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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com
October 2019
GUEST COLUMNIST
Reel perspective
STEPHANIE MEIER Blackhawk Bank
Lessons learned while wading in a trout stream
Recently, my family enjoyed one of our favorite vacation spots — a trout stream. Although not for everyone, the appeal of this style of vacation is multifaceted. This particular stream is in a remote area, so there is no cell service or cable. There is plenty of nature, card games, swimming, fishing, good eating and great sleeping. It may come as a surprise to some, but I’ve been a fly fisher for close to 30 years. Many years ago, I came to realize that my fullest enjoyment didn’t come from actually catching fish, but from the solitude and time for reflection. Over the years, this style of fishing has also afforded me lessons about life and business. Here are a few. …
The first cast is usually the most important. A well-seasoned fisher knows that casting a fly into an undisturbed pool is likely to cause one or more fish to rise. It can be advantageous to wade into waters where others have not. Lesson: The first impression can often expedite the best probability for success and there are opportunities waiting in untouched markets.
Fishing is not the same as catching. I’ve literally hit fish square on the nose with a lure only to have them turn away. Fish have bitten the float indicator and completely ignored the fly. Lesson: Your presentation can be flawless and still not produce the desired outcome. The “catch” must be in the right frame of mind to be part of the equation.
Fish can’t bite on a fly that isn’t in the water. Sure, sometimes luck is a real factor. The luck of being at the right place at the right time, for example. In fly fishing, however, it is only through sheer perseverance and determination that you learn how to cast the line, position the fly, hook, run and safely land the fish. Lesson: We can contribute to our own luck by putting ourselves in circumstances for the best opportunity.
The same lure that was successful today may not catch fish tomorrow. If one fly pattern doesn’t work, be prepared to try something different. Be willing to move locations or alter your presentation, if need be. Lesson: Nothing is guaranteed. It’s
important to appreciate the value of change.
Know when your tension is too tight. High tension in your line can allow a fish to break off. Too much pressure on your mind can cause you to be distracted and make it harder to get the job done. Lesson: Utilize all of the instruments at your disposal, and take care of yourself.
Appreciate every catch. On the last day of my very first trout expedition, I finally caught a single, small, rather sad little fish. I was somewhat dispirited. My husband’s grandfather winked at me and reminded me that my small fish was better than the tree branch I had caught the day before. Lesson: Celebrate every success, big or small.
Come prepared, but don’t go in past your waders. It’s important to respect your limits — especially that of the water line. However, just because you have chest waders doesn’t mean you need to go stomping into the stream chest-deep; there may be fish at the near edge of the brook that you’ve overlooked. Lesson: It’s good to challenge ourselves while respecting our boundaries, and we won’t need to apply every tool in our arsenal to every situation.
Have your net and stringer ready. While being optimistic isn’t guaranteed to catch you the big one, there are scores of scientific evidence to support the concept that having a positive outlook contributes to good health and can even draw more positive experiences to you. Lesson: Allow optimism to fuel your passion. It’s okay to hope. In fact, it’s good for you. Henry David Thoreau is credited with writing one of my favorite quotes, “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” Find the activity or place that inspires your appreciation and offers you the opportunity to gain perspective. Then, pass it on. Stephanie Meier is VP marketing & communications at Blackhawk Bank. The views expressed are those of Meier’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
IWAT EVENT
Continued from front page
facilitators of dialog and conveners of great minds. Rockford University has a long tradition of not only producing
Facilitating Dialogue
thoughtful graduates positioned to lead
This was the second community conversation hosted by the newly formed IWAT, which previously presented “The Truth About Refugees: I Was a Stranger … Now I’m a Neighbor,” in partnership with Rockford Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program at Rockford University’s Fisher Chapel in May. That discussion focused on the experience in refugee camps, the process by which refugees get to Illinois, current programs available to help them get acclimated and settled in the community, and the psychological issues typically faced on the path to resettlement. Future programs might include topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI); the effects of the loss of pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds, etc.) on worldwide food supply; 3-D printing of human organs, including ethical, medical and industrial factors; U.S./China/Russia relations and global security; diminishing worldwide potable water supplies; impact of world population trends and domestic diminishing birth rates; preserving cultural heritage treasures, and global pollution’s economic and human impact. The benchmark of a successful democracy is an informed citizenry, and institutions of higher learning have the responsibility to serve as
world but also providing its public with a
their organizations, communities and forum to exchange ideas. We
encourage
the
business
community to identify additional topics critical to the stateline to ensure we’re having thoughtful conversations to continue to move our region forward. Ideas and feedback can be sent to us: Catherine Forslund at CForslund@ Rockford.edu or Don Manzullo at donmanzullo@yahoo.com. v Catherine Forslund, P.D., at Rockford University, is the Isabel Ross Abbott professor of history and women’s studies and chair of the department of history, politics and international studies. Forslund is co-founder and director of IWAT. Don Manzullo is a Rockford native and served as the CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America, a public policy/think tank institute dealing with international trade, sociopolitical and economic issues with the U.S. and other countries. As a member of Congress (1993 to 2013), he served on international relations, financial services and small business committees. Manzullo is co-founder and senior advisor and associate director at IWAT.
CASINO
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Hard Rock Proposal Hard Rock representatives said that if they get the license, they would open a temporary casino at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center just down the street from the main casino site at the old Clock Tower property. The temporary casino would operate for 18 to 24 months. Other features include a 1,600-seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, 64,000-squarefoot casino, three full-service restaurants and two fast-casual dining options, three standalone bar/lounges and a rock-and-roll themed retail shop. The Hard Rock team said it would give back to the community through its 815 Hard Rock Foundation, which would invest in local organizations.
Gorman Proposal The casino developed by Gorman would feature a rock-and-roll themed restaurant — Rock & Brews — with outdoor seating overlooking the Rock River. The proposed 13-acre site is next to the Hilton Embassy Suites and Rockford Conference Center that Gorman plans to open in April. Other features include a 60-room historic boutique hotel, an aquarium, bowling and indoor bocce.
Tax Revenue According to the casino bill, various taxes and fees generated from the casino will be split: ■ 70 percent to the City of Rockford ■ 20 percent to Winnebago County ■ 5 percent to the City of Loves Park and ■ 5 percent to the Village of Machesney Park.
Next Steps The next steps are as follows: (Note: some of these steps will have taken place prior to The Voice going to print) September 24: Special Zoning Board of Appeals September 30: Evaluation Team Submits Recommendations to City Council No sooner than 7 days after hearing: City Council certifies proposal(s) October 25-26 (No later than 120 days after Public Act 101-0031 enacted): Application(s) filed with Illinois Gaming Board. v
