ONE Magazine December 2018

one one voice for the rockford area business community

DECEMBER 2018

TWENTY

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCKFORD, IL PERMIT NO. 63

SETTING A HIGHER STANDARD

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Sponsor’s Welcome

workplace staff & search IS HONORED TO BE THE PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR

2018 people you should know awards

At workplace staff & search we are devoted to playing a role in our region’s growth. The primary way in which we contribute is through connecting people and opportunities. We’re honored to join the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in spotlighting our region’s visible leaders and “unsung heroes.”

When imagining how this evening’s honorees arrived at this point of recognition, I reflected on Hemingway’s words in “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be.

But what will happen in all the other days that ever come Can depend on what you do today.

We believe that becoming noteworthy emerges over time and through incremental contributions.

The honorees’ nominations illustrate how they have dedicated their days to contributing to the world around them. They’ve been purposeful and intentional with their days.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce wisely understands that when celebrating People You Should Know, they spawn belief in our collective strength and capability, encouraging not only those who are recognized but also those around them. We encourage you to learn their stories, celebrate their achievements and join them in doing today what we can to collectively make our region thrive.

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

one

one voice for the rockford area business community

staff

My favorite color is plaid

Bo Boger, Illinois Small Business Development Center Director Cori Currey, Membership Development Executive Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO Heidi Garner, Chief Operating Officer Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology

Many people have a favorite color, and statistics indicate the most popular color in the world is blue. The second favorite colors are red and green, followed by orange, brown and purple. Yellow is the least favorite color, preferred by only five percent of people. Another interesting survey finds both men and women increasingly dislike orange as they age! (I still like it, so I still must be young ;-) I think sticking to one color is limiting. And, like the variety of colors that can be found in a plaid, our community contains a bright mix of talents, smarts,

Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment Phoebe Morris, Program & Event Coordinator Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/ Controller Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator

and personalities. Plaid not only contains pure color, but colors that intertwine, mix and blend and overlap to form a pattern that is both exciting and vibrant.

In this edition of One, you’ll be introduced to twenty of the bright colors in our

Visit us online rockfordchamber.com

plaid populace. Bright in talents, abilities and expertise.

We proudly present the 2018 Twenty People You Should Know.

Einar Forsman, President/CEO Rockford Chamber of Commerce EForsman@rockfordchamber.com

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce ­publishes One once a year.

For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, Illinois 61101 Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: One, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

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Each one a bright spot.

“What’s your favorite color?”

When you were a kid, that was either a point

of agreement or contention and even now, can be an opening line for lively conversation.

Nowadays, so many things can be any color you want — paint on the walls, your car, the color streak in your teenager’s hair. We feel lucky to have those choices available to us.

Similarly, we feel lucky in the Rockford area to have so many bright colors in our community — talented individuals with drive, ambition and, shall we say, chutzpah, to get things done.

The Rockford Chamber is pleased to present 2018 Twenty People You Should Know — and, in the region’s big box of crayons, are some of the brightest colors we have found!

Thank you

to our PYSK selection committee who dedicated time

and effort to make the difficult choices.

THE SELECTION COMMITTEE

Mike Robinson, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Joe Castrogiovanni, Giovanni’s, Inc.

Jessica Hayes, Manpower

Jessica L. Jones, RAMM

Andy Benson, Benson Stone Company

Jean Crosby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Dan O’Boyle, Fiberglass Innovations, LLC

Kelly Davit, Quartz

“Leadership comes in all forms and types and from all different positions in an organization, but effective leadership almost always begins with trust.�

Lesly Couper

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Saving lives, saving others

Leading the charge to change the community and building relationships that extend beyond their reach

Mick Gronewold BOARD CHAIRMAN FEHR GRAHAM

Mick Gronewold lets his work speak for itself. He’s not into personal accolades, and he’s not worried about titles or positions. “I come to work to do my job,” he says. “I enjoy taking care of my clients and helping get things built.”

Gronewold was raised on a small farm in Ogle County. He graduated from the Montana School of Mines with a degree in environmental engineering before returning home 26 years ago for an internship at Fehr Graham.

grew up. There, he tends to corn, beans

Today, Gronewold is one of five owners of Fehr Graham, a regional engineering and environmental firm with 10 offices, including one in Rockford. He quickly climbed the company ladder, becoming an owner in 2000 and board chairman 11 years later.

and black angus cattle with his father.

“What I love most about Fehr Graham is the constant learning environment,” he says. “Whether it’s technology, leadership, or client development, I learn something new every day. I have great partners who teach me along the way, too.”

wife Kate and three adult children, Seth,

Over the years, Gronewold has worked on several projects of which he’s proud.

For the City of Rockford, he helped reconstruct Harrison Avenue and Fuller Creek, and he found a way to partner with the Water Department to improve water infrastructure. You can find Gronewold’s work across the region, including in Rochelle and Roscoe.

future generations. “I want our region to

Away from work, Gronewold prefers the solitude of the family farm on which he

Whether it’s baling hay or fixing a fence, Gronewold lives for his time outdoors.

“I really am an introvert, so I prefer being

alone. The farm is a great recharge for me.”

Gronewold knows a healthy community

is good for business and for his family –

an engineer at Fehr Graham, Megan, an accountant at RSM, and Elisabeth, a college student.

His goal is to leave the community

in good standing for his children and

prosper,” he says. “I want my kids to have opportunities to do what they want to do here rather than go elsewhere to pursue

their dreams. We are best friends, so their

success here ensures we can be together throughout their adult lives. Besides,

one day I want to be able to pick up my grandchildren after school, not get on a plane to see them.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

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“What attracted me was the camaraderie, being

“He’s never seen me in my full gear. To him I’m just mom, and truth is, moms are pretty amazing too.”

By Judy Emerson

part of a team, the physical demands and helping people.”

Sheena Amble

Sheena Amble

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC ROCKFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT Sheena Amble was an advertising major home on Christmas break from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater when she went to a gym in Madison and encountered a bunch of jovial firefighters who were training at the local academy.

She was intrigued. “What attracted me was the camaraderie, being part of a team, the physical demands and helping people,” recalls Amble. “Those were the things that lit my fire – pun intended.

“I went home and told my mom, ‘I don’t want to go back to school. I want to be a firefighter.’”

The Monona, Wisc., native joined her hometown volunteer fire department while attending the local community college and taking her training at the firefighting academy. She joined the Rockford Fire Department in 2004, and now is one of 14 women firefighters in the department.

She’s based at Rockford’s Station #6 on West State Street.

Her interest in the Rockford community led Amble to join the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, and she was named Big Sister of the Year in 2010.

“I saw the need and impact than can be

made on our youth and was inspired,” she says. With the support of the Rockford Fire Department, she created curriculum for a weekend Fire Camp for girls between the ages of 9 and 13. Twenty-four girls attended in 2017, and all of them returned for the 2018 camp. Six more spots were added to the 2018 camp. The girls camp has support from both men and women on the department.

“I’m passionate about showing young girls that being a firefighter and/or a paramedic can be an amazing career option for them,” she says. “I want to help them understand that they’re accepted, they’re needed.”

Using Amble’s curriculum from the girls’ camp, the department created a similar experience for boys.

Amble is happily married with two sons, 6-year-old Dane and 5-year-old Vance.

Family talk brings up a recent incident that Amble relates with a sparkle in her eye. At a sporting event, Vance spotted a fire alarm and headed toward it. “It was one of those slow-motion things,” Amble recalls. “I couldn’t get there quick enough to stop him.”

Before Amble could head off the response team, firefighters showed up in full turn-out gear. “As they walked by, my other son said, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen a real firefighter before!’ We just shook our heads and laughed.

Lesly Couper

SENIOR VP – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ROCKFORD BANK & TRUST Lesly Couper is a firm believer that great marketing ideas come from anywhere in an organization, not just from the marketing role. “It is amazing how creative people can be who do not consider themselves creative; employees typically close to the customers provide a unique and important perspective.”

A warm personality, a fun and clever style characterize this lifelong Rockford resident, Rockford Chamber 40 Leaders Under Forty and Woman Manager of the Year, and Northwestern Financial Review Rising Star in Banking. “Lesly ensures that staff members are comfortable and confident in their messages, and that clients are always honestly informed and prioritized,” said Tom Budd, president & CEO of Rockford Bank & Trust.

Couper has applied her skills and ability to draw out the best in people as co-lead of Transform Rockford’s Communications Team. She joined the

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“I want our region to prosper. I want my kids to have opportunities to do what they want here, rather than go elsewhere to pursue their dreams.”

Mick Gronewold movement shortly after its inception and helped communicate the vision, impact statements and strategies throughout the community.

| 2018 | TWENTY PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW | 9

forms and types and from all different positions in an organization, but effective leadership almost always begins with trust. Being a great leader also starts with a solid foundation of understanding yourself, how you interact with others and what drives you.”

She’s passed this acumen on as volunteer advisor for the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing, where she mentored four to five students each year as they worked through a marketing plan.

By Barbara Connors

Her first board was Carpenter’s Place, where for nine years she’s shared stories of individuals who have beaten addictions, attained employment and found a place to call home. She offered Alpine Bank as a site to collect winter boots and tennis shoes while she worked there. “The effect of Carpenter’s Place on just one individual is powerful.”

Witnessing the pure joy and excitement of her three children lead in part to her joining the Discovery Center Museum board, where she also serves on the marketing committee and helps brainstorm and plan strategies to boost attendance. She also serves on the Rock Valley College Foundation.

The Certified Financial Marketing Professional earned her bachelor’s degree from Bradley University, her M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University and her Executive Leadership Certificate from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

She’s gained leadership insights as a part of the Women’s Senior Leadership Program at the Kellogg Executive Leadership Institute at Northwestern University. “Leadership comes in all

“Cap and gown graduation ceremonies for our GoodGRADS students are among the top highlights of the year for me.”

Ben Bernsten makes the Rockford area Goodwill one of the 20 fastest-growing retail operations in Goodwill Industries International.

With the expanded work, Goodwill has been able to increase funding to its mission programs, increased the number of people served annually from 4,500 to 13,500 last year and an estimated 20,000 when this year ends.

Benjamin Bernsten PRESIDENT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS

With creative thinkers like Ben Bernsten, president of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, Goodwill is growing into a major retailer that offers just about everything the big box stores do, and helps thousands of people at the same time.

Since Bernsten joined Goodwill of Northern Illinois in 2012 as retail director, the organization has increased sales by over 60 percent, added 150 employees to its payroll, and significantly expanded its 12-store, 18-county presence. That

Bernsten and his team approached retail challenges two ways – from lowering the cost of stocking and operating the stores, and increasing sales. The small factories in the backrooms of Goodwill stores learned to process donations more quickly, thus putting more merchandise on the sales floor.

Since not all donations to Goodwill will sell, the organization looked for ways to constructively use the excess.

Today, anything not sold at a regular Goodwill store goes to the Outlet Store on West Riverside in Rockford where merchandise is sold by the pound at great savings to buyers. Markets were found for other leftovers – books, computers, electronics, purses, luggage, belts, toys and, even, single shoes. Goodwill doesn’t send much to landfills anymore. And there’s Goodwill e-commerce online so you can shop from home.

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The reason for all of that, of course, is to help people, said Bernsten, especially people who face barriers in establishing a self-sustaining life.

“Every child is one caring adult away from being a

“Cap and gown graduation ceremonies for our GoodGRADS students are among the top highlights of the year for me,” he said. About 400 adults are in the program. Goodwill has placed 650 people into jobs this year, provides scholarships for GED tests, and does free tax filings for more than 3,200 individuals or families with income of less than $54,000.

Partnering with The Workforce Connection and Rock Valley College, 11,000 people have received job training and/or employment this year.

Goodwill is also working to start an Excel Center, where adults can earn standard high school diplomas.

It’s all about creating opportunities for people with barriers, Bernsten said.

“Our goal is to enhance the quality of people’s lives by helping them reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work.”

Bernsten, 43, and his wife, Mary, have four children ages 9-16.

By Geri Nikolai

success story. God has placed us here to love, lead, serve and work at the YMCA. It’s a calling.”

Brent Pentenburg moving to Georgia. “My parents are

the hardest working people I’ve ever known,” says the Lima, Ohio native.

“I grew up in that culture which was

instilled in me. I’ve always wanted to make a difference.”

CEO YMCA OF ROCK RIVER VALLEY Brent Pentenburg was 15 when he went to work as a camp counselor for a YMCA in Georgia. Fifteen years later, Pentenburg is now the chief executive officer for the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

For sure, it’s a fast ascent for a community leader who’s just 30.

His desire to succeed comes from his parents who were leaders at a teen home in upstate New York, before

widespread. Struggling to get pregnant, he and his wife fostered five children

in nine months and have also hosted foreign exchange students. They

adopted Tony, 3, before having two

Pentenburg first considered a career in

girls, Dorothy, 1½, and Lucy, 5 months

of an organization called Service to

Tony’s biological sister, Jackie, also 5

Africa, where they installed generators

“We always wanted our children to

ministry. At 20, he and other members

old. Brent and Johnnie also foster

Servants took a trip to Liberia, West

months.

in schools, orphanages and churches after a time of civil unrest. “The Y

there became a place of refuge,” says Pentenburg. “I realize while it may not be as intense as dodging bullets, the Y is preserving lives. We have a real

Brent Pentenburg

Pentenburg’s love of children is

opportunity to meet needs and fill gaps for people.”

Following his mission trip, Pentenburg went on to earn a degree in

come from different backgrounds, races and cultures,” Pentenburg says. “We

have always wanted our family to look a little like a slice of heaven.”

Pentenburg is excited about the

potential the YMCA has to make a

significant change, especially for young people in the Rockford community.

“Every child is one caring adult away

organizational leadership from Middle

from being a success story,” he says.

to Georgia. He became the wellness

serve and work at the YMCA. It’s a

Tennessee State, before returning

“God has placed us here to love, lead,

and sports director at a YMCA, which

calling.”

was led by Mike Brown, who was

then hired by the YMCA in Rockford.

The two stayed in touch and in 2012, Pentenburg and his wife, Johnnie,

joined Brown at the Rockford branch.

“I always wanted to get back to the Midwest,” Pentenburg says.

By Paul Anthony Arco

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121 and counting…

The Rockford Chamber has been celebrating the area’s local heroes since 2011 The Rockford Chamber kicked off the People You Should Know program in 2011 and with the newest 2018 class, has introduced you to 121 leaders. This powerful group has been active on many fronts by supporting the community through business concerns and philanthropic deeds.

These are the business leaders who have made an impact in their business or industry, and whose actions have reverberated throughout our community.

These are the individuals who remained true to the concept of “People You Should Know” in that they are compelling, interesting, and amazing people who deserve their time in the limelight. These are people you have admired for their work, drive, dedication, and commitment to what they believe in, and for having that certain vibe of energy about them. These are the people you classify as special — people you really want to know, network with, and who are proud to be part of the Rockford region.

Take a moment to think about those around you who do so much. There are visible leaders and there are also those “unsung heroes” who always seem to be there at the end of the race. The Rockford Chamber has introduced you to 121 stories of triumph and challenge, of public and personal struggles, and are pleased to have “pulled back the curtain” to reveal the heart of the engine that drives our community.

We invite you to page back through the PYSK yearbooks online at rockfordchamber.com. We believe you’ll be freshly inspired by their stories, and will gain a new appreciation for those helping build the momentum of the Rockford Renaissance. http://www.rockfordchamber.com/one-magazine.html

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“The more young people we have in Rockford who are engaged, the more successful Rockford will be, moving forward.”

Andrew Hendrickson

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Nest building

Whether it’s a baby or a nest egg, they are taking care of others years of work and study in ministry.

Staman credits her master’s degree in global leadership from Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, Calif., with broadening her understanding beyond the westernized perspective and making her aware of the importance of grasping culture and context before leading people.

Tiffany Staman

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER OF ROCKFORD Executive Director Tiffany Staman’s desire to create a safe place for people facing difficult times fuels her work with the roughly 50 to 60 women who come through the doors of Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford weekly. “The number one fear we see is that they don’t know how they can face this alone. We are there to walk alongside them.” Even after the baby is born, clients can see the case manager and come to classes.

While executive director, her organization has launched a Mobile Medical Unit, a Mercedes Sprinter equipped with bathroom, exam table and ultrasound machine, to reach women without transportation. Countdown2Parenthood educates on self-care and baby planning, and graduates get a shopping trip for 20 outfits, diapers, wipes and other baby items.

Seeing others’ point of view comes from

“The people in this community are incredibly generous and faithful.”

Tiffany Staman Her spare time is spent with her best friend, husband Cam, and three kids, who hike and often can be seen at Rock Cut and other area forest preserves.

By Barbara Connors

Her degree in youth ministry from Judson University and 16 years in pastoral leadership at small and mega churches, including Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., taught her about navigating change relationally, graciously and strategically. She learned from mistakes she made. “I love leading change, but it caused turmoil for some folks who were not ready for change as quickly as I was introducing it.”

As a certified fund-raising professional, Staman has raised millions for nonprofits; a critical skill when leading an organization relying solely on donations.

“The people in this community are so incredibly generous and faithful. In my time as executive director, we have never faced a year in the red.”

Staman serves as volunteer teaching pastor and elder of Grassroots Church in Rockford, meeting Sunday mornings at Prairie Street Brewhouse. Other leadership roles include Rockford Network of Professional Women, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Rockford Chamber Advantage Club Originals.

Staman said her plan is to earn a doctorate degree studying women in leadership. “I am passionate about discovering the cultural factors that hold women back and empowering them to lean into their giftedness.”

Andrew Hendrickson ASSURANCE MANAGER RSM US LLP

A quote Andrew Hendrickson read recently on social media resonates deeply, “It’s not how you treat those who can do something for you, but those who can do nothing for you that shows your character.” It colors everything he does.

The Purdue graduate is an assurance manager for RSM US LLP, completing external audits and reviews of financial statements for privately held middle market organizations in manufacturing and distribution, construction and notfor-profit. He credits his parents with the conviction that everyone should be treated equally and with respect. “I try to treat my

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superiors the same as I would treat a janitor or someone I don’t know.”

Growing up in Freeport, Hendrickson said his parents were able to provide more resources for him and his siblings than many of the kids he went to school with. His mom, a developmental therapist for children birth to three years old with developmental disabilities such as Down’s syndrome and autism, developed such a trust that their families and his spent a significant amount of time together. “This is where I first saw the disadvantages those with disabilities have.”

Proving that you don’t have to be a therapist to help others, Hendrickson has applied his financial skills towards helping organizations such as RAMP and the Crusader Foundation. The missions match his beliefs that those with disabilities should have access to resources, and that everyone should have access to quality health care.

Hendrickson also volunteers with IGNITE, most recently as president, a term that ended this past June. “The more young people we have in Rockford who are engaged, the more successful Rockford will be, moving forward.”

While president, he focused on professional development with projects such as connecting area leaders with young professionals through Lunch with a Leader and beginning the initial work for a human resources program for companies looking to grow their young professional base, funded through Winnebago County.

“Rockford has so much opportunity for those willing to work; I feel like I can make a deeper impact much more quickly in Rockford compared to a larger city.”

In his spare time, Hendrickson and his wife enjoy traveling to Major League Baseball stadiums, visiting local restaurants such as Greenfire, Social and The Olympic, or hanging out at Rockford Art Deli or City Market.

By Barbara Connors

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Working towards the goal Improving the mind and body

Capital Management. In 2007, he joined the company as a financial adviser.

Keeping his hand in the medical field, Knabe works three 24-hour shifts monthly as an emergency room doctor at Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls, Wis., the state’s most remote hospital. The family spends time at their cabin in the area while Knabe works at the hospital and advises local financial clients at a Savant office in the small town.

Brian Knabe, MD

FINANCIAL PLANNER SAVANT CAPITAL MANAGEMENT Brian Knabe is a doctor. And a financial adviser. And a teacher.

He’s passionate about each of the three real jobs he holds at three distinct places.

Together, the different roles create an integrated whole that allows this Rockford native to respond to a deep-down call to serve in every aspect of his life.

“I don’t get up in the morning and say, ‘Am I going to be a doctor today or a financial adviser today or a teacher today?’ I get up and think, ‘I’m going to find an opportunity to serve people today.’”

Oh, and in his spare time, he and wife Sandra are parents to 10 children ranging in age from 8 to 23. Four are in college.

Growing up in Rockford, Knabe started following the stock market at age 8, when his dad introduced him to the listings in the newspaper. Decades later, in 1995, while working as a physician in the community, he became a client at Savant

In addition to being a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, Knabe weaves teaching into his other roles.

His role at Savant allows him the opportunity to teach classes for senior citizens, a population for which health matters and financial issues often are entwined. In his medical work, he encounters people who have financial troubles, and he can guide them toward resources. At the college, he teaches future doctors about financial planning.

Knabe also does volunteer work, as time permits. Dad to two Eagle Scouts, he was a Boy Scout leader for years and served on the Blackhawk Area Council Board of Directors. In addition, he is a former board member and current advisory board member for The Haven Network, a perinatal hospice and bereavement center.

“My passion is helping people figure out where they are now and where they want to be in the future, medically and financially,” Knabe says. “It’s all about helping people solve problems.”

By Judy Emerson

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“I get up in the morning and think, ‘I’m going to find an opportunity to serve people today.’”

Dr. Brian Knabe

| 2018 | TWENTY PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW | 15

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how fulfilling the mission can change kids’

“I believe my current role is more meaningful.

It provides more of a sense of purpose in my life.”

Anisha Grimmett

Anisha Grimmett EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALIGNMENT ROCKFORD

Anisha Grimmett isn’t an educator, but she works in the education field. She isn’t a social worker or behavioral specialist, yet she needs to understand child development. While she isn’t a salesperson or finance expert, she raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in the community.

What she is, is an engineer. A nominator said Grimmett’s training to document, measure and improve processes is exactly what was needed to be successful when she took over as executive director of Alignment Rockford a year ago. She was asked to apply the engineering principles she studied in college and used over a 20year career at UTC Aerospace Systems to advance the organization’s mission.

Alignment Rockford’s mission is to align community resources with the school district’s strategies to raise student achievement, improve the health and happiness of children and advance the economic and social well-being of our community — a tall order.

Grimmett, a Rockford native and graduate of its public schools, has to look no further than her own experience to understand

lives. As a recipient of a RAMM (Rockford Area Minority Management) scholarship, she was offered an internship after her high school senior year to work at Sundstrand, which is now UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS). The job introduced her to electrical engineering, and she decided to pursue a degree. During semester breaks and college summers, she returned again and again to work at the plant.

“I wish every student in the district could be blessed to have this kind of experience,” she says, noting that job shadowing is one of Alignment Rockford’s goals in conjunction with the college and career academies, which now are in place at all public high schools.

Grimmett met her husband, Ira, during her time at UTAS. They have two sons, 14-yearold Howard and 12-year-old Harrison, named after the location of the plant on Harrison Avenue.

These days, as Alignment Rockford intensifies its focus on early childhood issues, every part of Grimmett’s engineering brain is engaged in how to solve the problem of young children showing up for kindergarten unprepared to learn.

Yes, she admits, the problem is different from designing, testing and installing an electrical system in a jet plane – one of her former assignments.

“But I believe my current role is more meaningful,” she says. “It provides more of a sense of purpose in my life.”

By Judy Emerson

Thelma Baker

DIRECTOR OF ONCOLOGY SERVICES OSF HEALTHCARE SAINT ANTHONY MEDICAL CENTER Thelma Baker knows all too well the impact that cancer can take on everyone involved in the oftentimes difficult journey.

Baker became an oncology nurse 25 years ago. For the last 15, she’s served in various leadership roles at medical facilities across the country.

Baker’s goal has always been to provide excellent care to patients who are facing a difficult cancer diagnosis. “The road is never easy,” she says. “Our job as a healthcare professional is to provide support along the way.”

The Missouri native moved to Rockford in early 2018, when she was named director of oncology services for OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. In a short time, Baker has made a significant impact thanks to her experience, leadership and direction.

But it’s her own personal cancer story that fuels Baker’s passion for fighting this insidious disease. In 2011, Baker’s only child, Stephanie, died from an aggressive form of cancer at the age of 26. “It doesn’t matter who you are or who you know,” she

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you are or who you know, sometimes you just can’t control the situation.”

Thelma Baker says. “Sometimes you just can’t control

Setting a higher Standard PYSK PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF ROCKFORD DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE Situated

in

the first block of East State Street from the Rock River is a perfect

the situation.”

example of the

At 18, Baker left home in Missouri to join

new downtown

an ear, nose, and throat technician. Two

fact,

who spent eight years in the Army and Guard. He also served in the Gulf War.

the Army, where she spent four years as

Rockford.

years in, she met her future husband, Leo,

is

Standard aims for: Perfection on your

milestone birthdays, anniversaries, bridal/

another 20 plus years in the Air National

perfect day. The majority of events held at

baby shower luncheons, and private parties

this new Rockford landmark are wedding

accommodating up to 260 guests. It features

Leo also works at OSF Saint Anthony as a

ceremonies and celebrations.

a bridal suite, a second-floor dining room,

biomedical technician.

In

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living Magazine

“It doesn’t matter who

| 2018 | TWENTY PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW | 17

perfection Paul Sletten what

The

sophisticated rooftop location for wedding receptions,

vow

renewal

ceremonies,

Like a phoenix, The Standard rose

and a conservatory and garden rooftop

The couple’s careers have led them to

up from a long unused building in the

overlooking the magnificent architecture

many stops across the country. Baker’s

downtown area and is the most recent

of historical downtown Rockford. Elegant

oncology work has taken her to healthcare

project of Paul Sletten, owner and executive

chandeliers, stately columns, and exquisite

positions in Indiana; New Hampshire;

chef. Why name it “The Standard?” It pays

cuisine are the highlights of the location.

Houston; Denver; Dallas and most

homage to the previous incarnation of the

In 2006, after three years of growing a

recently, Reno, Nevada. “I like to think that

site (Rockford Standard Furniture) and the

catering business, Sletten opened his first

wherever I’ve worked, I’ve left it in a better

furniture building history of Rockford. It

restaurant, Abreo. In 2010, he opened

place than I found it.”

also is a reference to what Sletton expects

a second restaurant, Social. All of his

Baker’s experience and passion for

the venue to become — the new standard

businesses focus on local ingredients,

in event experience.

unique guest experiences and innovative

fighting cancer is a huge addition to

the Rockford community. At OSF Saint

The Standard offers a unique and

approaches to event-planning.

Anthony, Baker oversees the Patricia D.

Pepe Center for Cancer Care, responsible for 57 employees, practice management

of six full-time providers and all clinic and cancer-related programs.

As she gets more comfortable with her

surroundings, Baker is anxious to explore the best of what Rockford offers. “It’s

good to be back in a smaller community,” she says. “I like to say ‘life happens.’ I’ve

always built great relationships everywhere I’ve been, and now I’m happy to call Rockford home.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

Photo courtesy of Mimdy Joy Photography

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Rising to every challenge

With goals in mind, these power-houses cannot be stopped in their pursuit of a better life for all identifying signs of child abuse.

He served on the local committee to develop the plan for the Children’s Advocacy Project, which later became the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center, named in honor of a local toddler who was brutally murdered by her mother’s boyfriend.

Ray Davis, MD

PROGRAM DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF MEDICINE ROCKFORD As a young pediatrician, fresh out of medical school 31 years ago, Dr. Ray Davis felt unprepared to respond adequately to the legal aspects of child abuse cases that centered on the physical and sexual abuse of children he’d treated in his practice.

“I had to appear in court twice my first year for abuse and neglect cases,” he says. “I didn’t remember getting that training in school. I needed to do some extra training, so I went to conferences and reviewed a lot of literature.

“The mindset back then was that every pediatrician should be well-versed in the signs of abuse, and that it’s hard to miss, but that’s not the case.”

By the late 1980s, times were changing and states were beginning to require communities to have more comprehensive services for abuse victims. In 1988, when Davis came from Lafayette, Ind., to practice in Rockford, he had developed an interest in becoming more adept at

Dr. Davis became medical director at the center, where he and other volunteer physicians from the community conducted specialized medical exams of children in cases of suspected physical or sexual abuse. In 2008, he approached University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford about creating a special program to do exams and support court cases in the region with expert testimony.

The Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team (MERIT) was created, with Dr. Davis as the program director.

He and a nurse practitioner at MERIT see about 350 children annually, mostly from Winnebago County but also from 13 surrounding counties.

“Quite often, we can be helpful in determining the timing of the child’s injuries and the probability of how the injuries might have occurred,” says Davis, who became board-certified in Child Abuse Pediatrics in 2013.

He also works as a general pediatrician at Mercyhealth three days per week.

In addition, he teaches at the medical school, preparing the next generation of doctors to recognize and treat abuse victims. They are eager to learn.

“They recognize that it’s not just a child problem, it’s a domestic violence problem, it’s a senior abuse problem,” Davis says. “They want to be more proficient in recognizing it.”

By Judy Emerson

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[Regarding training young doctors how to recognize domestic abuse] “Doctors can’t get away from it because it’s a children’s problem, it’s a domestic violence problem, it’s a senior abuse problem.”

Dr. Ray Davis

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“All I have to say is ‘we’re organizing a walk to end Alzheimer’s’ and people respond.”

LuAnn Groh

of God and we bear that image for our whole life.”

fairness, acceptance and inclusion. She happily took on responsibility for the historic home and grounds where the CFNIL is located.

She is active in her church, Temple Baptist, and with husband John, gladly supports the causes and activities of their four grown children and 11 grandchildren.

By Geri Nikolai

Her dedication goes beyond raising dollars.

LuAnn Groh

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND OFFICE MANAGER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS “The consummate community service volunteer” is how one person described LuAnn Groh while nominating her for this People You Should Know honor.

Why? Because Groh is like “The Little Engine That Could.” When faced with a challenge, she makes a plan and goes to work. As the nominator said, “she has confidence that the challenge will be met and is the quiet push from behind that ensures it is.”

“I make myself available for even the smallest conversation with someone who has their own Alzheimer’s story,” she said. At the fundraising table she sets up outside local businesses each summer, “All I have to say is ‘we’re organizing a walk to end Alzheimer’s’ and people respond,” she said. “Of every 20 people who stop, at least five tell me about a relative or friend of theirs who had or has Alzheimer’s or a similar dementia.”

Groh, a Rockford resident since 1975, never runs out of energy when it comes to spreading understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and raising funds to help its victims and research its cure. Her mother died with Alzheimer’s and Groh knows how it not only takes lives but devastates families.

Groh can’t do enough to put the brakes on a disease that horrendous and pervasive. With her fundraising table, she alone raised almost $7,000 for the cause this year. She takes part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s each year, inviting all to join her “Walk With Me” team. And she chairs the Unforgettable Art: A Night to Remember fundraiser, which means recruiting 50 local artists to create a piece in one day, on full view of the public, while observers mingle, nosh and bid on the completed works, with proceeds for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“It pains me when I hear some individuals make light of memory issues and others who say things like, the person isn’t really there anymore,” Groh said. That’s not true, she added, quoting from a magazine article which reminds us that “We are created in the image

Groh still finds time for full-time work at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. As executive assistant and office manager, she helps ensure that the foundation stays true to the intent of its donors and the foundation’s purpose as a giving organization that upholds

Willy Goellner

FOUNDER ADANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO./HENNIG, INC. At 87 years old, Willy Goellner still comes to work six days a week to design saw machines for clients. “He still works harder than most people in the building,” said employee Meaghan Ziemba.

The inventor of the first production carbide saw and founder of Rockfordbased Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME)/Hennig, Inc., still is inventing things. The carbide hot saw developed in 2008 makes fast cuts at the ends on hot-forged axles.

Goellner’s drive likely comes from overwhelming odds as a child. Born in Poland in a Germany community, Goellner lost his mother during the war,

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“The four-year apprenticeship program provides students with broad, technical knowledge that helps them develop the necessary skills for machining, and offers them opportunities in high-tech jobs.”

Willy Goellner then his father and sister at the end of the war. After being ejected from Poland to Germany, Goellner went to study engineering at the Federal Technical College in Steyr, Austria in 1948. Graduating with top honors, he joined the research and development department at Steyr-Daimler-Puch Autowerks. He and wife Irmgard emigrated to the United States, refining their English skills listening to U.S. Armed Forces network.

Goellner landed at Ingersoll in 1960 by way of Chicago. In 1966, he founded AME in a 1,000-sq.-ft. space in Loves Park. Two years later, the company relocated to a 33,371-sq.-ft. space in Rockford. AME began representing Hennig GmbH in 1971. Thanks to a longterm relationship, AME signed a joint venture with the company in 1977, and acquired it in 1999.

Seeing the U.S. skills gap early on in his career, Goellner has fueled his company’s employee pipeline using the European apprenticeship model. AME welcomes new apprentices annually for hands-on experience in machining.

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Never forgetting where he started, he hosts interns from Federal Technical College for eight-week projects towards their diplomas. He revels in telling how manufacturing turned his tough situation into a thriving career.

Goellner is co-founder of German Club Gemütlichkeit, now the German Society of Rockford, which to this day hosts the popular Oktoberfest. He watches German news to keep connected to his roots.

Goellner released his autobiography last year, Against All Odds: From There to Here, a story of strength and determination at the end of WWII. The book is dedicated to his wife, who passed away from ALS, and proceeds go towards the Chicago chapter of the ALS Association. Never forgetting those who helped him out of a tough place, he also has helped finance the Rockford Rescue Mission’s Women’s Crisis Center.

By Barbara Connors

Jason Todd

FOUNDER THINKER VENTURES Key pieces of Jason’s Todd’s success were planted when he was in grade school.

He figured out computer programming, before it was taught in schools, staying in from recess to program on the classroom’s one Commodore 64. Then, his parents bought one of the first Apple computers. He checked out books at the local library and, while sitting at his parent’s trucking company or in his basement, he took apart old computers and and wrote applications for his friends and family.

It all left him with an appreciation of entrepreneurship – starting your own business did not seem like a

“We believe in people, and businesses, helping each other. We believe in Rockford, but not an isolationist Rockford.”

Jason Todd huge challenge, it was doable. And, technology was useful and there for the taking.

Todd, 40, a Rockford native, jumped headfirst into the business world with confidence and energy. By age 19, he was fast-tracked for management at a multi-million-dollar retailer. Instead, he started his own businesses – some of which have grown to be multi-milliondollar operations – and began coaching other entrepreneurs.

Seven years ago, he sold his interest in an internet retailer he started and took a break, all the while figuring out what was next. The result is Thinker Ventures, a business development company which offers consulting, technical and marketing expertise along with events and resources for professionals and businesses.

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“Nobody else does what we do,” said Todd. “Basically, we go deeper than marketing to get businesses thinking and moving in ways other consultants don’t.”

Iverson Painting is one of Thinker’s success stories. The local firm, started in 1986, was growing and needed a new Website. With Thinker’s help, Iverson agreed to examine its overall approach to business. That began a two-year partnership to boost profits that included a comprehensive strategic business analysis, an overhead cost estimation model and calculator, defined demographic and geographic targets, a new brand identity and website, refocused ad investments heavy on digital media, and, even, a performance pay program for employees.

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Cognitive power Believing that open minds can change the world and pursuit of knowledge is a good thing with another community rather than do it ourselves and some people didn’t like it so it went to referendum where we won the challenge.”

“We diagnosed what was going on in the business and let the company know what decisions had to be made,” Todd said.

Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D.

Thinker’s philosophy is one of businesses, and people, helping and inspiring each other. Using local artisans, the firm’s office at 317 W. Jefferson St. in downtown Rockford was designed to impress visitors with its clean industrial design, where staff work in the open and close to each other so information is easily shared.

The office includes a full kitchen and space to host meetings of downtown and entrepreneurial groups.

You don’t have to be mayor to become a university president, but it doesn’t hurt.

“We believe in people, and businesses, helping each other,” Todd said. “We believe in Rockford, but not an isolationist Rockford.”

Todd and his wife, Beth, have three children, ages 12 to 19.

By Geri Nikolai

PRESIDENT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Prior to joining Rockford University as vice president for enrollment management in 2013, Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D., was vice president for enrollment management and student life at Bluffton University, in Bluffton, Ohio, a town of 4,000. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Fulcomer served as the town’s part-time mayor for 15 months after spending 10 years on the village council.

“I was always interested in politics and knew that I’d one day run for office,” he says. “Every town has its issues.

In Bluffton our biggest issue was infrastructure. It’s an older community with an aging water and sewer system.

The debate back then was outsourcing our water supply. We decided to work

Fulcomer had to resign as mayor when he accepted the job at Rockford University. He joined then President Robert Head’s administration team with the hope of one day becoming a president himself. “Dr. Head spent a lot of time talking with me about things he learned during his time as president” he says. “It was like a three-year training session.” Following Head’s retirement, and a national search for his replacement, Fulcomer became Rockford’s 18th president in 2016.

Under his leadership, the university has made more than $2 million in capital improvements to the science building and residence halls. And he has worked with community partners such as Rockford Public Schools and its education pathways program, with the idea that when students graduate they will stay in Rockford to work.

“I’m proud of the fact that we’ve grown enrollment to the largest in the university’s 172-year history,” he says.

“I’m proud of the work the faculty and staff are doing to move Rockford University forward. And our capital campaign just hit the $17 million mark.”

While his political days are over for now, Fulcomer is plenty busy. He serves on several boards including Rockford Christian Schools, the Golden Apple Foundation and Alignment Rockford.

He’s participated in the Leadership Rockford Program and Transform

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“I’m proud of the fact that we’ve grown enrollment to the largest in the university’s 172-year history. I’m proud of the work the faculty and staff is doing to move Rockford University forward.”

Eric Fulcomer

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Rockford and is a member of the Rockford Rotary Club.

“It’s part of who I am,” he says of his community involvement. “That was my first impression of Rockford. It’s easy to get involved if you want to.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

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“I tell people, ‘If you’re not using us, you’re throwing your money away.’ Just tell us what you want to see or read or study, and we’ll show you how to do it – and it’s prepaid.”

Lynn Stainbrook

Lynn Stainbrook

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY A young man approached Rockford Public Library Executive Director Lynn Stainbrook at an event recently to shake her hand and express what must be the essence of a successful library in the 21st Century.

“He said his library card is his ‘golden ticket’ and how much there is available with it,” says Stainbrook, who just started her fourth year in the director’s role. “Then, he went down the list of the ways he’d discovered the power of a library card.”

He uses it to download music and books, to take classes, to do research, to read magazines and newspapers, and on and on. He’s able to access many of those services from home but loves visiting the library to browse and discover new options.

The testimonial was music to Stainbrook’s ears because she and the RPL Board of Directors are in the planning process to build a new library from scratch. The old Carnegie library on the riverfront was built on a contaminated site. The building closed last year when library operations moved to a temporary site nearby. Once the old building is demolished and ground beneath it remediated, the new library will rise on the same site.

“nobody goes to the library anymore.”

Brisk business downtown and at the branches exposes the fallacy of that assertion.

“I tell people, ‘If you’re not using us, you’re throwing your money away,’” Stainbrook says, emphasizing that the library is a taxing entity. “Just tell us what you want to see or read or study, and we’ll show you how to do it – and it’s prepaid.”

If you just want to check out a bestseller and take it home to read, she says, “We do that, too.”

By Judy Emerson

The goal of libraries of the future can be summed up in a word, Stainbrook says.

“Relevancy.”

Part of figuring out what’s relevant is asking patrons what they want and need, she says. “Until 2017, we never asked people what they wanted.” Under Stainbrook’s leadership, the library held dozens of “envisioning sessions” in the community to find out what features and services people want in the new building. From those sessions, 646 ideas emerged, and some of them will become reality at the new library.

A career librarian who came to Rockford from a similar post in Green Bay, Wis., Stainbrook has increased community outreach and education efforts to show the many ways a great library system can enhance residents’ lives.

Yes, Stainbrook hears people say that

David Sidney

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRANSFORM ROCKFORD In 2016, David Sidney took a leap; leaving a stable career in urban planning with Gary W. Anderson Architects, then the City of Rockford, to advance the Transform Rockford mission: Making the Rockford region a “Top 25 community by 2025.”

The Auburn High School graduate earned his double master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois and Christian ministry from

one Northern Seminary. He could have

[Mentoring students] “They inspire me; keep me grounded and current! Keeping the next generation in the community means showing them opportunity and supporting them in their purpose and goals.”

David Sidney

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Transform Rockford’s Shared Values team, facilitating visioning sessions to find a consensus -- no small task.

This year he became the organization’s executive director and hopes to instill in residents a belief in the future. He recalls his University of Illinois economic development professor, who told him that Champaign-Urbana was not always a buzzing university town. Even with a major university, it had to compete with cities like Rockford with its river, state park and proximity to major metro areas. “The professor highlighted all the assets of Rockford that most places want to have.”

instead becoming more deeply rooted.”

Sidney credits the decades of time and financial risk taken by business owners, residents and investors for the vibrant downtown the region is experiencing today, along with economic tools such as River Edge Historic Tax Credits that have helped fund rehabilitations like Prairie Street Brewhouse.

Sidney started as a volunteer on

“David is a highly effective leader who

gone anywhere, but returned to the community he loved. “Coming back to Rockford in 2006 was the beginning of me hopping off the treadmill of success, being everywhere for everyone, and

influences by being genuine,” said Joel P. Zirkle, principal at Fehr Graham. He credits Sidney’s strong belief in the downtown with influencing him to sign a 10-year contract in 2013 to move to the second floor of the newly renovated Prairie Street Brewhouse. A calculated risk at the time, to Zirkle it was, “One of the best decisions our firm has made in 45 years of business.”

“My trust in God drives me at the core,” said Sidney, who has other leadership roles in Alignment Rockford, Judson University, Rockford Leaders INC and Rockford Mass Transit District.

A highlight of his week is mentoring students at Lathrop Elementary School through the United Way iRead program. “They inspire me; keep me grounded and current! Keeping the next generation in the community means showing them opportunity and supporting them in their purpose and goals.”

By Barbara Connors

“I sneak away to the sites and spend some time talking to our clients and their families.

I come away knowing there is a point to all this.�

David Gomel

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Building a better world Bricks and mortar and heart and soul

at 4401 N. Bell School Road in Loves Park, Ideal Industries in Sycamore, and projects locally and in Singapore and Poland for UTC Aerospace Systems.

“I have had the good fortune to work on literally hundreds of projects for UTC Aerospace Systems, completing my first project for them in 1984 and continuing to this day,” Saunders said.

He is still enthusiastic about his work.

“I love architecture, design, and art, and I get great satisfaction in combining these disciplines to create buildings,” he said.

John T. Saunders

PRINCIPAL AND VICE PRESIDENT LARSON & DARBY GROUP John Saunders has strong roots in Rockford. Born and raised here, he attended Rock Valley College before going on to study architecture at the University of Illinois, where he earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in architecture.

But the roots of his life’s work started a couple of decades before, when his grandfather, a carpenter, took him to job sites and gave him scrap wood with which to build. Saunders became intrigued with the work his older brother was doing as a designer for a glass and window supplier, as well as custom designed homes.

Architecture was an easy choice for a college major. It was, he said, “the perfect blend of artistry, building design, and construction.”

Saunders, principal and vice president of Larson & Darby Group, Rockford’s largest architectural firm, has practiced for more than 40 years and holds licenses to practice architecture in five states. His recent work includes the Danfoss building

A successful project, Saunders believes, involves a design that exceeds expectations of the client, is highfunctioning, provides an environment where inhabitants engage in meaningful and productive ways, intuitively meets current and future needs, and contributes to the aesthetics of the community.

Saunders’ love of architecture goes beyond doing his job. He has a passion, he said, “for advocating for the architectural profession and its members to ensure that we are all able to contribute to the creation of a relevant and sustainable built environment…”

He has been a mentor to many young architects, and enjoys educating the general public about the profound impact architecture has on our lives.

He recently served on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) State of Illinois board of directors for three years.

He is currently director of the northern section of Illinois’ AIA Prairie Chapter.

Saunders has been an active Boy Scout leader, participating in many high adventure treks during his vacations from work. One of his most recent was a 10-day, 64-mile trek up the 11,700-foot

“Architecture was an easy choice: the perfect blend of artistry, building design and construction.”

John T. Saunders high Mount Phillips at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

He holds several roles on the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, including its board of directors, and has been active in Spectrum School, Rockford Public Schools, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He and his wife, Victoria, have four children and six grandchildren.

By Geri Nikolai

Linda Zuba

PARTNER ZUBA & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Linda Zuba lives by one simple creed – go with God’s flow which leads to love, justice and mercy.

Zuba was born in Colombia, South America, before leaving with her mother, Zaida, and older sister, Maria, for a better life in the United States. She started her career in nursing. Zuba spent 15 years working in Rockford hospitals as a critical

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“I loved being a nurse, but God put me on this legal path. This is my new mission.”

Linda Zuba care and flight nurse. “I took pride in the care I provided,” she says. “I treated my patients the same way I want to be treated. When I decided to leave nursing, people didn’t understand. But I was an advocate and I still am.”

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torture, forced prostitution, forced gang involvement and extortion. Women and children are targeted at an alarming rate.

They have a legal right to seek asylum regardless of how they enter the country but they are being treated like criminals.”

Zuba plans on returning one day. “These women and children have inspired me.

I loved being a nurse, but God put me on this legal path. This is my new mission.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

While Zuba handles a variety of cases, it’s her work helping immigrants and the most vulnerable that really drives Zuba. In addition to her legal work, Zuba is a member of the Coalition of Latino Leaders and a board member for Saint Anthony College of Nursing, Remedies Renewing Lives, United Way, and various committees that work on improving the lives of those in our community.

Recently, Zuba traveled to Texas where Spanish speaking attorneys were needed to work with asylum seekers who were housed in immigration detention centers close to the border. Her job was to prepare children and their mothers for interviews with asylum officers and Immigration Judge hearings.

“It was an eye opening experience,” she says. “Asylum seekers are fleeing death,

“What I love is the diversity,” Gomel said.

“We are able to serve all people, regardless of socioeconomic status, treating all as equals, offering help and hope to the community.” Gomel adds, “I am not sure who is more inspiring to me, the clients facing their medical issues or the incredible team that serves them on a daily basis.”

His administrative duties usually keep him away from direct contact with clients, but Gomel makes sure he doesn’t forget them.

“There are so many bureaucratic issues we deal with, so many state and federal changes, problems with budgets, it’s disheartening sometimes. You can get lost and forget the higher purpose,” he said.

“That’s why I sneak away to the the sites and spend some time talking to our clients and their families. I come away knowing there is a point to all this.”

Zuba woke up one morning to a startling revelation – she wanted to be an attorney.

Her new path became law and advocacy for everyone regardless of the color of their skin, religion or place of birth “I was working in the community with people who were being discriminated against and treated unjustly,” she says.

Now she’s a partner with Zuba & Associates, alongside her husband, Jim, a former CPA and federal prosecutor.

Zuba handles personal injury, pro bono and public interest law, but her passion is advocacy work and helping those in need.

35,000 people last year.

David Gomel, Ph.D. PRESIDENT ROSECRANCE INC.

David Gomel believes life should be dedicated to service, and he found his path to that when he joined Rosecrance in 1993.

He was new in Rockford, settling here with wife Jennifer after the two met at Northern Illinois University, and starting as a counselor in training.

“I remember saying to her, ‘I could see myself working here the rest of my life.

The mission is incredible,’” he said.

Twenty-five years later, Indiana native Gomel is still here, still working to help people with behavioral health issues, (substance use and mental health disorders). Today he does it as president of Rosecrance Inc., directing the day-today work of 1,000 employees who served

One of the initiatives Gomel helped lead means better care for opioid addicts. Fire Department staff talked with Rosecrance workers about how often they were rescuing the same people for overdoses.

Working with providers from different agencies, Rosecrance changed procedures so that people who overdose are given options for treatment immediately.

Gomel also is working with other providers to have people suffering mental health crises taken to Rosecrance’s triage center rather than a hospital emergency room.

That way, individuals immediately get the mental health treatment they need.

“The cool thing about Rockford is that it is small enough that you can get key leaders together and actually accomplish things,” Gomel said. “Those kinds of successes seem to beget more success.”

When Gomel isn’t at work or with his family – he and Jennifer enjoy spending time with their children 20, 17 and 15 years old – he can be found coaching a youth sports team or serving on a board.

By Geri Nikolai

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event

2018 TWENTY PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW RECEPTION

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE WORKPLACE • TEBALA EVENT CENTER • NOVEMBER 1, 2018

One Magazine and Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Tebala Event Center. Chamber President/CEO Einar

were proud to introduce the 2018 Twenty People You

Forsman, LoRayne Logan, President of workplace, and

Should Know award recipients at a special reception,

Richard Zumwalt, Principal of Z-Resource recognized

sponsored by workplace staff & search. More than

each of the PYSK Honorees.

350 guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks at the

Front row: Anisha Grimmett, LuAnn Groh, Linda Zuba, Thelma Baker, Tiffany Staman, Jason Todd, Lesly Couper, Willy Goellner, Lynn Stainbrook, Andrew Hendrickson and David Sidney. Back row: John Saunders, Ray Davis, David Gomel, Einar Forsman, Eric Fulcomer, Brent Pentenburg, Brian Knabe, Ben Bernsten, Mick Gronewold, Sheena Amble and Rick Zumwalt.

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The Writers Paul Anthony Arco is the community relations coordinator at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, and a contributor to the Chamber newspaper, The VOICE. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Rockford Register Star, and Northwest Quarterly Magazine, among many other publications.

Judy Emerson

Barbara Connors Barbara Connors is a journalist for more than 25 years and editor for the Rockford Chamber’s Voice newspaper and Business Direct enewsletter. She’s managed a variety of publications including Rockford Register Star. In addition to her master’s degree in journalism, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and works as a triage nurse in heart failure at OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute.

Geri Nikolai spent 40 years in newspaper

is a communications consultant who wrote for the Rockford Register Star for 22 years and, most recently, served as director of communications for Rosecrance Health Network.

journalism in Wausau, Wis., and Rockford, holding a number of editorial positions and covering nearly every “beat” at one time or another. She is now a freelance writer.

Congratulations to the TWENTY V2 Marketing Communications and Brian Thomas Photography offers their congratulations to the twenty individuals who shine bright in our community!

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW HONOREES MARKETINGV2.COM Proud partners with the Rockford Chamber on the PYSK Project

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Congratulations!

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to extend their congratulations to the 2018 People You Should Know Honorees!

YOUR ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.

Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP

Jan Bowman TLC Construction

LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management

Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc.

Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc.

Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Doug Curry Stenstrom Excavation and Blacktop Group

Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School

Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting

Mark Peterson CBL Associates Properties. Inc.

Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage

Dan Ross Gallagher Williams-Manny

Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth

John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network

Karl Swanson Rockford Bank & Trust Co.

Udaya Talwar Woodward

Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc.

Jon Thompson Butitta Brothers Automotive

Richard Zumwalt Z Resource

Visit us online rockfordchamber.com Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Nathan Bryant Rockford Area Economic Development

It’s time to expect more from your employee health plan.

Imagine a future where employers have flexibility with health plan design for the workforce, supported by people who truly care about helping businesses make their employees not only healthier, but also happier. We believe that day is today. At Quartz, we administer self-funded employee health plans featuring SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, the cornerstone of our network.

We help employer-sponsored health plans meet the needs of their businesses as well as bettering the health of their workforce. Say hello to Quartz.

+ QuartzBenefits.com

Learn more about how Quartz can improve the health of your employees and your bottom line. Contact your benefit consultant or Kelly Davit, Quartz Regional Business Development Account Executive, at 815-742-8594.

QA00145 (1118) Š Quartz Health Solutions, Inc.