Capital Management; Robin Babcox-Poole, Shriver, O’Neill & Thompson Law Offices; Becky Beary, Widmer Interiors; Jared Clay, Reno & Zahm, LLP; Curtis Cook, Chastain & Associates LLC; Kristin Crowley, WREX; Eric Cunningham, UTC Aerospace Systems; Felicia Davis, Winnebago County Housing Authority; Amy Ekstrom, Rockford Public Schools; Nicole Engelbart, Rockford Park District; Emily Halbrader, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Morgann Hansen; Corey Hausen; Jeremy Heeren, UTC Aerospace Systems; Sydney Holmgren, Associated Bank; Becky Hopper, SwedishAmerican Health System, A Division of UW Health; Melissa Johnson, Alpine Bank; Kelli Johnson, YWCA Northwestern Illinois; Louisa Klemm, Monarch Solutions; Nic Krause, J & M Plating; Carly LaMonica, LaMonica Beverages; Pamela Lindstrom, Rockford Park District; Andrew Macklin, Larson & Darby Group; Jacob Maegli, Reno & Zahm, LLP; Ricardo Montoya-Picazo, Office of Congresswoman; Cheri Bustos (IL-17th); Joana Murati, Growth Dimensions; Gregory Nelson, UTC Aerospace Systems; Rebecca Nunes, Alpine Bank; Scott Perian, Anderson Environmental Co; Colin Peterson, RSM US LLP; Corine Prezioso, Woodward Inc.; Zachary Rotello, Alpha Controls & Services; Kathy Schier, Specialty Screw Corporation; Bill Schmidt, Fehr-Graham; Brittany Schultz, Century 21; Erich Vargaz, Wells Fargo Advisors; Gordon Wright, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C.

“As well versed as I am in the news and as much as I hear, I was amazed how much I didn’t know about Rockford. For anyone, even if you think you know Rockford, you’re going to learn something you didn’t know about this town.”

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-- Sean Muserallo

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Confluence Honors

Dec. 7 was an evening of excitement and anticipation as groups from area organizations gathered among the collections of artwork; awaiting the announcement of their project to be named at the Rockford Chamber’s first Confluence Honors at the Rockford Art Museum. The organizations and people that exhibited the ‘spirit of confluence’ represented partnerships that achieved something greater together than they could have done on their own.

“While we knew there were some notable partnership projects out there to celebrate, we were amazed and impressed as to the number, depth and breadth of them. It was very encouraging.”

-- Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber

Read about the 21 honorees of the Rockford Chamber’s first Confluence awards in the chamber’s ONE magazine, the January 2018 VOICE and rockfordchamber.com

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IGNITE IGNITE hosts events and opportunities to attract, engage and retain young professionals to the Rockford Region.

IGNITE Cup

IGNITE Cup’s fourth season comprised 17 teams of 10 young professionals competing in a series of summer events.

The kick-off After 5 in April at Greenfire, lead to bowling at Don Carter Lanes and game night at University Club of Rockford in May. A downtown scavenger hunt and evening of Frisbee Golf at Anna Page Park took place in June. In July, IGNITE partnered with the YMCA for Canoe Battleship, where team members paddled around the Y’s pool, trying to flood the canoes of other teams. August brought Trivia Night at Forest Hills Country Club.

New in 2017, IGNITE’s INVOLVE committee added a charitable aspect to the competition. Each IGNITE Cup team picked a local non-profit chamber member to champion in Penny Wars. Coins were worth positive points (put change in your jar) while dollar bills were worth negative points (put bills in other people’s jars).

The team that had the most positive points at the end of the summer saw the money donated to its chosen charity.

IGNITE members raised $1,000! Team Rockford Float Club was the Penny Wars winner and saw $700 donated to its charity, Prairie State Legal Services. PCT 2.0, the runner up, saw $300 donated to Rockford Public Schools.

Closing ceremonies wrapped up the busy summer with a bonfire, hayrides, and s’mores at Nygren Wetland Preserve. The winners of IGNITE Cup were announced.

INVOLVE, REACH, EDUCATE

IGNITE’s three teams worked hard to provide IGNITE members with community, professional and personal development opportunities.

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INVOLVE (volunteer) The team gave IGNITE members a chance to work with organizations such as the Northern Illinois Food Bank, The Literacy Council and Rockford Rescue Mission. The team also organized panels focused on the environment, local schools, and health and wellness.

REACH (social) REACH’s After 5s are a staple to young professionals. Hosted at many area hot spots, in 2017, participants visited two new venues: Owly Oop Sports Pub inside UW Health Sports Factory and Blue Line in downtown Rockford.

EDUCATE (professional development) The committee hosts its Lunch with a Leader series, featuring several area leaders including Mayor Tom McNamara, Jim Pirages, Julie Bosma, Amy Morris, Tim Ancona, Jeff Hultman, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, and Patti DeWane.

Visit igniterockford.com

2017 IGNITE Cup Winners 1st place: Rockford Float Club (second year in a row) 2nd place: Sunk Your Battleship 3rd place: PCT 2.0 Special thanks to IGNITE Cup sponsors: Rock River Valley Blood Center (presenting); Blackhawk Bank, RSM US LLP and University Club (gold), Wipfli LLP (silver) and Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (event).

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The Rockford Chamber provided opportunities for members to develop connections and learn from key community leaders through its evening and luncheon events. Here are some highlights.

Annual Dinner

The Annual Dinner took place on Jan. 19 at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center. Keynote speaker was Vinh Giang, an entrepreneur and magician. Giang weaved magic and humor into his message that centered on beliefs, perspective and the idea that “you are a direct reflection of the top five people you spend time with.”

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2017 Events & Awards

2017 Citizen of the Year Award: Brent Brodeski, Savant Capital Management The CEO, co-founder and principal is a graduate of Boylan High School and Rock Valley College and has served on many boards: Boy Scouts of America, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Illinois University Foundation, Rock Valley College Foundation and the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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Celebration of Manufacturing Expo and Dinner The Rockford Chamber’s Manufacturing Expo and Dinner took place on April 6 at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center. It featured keynote speaker Dr. Douglas J. Jensen, president of Rock Valley College, and 50 expo booths from area manufacturers. The Manufacturers Council brought along high schools students to learn about manufacturing careers.

Individual Business Catalyst Award: Mike Cobert, NIU EIGERlab Often been referred to as an “unsung hero,” Cobert has been with EIGERlab from its beginnings after spending two decades with Ingersoll Milling Machines.

Manufacturer of the Year Award: Rockford Process Control Headquartered on the city’s southeast side, the manufacturer of parts for ATVs, motorcycles and other power sports equipment was founded in 1983. It recently went through major technological upgrades in machinery and equipment, and in the last five years, sales have increased more than 50 percent, generating 50 new jobs for the region.

5“Mike’s work is an ideal example of the type of engagement

5“We have an extremely hard-working group of people. Anyone

we imagined when we took on EIGERlab. He is fully engaged every day with innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses and many others who he brings together to serve client’s needs and aspirations.”

-- Dr. Rena Cotsones, Northern Illinois University

who comes to work for us and lasts six to 12 months, seems to stay forever. We have a family atmosphere. As a management team, we try to give them good equipment and good wages, and it seems to work well.” -- Pat Derry, Rockford Process Control, Inc.

Golf Classic The event, falling on temperate weather on May 22 at Rockford Country Club, kicked off the golf outing season in the region.

Awards: 1st place foursome: Dave Beto, Chris Beto, Jeff Beto, Ned Gillette 2nd place foursome: Alpine Bank 3rd place foursome: Jim Appell, John Foley, Tom Hayes, Pat Hester Long drive, women: Kathleen O’Connell Longest drive, men: Jeff Beto Closest to the pin, women: Beth Howard Closest to the pin, men: Sam Schmitz Longest putt: Guy Carynski

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Women-in-Business Expo and Luncheon

The Women-in-Business Expo and Luncheon on June 22 at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center featured a panel discussion on working in the nonprofit sector and balancing work-life issues. Presenters were RAMP Executive Director Julie Bosma, Youth Services Network Executive Director Mary Ellen Commare and Rock River Valley Blood Center CEO Linda Gerber.

“I loved the networking opportunity. I met 40 business owners and had the opportunity to tell them about my nonprofit organization. It was a good experience for me. We need to support each other and get involved.”

-- Jennifer Stark, Golden Apple Foundation

Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow:

Britney Lindgren, Rockford Art Deli

Woman Manager of the Year:

Yvonne Natalene Peterson, Heritage Woods of Rockford

Woman Business Owner of the Year:

Jean Crosby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Realtors

ATHENA PowerLink 2016/2017:

Kate Wirth, Lucette Salon/Spa

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Rockford Chamber members enjoyed a beautiful summer night celebrating 107 years in the community at the seventh-annual Founders’ Day Block Party on July 13 at the corner of State and South Main streets in downtown Rockford. The event featured entertainment by Bourbon Country and catering by Blue Line, with a signature drink, Bourbon Peach Ice Tea, made just for the event.

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The event also honored the original founding members of the Rockford Chamber, who signed the declaration on July 13, 1910, to establish the “Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce.”

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Founders’ Day Block Party

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

2015

&

Business After Hours

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Business Expo

The 10th annual Rockford Chamber Business Expo on Sept. 21 took place at a new host site, UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford. Featured speaker and business coach Tom Kelly presented “The Attraction Principle: How to Shift from Working to Get Clients to Attracting Them Effortlessly” to a sold-out crowd.

“We got a lot of people asking us ‘what is Bourn & Koch?’ Very few people know what we do. It’s important to get our name out in the community and start to meet new people.”

-- Joe Goral, Sr., Bourn & Koch, Inc.

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The 2018 Board of Directors

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Executive Committee

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Richard Zumwalt Chairman Z Resource

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Michele Petrie

Chair-Elect Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage

Dan Ross

Vice Chairman Gallagher Williams-Manny

Amy Ott

Treasurer Boylan Catholic High School

Patti Thayer

Immediate Past Chair Thayer Lighting, Inc.

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Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.

Kimberly Blascoe Wipfl i LLP

Jan Bowman TLC Construction

looking to 2018

The 2018 Board of Directors

LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management

Paula Carynski OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc.

Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc.

Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Doug Curry Stenstrom Excavation and Blacktop Group

Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Michael Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Elizabeth Lee Greenlee Textron

Kris Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting

Mark Peterson CherryVale Mall/ CBL & Associates Properties. Inc.

Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth

John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network

Karl Swanson Rockford Bank & Trust Co.

Udaya Talwar Woodward

Jon Thompson Butitta Brothers Automotive

Einar Forsman Ex-Officio Rockford Chamber of Commerce

John Groh Ex-Officio Rockford Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Nathan Bryant Ex-Officio Rkfd Area Economic Development Council

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The Rockford

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Chamber Staff

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Staff contact information

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO

Lynette Jacques Vice President, Member Investment

Joan Sundvall Membership Contact Coordinator

Heidi Garner Chief Operating Officer

Caitlin Pusateri Vice President, Leadership Development

Sue Boyer Member Relations

Doug Hessong Director of Publications & Technology

Doug Rand Accounting Manager/Controller

Bo Boger Illinois SBDC at Rockford Chamber

Einar K. Forsman eforsman@rockfordchamber.com

815-987-8100

Heidi Garner hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4312

Doug Hessong dhessong@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4338

Lynette Jacques ljacques@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4317

Caitlin Pusateri cpusateri@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4337

Doug Rand drand@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4316

Joan Sundvall jsundvall@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4320

Sue Boyer sboyer@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4315

Bo Boger SBDC@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4315

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Direct Line Call 815-987-8100

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Advertisers Index The Rockford Chamber would like to thank it's advertisers for supporting this publication.

The Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Larson & Darby Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Associated Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Bisconti Computers, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Crescent Electric Supply Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 First Northern Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Forest City Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 FurstStaffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Interstate Graphics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Knopp Constrution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Meridian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Mid-City Office Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Northern Illinois University Conference Centers . . . . . . . . . . 35 OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Rock River Valley Blood Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 UTC Aerospace Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 37 Woodward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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