December Voice 2025

ILLINOIS STATE REPORT CARD

WHAT COLLABORATION LOOKS LIKE

EHREN JARRETT

PAM CLARK REIDENBACH

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December 2025 | Volume 38 | No. 12 of the greater rockford business community

Looking back on GRCC’s year of momentum

TIME TO TAKE THE Q4 BUSINESS SENTIMENT SURVEY The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Business Sentiment Survey for Q4 2025 is now open and runs through Dec. 19.

The Chamber accelerated progress in 2025,

If you work for a business in

and there’s even more on the horizon

the Rockford Region and make decisions about spending

By Christine Hand, managing editor The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is on a roll and gaining momentum. Under the direction of its new(ish) CEO, Angela Kay Larson, an engaged board of directors, and motivated team, the GRCC has evolved beyond a traditional membership organization.

Today, it serves as the convener, connector, and driver of regional economic progress– leading business growth in many forms.

Over the past year, the GRCC has strengthened its capacity to support business growth and inform community strategy in a variety of ways.

money or hiring and firing,

Highlights from 2025 Economic development

In partnership with Eight Fifteen Impact, GRCC developed the region’s economic development strategic roadmap with six focus areas that will help ensure the community’s ability to harness opportunities for growth: • Organizational leadership • Business retention and expansion • Marketing and business attraction • Site readiness • Workforce development • Innovation The Chamber’s also building out its systems, processes, and tools to increase its capacity in economic development overall, including GRCC’s signature Business Retention and Expansion visits. We’re currently managing dozens of leads and projects with individual companies and site selectors related to retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses.

GRCC worked hand-in-hand with the new owners of Rockford Brake Manufacturing, connecting them to Rockford Local Development

Corporation (RLDC), banks, elected officials, government programs, and new vendors that led to an investment of $6.6M and the retention of the city’s oldest manufacturer and 150+ jobs.

then we encourage you to

Job creation and workforce development

Comparing quarter to quarter

Every dollar invested in economic development generates employment opportunities for local residents. As part of GRCC’s economic development efforts, it’s tracking economic and workforce indicators through the Northern Illinois Data Dashboard, launched in 2025 with Region 1 Planning Council and Growth Dimensions.

According to GRCC’s Quarterly Business Sentiment Survey (also launched in 2025), “availability of skilled workers” is the number one barrier to business growth. To address this need, the Chamber continues to collaborate with The Workforce Connection, GoRockford, Rock Valley College, Rockford University, local school districts, and CEANCI on workforce development and talent attraction. (continued on page 12)

Creating buzz for nonprofits A strategic marketing approach

THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY

Start with story, not statistics Join the Chamber on Social Media

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

While data demonstrates impact, stories create emotional connections.

Every nonprofit has powerful narratives within its work: beneficiaries whose lives have changed, volunteers who found purpose, communities transformed.

These human-centered stories should

quarter. Your insights are important.

Yes, it’s the same survey as the previous three quarters, but that’s the point. The survey is designed to assess the business climate throughout the year. So if you’ve taken the survey before, your participation is just as important this quarter.

Comparing local to national Additionally, our local survey aligns with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index Survey, allowing us to compare responses from Rockford area businesses with national results.

Open to members and non-members All GRCC members and local business owners and managers are encouraged to take the survey each quarter. A full report of the survey results will be shared with survey participants and GRCC

By Rebecca Francis, Ignite Change Solutions In an increasingly crowded philanthropic landscape, nonprofits must do more than simply exist. They must stand out. Effective marketing isn’t about selling a product; it’s about selling a vision, a mission, and an opportunity for people to be part of something meaningful.

Here’s how nonprofits can cut through the noise and create genuine buzz.

complete this survey every

members. Select survey highlights

be the foundation of your marketing strategy. Share them across all channels, using video, photography, and written testimonials to bring your mission to life.

People don’t just donate to causes; they invest in narratives they want to be part of.

are published in the VOICE.

Leverage social proof and community

Take the Q4 survey now:

Nothing creates buzz like momentum.

When people see others engaging with your organization, they’re more likely to join in. Showcase your supporters publicly by featuring donor spotlights, volunteer testimonials, and corporate partnerships. Create shareable moments (continued on page 4)

Reliable data is necessary to help GRCC evaluate needs, develop programs, identify trends and opportunities, advocate for local business, and plan for the future.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

CEO PERSPECTIVE

From for-profit to nonprofit My transition to the other side

By Angela Kay Larson, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

When I first stepped into the role of nonprofit leader, my sister Maureen Mall Koch, who serves as CEO of the Center for Sight & Hearing, told me, “Remember that ‘nonprofit’ is a tax exemption, not an operating model.”

That clear advice unleashed my propensity for profitability.

Coming from the private sector and having built a career in the commercial aspects of business, I’m used to driving revenue and profit. New product development … What’s our margin?

How quickly will we see a payback? How can we get cost out? How much will the customer pay? Pricing optimization …

Can we better align customer segments and product offerings to adjust pricing?

How are our competitors pricing their models? If we drive volume higher, can we lower price without affecting profits?

Distribution … Can we expand into a new market using a different channel?

Are we creating channel conflicts with our new product segmentation? How will we manage against our competitor’s channel strategy?

Profitability is vital to sustaining our operations regardless of our tax status.

At the GRCC, we’ve been diligent in strengthening our financial performance so we can invest profits in expanded services, additional programs, more efficient and welcoming office space, and financial reserves. We’ve had tough conversations about our revenue mix, what we can and can’t afford, whether or not we will adjust prices, and how to identify new income streams.

By “we” I mean the entire staff.

Working with our accounting team at John Morrissey Accountants, we have strengthened our financial reporting, and everyone has learned to read financial statements. Everyone participates in budgeting by estimating expenses and revenue. Last July the entire team collaborated to refine our spending estimates and sales forecasts through 6+6 rebudgeting (an exercise that uses six months of actual expenses and revenue to recalibrate the budget for the second half of the year). The best part: We identified ways to code expenses more accurately and discovered opportunities for invoicing process improvement.

Profitability is vital to fulfilling our mission regardless of our tax status.

NEWS BITE - ROCKFORD BRAKE OPENS Four former Gunite employees are reopening the 171-year-old factory, rebranding it as Rockford Brake Manufacturing, specializing in brake drums for the commercial vehicle industry.

Since Gunite’s closure in February 2025, new tariffs have created opportunities for domestic production, leading the partners to purchase the historic factory and its 41 acres of land. With a commitment to the Rockford Region and American manufacturing, the new venture is set to create 150 new jobs and will begin operations in November 2025.

“At the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to supporting initiatives like this—those that bring jobs, innovation, and renewed momentum to Rockford and the surrounding area,” said Angela K. Larson, GRCC CEO.

The GRCC is a membership organization that exists to deliver benefit to the community by leading economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing service and educational opportunities that help our members grow. We lead business growth. By practicing strong financial management, we are stewards of the investments made in GRCC by

our members and grantors to ensure that we can lead business growth for decades.

From for-profit to nonprofit? My transition to the nonprofit side has mostly been a matter of interpreting my commercial experience from selling products to offering services—always keeping centered on members and mission here on the other side. v

Angela Kay Larson, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce CEO, has 20 years of experience translating her for-profit work into nonprofit management as an advisor, instructor, and member of the professional services team at the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE). This year, NICNE celebrated its 20th anniversary in serving nonprofits and fulfilling their mission “to promote, model and grow innovation, excellence and social impact.”

ABOUT THIS ISSUE …

Nonprofits help sustain communities. And behind every powerful mission is a business model that must be resilient, strategic, and adaptive. As the needs of our communities evolve, so too must the organizations that serve them.

This issue explores the business side of nonprofit work—the decisions, investments, partnerships, and innovations that ensure mission-driven organizations can thrive for the long haul. We shine a light on collaborations breaking down silos, and we look closely at how nonprofits can better tell their stories to funders, policymakers, and the people they serve.

We also take a look back at highlights from 2025 for our favorite nonprofit—the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Like other nonprofits, the GRCC acknowledges its responsibility to embrace strategic opportunities, build capacity, foster innovation, promote the well-being of our region, and operate with the same savvy as any business—without sacrificing values or purpose.

—Christine Hand, managing editor UPCOMING EDITORIAL THEMES FOR THE VOICE Jan – Finances/Legal, Transfer of Wealth, Leadership Transitions Feb – Public Safety, Physical and Cyber Security March – Marketing and Branding

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce CEO Angela Kay Larson with Rockford Brake Manufacturing owners Tim Davis, Scott Henderson, Mike Brandi, and Brandon Baumann on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at Rockford Brake Manufacturing.

(Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

Chamber members are welcome to submit objective, thought leadership articles for publication in the VOICE. Visit rockfordchamber.com/the-voice for our editorial calendar, article guidelines, and advertising information.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

GUEST COLUMNIST

Rethinking ROI The power of partnership

By Brittany Freiberg, Rock Valley College Foundation At a quick glance, the relationship between businesses and nonprofits could be viewed as one-sided. The nonprofit makes the ask, the business supports the cause, and both move on to the next meeting, event, or campaign. Although that model can produce good results, it also limits the scope of possibility.

When philanthropy is viewed simply through an “asking” lens, the main focus can be placed on the resources themselves versus the impact those resources, and partnerships, may hold. In those instances, the relationship becomes transactional instead of collaborative, when in reality, both sides have the ability to bring equal value to the table. When both parties’ strengths, expertise, and motivations come together for a collective good, that’s when the magic can happen.

Developing a deeper understanding of the power behind industry and nonprofit partnerships has significantly changed the way I approach my work. Early in my career, I believed fundraising was about creating a compelling case for support, hoping it aligned with a donor’s priorities, and making the ask. Now, when I walk into donor meetings, my focus is

not on “making the ask,” but on creating opportunities for industry partners to make change happen in their community, and sometimes, even within their own organization. My role is to listen, to understand what areas of impact matter most to them, and to design a path that helps them achieve their philanthropic and community goals.

It’s a small shift in thinking, but it changes the entire dynamic. In this model, a nonprofit’s role is not to solicit but to collaborate. As nonprofit professionals, we have the privilege of connecting business goals with solutions that create lasting change and impact.

At Rock Valley College (RVC), we see this approach in action through our partnership with Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME). When AME recognized that a shortage of skilled workers in manufacturing was affecting the region’s growth, they joined forces with RVC to create a long-term solution.

Through a strategic partnership between AME and Rock Valley College, both parties developed an apprenticeship program that gives local students the chance to learn technical skills in real-

world settings while earning college credit. Students in the program graduate prepared for high-demand careers and have the opportunity to go on to work for AME full-time.

The company’s investment extends beyond the apprenticeship. Through their named scholarship with the Rock Valley College Foundation, AME helps remove financial barriers that might otherwise keep students from pursuing a career in manufacturing. The impact can be seen in the increased confidence levels of our students who are gaining hands-on experience, earning desirable credentials, and building brighter futures close to home. We also see it in a local employer who has a heart for their community and no longer has to look beyond our region to find skilled, motivated workers.

This relationship is a clear example of what can happen when a business and a nonprofit move from transaction to collaboration. Every nonprofit, regardless of mission, offers an opportunity for businesses to see their resources translated into impact that benefits both

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the community and their organization.

When purpose and partnership align, results follow.

True ROI in this work is not measured in dollars and cents but in lives changed because of generosity put into action. The value is seen in stronger families, healthier neighborhoods, and communities that thrive because people chose to invest in them.

This is what it means to rethink philanthropic ROI. Nonprofits can, and should, be collaborators, catalysts, and trusted partners.

The Rock Valley College Foundation builds regional relationships and secures resources to advance RVC and its students.

Together with their community of donors and education champions, the foundation helps remove financial barriers and expand access to education.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Brittany Freiberg, chief development officer for the Rock Valley College Foundation, is an experienced nonprofit professional with more than 20 years in philanthropy.

She works to build relationships that create opportunity, strengthen trust, and ensure every student at Rock Valley College has the access and resources needed to succeed.

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December 2025

(continued from page 1)

at events that encourage attendees to post on social media. Launch peer-topeer fundraising campaigns where your supporters become ambassadors. The goal is to make supporting your nonprofit feel like joining a movement rather than making a transaction.

and influencers who believe in your mission. Co-host events, cross-promote on social channels, and create joint campaigns that benefit both parties.

These partnerships not only expand your audience but also lend credibility and fresh perspectives to your work.

Master digital channels strategically

Measure, learn, and adapt

Your digital presence is often your first impression. Invest in a clean, mobile-responsive website that clearly communicates who you are, what you do, and how people can help. On social media, quality beats quantity. Choose platforms where your audience actually spends time and post consistently with purpose. Email marketing remains one of the highest-ROI channels for nonprofits, so build your list and segment it thoughtfully. Share impact updates, behind-the-scenes content, and urgent needs that motivate action.

Create compelling calls to action Buzz without action is just noise. Don’t be afraid to make the buzz loud with bold, clear calls to action that inspire people to move from spectator to supporter.

Every piece of marketing should drive toward a specific action. Make giving easy with mobile-optimized donation pages and multiple giving options.

Offer various engagement levels, from signing a petition to volunteering to monthly giving, so people can participate according to their capacity. Use urgency authentically, whether through matching gift campaigns, time-sensitive needs, or milestone goals that create collective excitement. Remember, people want to help. Your job is simply to show them how.

Build strategic partnerships Amplify your reach by partnering with aligned organizations, local businesses,

Marketing without measurement is guesswork, and your mission deserves better than that. Track what resonates.

Which stories get shared? Which emails get opened? Which campaigns drive donations? Use these insights to refine your approach continuously. The most successful nonprofit marketers are those who stay curious, test new ideas, and aren’t afraid to pivot when something isn’t working. Remember, every “no” gets you closer to a “yes,” and every failed campaign teaches you something valuable about your audience.

Here’s the truth: Creating buzz for a nonprofit isn’t about gimmicks or going viral. It’s about showing up consistently, sharing your vision authentically, and making it irresistibly easy for people to join your mission. Your cause matters.

Help others see it too. And there are supporters out there right now, searching for a way to make a difference, who just need to hear your story.

When done with heart and strategy, marketing stops being a promotional chore and becomes what it really is: an invitation for others to be part of the change you’re creating in the world. So get out there, share your story boldly, and watch as the right people find their way to you. Your mission is too important to keep quiet about.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. v

Rebecca Francis is CEO of Ignite Change Solutions, where she helps municipalities, nonprofits, educational institutions, and corporations strengthen leadership, streamline operations, and amplify their impact.

A speaker and entrepreneur known for relatable storytelling and practical strategies, Rebecca empowers leaders to turn vision into action.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

GUEST COLUMNIST

The modern value of thrift Why secondhand matters more than ever

By Shannon Harper, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Thrift shopping was once viewed as a niche habit, a place to hunt for

resale finds into cultural norm rather than exception.

retro clothing, quirky home décor,

Beyond individual savings and style,

or inexpensive college furniture. But

the secondhand economy is tied to

secondhand retail has evolved into

community benefit. Many thrift stores

something far more meaningful. In a

operate under nonprofit models, where

time when prices are rising, consumer

revenue funds programs such as job

waste is climbing, and more people are

training, education, workforce services,

rethinking how and where they spend

re-entry support, and other missions that

their money, thrift stores have become

directly impact local residents. Donated

an important part of the modern

goods become more than merchandise

economy and a practical path toward

on a rack. They become funding for

sustainability.

skill-building, employment, and second

Americans throw away millions of

chances.

tons of clothing and textiles each year,

The environmental and economic

much of it still usable. Fast fashion,

impact extends even further through

which is inexpensive clothing made

recycling. Items that cannot be resold,

quickly and discarded just as fast, has

including damaged textiles, metals,

shortened the life cycle of what we wear.

and electronics, are often diverted into

Donating and buying secondhand helps

recycling streams instead of discarded.

slow that cycle. When items stay in

That keeps waste out of landfills and

circulation longer, fewer resources are

supports additional jobs in sorting,

needed to manufacture replacements

processing, and logistics.

and less ends up in landfills. Thrifting

Thrifting also represents a cultural

has become one of the simplest ways for

shift. Consumers are questioning the idea

everyday consumers to support waste

that new is always better, that shopping

reduction without needing to overhaul

must be fast, or that value is tied only

their lifestyle.

to price tags. Secondhand encourages

The economic impact is just as

a slower, more thoughtful approach

important. With inflation affecting

to consumerism, one that considers

everything from groceries to winter

lifespan,

coats, many families are turning to thrift

benefit before purchase.

purpose,

and

community

stores as a way to stretch their budgets.

Secondhand retail is no longer a

Brand-name clothing, small appliances,

backup option. It’s a smart, sustainable,

books, children’s items, and holiday

and

decor can often be found at a fraction

of how people shop, save, and give

of retail cost. For households trying

back. Whether someone is donating

to balance rising costs and shrinking

or buying, the impact is larger than a

purchasing

secondhand

single transaction. It supports the planet,

shopping is not just a trend. It is a

strengthens local economies, and creates

financial strategy.

opportunities for people who need them.

power,

increasingly

mainstream

part

There’s also a growing creative appeal

In a world that is paying closer

to buying used. Thrift allows shoppers

attention to waste, cost, and purpose,

to find items that are unique, vintage,

thrift stores are proving that old items can

or not currently sold in traditional

create new value and that secondhand

retail stores. For younger generations,

may be one of the most forward-thinking

especially Gen Z, secondhand style has

choices of all.

become part of their personal identity, a way to stand out, upcycle, and shop

The views expressed are those of the

with intention. Social platforms have

author(s) and do not necessarily represent

helped accelerate the shift, turning

those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of

thrift flips, DIY projects, and curated

Commerce.

Shannon Harper is the senior PR/marketing manager of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, a communitybased nonprofit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for individuals with barriers to enhance their lives. To learn more about Goodwill and how your support can help change lives and transform communities, visit goodwillni.org.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

GUEST COLUMNISTS

GUEST COLUMNISTS

A smart business investment with real returns

Commercial credit cards improve efficiency and security

By Livia Bane, Birth to Five Illinois

By Joey Heinrich, UMB Bank

Early childhood programs

Few investments deliver greater returns for businesses, communities, and the economy than high-quality early childhood programs. Research shows that children who have access to robust early learning opportunities are more likely to graduate from high school, participate in the workforce, and contribute meaningfully to society. They are also far less likely to require costly interventions later in life, such as incarceration and reliance on public assistance. For companies looking to secure a reliable talent pipeline, these outcomes are not just important, they are essential.

The impact of early childhood programs extends to the current workforce as well. Parents and caregivers with access to affordable, reliable child care are more productive, miss fewer workdays, and are less likely to leave their jobs. Without these supports, businesses lose billions annually to absenteeism and turnover. Recognizing this connection, organizations that support early childhood programs strengthen their current workforce, cultivate future talent, and safeguard their bottom line.

For those who look to the numbers, the economic case is equally compelling.

Economist James Heckman’s research shows that every dollar invested in early childhood education returns up to 13% annually through better education, health, and employment outcomes. Few investments deliver such significant and

lasting benefits.

Ultimately, businesses, communities, and policymakers must see early learning not as philanthropy or someone else’s issue, but as strategy. If we want a stronger economy and workforce, it starts with investing in our youngest community members.

In the meantime, keep an eye on New Mexico, the first state in the nation to offer universal child care to families at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

A bold step that, according to Governor Grisham, offers “families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

To explore solutions and practical steps for addressing child care needs in the workplace, visit the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s website: www.uschamberfoundation.org.

Birth to Five Illinois works across Illinois to understand how families access local services, informs decisionmakers of families’ needs, and brings community members together to take action. To better understand the Early childhood landscape in Boone and Winnebago Counties, visit www.birthtofiveil.com/ region4.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Livia Bane is the regional council manager for Birth to Five Illinois: Region 4, serving Boone and Winnebago Counties. A dedicated child advocate and community champion, she identifies pressing needs and advances meaningful solutions that strengthen families, support children’s success, and foster positive community outcomes.

The new payables landscape

In the business-to-business (B2B) world, checks have long been the preferred method of payment, but the rise of electronic options is changing the payables landscape. According to the Association for Financial Professionals’ (AFP) 2025 Digital Payments Survey, 76% of organizations plan to update their payments strategy within the next three years. Exploring new payment formats and channels is of particular interest to organizations surveyed, with 72% of survey respondents reporting this as a top priority. The survey also noted a decrease in check usage: Checks account for 26% of B2B payments, down from 33% in 2022.

Faster payments are becoming progressively more important to a company’s bottom line. If you’re still using checks, there are several reasons to consider a shift to electronic payment methods such as automated clearing house or commercial cards, which can meet a variety of business spending needs.

Optimize cash flow and reduce costs

Purchasing card usage has climbed steadily for years. While there are numerous reasons for the growing popularity of purchasing cards, increased cash flow is becoming a primary driver.

The most direct cash flow benefit of paying by card stems from the extended float period built into the payment structure.

First, the digital systems supporting card programs allow for significantly better data analysis. Real-time spending data can be used to identify expense patterns on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, which can then be used to schedule payments in advance to ensure on-time payments and to optimize cash flow throughout the year. Beyond preemptively scheduling payments, companies can track expenditures with specific suppliers or spending categories, opening the possibility of using trend information to negotiate better terms with frequent suppliers by shortening payment terms to the supplier while maintaining payment terms to their purchasing card provider.

Commercial card programs also lower administrative costs by allowing companies to consolidate payments and reconcile employee purchases automatically, eliminating the need for

time-consuming processes like invoicing and cash advances.

Streamline payments, minimize risk

Beyond the cash flow implications, commercial cards have other features that can benefit businesses. In addition to rebates and reduced staffing-related expenses, cards also provide cost savings in transaction fees. The median cost of processing a paper check is $3, double the cost of a purchasing card transaction.

In addition, from a risk management perspective, cards are safer than paper checks. Built-in protections such as EMV chips and payment controls that allow administrators to closely monitor and regulate card spending create a fraud risk management infrastructure that is stronger than that of check security systems.

Finally, card programs improve both the supplier and employee experiences: • Payments can be set up in advance and tracked in real time.

• Card programs help avoid paymentrelated disputes with suppliers.

• Commercial cards simplify the disbursement of internal expenses.

• Administrators can authorize and control parameters for each cardholder.

• Employees don’t need to make outof-pocket purchases and wait to be reimbursed for business-related expenses.

While implementing a commercial card program can be complex, a strong banking partner can provide end-to-end implementation support and can remain a resource as business needs evolve.

UMB offers commercial banking, which includes comprehensive deposit, lending, investment, and retirement plan services; personal banking, which includes comprehensive deposit, lending, wealth management, and financial planning services; and institutional banking, which includes asset servicing, corporate trust solutions, investment banking, and healthcare services. For more information, visit www.umb.com/business-banking.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Joey Heinrich is SVP, payables solutions consultant at UMB Bank, overseeing payables sales strategy and processes and supporting commercial leadership.

Joey has more than 25 years of financial services experience helping clients with maximizing their treasury management services to increase efficiency and cash flow.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

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December 2025

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Professional liability insurance for nonprofits Why it’s essential, and why costs are rising

By Jeffrey Beto and John Rose, CoyleKiley Nonprofits provide essential services, such as counseling, education, advocacy, healthcare, and more. But with these services comes risk. If a client or stakeholder claims your organization made a mistake, gave harmful advice, or failed to deliver promised services, the financial and reputational fallout can be severe. That’s why professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, is a musthave.

What professional liability insurance covers This policy protects nonprofits from claims of: • Negligence or misrepresentation.

• Failure to deliver services as promised.

• Errors in documentation or advice.

• Breach of confidentiality.

It covers legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments, even if the claim is unfounded.

100% since 2019. Key drivers of rising costs include: • High-risk work. Nonprofits often serve vulnerable populations, increasing the likelihood and severity of claims.

• Social inflation. Legal defense costs and settlement amounts are climbing.

• Reinsurance pressures. Insurance carriers themselves face higher costs, which they pass on to nonprofits.

• Carrier exits and coverage restrictions. Some insurers are pulling out of the nonprofit sector or capping coverage limits at $2M–$3M. Even nonprofits with clean claims histories are affected. Carriers are tightening underwriting standards and offering lower limits, making it harder to secure adequate protection.

What nonprofits can do

What’s driving price increases

• Review coverage annually with a broker who understands nonprofit risks.

• Document services and interactions thoroughly.

• Invest in staff training and risk management.

• Explore the available options such as captives, self-insured retention, mission-driven carriers.

Professional liability insurance isn’t optional, it’s essential. As legal risks and insurance costs rise, nonprofits must be proactive in protecting their mission, staff, and reputation. The right coverage ensures communities can continue to be served, even when challenges arise.

Nonprofits are facing a hard insurance market, especially for professional liability coverage. Rates are rising sharply, 15%–20% increases are common, with some organizations seeing spikes of over

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Why it’s more important than ever Nonprofits are increasingly vulnerable to professional liability claims due to: • Expanded services in mental health, housing, and education.

• Staff shortages, which increase the risk of errors.

• Greater scrutiny from funders, regulators, and the public.

Even organizations offering free services can be sued. Without coverage, legal costs could drain budgets or halt operations.

Jeffery Beto is vice president and commercial insurance advisor at CoyleKiley. Since joining the team in June 2010, he has facilitated unparalleled risk mitigation and cost control measures for his clients.

John Rose is vice president and commercial insurance advisor at CoyleKiley. He specializes in assisting business owners with customized insurance programs for property, casualty, and workers compensation. He has extensive experience with not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers, municipalities, public education, contractors, and restaurants.

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December 2025

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GUEST COLUMNISTS

Protecting brain health Advice for communities, businesses, and individuals

By Nancy Rainwater, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter When I first began my time working for the Alzheimer’s Association more than 16 years ago, our messaging and audience was much different than it is today. We mostly talked to caregivers about signs of cognitive decline in your loved one and, once a diagnosis was made, how to cope. There was no treatment, no way to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease … We supported the caregivers after the diagnosis. I’m proud to say that since that time, not only are there FDA approved treatments available, but we’re now talking about the possible prevention of Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

The results from U.S. POINTER, a two-year, randomized controlled clinical trial, provide the rigorous data needed to say with confidence that healthy behaviors can meaningfully protect brain health across diverse populations in the U.S. The findings, shared for the first time at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, tested lifestyle programs that simultaneously targeted risk factors for cognitive decline. The programs focused on:

• Aerobic exercise: At least 30–35 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity four times a week, plus strength and flexibility exercises two times a week.

• Cognitive engagement: Computerbased brain training program three times a week for 30 minutes, plus regular engagement in other intellectually challenging and social activities.

• Nutrition: Adherence to the MIND diet, which emphasizes dark leafy green, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and fish, and limits sugar and unhealthy fats.

• Health monitoring: Regular checkins on blood pressure, weight, and lab results.

Participants followed a self-guided or structured lifestyle program. Remarkably, cognitive function improved over the two years for both intervention groups. The group that followed a more structured program improved even more. This group performed at a level comparable to adults one to two years younger in age— an effect that likely increases resilience against cognitive decline.

As business leaders and as a community, how do we use this knowledge to advance brain health and public health? What can you do to protect your brain and improve your employees’ brain health?

The Illinois Department of Public Health along with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter is working to educate communities on the importance of brain health. We’re focused on building programs and interventions using the public health spectrum of prevention.

Most of these efforts are community based because that is where real impact happens. And support from every level— individual and community education, healthcare systems, coalitions and

partnerships, organizational practice, public health policy—is what’s needed to create meaningful, widespread change.

Visit yourbrainwillthankyou.com or alz.org for more information.

Regardless of your age, it’s important to protect your brain’s health and support your overall well-being. Luckily, there are things you can do every day to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

It’s never too early to begin to protect your brain health.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy Rainwater is the communications VP for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

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December 2025

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GUEST COLUMNISTS

Sustainable funding in an uncertain world Exploring new sources of revenue

By Alberto Carrión, Carpenter’s Place Just when we need it most, economic and policy-related forces are making it more challenging for many charitable organizations to fulfill their missions, let alone expand on them. More often than not, the tried-and-true funding formula—a mix of individual and corporate donations, grants, fund-raising events, and, if we’re fortunate enough, investment income—falls short. For those of us on the front lines, the challenges can seem almost insurmountable.

Stay true to your mission

Call it ‘mission creep’, but, over time, charitable organizations can begin taking on more than they were built for. Their natural inclination, after all, is to help, whatever it takes. By wandering into uncharted territory and working outside their charter, however, the gap between need and capacity often grows alarmingly.

Resources are stretched even thinner, and givers of grants and donations soon begin to wonder if their money is being invested as originally intended.

Let’s take Carpenter’s Place as an example. As a faith-based organization, we have, for the last 25 years, sought to provide the essential tools that the community’s homeless and families in crisis need to rebuild their lives. Through the efforts of our staff, volunteers, and donors, Carpenter’s Place has stayed true to its mission of providing the resources we all take for granted: food and clothing, shelter and, most importantly, strategies for personal transformation. Today, however, with more guests than ever relying on us, and more families in crisis, we’re experiencing growing pains, capacity constraints, and funding challenges. Our impulse is to do more—but strategically.

Maximize existing funding options

Take grants, for example, which,

historically, represent about a third of our funding. Competition for this funding is fierce. Grants, whether local, state, federal, or through private foundations, are awarded for specific uses, like housing or operating a resource like our Day Room, and require very specific compliance and reporting.

We’re now focused on maintaining and even increasing this revenue stream by searching for and winning more grants and rigidly adhering to the requirements set forth by every grantor.

As an organization, we recognize that we need to provide more wraparound resources, interaction, and guidance to individuals and families whose circumstances and needs are all very different. We’ll need to quickly add capacity and fund it sustainably.

Anniversary

Thank you Rockford

for this experience!

Tap into new, sustainable revenue

For nonprofits, developing sustainable revenue streams is essential to ensuring long-term impact and mission stability.

Diverse, reliable revenue sources can help lessen the impact of economic shifts or changing priorities among funders.

When we opened Carpenter’s Corner Thrift & More retail store in 2023, we not only added an important resource to the community but also a sustainable source of funding for our organization.

The launch of our first store proved so successful that we opened our second Carpenter’s Corner store on South Alpine Road this year.

By staying true to your mission, refining your internal processes, and adding new revenues, your organization can continue to thrive in uncertain times.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT REVENUE STREAMS To avoid mission drift and burnout, consider the following: • Mission alignment – Does this revenue still advance our purpose?

• Organizational capacity – Do we have staff, systems, brand to support it?

• Market demand – Will people pay for this? Who? Why us?

• Startup investment – What are the upfront costs and break-even timeline?

• Risk profile – What happens if it fails? Is the board on board?

Alberto Carrión joined Carpenter’s Place in 2024 as executive director. He is a specialist in helping make nonprofit growth a reality, and a strategic thinker who refuses to accept the status quo as anything other than a benchmark for improvement. Alberto holds an MBA in operations management, a certificate in nonprofit management, a bachelor degree in social work, and a minor in Bible.

Download our app to receive our Anniversary Gift Card, collect loyalty points and discounts.

510 S Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL 61108

Ph 815-986-0950

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Innovation

GRCC supports entrepreneurship and innovation through collaborations with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), EIGER Lab, Think Big!, Rockford University, ACE Network, and Rock Valley College. The Chamber sponsored and participated in GREAT Week for Entrepreneurs, EIGER Lab Innovation Awards, and partnered with SBDC on multiple workshops.

Programming and events

“What a great event to Pow(H)er up women’s skills and network! It was professional,

informational,

excellent

speakers/material,

featured and

facilitated many great conversations and new connections.”

Annual dinner

If you missed GRCC’s 8-1-5 Rockin’ Eve annual dinner and fundraiser at Hard Rock Casino, you missed something

GRCC’s programming continues to grow in scope and relevance, and people are noticing.

The 2025 luncheon series included the mayor’s annual address to the business community, a college and career readiness panel discussion with local school districts, and a mental health panel discussion with local health care providers.

truly special …

“I attended the mayor’s luncheon, and it was a great experience. The venue was terrific. And it’s always interesting to get fresh updates from Mayor McNamara about what’s going on in the city. I’d definitely attend another one.”

annual dinner. Great networking and

At the Midwest Aerospace Conference (MAC 2025), organized in cooperation with GRCC’s Rockford Area Aerospace Network, exhibition space sold out and a record number of attendees participated in the matchmaking sessions. As a result, 40 local companies were matched with procurement representatives from Boeing, Gulfstream, Collins, Woodward, and GE Aerospace. Nearly 15% of buyers agreed to follow up discussions, and 44% were further evaluating suppliers.

“What a creative and fun idea, paired with an inspiring and impactful purpose.

From the VIP pre-party to the beautiful decorations, the delicious food, and the outstanding program and videos—every detail was flawlessly executed.”

“Congratulations

on

a

fantastic

kudos to the GRCC team for a truly successful event!”

“Praise and accolades for a wellorchestrated,

entertaining,

and

meaningful annual dinner.”

“Great event! It was very original and refreshing. I walked out with one of our leaders who commented that it was the best event he had been to in a long time.”

Leadership Rockford

GRCC graduated 50 members of the 2024-2025 Leadership Rockford cohort at the annual Celebration of Leadership.

Building on feedback from an alumni focus group, the 2025-2026 class is underway

“What a creative and fun idea, paired with an inspiring and impactful purpose. From the

and kicking things into high gear.

Quarterly Business Sentiment Surveys

To quantitatively understand the perspectives of the regional business community, GRCC partnered with R1 Planning Council to develop a quarterly

VIP pre-party to the beautiful decorations, the delicious food, and the outstanding program

Business Sentiment Survey that aligns with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, launching its first survey in Q1 2025. Survey results help GRCC promote the Rockford

and videos—every detail was

region, create programming, and target

flawlessly executed.”

the Chamber and R1 analyzes the data,

business advocacy efforts. A team from creates a report, and shares it with GRCC

As a new service to members, GRCC began hosting turnkey workshops and round-table discussions in the newly furnished meeting space at the Chamber’s offices in downtown Rockford.

Pow(H)er, GRCC’s annual women’s conference and awards luncheon, was a huge success this year, bringing together 250+ attendees for education, inspiration, and mimosas.

members and other survey participants.

Highlights from each survey are featured in the VOICE. Thank you to all the members, supporters, and volunteers who helped make 2025 a year of connection, celebration, and growth for GRCC and the greater Rockford business community.

v

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

POW(H)ER 2025

Congratulations to the 2025 Women in Business Award winners Awards were presented by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce at its annual Pow(H)er conference

Woman Business Owner of the Year award (sponsored by Thayer Energy Solutions), Julie Rylatt, Willow Creek Counseling, LLC

Community Hero award (sponsored by Midland States Bank), Sherry Gaumond, Larson & Darby Group

Excellence in Leadership award (sponsored by Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Erna Colborn) Patricia Lynott, PhD, Rockford University

Emerging Leader of the Year award, Paige Gors Limberg, AGHL Law

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December 2025

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Informed housing providers Partners in building resilient communities

By Samantha Harris, Paul Davis Restoration and Northern Illinois Landlord Association Nonprofits and housing organizations often lead the charge in addressing one of today’s biggest challenges—access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Yet local landlords and property owners, who provide most rental homes, play an equally vital, though often overlooked, role.

In Northern Illinois, most landlords aren’t large corporations. They’re small business owners, families, retirees, and professionals, managing a few units while contributing to the economic and social fabric of their neighborhoods. When informed and supported, these landlords become key partners in building resilient communities.

The relationship between landlords and the broader political network, however, can be fragmented.

Miscommunication, legislative misunderstandings, and inconsistent dialogue can create tension instead of collaboration. When housing providers and policymakers work together, the outcomes are powerful, stable tenancies, safer homes, and thriving neighborhoods.

Education and advocacy are essential. Landlords who understand fair housing laws, tenant rights, and property management best practices can maintain their investments while protecting tenants. Ongoing education, through associations, municipal workshops, or community partnerships, bridges knowledge gaps and encourages professional, ethical property management.

Advocacy ensures housing policies reflect real-world challenges. Rules developed without landlord input can unintentionally discourage responsible investment or limit quality rental housing. Open communication between policymakers, civic leaders and landlords helps craft legislation that protects tenants while acknowledging the realities of property management.

Networking strengthens communities further. When landlords connect with peers, contractors, and service providers, they share experiences and develop best practices that elevate the entire housing landscape. This collaboration fosters professionalism and pride, not just in

buildings but in neighborhoods.

Being a landlord is more than a business; it’s a community role.

Successful housing providers view their properties as part of a broader ecosystem that includes tenants, neighbors, city officials, and civic partners. This mindset builds trust, reduces conflict and benefits everyone, supporting a stable and sustainable housing market.

As Northern Illinois grows, collaboration between landlords, policymakers, and civic leaders is more important than ever. Treating housing as a shared responsibility rather than a divided interest helps build not just better properties, but stronger, more resilient communities.

The Northern Illinois Landlord Association is a nonprofit, educational organization representing nearly 9,000 rental units. Members include rental property owners, managers, and

industry

suppliers.

The

association

provides education, legislative updates, networking, operational forms, and costsaving resources to help landlords manage properties

more

efficiently,

protect

investments, and stay informed.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Samantha Harris is a restoration professional at Paul Davis Restoration, specializing in customer service and residential housing support. She focuses on strengthening relationships between property owners, managers, and service partners. Samantha currently serves on the board for the Northern Illinois Landlord Association, supporting education, advocacy, and responsible rental housing practices.

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December 2025

GUEST COLUMNISTS

2024–25 Illinois State Report Card RPS 205 celebrates major gains

By Ehren Jarrett, Ed.D., Rockford Public Schools The annual report card from the Illinois State Board of Education is out, and Rockford Public Schools are celebrating powerful gains across multiple measures of student success.

The hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families is paying off in meaningful ways. These results reflect our shared mission to ensure that every child is prepared for college, career, and life.

Student success on the rise

Three years ago, we set out to prove that real progress isn’t just possible; it’s achievable when we believe in every child. In 2022, just 15% of our students were proficient in literacy. Today, that number has more than doubled, far surpassing our original goal of 20%.

Behind every percentage point are more confident readers, stronger thinkers, and brighter futures.

Middle School On Track, the measure of how well students are prepared to succeed in high school, has climbed from below 60% in 2019 to 82% in 2025.

That’s an enormous gain, and it reflects both stronger academic foundations and improved attendance and engagement.

Graduation rates are also rising sharply, from 66% in 2022 to 77% this year. That’s one of the most promising upward trends in our district’s recent history. Freshman On Track, another key indicator of long-term success, improved from 72% to 79% in the same period.

We’re also seeing growth in academic rigor. Among our graduates, 56% have completed advanced coursework, including AP classes, dual credit, or the Seal of Biliteracy, reflecting a growing culture of challenge and readiness for college and careers.

Every data point represents lives changed: more students reading on grade level, more students earning diplomas, and more students leaving high school with a solid plan for what’s next.

Schools leading the way

Across the district, schools of all sizes and neighborhoods are contributing to this momentum.

• McIntosh Elementary doubled its summative score from 20.6 to 45.3, earning Targeted status for the first time ever.

• Conklin Academy moved from Targeted to Commendable. That’s a milestone achievement after years of dedicated improvement work.

• The gifted academies at Marshall Elementary and Marchall Middle School, and the STEAM Academy at Haskell all earned Exemplary ratings, ranking among the top-performing schools in Illinois.

These results don’t happen by chance.

They happen because of intentional teamwork, strong leadership, and a belief that every student can and will succeed.

The benefit to business

A stronger school district means a stronger workforce pipeline, and one filled with talented, motivated, and wellprepared graduates ready to contribute to local industry and innovation.

Our businesses need critical thinkers, communicators, and problem-solvers.

The academic rigor our students are now experiencing is directly tied to those real-world skills. Through partnerships with local companies, colleges, and nonprofits, we’re ensuring that students not only graduate but do so with direction and purpose.

This is where the business community plays a crucial role. Whether through mentorship, internships, advisory roles, or classroom partnerships, your engagement helps connect the classroom to a career right here in Rockford.

A community-wide effort

While we celebrate progress, we know there is still work to do. But each success tells the story of what happens when belief meets effort: transformation.

This is shared accountability in action. Schools, families, and our entire community are standing shoulder to shoulder to lift every child higher.

Because progress isn’t a solo act. It happens together—through commitment, collaboration, and a collective belief that Rockford’s future depends on the success of its young people.

Visit illinoisreportcard.com to see district and school-level results.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is in his 12th year as superintendent of Rockford Public Schools, where he has led transformative changes aimed at improving educational outcomes and supporting the community. One of his most notable achievements is his work to establish Rockford Promise, Illinois’ first major college promise program.

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December 2025

GUEST COLUMNISTS

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Delivering maximum impact

What collaboration looks like

Working together for long-term, socioeconomic benefit

Solving our most significant social issues together

By Julie Bosma, United Way of Rock River Valley

By Pam Clark Reidenbach, Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence

As donors become savvier in their charitable giving, nonprofits must make a strong and compelling case for how a donation can lead to significant socioeconomic impact downstream.

Through collective impact and a focus on critical societal issues, nonprofits can raise their profile, prove their value, and build relationships with business donors like never before.

Identifying the issue If there’s a single, foundational issue that has the attention of every employer, it’s literacy. I have yet to engage with a businessperson, from the owner of a small boutique to the CEO of a major company, who doesn’t lament the scarcity of employees with basic reading skills.

One has only to look at the statistics to recognize what is a national epidemic and a threat to the standard of living that we’ve long taken for granted.

We’re a country where half the adult population reads below a sixthgrade level, as documented in a study commissioned by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and Gallup. Low literacy costs the U.S. economy approximately $2.2 trillion a year in lost wages, productivity, and economic growth. In Winnebago County, only one in three third graders can read proficiently. It’s no wonder employers are forced to spend billions each year training employees in basic skills.

The work being done by United Way of Rock River Valley and our partners aligns with the Chamber’s priority on workforce development. The impact of high-quality, early-learning literacy programs on long-term returns resonates with business donors. For example: • Economist and Nobel Laureate James Heckman found investments in highquality, early learning can yield a 13%

annual ROI per child, in financial status, health, and social outcomes.

• The National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs states that these programs can yield a $4 to $9 return for every $1 invested.

• Closer to home: If we improve Winnebago County’s percentage of third graders reading at grade level to 75% by 2034, 1,400 students that would have typically dropped out of high school will graduate. These graduates will go on to earn $30 million more annually than they would have as drop outs.

Employing collective impact Through a process known as collective impact, United Way of Rock River Valley (UWRRV), is focused on solving the literacy crisis TOGETHER with the community. Our partners include YMCA, YWCA, UW Health, Crusader Community Foundation, MercyHealth, OSF Healthcare, childcare centers, and school districts.

We’re addressing the root determinants of literacy in the youngest residents of our county. Research shows that a focus on children birth through five provides the foundation needed to ‘move the needle’ on literacy proficiency rates in Winnebago County. In just two years, we’ve invested nearly $2 million, delivered more than 180,000 books, and launched volunteer literacy and mentoring programs in schools.

Ultimately, the decision to focus on literacy today will pay off for area employers tomorrow.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Talk without action is a waste of

ABOUT COLLECTIVE IMPACT Collective impact (CI) is a proven way to bring people together to tackle big social challenges and create lasting change. Instead of working in isolated programs, CI asks partners from across sectors to commit to a shared goal and a long-term plan. Five key elements differentiate it from typical collaboration: • Common agenda – Everyone shares the same vision and approach to addressing the problem.

• Shared measurement – Partners agree on how to track progress and use data to learn and improve.

• Mutually reinforcing activities – Each organization contributes through coordinated actions that complement one another.

• Continuous communication – Regular, transparent communication builds trust and keeps everyone aligned.

• Backbone support – A dedicated team or organization helps coordinate the work, support partners, and keep the effort moving forward.

co-creates

solutions

ensures

time and resources. Isolated activities or

more robust ideas, greater buy-in, and

interventions result in more and more

sustained results.

programs and more and more money

Nonprofits bring deep ties within

needed to fund them. Perhaps it’s time

the community that are built on trust

to abandon individual agendas and

with valuable knowledge of social issues

siloed approaches for a collaborative

and program delivery, experience in

approach to solving issues. What if we

advocating for policy change, significant

were to choose a long-term, coordinated

network connections, and awareness of

solutions-based

funding streams.

approach

versus

a

Businesses have the capacity to

temporary programmatic fix?

We know that no one organization

provide funding and in-kind support.

or individual alone can solve our most

Their

significant social issues. It requires

innovative ideas, strategic approaches,

long-term

and access to customers and markets.

commitment

and

cross-

fresh

perspective

can

bring

sector collaboration informed by lived

Government, too, is a critical partner

experience to ensure needle-moving

in cross-sector collaboration. They can

positive results. These desired results

influence policy change, leverage grants,

require more than talk. It requires a

access public data, and guide system-

common agenda and a focused plan of

level change.

ACTION with assigned accountability

All sectors play a critical role as content

and shared measurement, not a plan

experts, YET a crucial perspective often

with hundreds of strategies that dilute

overlooked is that of context expert.

coordinated efforts and overwhelm participants. for

Nonprofit

Engaging people with lived experience ensures “nothing about us without us.”

At the Northern Illinois Center

We cannot adequately or permanently

(NICNE)

solve issues without hearing the voice

Social Innovation and Collaboration

of lived experience, acknowledging that

Laboratory (CollabLab) we’re addressing

individuals are the authorities in their

vexing social issues (i.e. food insecurity,

own lives, and challenging the practice of

youth

gun

making decisions for individuals versus

violence prevention, digital access and

making decisions with them. We often

opportunities, building a culture of

see that when we make decisions for

belonging, etc.) using a coordinated

individuals, the solutions imposed fail

approach informed by collective impact

to address the true issues and perpetuate

that includes:

the problems. We must give agency,

mental

Excellence

health,

youth

1. Gathering the change-makers by

opportunity, and voice to people with

calling together people with interest,

lived experience, while using sector

experience, and expertise.

influence and authority to influence

2. Defining the problem and committing to evidence and fact-based decision making.

change and build a movement.

Like the dandelion that has gone to seed, we each must do our individual part

3. Co-creating solutions by agreeing Julie Bosma is president/CEO of United Way Rock River Valley. She has more than 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and desires to see the community work together for the good of everyone. She has a BA from Valparaiso University and a master’s in public administration from NIU.

that

on bold goals, universal metrics, and aligned activities and funding.

4. Sustaining a movement through

to spread the seeds of change through a collective organized effort.

Together our community can solve any issue we choose if we move beyond

a defined structure driving progress,

talk and into collective, collaborative

sustained effort, and funding.

action.

We’ve seen that multiple perspectives are necessary for broad engagement and

The views expressed are those of the

best results. Differences become assets

author(s) and do not necessarily represent

and leverage new resources, ideas, and

those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of

experiences. Developing a new approach

Commerce.

Pam Clark Reidenbach is the founder and president/CEO of the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) at Northern Illinois University. With over 35 years of executive experience, Pam has devoted her career to the nonprofit sector, providing strategic planning, governance training, grant writing, and group/ collaborative facilitation. Pam currently serves as a trustee for the Kjellstrom Family Foundation.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

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GUEST COLUMNISTS

From sticky notes to AI-ready systems Build your own app to upgrade processes

By Sam Kirker, SJK Enterprises Sales run through Stacey’s spreadsheet, customer service runs through Carl’s Post-it Notes, and the warehouse runs through Willie’s brain.

Every small business has a version of this duct-taped system that keeps the train on the tracks day in and day out.

But the same unforced errors happen every month. Carl forgets to follow up on the customer’s question, and now you have a one-star Google review. Willie’s out for parent-teacher conferences at his daughter’s school, and you’re stuck trying to keep the train on the tracks.

You’ve tried software, but everyone needs add-ons and customizations to fit your workflow.

You want to be on the leading edge of the digital transformation, but how do you get there without a massive IT budget and teams of smart developers?

No code.

No code is a software development approach that allows “citizen developers” to create applications and automate business processes without writing any code. This method leverages visual

interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, enabling non-technical users to build functional software with minimal programming knowledge.

If you can use a spreadsheet, you can build an app. No-code tools like Appsheet from Google allow you to build custom apps from your data with no coding required. You can start with the data you’re using today and build from the ground up or customize one of their templates.

The standardization required for no code to work is what will allow you to provide enterprise level service with a lean team, competing on a national and global scale with the resources you already have.

Carl’s customer service sticky notes are now in a customer queue where the whole team can see and resolve them. The dusty binder of SOPs on the bookshelf is part of the guided workflows in the app.

Everyone on your team can now see in real time exactly what’s happening, where it’s happening, who’s doing it, and what needs to happen next.

The reduction in errors provides

an immediate benefit, and the massive amount of structured data collected is exactly what’s needed to power the AI systems for tomorrow.

Even larger manufacturers and companies can benefit from no code.

Before investing thousands of dollars and months in software development projects, teams can use no code to launch a minimum viable product in the form of a usable prototype in days, maybe even hours. This lets companies move faster, reduce waste, and empower the frontline teams closest to the work to innovate.

With no code, businesses in the Stateline can create custom business apps tailored exactly to their workflow, reducing errors, improving experiences for their teams and customers, and

preparing their organization for the future. All it takes is a little creativity and a little grit, exactly what Rockford was built on.

Start small. Build an app that replaces a paper form or shared spreadsheet and see the impact. The clarity, efficiency, and control could transform your business.

SJK Enterprises is the growth engine behind select consumer brands on Walmart and on Amazon, helping them grow profitably by handling inventory, fulfillment, marketing, and compliance.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Sam Kirker, founder of SJK Enterprises, is an e-commerce entrepreneur who helps brands grow profitably on Amazon and Walmart. He received the 2025 EigerLab 815 Software Innovation Award for developing the Flow Management System, a no-code platform that connects every part of his business, from purchasing through fulfillment.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

The Alpine Kiwanis Club celebrated their new meeting spot at the Hilton Garden Inn with a ribbon cutting, January 9, 2025.

Movement Fitness: The Connection – Health & Wellness, 580 S. Perryville Road in Rockford, celebrated their expansion with a ribbon cutting, January 23, 2025.

The Harlem Community Center celebrated the grand opening of their new building at 900 Rooselvelt Road in Machesney Park with a ribbon cutting January 31, 2025.

Carpenter’s Place hosted a ribbon cutting for their new Carpenter’s Corner Thrift & More location at 2512 South Alpine Road in Rockford on March 13, 2025.

Noah’s Ark Animal Clinic celebrated their grand opening at 321 N 4th Street with a ribbon cutting and kitten shower on March 23, 2025.

Gemini Solar (Geenex) hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of their office at 308 West State Street, Suite 95, in Rockford on March 26, 2025.

Northern Illinois Food Bank celebrated the grand opening of their new Neighborhood Market at 1397 Sandy Hollow Road in Rockford with a ribbon cutting, April 30, 2025.

Rockford Barbell hosted a ribbon cutting for their new location at 208 Kishwaukee Street in Rockford on June 18, 2025.

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December 2025

LOOK BACK AT 2025

19

Waldom Electronics celebrated their new solar panel system at 1801 Morgan Street in Rockford with a ribbon cutting on July 15, 2025.

Illinois Institute of Nursing Studies, Inc. (IINS) celebrated their new space at 6116 Mulford Village Drive in Rockford with a ribbon cutting July 31, 2025.

On August 6, 2025, Grizz Pest Management celebrated the expansion of their pest control services in Rockford with a ribbon cutting at Nicholas Conservatory.

Farm & Fleet of Rockford celebrated 20 years as a GRCC member with a celebration on August 12, 2025, at 4725 West State Street.

Forest City Gear celebrated the completion of their new warehouse with a ribbon cutting, August 26, 2025.

Stateline Youth for Christ celebrated the grand opening of their City Life Center at 2501 Charles Street in Rockford with a ribbon cutting, on August 28, 2025.

The Goodwill Excel Center celebrated the grand opening of their facility at YMCA SwedishAmerican Riverfront at 200 Y Blvd in Rockford on September 10, 2025.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

in the news

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Latanya King

2. Kaitlyn Jones

3. Benjamin Wilkinson

4. Mary Augustian

5. Darlene Evans

6. Tim Chan

7. Noel Nickel

9. Nikki Rostofske

10. Cody Weber

11. Dana Stewart

12. Joe Tefft

13. Regina Nelson

14. Junaid Khazi

15. Noel M. Pycior

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Rockford Art Museum welcomed Latanya King (1), casework manager with the Illinois Department of Human Services, to its board of trustees.

NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS/ RETIREMENTS Stillman Bank promoted Kaitlyn Jones (2) to treasury relationship manager.

Mercyhealth welcomed Benjamin Wilkinson (3), MD, board certified emergency medicine doctor, to the staff at Mercyhealth Prehospital and Emergency Services Center, 8201 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

Mary Augustian (4), MD, board certified pediatrician, has relocated her practice to Mercyhealth Cherry Valley, 6998 Redansa Dr., Rockford.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center welcomed Darlene Evans (5), MSN, MSM, RN, NEA-BC, as vice president, chief nursing officer.

Fehr Graham promoted Tim Chan (6), PE, to potable water practice lead.

Crusader Community Health welcomed Noel Nickel (7) as chief operations officer.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company (RMIC) welcomed Paige Frey (8) as farm underwriter trainee, and Nikki Rostofske (9) as personal lines underwriter. RMIC promoted Cody Weber (10) to senior field claims representative, Dana Stewart (11) to personal lines and farm manager, and Joe Tefft (12) to sales manager. Linda Kentner, claims representative – subrogation, retired from RMIC after 24 years with the company.

The Center for Sight & Hearing welcomed Nida Malik, OD, to its vision clinic.

Trekk, Inc., welcomed Somer Baier as a HubSpot enablement specialist at its Rockford headquarters.

First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) appointed Regina Nelson (13) as its new chief marketing officer.

Mercyhealth welcomed Junaid Khazi (14), DPM, board certified podiatrist, to the staff at Mercyhealth Perryville, 3401 N. Perryville Rd., Rockford.

EMPLOYEE/ COMMUNITY RECOGNITION IceHogs and Rockford Area Arts Council announced the Local Artists Hat Series winners for 2025-26 season: Greg Lang, Lissette Tellado, and Liz Wolf. Each winning artist will have their hat produced and handed out to the first 2,500 fans at a select IceHogs game this season, presented by BMO. RAMP Disability Resources & Services recognized the following individuals and partners for advancing opportunities for people with disabilities: Marley Gibbons, Youth Leadership

8. Paige Frey

Award; Tracy Severino, Educator of the Year; 100 Women Who Care, Supporter of the Year Award; and Rockford Park District, Advocate of the Year.

Pam Nykaza, AVP – research and development, celebrated 10 years with Rockford Mutual Insurance Company.

Illinois Extension Master Gardeners were awarded Hunger Champion at the 2025 Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon for their participation in and implementation of Plant a Row for the Hungry in Winnebago County.

Noel M. Pycior (15) MS, APRN, FNP-B, director of student health and wellness at the University of Illinois Chicago Rockford campus received the UIC Employee Recognition Award of Merit. The annual award honors staff who exhibit excellence in service, commitment, and dedication.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Per Mar Security Services celebrated 72 years in business on October 31. Per Mar also was named the 2025 Gold Partner of the Year by Axis Communications at the 20th annual Axis Connect & Converge Conference.

The City of Rockford launched the Business Advancement Program, an economic development initiative designed to support business growth for companies located in eligible areas within Rockford’s municipal boundaries. The program provides five-year forgivable loans of up to $25,000. The applications period runs through Dec. 31, 2025. For details and eligibility requirements, visit www.rockfordil.gov/ businessadvancementprogram.com.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center was named by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition as a high performing hospital for stroke, pacemaker implantation, and knee replacement. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center also received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. OSF Saint Anthony is one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

OSF HealthCare earned the 2025 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired award from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

The program recognizes health

care organizations with excellence in digital health innovation and maturity.

OSF HealthCare introduced stepby-step directions in the My OSF mobile app for patients and visitors to navigate OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. The feature provides driving directions, indoor navigation, and floor maps.

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

Video, a Gold Summit Creative Award in the category of B2B Digital & Emerging Tech, and a Davey Award in the category of Virtual & Immersive Experiences.

The Goodwill Excel Center was awarded the 2025 Jon Lundin Community Impact Award at the 815 Innovation Awards presented by the EIGERlab.

The Barbara Olson Center of Hope HarvestFest Fall Fundraiser raised over $24,000.

RAMP Disability Resources and Services celebrated 45 years serving the community.

KMK Media Group earned a Silver W³ Award for design and development of L&L Builders’ website.

Region 1 Planning Council (R1) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Rockford region and was recognized for having one of the best complete streets policies in the nation, ranking #8 in Smart Growth America’s “Best Complete Streets Policies 2025” report.

Hoffman House Catering donated a portion of the proceeds from their annual Thanksgiving Curbside Pickup Dinner to KANDU Industries, a nonprofit organization that provides employment opportunities and community support for adults with disabilities.

The Rock River Valley Blood Center reinstated its Spin 6 and Four Seasons donor appreciation programs with new gifts to thank donors for their ongoing support.

The Spin 6 program is for donors who complete six successful platelet donations within a 12-month period, and the Four Seasons program includes donors who complete four successful blood donations within a 12-month period.

Trekk won multiple 2025 industry awards for a virtual showroom the agency created for Fuji America: a Gold MarCom Award in the category of Virtual Demo/360

21

Hard Rock Casino Rockford earned 12 honors in the Strictly Slots Best of Slots Awards 2025 for the Chicagoland region. First place: Best Reel Slot, Best Video Slots, Best Progressive Slots, Best Penny Slots, Best Slot Club Promotions, Best Customer Service. Second place: Best High-end Slot Area. Third place: Best Overall Casino, Casino Where You Feel Luckiest, Best $5+ Slots, Best Variety of Slots, Best Casino Cocktail Service.

Chartwell Agency received six MarCom Awards for excellence in marketing and communication: platinum awards for the Discovery Center Museum Website Redesign and Regis College Rise @ Regis Advertising Campaign; a gold award for Rural Medical Training

Thank You for Your Investment in the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce!

Collaborative (RMTC) Website Redesign, and honorable mention awards for Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG) Admission Campaign, Rock Valley Credit Union Website Redesign, and Picatinny Federal Credit Union Website.

The recently expanded urgent care and emergency department at Mercyhealth Beloit, 2825 Prairie Ave., Beloit, opened for patients on November 11.

Keith Country Day School received a $25,000 donation from the Kjellstrom Foundation to expand its Dyslexia Support Program, strengthening the school’s commitment to serving students with diverse learning needs.

The Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program selected a White Oak located at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens in Rockford as the November Tree of the Month.

Engineering Enterprises, Inc. received a Chicagoland Top Workplaces 2025 award from the Chicago Tribune.

Beginning Feb. 12, 2026, Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) will offer direct service to Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL), courtesy of Allegiant. Visit FlyRFD.com.

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) EV Charging Round 3 is open for grant applications. Round 3 funds public Level 2 and Level 3 fast charging across Illinois and is estimated to be $20 million. For more information, visit epa.illinois. gov/topics/air-quality/driving-acleaner-illinois.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2025

DECEMBER 2025 ANNIVERSARIES

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS BRYNWOOD SQUARE

OLIVO TACOS

BUCK BUCK CHICKEN

ORANGE HORIZON WEALTH

610-673-0300 779-210-3579

LA QUINTA - SMART HOME REALTY https://jeanettesolis. smarthomerealty.info

NEXUS VISIONS

www.nexus-visions.com

www.olivotacos.com

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

35 YEARS Ringland-Johnson, Inc.

www.orangehorizonwealth.com

30 YEARS

TIME AFTER TIME RESALE AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPPE

Illinois Bank & Trust

www.facebook.com/time.after.time. resale.and.consignment.shoppe

10 YEARS University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy at Rockford

University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing-Rockford Campus Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Jen Reisinger, ChFC®, AAMS™, CRPS™

5 YEARS Gateway Professional Baseball, LLC - Beloit Sky Carp

OLIVO DELI MARKET 779-269-7786

COMMUNITY EVENTS NOW ON SOCIAL The GRCC is now promoting community events exclusively through our social media channels. So be sure to follow the Chamber on Facebook and Instagram for timely event info and live links. Members may continue to submit event announcements to editor@rockfordchamber.com.

For the latest info on fun and interesting things to do in the Rockford Region, check out the events calendar at GoRockford.com.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in October 2025.

Acadia

Menta Academy Northwest

Ambassador Homes, LLC

Nelson Fire Protection

Area Erectors, Inc.

Pines Edge Apartments LLC

BelRock Asphalt Paving Inc.

Remedies Renewing Lives

Benson Stone Company, Inc. Bergstrom Inc. Briargate Management, LLC Colorwave Graphics, LLC Crystal Precision Drilling, Inc. Emergent Manufacturing Solutions

Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Karen Tilly for being named a 2025 Excalibur finalist. We appreciate all you do for the Chamber and the community.

& Crematorium Spider Company Inc. Studio GWA The Alliance The Pension Specialists, Ltd. United Association of Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local Union 23

Global Display Solutions, Inc.

Van Galder Bus/A Coach USA Co.

Honquest Family Funeral Home

Walmart Stores, Inc. #1490

Jersey Mike’s Subs

Congratulations to our very own Greater Rockford

Greenwood Cemetery

Entre Computer Solutions

With Crematory

CONGRATULATIONS, KAREN TILLY!

Rockford Cemetery Association,

Walmart Stores, Inc. #5398 Wesley Willows

Let your Voice be heard The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes member submissions for the VOICE. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication date. Send news releases and people announcements to editor@rockfordchamber.com. For information

The annual Excalibur & Excelsior Awards recognize outstanding community service in Northern Illinois.

The awards are presented by the Community

about advertising contact customer service at 815-987-8100.

The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number

Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) in collaboration

1086-0630, is published monthly by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308

with the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit

W. State St., Ste. 350, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill.

Excellence (NICNE), and the Rockford Register Star.

Award winners will be announced Dec. 11, 2025.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

CHaMBER

ADVERTISERS INDEX

CHAMBER EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE: 2026 EVENTS Coffee & Connections | January 28, 2026 Crimefighters | February 19, 2026 Coffee & Connections | February 25, 2026 Economic Outlook on Tap | March 10, 2026

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December 2025

OSF Healthcare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Stateline Youth for Christ . . . . . . . . . . 4 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Thayer Energy Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . 5 Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Green State Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . 7 Personal Touch Professional Maid Service. . . . . . . . . 8 Brynwood Square/Pennmark. . . . . . . 8 Geronimo Hospitality Group. . . . . . . . 9

Northwest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Murphy’s Pub & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Zipcar/ComEd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Happy Cannabis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Salvation Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Signs Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 WilliamsMcCarthy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Widmer Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Goodwill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Made for Rockford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100

Direct Line

Celebration of Leadership | March 26, 2026 Coffee & Connections | March 31, 2026 Chamber IceHogs Night | April 1, 2026

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

Rockford Mayor’s Business Address | April 16, 2026

Melissa Adams, Operations Manager.................................................. 815-316-4312

Spring Member Mixer | April 28, 2026

Christine Hand, Managing Editor, the VOICE ...................................... 815-988-3354

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

GRCC Golf Classic | May 18, 2026

Alex Keedi, Business Development Manager ..................................... 815-316-4310

Economic Summit | June 9, 2026

Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations............................................... 815-316-4315

Summer Member Mixer | June 16, 2026

Carmen Kellerman, Events Manager ................................................... 815-316-4302

Jessica Prath, Membership Operations .................. jprath@rockfordchamber.com Matt Zarembski, Director of Investor Relations ................................. 815-997-6083

40 over 40 Reception | June 25, 2026

GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Education Update: RPS #205 | July 23, 2026* Annual Dinner | August 13, 2026

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Fall Member Mixer | September 17, 2026

Lesly Couper Workplace Chair

MAC2026 | October 2026 Pow(H)er | November 12, 2026 *Date subject to change.

GET MORE EXPOSURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS—FOR FREE! • Follow the GRCC on Facebook and Instagram.

• Like, comment on, and share GRCC posts.

• Tag GRCC when posting employee announcements or company news.

• Follow and engage with other GRCC members on social media.

Conor Brown NorthWest Illinois Alliance of Realtors Vice Chair

David Anspaugh Northern Illinois Building Contractors Assoc.

Armando Cardenas Affordable Insurance & Tax Service Inc. Paula Carynski OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Nate Jordan Illinois Small Business Development Center Treasurer

Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Terry Voskuil Woodward, Inc. Immediate Past Chair

Dietmar Goellner Advanced Machine & Engineering/Hennig

DIRECTORS

Thomas Green Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP

Wendy Alsteen Hard Rock Casino Travis Andersen UW Health Northern Illinois Region

Troy Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Sheila Hill Think Big Corporation

Jeff Hultman Foresight Financial Group Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc. Frank Wehrstein Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Mayor Tom McNamara City of Rockford Gina Caronna The Workforce Connection Michael Dunn, Jr. Region 1 John Groh GoRockford Angela Kay Larson Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce