January Voice 2012

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

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High School Career Day

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Rockford Chamber, YMCA Partner to Offer Members New Benefit

January 2012 | Volume 25 | No. 1

What a difference a year makes “It takes a community to work together and hold each other accountable.”

By Paul Anthony Arco A year ago, former Rockford Public Schools superintendent LaVonne Sheffield left a packed crowd feeling blue, following candid remarks she made at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Education Outlook Luncheon.

There was a much different vibe in the air this year, when more than 550 people, including several business and

Photo by Brian Thomas Photography

Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone, offered hope and the prospect of hard work for Rockford Schools’ future. educational leaders, turned out to hear an upbeat and witty message delivered by national keynote speaker Geoffrey Canada at the annual luncheon event, Dec. 8 at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort.

Canada is president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone, a nonprofit organization for poverty-stricken children and families living in Harlem, which provides free support in the form of parenting workshops, a pre-school

program, public charter schools, and childoriented health programs for thousands of children and families. Canada, who’s appeared as a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show and 60 Minutes and was named one of “America’s Best Leaders,” by U.S. News and World Report, shared ways citizens and educators can work together to improve educational opportunities for children.

“As a nation we’ve lost our way,” he told more on page 3

Field Fastener opens its new high-tech facility addition

Visit us online at: rockfordchamber.com n online registration n keynote speaker video clips n event photos n list of Chamber events Questions? 815-987-8100

Join the Chamber’s LinkedIn Group www.linkedin.com/e/gis/2544

Mark your calendar!

Annual Dinner January 19 • Giovanni’s For more information, see page 28 Survey Reports Most Promising Hiring Outlook Since 2008 U.S. employers expect hiring to increase slightly in the first quarter, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released by ManpowerGroup, with a net employment outlook up 9 percent for the first quarter, 2012.

This represents the most promising hiring outlook since 2008.

The survey revealed:

By Barbara Connors With plans for growth in revenue and employees in the near future, Field Fastener Supply Co., held a grand opening event and ribbon cutting on Dec. 9 for its new 43,000-square-foot addition at 9883 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park. The $3.5 million project includes new office and warehouse space, loading docks, engineering and quality labs, an employee workout facility and multipurpose great room complete with fireplace, big screen televisions and video games. The addition was built

by Cord Construction and designed by Larson & Darby.

Jim Derry, executive vice president, explained, “The new loading docks and quality lab will definitely help with

The YMCA of Rock River Valley and the Rockford Chamber have partnered to offer a new valueadded benefit to members in 2012.

Chamber members can join YMCA of Rock River Valley Corporate Well-being program and pay no Corporate Enrollment fee.

In addition, you receive two complimentary Lunch N Learns to motivate and educate your employees; one free Company event at the Y; Corporate rates or options available to compliment your existing benefits; members can “Try the Y” free—a one-week trial for all employees, and 1 month free membership if you join the Y; free family time activities; free unlimited fitness classes (land and aqua); complimentary child watch services; and, the Away Program,where you can work out at other YMCAs across the nation.

Visit www.rockfordymca.org for current program and membership information, including the new corporate wellbeing program.

For information, contact Pam Lunde, corporate relations coordinator, 815-489-3356 or plunde@rockfordymca.org.

n Nine straight quarters of employment growth.

Jim and Bill Derry bought Field Fastener in 1990 and grew it from 12 to 60 employees. the product, but we think giving our employees a nice place to relax on their breaks will maximize their productivity while working.”

Field Fastener is a full-service, global provider of inventory management and complete supply chain solutions for fasteners and other Class “C” items. It distributes fasteners, screw machine parts, plastic parts, fittings, plumbing and electrical components. n

n Historically high level of employers unsure about plans.

Seven percent of employers reported they were unsure of their hiring intentions going into the new year. n Employers in all four U.S. regions reporting a positive net employment outlook, with those in the Midwest reporting the strongest, up 10 percent, thanks to an increase in the manufacturing industry sectors. This represents the most favorable hiring outlook for the Midwest since third quarter, 2008.

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Business Success The end of the year is a good time to reflect on your business’s progress over the past year and plan how you want your business to develop. Do you want increased success in the coming year or the chance to enjoy the success you’ve achieved more? These top 10 New Year’s resolutions are designed to help you strike a better work-life balance, so you can achieve a truly satisfying success in the New Year.

1. Learn how to delegate —and do more of it There are so many things to do when you’re running a small business; it’s easy to delude ourselves that we need to do all of them. Then we wonder why we’re so tired and frazzled and have no time to do anything else! Determine your personal return on investment, and decide to let someone else do some of the tasks for a change. Delegation is the key to a healthy work-life balance.

2. Promote your business regularly and consistently Too often the task of promoting a

small business slips to the bottom of the to-do list in the press of urgent tasks.

If you want to attract new customers, you have to make promotion a priority.

Make a New Year’s resolution to hire a marketing expert, or take the time to create a marketing plan on your own and follow through.

3. Make business planning a weekly event Planning is vital if you want a healthy, growing business. Business planning lets you take stock of what worked and what didn’t work, and helps you set new directions or adjust old goals. So why do it just once a year or once a quarter?

Set aside time each week to review, adjust, and look forward—or even better, make business planning a part of each day. Not only will this help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track, but you’ll feel more focused and relaxed.

4. Learn something new What you choose to learn may be directly related to your business or completely unrelated. Learning

something new will add to your skills and add a new dimension of interest to your life—another important part of achieving a healthy work-life balance.

Depending on how you choose to learn, you may meet new and interesting people, who may become customers, colleagues, or friends.

How will you find the time to learn something new? By delegating, remember?

5. Join a new business organization or networking group There’s nothing like talking to other business people for sparking new ideas, refining old ones, and making contacts. Whether it’s a group specifically designed for networking or an organization dedicated to a particular type of business, in person or over the ‘Net, making the effort to be a part of a group will revitalize you and your business.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for a variety of networking opportunities.

6. Give something back to your community

Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

There are all kinds of worthy organizations that make a difference in your community. Make a New Year’s resolution to find a cause that matters to you, and give what you can.

Make this the year that you serve on a committee, be a mentor, volunteer, or make regular donations to the groups in your community that try to make the place you live a better place.

7. Put time for you on your calendar In Schedule Time for You, I point out how important it is to take the time to recharge and refresh yourself; a healthy work-life balance demands time out. All work and no play is a recipe for mental and physical disaster. So if you have trouble freeing up time to do the things you enjoy, write time regularly into your schedule to “meet with yourself” and more on page 22

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January 2012

Education Expert the crowd. “We’ve become comfortable with failure in education. No one is going to save your kids; you have to save your own kids.”

Alignment Rockford is a nonprofit initiative that coordinates the alignment of community resources with the strategic plan of Rockford Public Schools. The goal is to engage a diverse group of public and private organizations in a cooperative and focused effort to support the academic and social needs of Rockford’s students.

Groups Discuss What Community Can Do

Good Education a Community Responsibility

The crowd walked away impressed.

“I think his presentation was fabulous,” said Dr. Robert Willis, interim superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. “If you compare what he said to what we’re trying to do in terms of bringing the entire community together, led by the education and business community as the initiators, we’re talking the same language,” he said. “We need to slay this feeling of hopelessness, so it doesn’t overcome us. His comments were right on the mark; we can’t give up.”

Following the luncheon, many in the crowd participated in breakout meetings, held to discuss key takeaways from Canada’s message and how the strategies discussed can help Rockford Public Schools achieve its goals.

“It couldn’t have been a better message at a better time,” said Dr. Ehren Jarrett, assistant superintendent of Rockford Public Schools and chairman of Alignment Rockford High School Pathways Committee. “We’re ready to move past the blame game and move towards aligning our community resources to do great things for kids. We have the right element of people to make that happen. It ties in well with what we’re trying to do with Alignment Rockford and our new school initiatives.”

Canada encouraged the audience to think outside the box and to bring a new sense of optimism to help encourage young people who may have given up. “It takes a community to work together and hold each other accountable,” he said.

“He was truly inspirational and spoke from the heart,” said Einar Forsman, president and CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “Everything he described as challenges and opportunities are things that our community faces as well. We need that kind of inspiration and that kind of ability to fight through our issues, and try to build the community around our public schools in order to have the same kind of success.”

Greg Taylor agrees. The Rockford resident, whose daughter attends Guilford High School, took Canada’s message to heart. “He’s right; you can’t sit back and say, ‘it’s someone else’s fault,’” he said.

“It’s a matter of what we’re doing as parents. It starts at home.”

The presenting sponsor of the luncheon was BMO Harris Bank. The gold sponsor was Humana, and the bronze sponsor was Clifton Gunderson LLP. United for Our Children Partners included United Way of Rock River Valley, Zion Development, City of Rockford Human Services and Alignment Rockford. n

Continued from front page

Join Us for the Rockford Chamber

Annual Dinner Come, Be Inspired!

When you were a child, did your school day last more than six hours?

Did you use computers, let alone smart boards? Did you step foot in a classroom before age 5? Did you dream about going to college and wonder how you would afford it?

The environment for schools definitely has changed for our children.

In support of the many opportunities to advance our public schools, our business community and people’s lives, the Rockford Chamber hosts Dr. Robert Willis, superintendent for Rockford Public Schools, as speaker for the Annual Dinner. Dr. Willis will outline his five “Readiness Rocks” and the strategies to achieve student and community success.

Be the first to learn the next big step forward for our Chamber, our schools and our community. Another reason not to miss: The Rockford Chamber will announce its 2012 Citizen of the Year.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 • 5 to 8 p.m.

Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center Register at rockfordchamber.com. Call 815-987-8123 for questions.

Thanks to our sponsors: WilliamsMcCarthy LLP (Presenting) • Humana (Citizen of the Year Award) OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (Gold) • Leading Lawyers Network (Silver) McGladrey (Bronze) • Riverside Community Bank (Calendar Sponsor)

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Board Member PROFILE

Raising awareness on employability issues affecting area workforce What do you contribute as part of the Chamber Board?

I feel my responsibility is to bring the business perspective of the service sector and raise awareness of issues affecting the employability of the local workforce to the Chamber.

Why is the Chamber important to business and the community?

The Chamber is the business resource for networking, advocacy and educational activities. By working together, we can create a competitive advantage for business, employment and success in our community.

What is the name/current purpose of your business/ organization?

FurstStaffing (www.furststaff.com) is staffing specialists committed to enhancing the productivity of our customers and improving the employability of our workforce for the benefit of the community. We believe service quality is a dynamic process, fostered by positive attitude and empowerment, which guides our business. Our future includes personal, professional and geographic growth, allowing for continued success and profitability while anticipating the changing needs of our customer, employee and community.

What are your business responsibilities?

Darlene Furst FurstStaffing

costs associated with unemployment insurance and workers compensation insurance as they relate directly to payroll dollars. There also is a strong need for qualified, skilled technical candidates available for employment throughout North America.

We must educate companies on the need for training, and teachers, counselors and young students on the wonderful career opportunities in manufacturing.

How do you think you impact the community?

Our company provides employment opportunities to many individuals in the northern Illinois area, and we partner with businesses and companies to support their staffing and production goals.

What book, movie would you recommend right now and why?

I have recently been reading mystery novels by John Sandford -- the most recent: “Shock Wave.” The stories take place in Minnesota and involve a natural curiosity for problem solving.

What one word would you use to describe yourself?

Reserved.

What are you most proud of?

My children – their achievements and caring attitudes.

We are celebrating our “Furst Forty Years” in business this year. Initially I was responsible for the accounting function of the Furst Companies. Since 1982, I have been responsible for the management of the temporary staffing company.

What are you most thankful for?

What trend(s) is/are most strongly impacting your industry?

How do you typically spend your leisure time?

Because of the business climate, the

One is the FurstStaffing team, who are self-motivated, professional, capable and caring individuals. We all enjoy having fun, which makes our work enjoyable.

I enjoy time with family and friends, reading and the visual arts.

Let your Voice be heard The Rockford Chamber of Commerce ­ elcomes and encourages submissions w for The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding ­publication. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

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

The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101.

Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

New rules make it easier to refinance debt The change at SBA means more businesses are eligible to take advantage of the program

A change to the Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program makes it practical for companies to refinance commercial mortgages or equipment loans. The idea is to help business owners invest in their firms and create jobs.

By refinancing through SBA 504, business owners are guaranteed to lower their debt service by at least 10 percent, but the savings could be 50 percent or more. There also is a new “cash out” provision — up to 90 percent of collateral value. The money can be used for nearly any business expense, including paying salaries, purchasing inventory or equipment, or even making payments on other loans.

SBA 504 rate are at historic lows.

Twenty-year commercial real estate loans are fixed at around five percent today and 10-year equipment loans are in the lowfour percent range. Borrowers might have

Brenten WItherby RLDC

SBA loans are not only for small businesses, either.

Loan sizes have been upped to $5 million, making SBA 504 an attractive option for some middle-market businesses. paid nine percent or so a few years ago.

Expanded Eligibility Guidelines The change at SBA also means more businesses are eligible to take advantage of the 504 program.

The SBA launched the 504 program in February, but it was restrictive. It allowed only borrowers who had loans that were due, or ballooning, in the next year, and the appraisal had to come in just right. The perfect “Goldilocks” deal. Not too old, not too new—just the right amount of equity.

Not anymore. The SBA’s new rules give business owners greater access to capital and pave the way for them to create jobs. And so far, it’s working.

After the rule change, inquiries at the SBA’s home office have jumped from about four a day to more than 50.

Rockford Local Development Corporation is seeing quite a bit of interest in the loan program and expects to close $10 to $20 million in loans this fiscal year.

Not Just for Small Businesses or Subpar Loans SBA loans are not only for small businesses, either. Loan sizes have been upped to $5 million, making SBA 504 an attractive option for some middle-market businesses. A $5 million SBA 504 loan could be a very important piece of a $20 million debt restructuring or above-the-

fold newsworthy expansion project.

People often mistake SBA loans as only for subpar borrowers or as being too much hassle or too much paperwork for what it’s worth.

It is validating when a guy like Mark Braun, a Chicago investment banker turned entrepreneur/CEO of Nuestro Queso, LLC, insists on going with 504.

Why not take advantage of 20-year fixed rates and 90 percent financing when banks typically offer five-year rates and only 75 or 80 percent financing?

As far as the SBA paperwork is concerned, it’s our job to make it look easy.

Brenten Witherby is a loan officer at RLDC. Visit www.rldc.us or email brenten@rldc.us.

The views expressed are those of Witherby’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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Goals + Collaboration = Jobs Presented at 2011 RAEDC Annual Meeting and Dinner

By Mary Cacioppi, RAEDC More than 750 business and community leaders met at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council 2011 Annual Meeting and Dinner on Nov. 30 .

RAEDC Board Chairman Bill Roop opened the event stating, “I am pleased to report tonight — at our fourth-annual meeting since the launch of Rockforward!

— that our strategies are producing results. Because of a strong collaborative spirit in our board meetings, in the work of our Solutions Teams and Committees, and the high level of engagement of our investors, the region is moving forward.”

GOALS + COLLABORATION= JOBS The event featured a keynote address

by RAEDC President Janyce Fadden, who discussed how the Rockforward! strategic plan leads to success in today’s economic reality. Fadden’s message focused on collaboration around three areas: the Rockforward! strategic plan; the challenges and opportunities that today’s economy presents; and how together the community can build a better, stronger and more sustainable economy. She said,

“When our region focuses on goals and collaboration, the result is quality jobs.”

Fadden highlighted the progress of Rockforward!, the RAEDC’s five-year strategic plan for 2008 to 2012 that focuses on increasing wealth creation in the Rockford Region. Rockforward!’s five strategies are: (1) a thriving business climate, (2) targeted marketing and recruitment, (3) workforce development, (4) world-class business infrastructure and (5) the Emerging Opportunities Fund.

A video featuring Dr. Bill Gorski, chairman of the RAEDC Leadership Council was shown. In the video Dr. Gorski said “Rockforward! began a new dialogue. It created a way for region’s leaders to not just discuss, but also invest money in ideas that will change our community. The Leadership Council has invested more than $690,000 over the past four years through the Emerging Opportunities Fund. Participation in Leadership Council continues to increase as does the intensity of the dialogue. We are now a cohesive force having dynamic conversations about fundamental shifts in our community and the legacy that our group will leave.”

McGladrey survey: Manufacturers

encouraged by current economy

By Matthew Simpson, RAEDC One of the publications I routinely read is the McGladrey Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor. It surveys leaders of manufacturing and distribution organizations in order to gauge the current state of the industry and determine what steps executives are taking to grow their businesses and remain competitive. The most recent edition of the survey, the Fall Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor, offered a number of interesting insights.

McGladrey’s survey found that manufacturers and distributors, mainly those in the durable goods sector, suffered from a number of challenges leading into the fall, including increasing energy and raw materials costs, and falling business and consumer confidence. Still, more than 43 percent of participants say their businesses are “thriving and growing.”

Another noteworthy item from the fall Monitor is that the automotive sector continues to gain strength. Karen Kurek, national manufacturing leader for RSM McGladrey shared, “Despite the fact that

the automotive sector is continuing to expect increases in their raw materials, that sector has led the way in regards to thriving and growing. More than 80 percent of automotive respondents anticipate an increase in domestic sales over the next 12 months.”

In my Voice of the Customer retention visits with business leaders in the region, I have heard similar responses. Companies continue to face unique economic challenges. However, many manufacturers remain cautiously optimistic. They are more encouraged by the direction the economy is moving in now than first quarter, 2011.

Although these are encouraging reports, we must continue to listen and understand the experiences our manufacturers are having so we are able to assist in ensuring the continued success of our business community.

To read McGladrey’s Fall Manufacturing & Distribution Monitor, visit mcgladrey.com.

Matthew Simpson is business development specialist at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

RAEDC Board Chairman Bill Roop compliments the board and investors on a spirit of collaboration.

Results from Rockforward!

Results of the Rockforward! strategies were presented by Fadden. These include: consistent funding from RAEDC investors and leveraging of grant funds to expand programming and services; 17 businesses that have relocated or expanded in the region; 1,700 new and retained jobs through attraction and expansion assistance.

“The main success is the companies that have located or expanded in the Rockford Region. They are the ones who developed the product or service.

Our regional partners work to assure their needs for being in the region are met,” Fadden said.

Fadden discussed the challenges that face the Rockford Region: the loss of nonresident companies, slower job recovery from the recession, and a college attainment level that is 25 percent below

Fadden highlights the progress of the RAEDC’s five-year strategic plan. the nation’s average. The opportunity for our region to improve is based on increased Civic Collaborations. “Regions that embrace new ways of thinking, new ways of behaving and new ways of doing can advance themselves even if the goal seems very high,” Fadden said.

“Our results indicate that we have made great progress working together, and our success is due to all of our partners.”

Fadden ended with a call to action.

“Great Civic Collaborations can move communities faster and farther than they imagined. Our results will be measured by what we commit to accomplish together.”

She encouraged the event attendees to consider new ways of thinking, behaving and doing; and to commit to being a part of a Civic Collaboration.

Mary Cacioppi is director of investor relations at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

Atometric: The more things change,

the more they stay the same

By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab

iteration machine was built onto a desk. Before Tom, Sr., died in 2008, Saturday mornings playing on his they were proud to say their invention father’s drafting board at Ingersoll had reached the mature product stage.

Milling Machine Company (IMMC) Father, Son, Partners, Friends form fond memories from age six for Atometric specializes in manuTom Lindem, president of Atometric, Inc. Tom’s father, also Tom, retired facturing extremely small parts for a from IMMC in 1994, as VP of wide variety of industries, including Advanced Technologies. Ingersoll built biomedical with implantable mechlab and office space for the function anical or electromechanical parts, that is now part of EIGERlab, and using materials such as titanium and Atometric is located inside a portion biomedical plastics.

“It was great to finally work with my of this technology development space.

Tom, Sr., helped with planning father, and for both of us to grow closer for EIGERlab in 2002, and the father as partners and friends,” Tom said. and son were stimulated to envision “The new machine is designed, built future directions for the machine tool and assembled here in the Winnebago industry. Atometric started in 2003 County area.” The latest iteration is with the purpose of building compact a “unique structure comprised of and extremely precise production materials and methods that go beyond Micro Milling machining centers. anything else we’ve done.” Tom shared, Tom moonlighted and consulted prior “I tried to honor what I think my father to joining the company full time in would have done.” late 2006. Ironically, they had built machines at IMMC that were hundreds Sherry Pritz is marketing coordinator at of feet long, while Atometric’s first EIGERlab, Rock Valley College.

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Revitalizing Illinois Manufacturing For many decades, Illinois has been acknowledged as a global leader in innovation, commerce, education and technology. But over the past two decades, Illinois has lost more than 350,000 manufacturing jobs. In part, these declines reflect a business culture based on a 20th century focus on business expansion – formerly effective strategies that may not reflect the needs of the entrepreneurial, technology-based companies that will drive growth in the next generation economy.

State policy leaders acknowledge that a healthy manufacturing sector is critical in order for any economic revitalization to be successful. Manufacturing is the largest source of innovation, and the bulk of Illinois’ merchandise exports — 93 percent — are of goods manufactured in the state. New ideas and technologies are commercialized and made successful by manufacturers. Without the income generated from manufacturing, demand for services ultimately declines, driving down state and local tax revenues and impacting quality of life for all Illinois citizens. Nearly 50 percent of the state’s economy is either directly or indirectly linked to manufacturing.

And yet, Illinois manufacturers face a number of critical challenges in their ability to remain healthy job providers for Illinois citizens. Fierce international competition, changing workforce demographics and complex global supplier networks are forcing companies large and small to reassess their markets, products, services and business strategies. Inexplicably, even growing manufacturers are having difficulty finding skilled labor to meet the demands of a high-tech manufacturing environment.

What can we do to keep manufacturing relevant? Restoring the competitiveness of Illinois manufacturing will require complex changes, culture shifts, and adoption of emerging strategies driven by revitalized public-private strategies.

Outmigration of Technology Illinois’ universities and research centers are the envy of the world and have produced some of the most important technological inventions of our era, yet

the commercialization of this technology into viable job-creating enterprises too often has occurred outside the state of Illinois. While a vibrant manufacturing base holds the key to successfully capturing and retaining these assets for value-added production in Illinois, the state’s smaller manufacturers often lack the experience and skills to move new product development into market diversification and expansion.

This challenge can be overcome by implementing a plan to rapidly facilitate “high growth” potential manufacturers to achieve new levels of performance through market innovation, expansion and technology acceleration.

The Untold Story of Innovation Every day, manufacturing leaders in Illinois retool their existing processes, refine their products and services, or alter their business models to provide goods and services to customers in new

domestic and international markets.

They do it without fanfare, and often, without outside intervention. They do it because it means the survival of their companies. And yet, despite these widespread achievements, there persists a general belief that the small and midsized manufacturer (fewer than 500 employees) is incapable of achieving profitable innovation.

This challenge can be overcome by systematically celebrating entrepreneurial success, creating a channel for innovative manufacturers to share their Innovation best practices with one another, and positioning Illinois as a welcoming, supportive home for manufacturing growth and expansion.

Strengthening Global Supply Chains For years leading up to the global recession, Illinois’ small and midsized manufacturers did not face

RVC-SIFE heads to Ghana Rock Valley College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) sent student president, Sue Priebe, and faculty advisor, Stacy McCaskill, to Accra, Ghana, on Dec. 8 to 27 to pursue local-global collaborative projects.

The first project, Global Small Business Incubator (GSBI), (www. rvcgsbi.org) operates as a studentmanaged, not-for-profit global consulting firm and wholesale importer. The goal of the trip to Ghana was to work with a new GSBI social enterprise client, By the Waves (www.bythewaves.org), which works to rescue street children and provide them with a safe place to live, learn and grow.

RVC-SIFE aims to help the organization develop a business and marketing plan to sell locally made t-shirts and native drums targeting foreign markets, as well as provide business consulting and marketing assistance to University College of Management-SIFE (UCOM-SIFE) on social enterprise projects.

The second project, TripleQuest Recycling, LLC, (www.triplequest recycling.com) was launched with the help of a Sam’s Club Step-up for Small Business Challenge grant and the RVC-SIFE business advisory board as a for-profit social enterprise that recycles used clothing in the local market and ships them to Africa to fund an entrepreneurial microlending program. The trip to Ghana aims to collaborate with UCOMSIFE to develop the entrepreneurial micro-lending program to launch small clothing retail shops, research the clothing retail and wholesale marketplace, and other initiatives.

RVC-SIFE develops long-term projects that measurably impact the community’s triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental.

It strives to provide student members with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the local and global community, while cultivating marketable leadership and business skill sets. Visit www.rvcsife.org.

marketing and sales challenges.

But after losing up to 70 percent of business from traditional customers, many manufacturers are left to Tucker Kennedy reassess their IMEC current markets and diversify to fill their sales pipelines. These firms, located from Rockford to Carbondale, employ the most workers and are key producers of components and parts that go into the planes, construction equipment, automobiles and electronics that are produced in Illinois and shipped around the world. Illinois possesses a unique opportunity to leverage the state’s headquarter operations to build supply chains.

In addition to the pressures facing companies in traditional Illinois supply chains, emerging market sectors and supply chains in areas such as sustainable technologies, medical devices, nutraceuticals, among many others, represent growth opportunities for Illinois to seize if its manufacturers are prepared to participate.

This challenge can be overcome in two ways: n Strengthening the competitiveness of global supply chains that have critical headquarter and/or logistical decisionmaking within the state. n Defining high-growth subsectors and investing in resources to increase business opportunities for Illinois suppliers within these sectors.

“We have a real opportunity to leverage Illinois’ vast industrial assets and create the next generation of hightech manufacturing companies, said David Boulay, IMEC president. “With support from all key stakeholders, we can provide the environment for manufacturers to innovate, invest in new technologies and modernize their business processes, and create more high-wage jobs here.”

Tucker Kennedy is VP communication at IMEC.

marketing

Manufacturing Update is sponsored by IMEC.

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Reclaiming First: A new vision for the future of amateur sports tourism The Rockford Region has an opportunity to reclaim its first place position as the leader in the amateur sports tourism industry and further grow the sports market. In doing so, we can generate millions of dollars for the local economy and increase tax revenue.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Rockford Park District recently unveiled a new vision for amateur sports tourism. The concept calls for the modernization of Sportscore Two and the creation of a new indoor multi-sports facility downtown along the Rock River.

Reclaiming First: An Economic Development Case and Master Plan for Regional Sports Tourism examines the current economic benefits resulting from amateur sports tournaments, the effect and reason for lost events, an analysis of competitive facilities in other communities and recommendations on how to retain, regain and grow regional sports tourism in Winnebago County. You can read the full report at reclaimingfirst.org.

Why is Investment Needed?

The Rockford Region has a longstanding reputation as a leader in the amateur sports market. Tournaments at Sportscore One and Two currently produce $15 million annually for the local economy and generate an estimated $1.8 million in direct tax revenue for local municipalities.

However, between 2007 and 2010, the region has seen an 11 percent annual decrease in the number of tournaments.

The study attributes the loss to the lure of more modern facilities in other communities and deficiencies within our current facilities, including inadequate space, a lack of artificial turf and lighting, instances of flooding at Sportscore One and the downturn in the economy. If we fail to adequately invest in our current facilities and create new opportunities, the erosion will continue to escalate.

Recommendations By taking a page from the Wisconsin Dells playbook, Rockford could position itself as a year-round sports destination by creating an indoor multi-sport facility.

The former Ingersoll building, along the Rock River in downtown Rockford, could be converted into a multi-court, hardsurface, air-conditioned facility creating an opportunity to host volleyball, basketball, wrestling and other hard surface sports events the region is currently unable to accommodate.

Adding multi-sport fields, lighting and artificial turf at Sportscore Two and an additional artificial turf field at the Indoor

John Groh

Sports Center RACVB would bring the facilities up to current industry standards. Artificial turf and lighted fields allow for an increase day and seasonal playing time, eliminate many weather-related cancellations and delays, and expand our current tournament capacity. They are also a prerequisite for many tournament organizers.

To accommodate the additional tournament traffic at the Sportscore Two facility, the plan recommends leasing or purchasing the parking lot at Riverhawks Stadium. Under the plan, Sportscore One continues to be used for tournament and local play.

What is the Investment?

The Benefit?

The initial investment includes nearly $30 million for construction and renovation. Selling bonds, securing grants, selling naming rights or raising philanthropic donations would raise money for the project.

While the revenue generated by the tournaments would likely offset the operating costs, there would be a $2 million annual gap caused by debt services for the bonds. Possible sources of additional revenue to cover the annual gap include naming rights and user-generated taxes and fees, such as an expanded hotel/ motel tax or amusement tax.

The study shows that by taking these steps we can generate an additional $8.8 to $16.5 million for the local economy and produce $1 to $1.9 million in new tax revenue. It would also prevent the further loss of current tournaments, which is estimated at approximately $500,000 annually.

Next Steps In January, the Rockford Park District and RACVB will host a public input meeting providing the community with an opportunity to discuss the proposed investments. Our two organizations will also host discussions with area municipalities and request support resolutions for the projects. At the point, a financial plan to fund the initial investments and cover the annual gap will be determined.

Please take some time to learn about this important economic development initiative by visiting reclaimingfirst.org.

John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Contact him at jgroh@gorockford.com.

The views expressed are those of Groh’s and may not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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January 2012

2011 Chamber Ambassadors

IGNITE

Young Professionals

Looking forward to 2012 A new year of activities planned, and introducing Java Jive

Patricia Diduch RREDD

(l to r) Back Row: Jean Lopez, Janet Fischer, Pat Casazza, Debbie Hutchinson, Carol Roberts, Kurt Berry, Sam Bowers, Anthony Mencarini, Monique Jones, Donna George.

Middle Row: Bea Ricotta, Kay King, Karen Tilly, Mary Ann Gaunt, Mary Jo Hare, Stacy Wallace, Sue Boyer, Diane Navickis, Kelly Vinje, Kathy Webster, Heidi Garner.

Seated: Lori Casey, Denise Wimmer, Cindy Nicolosi, Mary Ann Suprenant, Suzanne Ainsworth, Elizabeth Simms.

Not pictured: Barb Berman, Ritu Bhargava, Joanne Blaser, Chip Block, Patti Castree, Kelly Davit, Craig Dixon, Paul Dodson, Adriana Duran Krauss, Kelly Epperson, Karla Fernet, Jeremy Forrester , Lance Kamin, Ray King, Melinda Macias, Tim Malone, Paul McCann, Paula McCann, Kristan McNames, John O’Connor, Karen Peterson Johnson, Lori Radean, Christine Sherrard, Kathleen Siedenburg, Robbin Snodgrass, Melissa Thomas, Elizabeth Wylder-Boyer.

2012 is officially here. I’m hoping the Mayans were wrong about that whole “end of the world” thing. Since every “end of the world” premonition has been wrong to date, we decided to go ahead and plan another year’s worth of IGNITE activities anyways!

Last year we added the Breakfast & Business series, which focused on entrepreneurship throughout 2011.

Coupled with our Lunch Outside the Box educational opportunities, we are well on our way to becoming more well-rounded individuals in 2012.

Introducing Java Jive Not only will we be focusing on personal development with topics such as public speaking, taxes, budgeting and financial planning, we also will be tackling such issues as privacy in the social media age and making the most of social media as a career tool.

We also will have sessions on delving into the real estate market

as a first-time homebuyer and an introduction to mortgages.

We are continuing with our successful After 5 networking opportunities, where we visit a local restaurant to relax after a long day.

Java Jive, our newest addition to IGNITE programming, offers an opportunity for our more socially conscious membership casually to discuss community issues. We continue to offer volunteer opportunities to our membership as well as working on our value to our corporate sponsorship.

Any and all are welcome to our events. If you have not come to an IGNITE event yet, please try to fit us in during 2012. Assuming, of course, the Mayan calendar is wrong!

Patricia Diduch is president of the IGNITE and executive director of the Rockford Region Economic Development District. Visit igniterockford.com.

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January 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

focuS on accounTing and TaX PreParaTion SerViceS

Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Tax relief package signed into law The Illinois House and Senate approved and Governor Pat Quinn signed on Dec. 16 a package of business tax changes which includes a five-year extension of the R&D tax credit and tax incentives for Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Sears.

SB397 includes R&D tax credits for all employers, adds loss carry forward for all small employers, estate tax relief that in particular will benefit Illinois farmers, and an extension in the biofuels tax credit in Illinois.

Passage was achieved by separating the larger omnibus bill into two parts: the collection of tax changes for employers, SB 397, and a separate bill with the personal income tax bills, SB 400.

Splitting the bill allowed enough “yes� votes on each to emerge. The business tax package has some new provisions, including an extension on the small business job creation tax credit.

Signing the bills into law, according to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, ends a long legislative saga started when CME went public with its tax problems, but may be only the beginning for broader changes in the business tax code. Bipartisan calls for broad reform are likely to be answered in the spring legislative session.

Source: ilchamber.org

Key Legislation: Focus on Taxes The following are key bills in Springfield affecting taxes, and Illinois Chamber of Commerce positions.

Public acTS Enterprise Zone Extension (SB1633) Allows corporate authorities of a county or municipality to extend an Enterprise Zone for an additional 20year period.

Sponsor: Sen. Frerichs (D-Champaign) Position: Support Status: Public Act CME/Sears Tax Package (SB397) SB397 changes the apportionment formula for federally regulated exchanges like CME and CBOT. The new apportionment formula allows exchanges to apportion using a formula based on a ratio of Illinois population to U.S. population and the throw out rule would not apply.

CME saw a $50 million annual increase in taxes under the current apportionment formula when the legislature increased the corporate

income tax rate earlier this year.

Also included in the bill is NOL restoration for 2010 and 2012 and beyond, R&D restoration, EZ/TIF extension for Sears as well as the decoupling of the federal bonus depreciation.

Sponsor: Rep. Currie (D-Chicago) Position: Monitoring Status: Public Act Temporary Storage Exemption (SB0401) The temporary storage exemption allows Illinois companies to buy their goods intended for multi-state use in Illinois and use Illinois warehouses/ shipping facilities without incurring sales tax. The exemption was set to sunset on June 30, 2011 and SB 401 extended it for another five years.

Sponsor: Sen. Hutchinson (D-Chicago) Position: Support Status: Public Act

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

January 2012

LEGISLATIVE Tax Disclosure Act (SB0043) Requires local governments to notify the Department of Revenue of existing and new local taxes within 30 days of passage. Also allows taxpayers access to an up-to-date list of local tax rates.

Sponsor: Sen. Garrett (D-Highwood) Position: Support Status: Public Act

In Committee Income Tax Refund (HB0024) If a taxpayer is owed a refund from the state due to overpayment and 30 days have passed in between the time the amended tax return has been filed and the date the estimated tax installment is due, with the tax refund due larger than the estimated tax installment, the taxpayer can reduce the amount of any unpaid refund owed to the taxpayer by the amount of the estimated tax due.

Sponsor: Rep. Sacia (R-Freeport) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Rules Income Tax Increase Reduction (HB0175/SB1320) Reduces the tax rates imposed under SB2505 (now Public Act 96-1496) back to 3 percent for individuals and 4.8 percent for corporations.

Sponsor: Rep. Connelly (R-Naperville) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Rules/ Assignments Restoration of Net Operating Loss Carryover (HB0243/SB0110) Restores a net loss carryover deduction for taxable years ending after Dec. 31, 2010 and prior to Dec. 31, 2014 that was previously limited in SB 2505, which is now Public Act. Sponsor: Rep. Senger (R-Naperville), Sen. Dillard (R-Westmont) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Assignments Enterprise Zone Extension (HB1442) Allows corporate authorities of a county or municipality to extend an Enterprise Zone for an additional 20year period. Illinois Chamber initiative.

Sponsor: Rep. Mautino (D-Spring Valley ) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Assignments Automatic IRA (HB1672/SB1844) A workplace mandate that would require all employers that don’t offer a retirement plan to employees to offer the state-run IRA trust fund.

Sponsor: Rep. Burns (D-Chicago)/ Sen. Martinez (D-Chicago) Position: Oppose Status: Re-referred to Rules/ Assignments Home Rule Soft Drink Tax (HB3128) Allows home rule counties to create a new tax on soft drinks.

Sponsor: Rep. Yarbrough (D-Broadview) Position: Oppose Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee EDGE Credit Withholding (SB0013) Removes a requirement that only certain manufacturing companies can claim the EDGE credit against their withholding tax obligations.

Sponsor: Sen. Holmes (D-Plainfield) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Assignments Cigarette Tax Increase (SB0021) An additional tax of 38 mills per cigarette is imposed beginning March 1, 2011 and an additional tax of 12.5 mills per cigarette is imposed beginning March 1, 2010.

Promotes purchase of cigarettes from other states and the Internet, disadvantaging Illinois retailers.

Sponsor: Sen. Cullerton (D-Chicago) Position: Oppose Status: Referred to Assignments Fiscal Note Transparency (SB0031) The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability now will prepare all fiscal notes. COGFA must prepare and issue guidelines and manuals concerning the preparation of the notes; designate staff to answer questions regarding each note; ensure compliance with the act and create, operate and

FOCUS ON ACCOUNTING AND TAX PREPARATION SERVICES

11

Payroll tax cut temporarily extended into 2012 Nearly 160 million workers will benefit from the extension of the reduced payroll tax rate that has been in effect for 2011. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 temporarily extends the two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, continuing the reduction of their Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid through Feb. 29, 2012. This reduced Social Security withholding will have no effect on employees’ future Social Security benefits.

Employers should implement the new payroll tax rate as soon as possible in 2012 but not later than Jan. 31, 2012. For any Social Security tax over-withheld during January, employers should make an offsetting adjustment in workers’ pay as soon as possible but not later than March 31, 2012.

Employers and payroll companies will handle the withholding changes, so workers should not need to take any additional action.

Under the terms negotiated by Congress, the law also includes a new “recapture” provision, which applies only to those employees who receive more than $18,350 in wages during the two-month period (the Social Security wage base for 2012 maintain a publicly accessible online database.

Sponsor: Sen. Althoff (R-Crystal Lake) Position: Support Status: Referred to Assignments R&D Extension (SB1215) Extends the expired Research & Development Tax Credit to Jan. 1, 2015.

Sponsor: Sen. Koehler (D-Pekin) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Assignments Death Tax Repeal (SB1767/HB1107) Repeals the Illinois Estate Tax on small business owners and their heirs.

Sponsor: Sen. Brady (R-Bloomington)/

is $110,100, and $18,350 represents two months of the full-year amount).

This provision imposes an additional income tax on these higher-income employees in an amount equal to 2 percent of the amount of wages they receive during the two-month period in excess of $18,350 (and not greater than $110,100).

This additional recapture tax is an add-on to income tax liability that the employee would otherwise pay for 2012 and is not subject to reduction by credits or deductions. The recapture tax would be payable in 2013 when the employee files his or her income tax return for the 2012 tax year. With the possibility of a full-year extension of the payroll tax cut being discussed for 2012, the IRS will closely monitor the situation in case future legislation changes the recapture provision.

The IRS will issue additional guidance as needed to implement the provisions of this new twomonth extension, including revised employment tax forms and instructions and information for employees who may be subject to the new “recapture” provision. For most employers, the quarterly employment tax return for the quarter ending March 31, 2012 is due April 30, 2012.

Source: Internal Revenue Service Rep. Mathias (R-Arlington Heights) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Assignments/Rules Purchasing Activities (SB1768) Extends the sales tax exemption for centralized purchasing activities from June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2016. Removes disincentive for Illinois employers to make instate purchases of equipment and supplies.

Sponsor: Sen. Brady (R-Bloomington) Position: Support Status: Re-referred to Assignments. n

Source: ilchamber.org

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January 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON ACCOUNTING AND TAX PREPARATION SERVICES

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Tax tips impacting business owners and their businesses Consider these tips while preparing 2011 returns and planning for 2012 The following tax tips are for business owners’ consideration while preparing 2011 tax returns, and also for 2012 tax planning.

Manage Your Tax Rate The top tax rate for 2011/2012 is 35 percent. There is a possibility that there will be tax rate increases after 2012.

Effective Jan. 1, 2013, there will be a new tax: the Medicare surtax of 0.9 percent, which will be on earned income (compensation) over $200,000 (single) and $250,000 (married filing joint); and the 3.8 percent surtax, which will be on the lesser of investment income or “modified adjusted gross income” in excess of $200,000 (single) and $250,000 (married filing joint).

Deductions n Bonus depreciation can be deducted on new purchases at 100 percent (2011) and 50 percent (2012). n Section 179 allows “qualified property” to be expensed 100 percent, up to $500,000 (2011) and $139,000 (2012). To receive the maximum Section 179 deduction, total purchases cannot exceed $2,000,000 (2011) and $560,000 (2012). n State and local sales tax is deductible if higher than state income tax for 2011 only. n Tax Loss Harvesting allows taxpayers to take losses while preserving their investment position.

Reminder: Basis of Stock Sold includes reinvested dividends n Credit card expenditures are deducted in the year charged to the

credit card, not the year the credit card is paid (i.e., review 2011 year end credit card charges. This applies also to charitable contributions). n Maximize IRA contributions: 2011/2012 taxpayers under the age of 50 can contribute $5,000; over the age of 50 can contribute $6,000 (Deductibility subject to Adjusted Gross Income limitations). n SEP (simplified employee pension plans) can be set up after year end; it needs to be funded by the date tax return is filed, including extensions. n Self-employed taxpayers can contribute 25 percent of their “net” self-employment income (up to $49,000 for 2011 and $50,000 for 2012 for qualified plans). n Contribute to Health Savings Account. n Contribute to 401K plan: $16,500 (2011)/$17,000 (2012) for taxpayers under age 50; $22,000 (2011)/$22,500 (2012) for taxpayers age 50 and over. n Mileage Rates:  2011 standard mileage rates per mile: business: 51 cents (for first half of year) and 55.5 cents (for second half of year), medical/ moving: 19 cents (first half of year) and 23.5 cents (second half of year), charitable: 14 cents.  2012 standard mileage rates per mile: business: 55.5 cents, medical/moving: 23 cents, charitable: 14 cents.

Qualified Higher Education Expenses: n Up to $4,000 deduction for

Increasing GED attainment

By Jon Bates, Boone & Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board On July 26 this year, the Boone and Winnebago Workforce Investment Board convened a Workforce/Education/ Business Roundtable discussion on the topic of increasing GED attainment. The reason for the board’s interest in GED attainment was quite simple. According to the American Community Survey, unemployment in the Rockford MSA in 2008-2010 for individuals between the ages of 25 and 64, without a GED or high school diploma, was 6 percent higher (18.9 percent) than for those with a high school diploma (12.9 percent).

A Southern Illinois University study updated in October, 2010, identified 46,916 individuals in Boone and

Winnebago Counties ages 16 and older not enrolled in school and without a high school diploma or GED. The report referred to these individuals as a “population at risk.”

The Workforce Investment Board focuses on investing federal and state funds in programs that help people get to work, including GED preparation programs. The board calculates that for every $1 spent helping dislocated workers (workers who had been laid off over a three-year period, 2008 to 2010), $2.60 in wages was earned. The board reasoned that while many individuals without high school diplomas or GEDs continued to work, the lack of a diploma or GED certificate was a major barrier to re-employment for laid-off workers as well as for entry into the workforce by

qualified higher educational expenses is available for 2011 (subject to certain income limitations). Eliminated in 2012.

Charitable Contributions n Out-of-Pocket Charitable Contributions:  Gift Appreciated property  Include Non-Cash donations  Included out-of-pocket expenditures and mileage

Other Considerations n Monitor and plan for reduction of Alternative Minimum Tax. n Shareholder/employees need to be paid “reasonable compensation” or the IRS can determine amount of reasonable. n Voluntary Classification Settlement Agreement with IRS allows taxpayers to reclassify and properly report workers as employees that were previously never reported (i.e., with small penalties). n State and local “Nexus” tax issues should be reviewed to determine if a business should be filing in more states, or if there are states the taxpayer is not required to file in. n Investments or Signature Authority in foreign bank accounts require mandatory filings with the IRS.

Tax Credits n Child and Dependent Care Credit n Child Tax Credit (income limitations) n Federal Hire Credit – Tax credit of up to $1,000 per worker for employers on 2011 returns.

young people and those without a steady work history.

Teams Focused on GED Attainment More than 60 community leaders from education, workforce development, economic development and business attended the GED Roundtable discussion. Roundtable participants in a “strategic doing” brainstorming session facilitated by Janyce Fadden of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, volunteered to serve on four teams to advance initiatives targeted at GED attainment.

Team 1 conducted an inventory and survey of existing GED preparation programs.

Team 2 is developing a map of how GED preparation programs fit in the region’s educational and workforce development system and how they

Maribeth Speckman n Health RSM McGladrey Care Tax Credit – Credit for workers health care premiums, up to 35 percent for small business employers/25 percent for tax-exempt employers; subject to limitations. n Work Opportunity Credit – Employee is from one of nine targeted groups.

Research and Development Credits n Energy and Efficiency Credits are available for both individuals and businesses.  Individuals – Energy efficient windows, doors, roofing, furnace, water heater etc.  Businesses – Energy efficient commercial building

Estate/Gift Taxes n Estate/gift tax through 2012 is set at a maximum rate of 35 percent with a $5,000,000 exemption for 2011; $5,120,000 exemption for 2012 (Illinois exemption is $2,000,000 for 2011 and 2012). n Annual gift tax exclusion per donee is $13,000 for both 2011 and 2012.

Maribeth Speckman is a CPA with RSM McGladrey, specializing in tax planning, consulting and strategizing. She received an undergraduate accounting degree from Illinois State University and a master’s in taxation from DePaul University.

The views expressed are those of Speckman’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

relate to the type of skills and knowledge demanded by today’s employers.

Team 3 is holding a GED Fair Jan. 18 to increase access, awareness and participation in GED preparation programs. Rock Valley College will be conducting an assessment session for individuals interested in enrolling in GED preparation classes. Organizations will be on hand to speak with individuals about the GED services they offer.

Team 4 is conducting focus-session discussions across the region to understand how GED attainment can be increased.

The Workforce/Education/Business Roundtable plans to re-convene in March to review the experience and results from the teams. Discussions will continue about how GED attainment can be improved and encouraged in the region.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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January 2012

Rockford College PERSPECTIVE

Career Day Helps Develop Young People in the Community Career Day provides a direct link to students to working professionals that can help answer questions, share direct knowledge about a particular field, and expose students to a variety of options within a career that they may not even be aware exists.

On Dec. 1, the Economic, Business and Accounting Department at Rockford College hosted its third-annual High School Career Day in Rockford College’s Regents Hall. More than 150 students from nine local high schools attended, including Auburn, Beloit Memorial, Belvidere North, Boylan, East, Guilford, Hononegah, Jefferson, Lutheran and South Beloit. The purpose of the event was to expose and educate local high school juniors and seniors on a variety of industries and careers that are available.

The event wasn’t a typical “career day,” where students were expected to talk with companies at tables. Instead, students stayed at their tables, as professionals cycled through in 10-minute intervals; providing information on their educational and professional backgrounds and the careers and industries they represented.

A total of 36 local professionals participated in the event representing accounting, aerospace, economics, education, finance, health care, human resources, international business, management, marketing and not-forprofit. They came from organizations like Hamilton Sundstrand, Harris Bank, Rockford College, Rockford Health System, Rockford Park District, SwedishAmerican Health System, and the YMCA Rockford, to name a few.

Making a Difference for the Future For some volunteers, it was their first time attending Career Day, while others volunteered in the past. Although many of the volunteers came from different organizations and had different backgrounds, all of them attended

Byron Emerson

Ricky Gonzalez

Rockford College

Rockford College

Group, spoke on Career Planning and the Importance of Higher Education; Robert Hupfer, general manager of commercial systems international at Hamilton Sundstrand, spoke on Gaining Experience, and Ginnie Weckerly, human resources director at Goodwill, spoke on Presenting Yourself to Employers.

The speakers shared their personal life experiences and backgrounds, and encouraged students to pursue what they truly were passionate about.

Photo by Rockford College

Sue Schrieber, Rockford Health Systems and a Rockford College MBA Graduate meets with some of the attending high school students.

Career Day because they wanted to make a difference in the future of young people and the community.

For first-time volunteer Jennifer Miller, project engineer at Hamilton Sundstrand, Career Day was a great initiative for kids in our community.

“With the variety of the speakers and volunteers, the students get to see many perspectives from different people. I was able to share with the students that I was part of a team that built a generator that powers airplanes. Career Day is a great opportunity to share information like this with the students, which is something I never experienced growing up.”

Three-time volunteer Johannes Picard, applied research at Hamilton Sundstrand, said Career Day continues to be one of his favorite community volunteering events. “I take a vacation day every year to attend Career Day. I love rotating through the tables and sharing my experience with the students.”

For Rockford College’s communication director Rita Elliot, Career Day gives students the opportunity to meet a variety of leaders and professionals in the community. “Career Day provides a direct link to students who have to make important decisions about their future educational track to working professionals that can help answer questions, share direct knowledge about a particular field, and expose students to a variety of options within a career that they may not even be aware exists. The event also exposes students to role models and people who genuinely want to see these kids pursue additional education that only enhances our region.”

Between sessions, four local professionals spoke to the students as a whole on four vital topics. Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, spoke on Choosing a Career Path; Sunil Puri, founder & CEO of First Rockford

Day Helps Raise Career Awareness In today’s tight economy, it is critical that we develop the younger community for future jobs. In order to grow as a community, we need people to be qualified and excited about their jobs.

This is difficult to accomplish if young people aren’t aware of the career paths available to them as they grow. Many of the students that attended Rockford College’s Career Day will be firstgeneration college students.

The goal of any community should be to provide a highly educated and experienced workforce, which creates an attractive environment to new business and a more viable environment for existing businesses.

Career Day will continue to help the Rockford community accomplish this goal.

Byron Emerson is a 2010 graduate of Ashford University with a bachelor of arts in business administration. Ricky Gonzalez is a 2010 graduate of Rockford College with a bachelor of arts in business administration. Both are MBA students at Rockford College and graduate assistants in the graduate office for the MBA program.

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January 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Nonprofit capacity building since 2004 Nonprofits represent approximately 10 percent of workers in Winnebago County.

New Year’s Resolution: Improve Your Bottom Line!

Take advantage of the power of the Chamber to save big on business expenses Rockford Chamber of Commerce members belong to the Chamber to be part of building a strong business network as well as supporting the community and advocating on behalf of business. The Rockford community gains much of its strength from the positive environment fostered by our many businesses. But being a chamber member has other strengths as well, delivering effective savings on the cost of doing business through value-added programs.

The power of the Rockford Chamber with its strong membership base helps to yield savings normally available to large business, high volume users.

By using the power of a consolidated membership, the Rockford Chamber continues to offer to its members valueadded services to benefit your business.

Here are some programs to consider helping you save money and grow your business in 2012:

Powershare The Powershare offering is the Chamber’s exclusively created energy co-op that uses a base of chamber members to offer lower electric utility rates to small business not available to them on an individual basis. The rates achieved by the Chamber’s co-op will typically save a business one month’s energy cost in a one year period. For more information please contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312 or hgarner@ rockfordchamber.com

UPS – Chamber Association The Chamber working together with UPS can offer savings on shipping and freight to members.

Whether you are an occasional shipper or frequently send/receive materials and products, you can leverage your

membership and realize significant savings. Savings for shipping can be as high as 28%, while savings on freight can be up to 70%. UPS is an important employer and business asset in our region; we encourage you to set up your account with UPS today! Please go to http://www.savewithups.com/rockford for more information.

Auto-Owners Insurance Just for being a member of the Rockford Chamber you can receive 10% discounts on your business insurance costs. Many of our members brag about the savings they achieve through this offering. Insurance costs, especially in areas like worker’s compensation, can be a very high cost portion of operating a business. Saving 10% can amount to some very significant savings. Please talk to your insurance broker about Auto-Owners insurance or call us about how to take advantage of this offering.

YMCA Get your New Year’s resolution off the ground in a hurry by joining the YMCA of Rock River Valley! Employees of Rockford Chamber members can join the YMCA and not pay any joining fee and get one month free. This is a good time to work on your fitness while supporting a long-standing community organization that does so much for the Rockford region. For more information, please contact Pam Lunde, Corporate Relations Coordinator at 815-489-3356 or email at plunde@rockfordymca.org.

We will continue to use the power of the Rockford Chamber to bring more value-added benefits to you as a Chamber member. Have a prosperous 2012!

Seven years ago, my dear friend Vicky Purnell and I sat at her kitchen table talking about our next professional adventure and how it might support the nonprofit organizations we cared about so deeply.

We began discussing the importance of building nonprofit management capacity because we knew that the pool of available dollars to meet increasing demands for services was becoming more limited and forcing agencies to prioritize and pursue operating efficiencies. We began researching “nonprofit capacity building” and found a few Centers of Excellence in various parts of the country.

That was it! We could support our friends and colleagues in the nonprofit sector by opening a center in northern Illinois that focuses on education, training, consultation and resource supports. The center would wrap around existing community resources and become the point of contact for nonprofit staff and board members. We would meet with nonprofits leaders on a regular basis to determine our annual focus and assure that our services were relevant to their needs and interests.

NICNE’s Focus: Nonprofit Sustainability The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) opened its doors in August, 2004, thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and the foresight of Rockford College. The following spring, Vicky died of brain cancer. She wouldn’t see the center flourish as it is today, providing capacity building programs and services to more than 1,250 individuals representing 245 nonprofit organizations from 13 counties.

Despite our broad reach, people still ask, “What is capacity building?”

According to the National Council of Nonprofits, capacity building refers to “activities that improve and enhance a nonprofit organization’s ability to achieve its mission and sustain itself.” In order for nonprofits to survive and thrive, they seek ways to continuously enhance their effectiveness. Capacity building can help nonprofits become more effective, sustainable and capable of adapting to changing needs and demands of funders.

NICNE’s capacity building work is focused around education, training, resources, referrals, technical assistance

Pam clark reidenbach NICNe

and consultation on matters of nonprofit management, leadership and governance. To respond to the specific needs of area nonprofits, NICNE offers agency assessments of nonprofit capacity according to 60 standards of preferred practice, resulting in recommendations for future planning. Group training is offered on topics such as board governance and grant proposal writing, leadership development and strategic planning.

Center staff facilitates meetings that lay the groundwork for collaborative efforts.

And groups of peers participate in formal education and informational training programs, including the Nonprofits Leadership Certificate Program, FaithBased Leadership Certificate Program, and Leadership Cafés.

Nonprofits Touch All Our Lives It is in our community’s best interest to have strong, vibrant nonprofit organizations. They are critical to the health and vitality of our community.

Nonprofits rebuild neighborhoods; care for our children and elderly; comfort the chronically ill; teach our children to play baseball; provide treatment for alcohol, substance abuse and mental illness; educate youth, and expose us to the arts.

Nonprofits touch the lives of all of us.

Strengthening nonprofits also is an economic development issue.

Nonprofits in Illinois employ more than four times as many workers as the state’s food, textile and apparel manufacturing industry; about one and half times as many workers as the finance and insurance industry and the construction industry; and close to 10 percent more workers than the metal and machines manufacturing industry. Nonprofits represent approximately 10 percent of workers in Winnebago County. These employees pay state income tax on earnings and sales tax on purchases, thus significantly contributing to the local economy. It also has been suggested that the nonprofit sector may be the sector driving the educated workforce to our community.

Nonprofits serve all of our region’s residents, providing a return on investment that enhances the quality of life for all of us.

Pam Clark Reidenbach is director of the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Rockford College.

The views expressed are those of Clark Reidenbach’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

January 2012

Plan ahead for winter travel

Extreme winter weather is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people in the United States each year, primarily due to vehicle crashes, fires from improper use of heaters, overexertion and exposure. The Winnebago County Citizen Corps Council has tips for extreme winter weather. Familiarize yourself with the following terms to stay alert and prepared.

Wind Chill Advisory. Dangerous wind chills of 15 below to 24 below zero are expected.

Wind Chill Warning. Potentially life threatening wind chills of 25 below zero or colder are expected.

Frost Advisory. Damaging frost is expected during the growing season.

Freeze Warning. Below freezing temperatures are expected during the growing season.

Ice Storm Warning. Dangerous accumulations of ice will occur and are expected to result in hazardous travel, extended power outages and damage to trees.

Heavy Snow Warning. Snow accumulations of six inches or greater, which will result in hazardous travel conditions.

Winter Weather Advisory. Cold, ice, and/or snow (two to five inches) are expected.

Winter Storm Watch. Severe winter weather, such as heavy snow or ice, is possible within the next day or two.

Winter Storm Warning. Severe ice and/or snow (six inches or more) have begun or are about to begin.

Blizzard Warning. Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening travel conditions.

Winter Storm: Tips for Home ■ Make sure your emergency kit is stocked and winter storm ready.

■ Use sand to improve traction and apply products that melt ice on walkways.

■ Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off.

■ Keep emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable.

■ Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.

■ Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply. Insulate walls, attics, doors and windows.

■ Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

■ Do not overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time.

Winter Storm: Tips for Traveling ■ Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.

■ Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.

■ Maintain a storm kit in your car with such items as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; extra batteries; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.

■ Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car’s ability, don’t travel.

If you must travel be cautious.

■ Tell someone about your travel plans.

■ Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

The Winnebago County Citizen Corp Council is comprised of representatives from the Rockford Fire Department; American Red Cross, Rock River Chapter; United Way of Rock River Valley; The Salvation Army; Rockford Health System; ESDA; Winnebago County Board Chairman’s Office; Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department; Lutheran Social Services, Inc.; Regional Office of Education, and Love, Inc. For more information visit www.ready. illinois.gov.

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FOCUS ON PRINTING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

How to think ‘outside the box’ Creative thinking begets effective solutions Creative thinkers such as graphic designers have to approach the problem of “thinking outside of the box” daily. Faced with new marketing needs and diverse assignments, a good designer can and will achieve a solution that others wouldn’t.

It’s the difference between a designer and a person with a computer program.

However, creative thinking isn’t exclusive to the fields of design and writing. Creative thinking is necessary in all aspects of business and personal life. You know this, because you hear the cliché from every angle possible: “Think outside the box.” Frankly, it’s an overused term, mostly because people have failed to truly understand what it means.

On the other hand, the phrase has a lot to teach us, and those that do understand its meaning, the “creative thinkers,” utilize this understanding to benefit themselves and their clients.

What is the Box? First, a disclaimer: “The box” is not square – it’s different for everyone.

Sometimes it’s a matter of education.

Sometimes it’s a matter of philosophical or religious belief -- maybe even personal life experiences. The box isn’t a universal shape applying to everyone equally.

Realizing this is the first step in knowing what the box is -- for you.

Originally the phrase grew out of the idea of conventional, bland and “square” thinking. It’s rooted in the 60s and 70s when more and more people were challenging the norm. What people end up with when thinking “inside the box” ... a bland cardboard box of an idea.

In application though, it’s much more metaphorical than that.

“The box” is what limits your thinking to your own understanding. “The box” is approaching problems the same way you always have. “The box” is what makes you want to think stereotypically with a closed mind (without you even knowing it) -- with more automation than imagination. In simple terms, “the box” is everything that is typical, normal, simple and obvious.

What is Outside the Box? A round earth, gravity, electricity, the telephone, the Internet ... At one point all of these were outside-the-box thoughts.

They were ideas otherwise thought impossible, crazy and weird. “Bland” is inside the box, therefore we can assume that “bold” is outside the box. A moldbreaking thought almost always is a

creative one made by an “outside the box” thinker. Thinking outside the box is the acceptance that anything is possible with an open mind. That there is more to the world than what we see and understand.

When you are able to think without preconceptions, full of imagination and creativity ... forgetting what you “know.”

Children have the easiest time thinking this way. They have little imprinted knowledge to rely on for automatic thinking. They are a sponge ready for all sorts of information. They are free thinkers not worried about how others will accept their ideas. Children just keep rolling their imaginations without hesitation. They are outside of the box.

Getting Outside the Box We all wake up everyday inside the box. We’ve been put there by many things. None of them worse than the next.

All of them limiting us to bland. It takes a conscious effort to break that mold. It can be done. To do this, you must accept that you don’t know everything, that you haven’t thought of everything, that someone else is better than you, and that you have much room to grow. A humble mind is the most open.

Many say that creative exercises get

them outside the box, such as reading Ryan Rydell backwards, The RYANcompany drawing abstractly, observing mechanical devices, etc.

Others say that music changes their perspective. Whatever it is that triggers the switch, you know it’s been triggered when you stop using conventional tools for creative results. If you want new ideas, new discovery, creative problem-solving techniques, than you must learn to use non-conventional tools. With creative thinking, the sky is not the limit ... you are.

To obtain a new perspective ... a creative thought, to be an “outside of the box” thinker, you must realize the grand observation of Marcel Proust: “The only true voyage of discovery is not to go to new places, but to have other eyes.”

Ryan Rydell is owner of theRYANcompany, offering creative design and advertising services, and Rockford Coupon Cocktail. He can be reached at 815-914-1766. Visit www. ryanrydell.com.

The views expressed are those of Rydell’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

January 2012

PROFILE

Member Company Profile

Tim and Sandy Larson celebrate their 25th year helping companies — local and worldwide — brand themselves.

Sky’s the limit

Skyward Promotions celebrates 25 years

By Paul Anthony Arco For 10 years, Tim Larson made his name as an on-air personality for local radio stations. His job duties included ordering all promotional material – like bumper stickers and t-shirts – for the stations, which, ultimately, helped Larson decide to leave his radio career and start his own business.

Larson is president of Skyward Promotions, a Rockford-based company that provides custom-imprinted products for promotion, brand recognition, advertising and trade shows. The company, which has six employees, including Larson’s wife, Sandy, who is vice president, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

“It was an easy transition; I knew the products,” he said. “I enjoy this business.

I’ve gained so many friendships over the years, and I get to work on cool projects.

It’s been better than I could ever imagine.”

Creative Logo Placements Skyward Promotions has an extensive catalog of products at its disposal, everything from umbrellas to coffee mugs. “We help companies and individuals share their message or story with imprinted promotional products,” Larson said. “Most people think of pens and cups, but there are a million things you can put a logo on.”

Some ideas are quite unique. Years ago, Ingersoll Milling Company wanted to incorporate a photograph of “product shavings” into all of its premium items, so Skyward came up with a way to include the material in various products, including trade booths, employee uniforms, even neckties. The Rockford Park District recently ordered 3D etched crystal awards from Skyward that highlighted the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens – which were given to donors. Skyward currently is designing t-shirts for a company that produces toilet systems for airplanes.

“Anyone can take a logo and put it on a pen or a mug,” Larson said. “But I like it, when we come up with an idea that creates a whole new product, which isn’t a pull-offthe-shelf type of piece. That’s the ultimate.”

More than 75 percent of Skyward’s customers are local businesses. Thanks to the Internet and trade shows, however, clients are located all over the world. Two of its biggest clients are the University of North Carolina and a Washington, D.C., medical facility. Larson recently shipped an order of medallions to a high school in Melbourne, Australia.

Community Support Important Larson said he has seen many changes in the promotional industry over the past two decades. The most significant are the improvement in technology and the ability to turn around orders quickly.

Larson keeps current on new trends by attending trade shows and by hosting annual Lunch-and-Learn events for customers and potential clients.

Tom Pratt, manager of Emergency Medical Services for SwedishAmerican Health System, has been a client for more than 20 years. “Promotional items are very important to us; they have our name on it. It’s the image we want to portray, so the quality has to be good,” said Pratt, who orders promotional items and staff apparel.

“Their customer service is excellent.

They follow through 110 percent.”

Skyward Promotions believes in supporting the community. A few years ago, Larson raised $39,500 to refurbish a barn at Aldeen Golf Club that his late grandfather built. The company also has partnered with the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, local schools and area nonprofit organizations, thanks to a new program called “Doing My Part,” which shares information and resources with groups in need.

“Our business is all about connecting with people,” Larson said. “If you focus on taking care of the customer, repeat business will take care of itself.”

SKYWARD PROMOTIONS Owner: Tim Larson 1140 Charles St. Rockford, IL 61104 815-969-0909 www.skywardpromotions.com

FOCUS ON PRINTING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES

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FOCUS ON PRINTING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Should your business have a Google Plus page?

Your business has a Facebook page. If you’re really ambitious, you’re tweeting its praises. So why in the world would you expend any more of your precious energy on another social media site? Opinions on the value of Google+ are certainly mixed among marketing professionals, but you should at least have some basic information before you decide to dive in head first or head for the hills.

If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It Google has kept most of the basic functions necessary for a proper social media experience for both its individual profiles and business pages. You can share the same content, including photos, videos and articles. People can comment on your posts, and you can do the same.

And of course, there’s a mobile app to do it all on the go.

Selective Sharing A main selling point Google+ touted upon its launch was its use of Circles.

Rather than “friending” someone, users can add people or pages to their Circles.

No permission is needed, but the person being followed is notified and can opt to follow back. When you choose to follow a

person, you put them in one or more of your Circles. You can then choose who can view your shared content.

Personal profiles are given default Circles: Family, Friends, Acquaintances and Following. The Circles feature can be very helpful for those who don’t want their New Year’s Eve photos popping up on Grandma’s stream.

Business pages utilize Circles, as well.

If your company serves several different demographics, you may want to specify which of those groups receives certain information and content. As with Facebook, businesses cannot solicit people to follow a Google+ business page. However, once someone does follow your page, you can add them to your Circles, and their activity will show up in your stream.

Do You “Like” It? If you like a photo someone posts on Facebook, you can “Like” it. If you like a photo someone posts on Google+, you can “+1” it. The same goes for that interesting article you read or that great post by your favorite blogger. But, Google+ lets users do something they can’t on Facebook.

Type anything in a Google search box, and it’ll give you results. Google+ lets

you “+1” any of those results. You can even “+1” a resulting article about why Facebook is better than Google+.

So, why does that matter? Well, because Google is the largest search engine in the world. Companies spend a lot of money on search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure their websites get to the top of Google’s results. The more interaction Google sees on your website, the higher your site will rank, meaning those “+1”s can add up to a better chance of being found by potential customers.

An Internal Tool Google+ has some additional tools that make it great for collaborating among colleagues. The Hangout feature allows up to 10 people to video chat with each other. The screen sharing option lets all users see what one person is viewing on their computer. Integration with Google Docs means one document can be viewed and edited by multiple people in the Hangout. Hangouts even allows for phone participation if a computer is unavailable.

Hangouts also can be used to gain a more personal interaction with followers.

Companies are already hosting Hangouts to share tips and information and gain

feedback from customers.

Getting Started

Liz Kulevich KMK Media Group

So, you’ve decided to at least try out Google+. What’s the harm, right? Setting up an account is pretty simple. You need a Google account to start. If you have a Gmail-supported address, you can log in with that. You’ll just need to create a public profile. Once you have your own Google+ profile and are logged in, you’ll see the square Google+ Pages icon on the right side of your screen with the option to “Create a Google+ page.” Once you click it, you’re guided step by step to create a basic page.

We all know basic doesn’t cut it in the world of social media, however. You’ll have to jazz it up a bit with photos and interesting content. Don’t just dump over everything from your Facebook page, though. Take this as an opportunity to start over with best practices for social media.

Some quick tips to keep in mind: n Post relevant and interesting content at least once a week. n Use the “Search Google+” bar to find conversations about your product or cause. n Search for other pages to follow that relate to your business. n Use the “Recommended Links” section to direct people to your other social media pages.

And, don’t be afraid to look around a little (or a lot) to see what other companies are doing and how it might work for you.

Google+ is relatively new to everyone, and we’ll definitely be seeing some changes, so don’t worry if you don’t get everything right away!

Liz Kulevich is a marketing associate with KMK Media Group. Visit www.kmkmedia.com.

The views expressed are those of Kulevich’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

January 2012

FOCUS ON PRINTING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Communications is war: How to prepare for battle The great Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) would have made an excellent 21st century marketing strategist. Among the tenets he espoused for military commanders in his early 19th century writing: n strive to gain a preponderance of physical and material force focused at the decisive point of battle n make the best, most intelligent use of limited resources n in “the fog of war,” stay calm, think quickly and be prepared to nimbly change a battle plan based on changing circumstances n war is a continuation of policy by other means If the allegory of business = war seems harsh, I urge you to reconsider. The truth is that even in a good economy, somebody else is always trying to gain competitive advantage over you and your company or institution. Even cities and states battle for advantage in a constant fight to steal away residents and businesses.

Of course, in trying times, competition gets tougher—and the need for smart, well-executed communications strategies grows exponentially.

A good communications strategy, well implemented, should reflect, support and help you achieve your business plan.

It is a, “continuation of policy by other means.” Those means might be television advertising or radio or e-marketing or public relations or guerilla marketing (another war reference) or just a simple brochure hung on a potential customer’s door. Each and every tactical move you make should have strategic underpinnings.

Have a plan. Work the plan.

In battle, as in business, change happens constantly. Mike Tyson wasn’t a general, but he certainly knows something about going into battle. He said, “everyone’s got a game plan—until they get hit.” In “the fog of war,” you must always be prepared to react quickly, adjust your strategy and change your tactics. Try not to make your reactions based on emotion or fear. Carefully refer back to your strategy and your strategy’s underpinnings: your business plan.

Strategic and tactical adjustments must make long-term sense to have the most productive short-term impact.

Focus Your Resources Resist the urge to try to do too much with limited resources. The more limited your resources, the more focused and concentrated your communications efforts should be. If you have a budget that realistically will only buy you radio advertising, for instance, don’t buy television, newspaper and radio.

Concentrate on Jay Graham what you can Graham-Spencer afford and do Inspired Strategic that as well as Communications you possibly can.

Even the largest companies in the world make decisions that lead them to eliminate some potential means of reaching out to customers -- if committing to those means would result in the diminished effect of more crucial ones and a weaker overall effort. Focus your resources for greater effect, just like a military commander looking for a weakness in enemy lines.

Research Foundational to Your Strategy Back to the idea of planning for a moment... Too many companies base their planning processes on supposition: what they think they know about their products and services and what they think their customers and potential customers think.

Military commanders base their strategies on layers of intelligence, and you should, too.

Communications research is a critical foundational element of any strategy.

People on the inside of a company often are too close to their products and the language they use to describe them. Without thirdparty help, it is very difficult for most executives to truly understand how their customers—and potential customers—view their products and services, let alone those of their competitors. Base your strategies on more than just supposition or gut instinct, no matter how hard-earned.

And, of course, if we consider the advertising, design, writing, technology and other creative work employed in your communications efforts to be your “weapons,” by all means; invest in the best talent and thinking you can afford.

Military commanders recognize the wisdom in investing in quality weapons.

They want the best they can afford, and you should, too.

Finally, American WWII General George Patton is famous for having said, “l’audace, l’audace, toujours l’audace.”* Always be audacious. That’s good advice in marketing communications, as well.

The best execution of a smart strategy is not manifested in a creative effort that blends meekly into its surroundings. Have the courage to be audacious—and win.

Common ground.

N Helping companies discover—or rediscover—

an excitement about who they are and the mission they pursue.

jk Helping companies get from here ... to there.

J Growing relationships—with clients, with employees,

with the community.

Uncommon solutions. ; Velasco & Associates is a results-focused

brand communication firm.

jj We partner with you to develop custom solutions

that address goals and strategies.

G Everything is on the table—

but no two solutions are alike.

Jay Graham is founding partner (1987) & cocreative director of GrahamSpencer Inspired Strategic Communications with offices in Rockford; Ridgway, Colo., and Hoboken, N.J. Visit grahamspencer.com or call 815-397-4949.

The views expressed are those of Graham’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

*Like all modern day military commanders, Patton was a student of Clausewitz, who famously said, “never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.”

advertising • marketing • graphic design 815.397.6052 | 220 E. State St., Suite G | Rockford, IL 61104 | velascomarketing.com

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focuS on PrinTing and graPHic deSign SerViceS

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY Midwest Manufacturing Output Increased

U.S. Indicators

The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 0.7 percent in October, to a seasonally adjusted level of 85.5 (2007 = 100). Regional output in October rose 7.3 percent from a year earlier, and national output increased 4.5 percent. Updated Nov. 28, 2011

November, 2011

Monthly Index

% Change

Aug 11

Sep 11

Oct 11

Oct 10 - Oct 11

Chicago Mfg. Index

84.8

84.9

85.5



CFMMI-Auto

77.0

77.2

79.0

 11.0

CFMMI-Steel

82.7

82.2

81.8

 14.3

CFMMI-Machinery

84.9

84.7

85.0

 11.6

CFMMI-Resource

90.1

90.7

91.1



0.4

National Index

91.7

92.0

92.5



4.5

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Population Clocks Dec. 22, 2011 U.S.

312,820,461 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

World

6,982,943,590

7.3

Consumer Price Index

 0.1 percent

Unemployment Rate

8.6 percent

Payroll Employment

 120,000

Average Hourly Earnings

 $0.02

Producer Price Index

 0.3 percent

Employment Cost Index

 0.3 percent (third quarter, 2011)

Productivity

 3.1 percent (third quarter, 2011)

U.S. Import Price Index

 0.7 percent

U.S. Export Price Index

 0.1 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates—Region, State, Nation Oct 2011

Sep 2011

Oct 2010

Rockford

12.6

13.4

13.9

 0.8

 1.3

Chicago

9.7

9.8

8.8

 0.1

 0.9

Illinois

9.5

9.5

9.0

0.0

 0.5

United States

8.5

8.8

9.0

 0.3

 0.5

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security, Nov. 23, 2011

Change/Mo. Change/Yr.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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January 2012

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Byron Forest Preserve District updated its Web site at www. byronforestpreserve.com.

Rx Tech Prep, a pharmacy technician school that opened in Rockford in January, 2011, expanded towards Chicago and was approved by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board in August.

Judson University, Elgin, Ill., was the site of the first S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) conference in December for 70 middle school and high school aged Latina girls and their mothers.

The American Amateur Youth Baseball Alliance chose the Rockford area for one of its four 2012 world series tournaments for boys 8- to 12-yearsold. It will take place July 15 to 21 next year and is estimated to draw 80 teams, nearly 2,000 players, coaches and fans, and bring $1.2 million to local restaurants, hotels and retail outlets.

Crusader Community Health earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating national standards for health care quality and safety. It has been accredited since 1999.

Judson University established a newly-endowed scholarship to fund an entrepreneurship student for four years — the Vito Glazers Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Studies, established by advertising firm CPATank Inc.

Photo by Brian Thomas Photography

A representative from Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet helps John Mecklenburg, SwedishAmerican Foundation executive vice president, “fill up” the Chevrolet Volt. SwedishAmerican installed four electric vehicle charging stations for employees and visitors for environmental sustainability.

Accounting Today named Wipfli LLP number two among 50 technology service providers in the nation, and the top firm of the six based in the Midwest.

Argyle Marketing Company completed a Web site for Ready2Rock School, in partnership with Rockford Boys and Girls Club-Flodin Unit at www.ready2rockschool.com. The program helps students, ages 10 and up, express their musical abilities on professional stage.

KMK Media Group, Inc., completed a Web site for SAMCO Sales and Marketing Co., at www.samcologo. com. Anderson Environmental & Engineering, Co., hired KMK to develop the firm’s new Web site.

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., was named a partner in Best Practices for Office Paper Management by the American Bar Association.

Keith Country Day School’s production of The Wind in the Willows was selected to be a part of the 2012 Illinois High School Theater Festival, Jan. 5 to 7, at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens announced the winning name for the frog in the children’s education area. Ruby Garey, 8, Rockford, won with “Rockin’ Ruby” in connection with her name, the Rock River, and William and Ruby Nicholas, parents of the Nicholas brothers.

The brothers made the $2,150,000 contribution toward the conservatory in honor of their parents.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center was selected to participate in the Carroll H. Starr Endowment Challenge Grant Program through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Mendelssohn’s challenge goal is to raise $150,000 for an endowment over the next three years, and the Community Foundation will match up to $50,000.

Rockford-based technology firm Ticomix, Inc., acquired H2IT, Inc., a Cisco Premier Certified Partner based in Rockford. Key H2IT staff members and engineers joined the Ticomix team.

Jeff Hartle, Amy Larson, Mike Anders, Jessica Rielly, Pat O’Gorman and Carol Edson (left to right) take part in Stillman Bank’s collection for several area food pantries.

Clifton Gunderson LLP intensified efforts to urge the Financial Accounting Foundation to establish an independent board to set standards of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for private companies.

by Al Koblan K.T.P., to assist with international marketing and public relations strategies in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and India. PR Etc., will implement public relations strategies and messaging for Lakeview PBM Solutions LLC, a third-party pharmacy benefit manager in Racine, Wis.

Blackhawk Technical College will undergo a voluntary comprehensive evaluation visit April 25 to 27 next year

by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It has been accredited since 1967 at the associate’s degree level.

Christofferson Moving & Storage, the local agent of United Van Lines, received the 2011 United Van Lines President’s Quality Award for top service among its more than 350 U.S. carriers.

Rockford Park District’s Winter/ Spring 2012 Youth and Adult Guide is available. New opportunities at Nicholas Conservatory include botany lab, tropical terrarium and gardening in random objects for youth; and classes on bonsai, bromeliads, spices, container gardening, tasting tropical fruits, yoga and Tai Chi for adults.

Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/ programbrochures.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center announced registration for the Rock Valley Children’s Choir’s spring 2012 semester with four choruses: Do Re Mi Singers (grades 1 to 3), Music Makers Chorus (grades 4 to 8), Crescendo Choir (grades 6 to 8; auditions required) and Encore (grades 9 to 12). Visit www.mendelssohnpac.org or call 815-964-9713.

Local employers including The Home Depot, Rocknel Fastener, Inc., and Sam’s Club, A Division of Wal-Mart Stores, hosted job shadows for 13 adults with disabilities, in partnership with Illinois Growth Enterprises in October for national Disability Mentoring Day. Rock Valley College hosted a speed interviewing session for five adults with disabilities, including critiques.

The Rockford Park District, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ski Broncs announced that Rockford will host the 39th Division 1 National Waterski Tournament, Aug. 8 to 11, 2013, on the Rock River at Shorewood Park in Loves Park. The region last hosted the event in 2009.

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners published the 2011 Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase in December.

SwedishAmerican Health System demonstrated at a press conference its new electric vehicle charging stations. It is the first Rockford organization to install these stations.

Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet and Anderson Nissan provided a Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF for the demonstration.

PR Etc., coordinated a groundbreaking ceremony for GFS Marketplace, Evanston, Ill., in November and oversaw ribbon cutting activities for store openings in Lakeland, Fla.; West Milwaukee, Wis., and Niles, Ill. PR Etc., was chosen

Meridian, the largest locally owned print service provider in Winnebago County, acquired Courier Printing, Rockford. It plans to retain all 17 Courier employees, for a total of 60, and add more members to its sales and service team.

PS Designs & More, Inc., designed and developed a Web site for local artist Jean Apgar with a portfolio gallery of her artwork — watercolor painting, beadwork and hand-painted silk, at www.jean-apgar-art.com.

more on page 22

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January 2012

January 2012 Member Anniversaries

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Business Briefs

Thank you to the members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in January, 2012.

15-Year MemberS

5-Year MemberS

Ability Glass Service, Inc. Northwest Community Center

AAA Rockford Gemini Computer Systems, Inc. Leading Lawyers Network Pizza Hut - West Lane Road (Rockford Pizza, Inc.) Pizza Hut – 11th Street Pizza Hut – North Main

10-Year MemberS Midwest Stitch Orput Companies Inc.

Member Category of the Month MEMBERSHIP The following is a listing of Rockford Chamber members highlighted in a specific industry.

Accountants

Attorneys

Accurate Accounting and Payroll Services, LLC Datacraft, Inc. John Morrissey Accountants, Inc.

Barrick Switzer Long Balsley Van Evera Jim Black & Associates Law Office Cicero & France, Barch & Alexander, P.C. Guyer & Enichen, PC Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C. Hyzer Hyzer & Jacobs J M Robertson, LLC Leading Lawyers Network McGreevy Williams Oliver Close, LLC O’Sullivan O’Sullivan Picha Salisbury McCumber LLC Prorok Law Office, P.C. Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. Reno & Zahm LLP SmithAmundsen LLC WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Zuba and Associates

Accountants Certified Public & Public Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Benning Group LLC Clifton Gunderson LLP Erboe & Associates, CPAs Freberg, Leland L. CPA, LLC Holmertz Parsons, CPA’s Lindstrom, Sorenson & Associates, LLP LOESCHER & Associates, Ltd. Lombardozzi, Moses, Quimby & Company P.C. McGladrey & Pullen, LLP Padgett Business Services S V A Certified Public Accountants, SC Sikich LLP Summit CPA Group, P.C. Van Sickle & McLaughlin, CPAs Weinberg & Co. Wipfli LLP

Member-to-member Loyalty Card Cut out and write your company name on the card below.

Give it to the member you are doing business with to show your support of member-to-member business.

The fall, 2011, class of Winnebago County CASA volunteers was sworn in, in November: Cynthia Frank, Kellie Hartman, Maureen Morrissey, Rosanne Marheine, Maxine Manley, Robin Griswold, Donald Bondick, Judge Mary Linn Green, Debi Hopper, Linda Rutz, Thomas Pugliese, Melisa Shank, Leo Waskiewicz, Rosary Donepanya and Kate Ecklor (left to right).

Taryn Marko absent from photo.

Continued from page 21 Stillman Bank held a food drive as part of its annual Christmas Open House in December; collecting nearly 900 pounds of non-perishable food items over a week. The bank’s annual food drive over four years has collected more than 4,100 pounds of food.

Judge Mary Linn Green swore in 15 new Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers in November to serve as advocates for children who are victims of abuse and neglect, and thanks in part to a grant by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Rockford. The next training class will be in April, 2012. Visit www. winnebagocountycasa.org.

JX Peterbilt - Rockford presented a donation of more than $550 to

10 Resolutions Continued from page 2

stick to that commitment. If you won’t invest in yourself, who will?

8. Set realistic goals Goal setting is a valuable habit — if the goals lead to success rather than distress. Make a New Year’s resolution that the goals you set will be goals that are achievable, rather than unrealistic pipe dreams that are so far out of reach they only lead to frustration.

Seek the counsel of someone you know who is successful and ask them about their goal-setting process.

9. Don’t make do; get a new one Is there a piece of equipment in your office that’s interfering with your success or something that you lack that’s making your working life harder?

Whether it’s an old fax machine that’s a pain to use, or the need for a

Rockford Rescue Mission — its second donation to a local charity in November and December.

Remedies Renewing Lives’ Domestic Violence Program (formerly WAVE) was awarded a $10,000 grant by Dr. Courtney, Jr. & Margaret Hutchins, Hamlin Family Fund; a $2,065 grant by Schneider Electric Charitable Contribution Program, and a $1,740 grant by the Dr. Louis & Violet Ruben Fund, all of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

The Rock Valley College Foundation awarded $70,000 to faculty and staff for equipment and projects to meet critical funding needs. Proceeds from the foundation’s major annual event, Starry Night, funds these grants, and since 2001 has awarded $648,296.

new employee to lighten your work load, make a New Year’s resolution to stop putting off getting what you need.

The irritation of making do just isn’t worth it.

10. Drop what’s not working for you and move on All products aren’t going to be super sellers, all sales methods aren’t going to work for everyone, and all suppliers or contractors aren’t going to be ideally suited to your business. If a technique or a product or a business relationship isn’t working for you, stop using it.

Don’t invest a lot of energy into trying to make the unworkable workable.

Move on. Something better will turn up.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is like maintaining a good relationship; you have to keep working on it. But if you apply these New Year’s resolutions throughout the year, your success is guaranteed!

Source: Susan Ward, About.com Guide.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

23

January 2012

Members Caught on Digital ON DIGITAL

Mark O’Donnell from CompareMyPremiums.com Insurance Agency presents Dennis Roop from Riverside Community Bank with a $100 cash prize won at the Compare My Premiums booth at the Rockford Chamber’s Regional Expo on Sept. 22.

United for Youth (Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois & Boy Scouts Blackhawk Area Council, BSA), hosted a ribbon cutting on Dec. 7 at the new Tumilowicz Center, 2820 McFarland Road in Rockford.

Personal Finance Co., 270 N. Mulford Road in Rockford, hosted a ribbon cutting on Nov. 29.

Jersey Mike’s, 6284 E. State St., Rockford, featuring fresh subs “Mike’s Way,” and catering, hosted a ribbon cutting on Dec. 6.

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 6845 E. State St., in Rockford, hosted a ribbon cutting on Dec. 21.

24

January 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Arthur Kielty

2. Patrick Murphy

3. Jeff Anderson

4. Lee Johnson

5. Natalie Latino

6. Kylie Crull

7. Bill Redig

8. Gary Fernando, M.D.

9. Debbie Hutchinson

10. Gina Caruana

11. Nicole Gruner

12. Bridget French

13. Mete Korkmaz, M.D.

14. Jennifer Droke

15. David A. White

16. Rick Terrones

17. Casey Schoonover

18. Scott Kaiser

19. Richard A. Berman

20. John L. Shepherd

21. Scott C. Sullivan

22. Maria Salinas

23. Aletha Beard

24. Julie Burfoot

Board Appointments Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois elected three new members to its board: Dan Cassens, Woodward Governor; Mark Hunter, Winnebago County Health Department, and David Stenerson, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Arthur Kielty (1), partner and attorney at Reno & Zahm, joined the Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity board of directors.

Rockford MELD added new members to its board of directors: Patrick Murphy (2), Metrology Resource Group; Jeff Anderson (3), In Good Company; Lee Johnson (4), Swedish American Health System, and Natalie Latino (5), Rubloff Development.

Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocate announced its new slate of board officers for 2011-2012: Fred Muehlfelder, chair; Kathy McCarty, vice chair; Sharon Cooper, secretary; Mary Kay Garganera, treasurer, and Joan Young, CASA advocate representative. New board members are Sharon Cooper, Rock Valley College; David Buchen, Rock Valley College; Jo Marie Montalbano, Rockford Public Schools, and Joan Young, CASA volunteer.

Kylie Crull (6), account executive at PR Etc., joined the YWCA of Rockford board for a three-year term.

New Hires, Promotions, Retirements Trekk hired Kathleen Phelps as art director, and Michael Wilson as senior art director.

Bill Redig (7) joined Midwest Community Bank as senior vice president - commercial banking.

Amy Moyer joined The Alliance as manager of value measurement, and Calvin Rigsby II as business development manager.

Gary Fernando, M.D. (8), joined the pediatric practice at the Crusader Community Health, Loves Park.

Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort hired Debbie Hutchinson (9) as its sales and event specialist.

Larson & Darby Group hired Dixit (D.J.) Patel, P.E., LEED-GA, to oversee the electrical engineering design process for the firm’s three Illinois offices.

Riverside Community Bank hired Gina Caruana (10) as vice president, retail manager.

Savant Capital Management hired Nicole Gruner (11) as a qualified retirement plan coordinator and member of its Institutional Services Team.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hired Bridget French (12) as marketing manager.

Employee/Community Recognitions, Awards Judith Field, RN, general team surgical services leader, received OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center’s first Physician’s Choice award. Dr. Mete Korkmaz (13) received the 2011 Physician Excellence Award.

Philip W. Eaton, Rosecrance president/CEO, was named 2011 Alumnus of the Year by his alma mater, Trinity College, Deerfield, Ill. Jennifer Droke (14), P.T.A.,

Rockford Orthopedic Associates, Ltd., fulfilled the eligibility requirements of American Physical Therapy Association’s Recognition of Advanced Proficiency for Physical Therapist Assistant in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy.

David A. White (15), financial advisor at Blackhawk Investment Group, Blackhawk Bank, was named a Rising Star for accomplishments in 2011.

Saporiti, RESA, and Sean Norton, Belvidere North High School.

WilliamsMcCarthy LLP partners, Richard A. Berman (19) and John L. Shepherd (20) (workers’ compensation) and Scott C. Sullivan (21) (business litigation) were named to the 2012 Super Lawyers list selected by Illinois Super Lawyers and the publishers of Chicago magazine.

William Newkirk, senior at Rockford College, received the Accounting & Finance Academic Award of $1,000 towards tuition expenses from Financial Executives International, Rockford chapter.

Undergraduate Melissa Hoegh, elementary education, was the fall, 2011, recipient of Judson University’s Student Service Award. Adult undergraduate Maha McDiarmid, human services, received the President’s Scholar Award for outstanding academic achievements.

Rick Terrones (16) celebrated 45 years of service with Rockford Mutual Insurance Company in October.

Maria Salinas (22) was named Employee of the Year for 2011 at Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc., Rockford.

Seven Keith Country Day School students were selected as 2011 Illinois State Scholars: Ashley Cox, Madeleine Elyea, Kanhai Farrakhan, Angela Martinez, Paul Steffan, Olivia Tang and Michelle Zheng.

Rock Valley College student Casey Schoonover (17) won the Cisco Networking Academy NetRiders competition among 709 participants representing 39 states and six provinces in the United States and Canada.

Scott Kaiser (18), financial advisor at Savant Capital Management, earned his Certified Financial Planner designation.

Golden Apple Foundation awarded $6,237 in grants to six area teachers: Christina Magee, Eisenhower Middle School; Amy Orvis, Maria Montessori; Lynn Stockton, Jefferson High School; Janette Aschim and Tina

Of General Interest Aletha Beard (23) joined Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc, as agency administrator. She attended the Fred Pryor Management Seminars on leadership, positive recognition and problem solving to supervisors.

Julie Burfoot (24) joined the employee benefits team. Patricia Wagner completed Extra Expense, Business Income and Employment Related Practices Liability by Indiana Insurance Company.

Meghan Murphy, Blackhawk Technical College nursing graduate, 2000, and a flight nurse for REACT Helicopter Service, Rockford Memorial Health System, presented a classroom guest lecture on flight nursing practice and helicopter safety for third and fourth semester associate degree nursing students.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

25

January 2012

Community Events COMMUNITY Thursday, January 5 Northern IL SCORE presents a new series, Using Technology in Your Small Business, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford. The Jan. 5 session is free. For details and how to register, visit http://bit.ly/r9Rv3Y.

Friday, January 6 Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., presents Discovery After Dark from 6 to 10 p.m., including learning to layer a drink, turning juice into wine, and becoming a master home brewer with instructions by the Forest City Brewers. Admission includes the Peanuts...Naturally Exhibit! Cash bar by Giovanni’s. Visit discoverycentermuseum.org or call 815-972-2839.

Sunday, January 8 Natural Land Institute presents Wander at the Wetland: Moonlight Snowshoe & Ski, from 4:32 to 7:08 p.m., at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road. Admission is free, but donations to Natural Land Institute accepted. Rent snowshoes, skis and kids equipment from Paddle & Trail for $10 rental at 815-636-9066 or info@paddleandtrail.com. Register for the event at 815-964-6666 or kjohnsen@naturalland.org by Friday, Jan. 6.

Tuesday, January 10 Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and local financial providers and not-for-profit agencies present Good Dollars and Sense, a 12-hour course in financial management free of charge to the community. Spanish classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 10 to 26, 10 a.m. to noon or 6 to 8 p.m. English classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 7 to 23 from 10 a.m. to noon or 6 to 8 p.m.

Open on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at 815-987-6203 or goodsense@goodwillni.org.

Thursday, January 12 SVA presents two executive briefing Webinars on Business Valuation: The Key to Transferring Your Business, on Jan. 12, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and Jan. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register at www.sva.com/ executivebriefing/.

The Freedom West Foundation and Rockford Ministers’ Fellowship present the area’s first-annual Diversity Business Luncheon at 11:30 a.m., at Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

Keynote speaker is Andrea Zopp, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. Event production by Eventus.

Friday, January 13 The Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents SoundBites, its lunchtime discussion series at noon featuring

Mike Alongi, accordion, and hosted

by Music Director Steven Larsen at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road. Free but reservations strongly recommended at 815-965-0049 or www. rockfordsymphony.com.

Rock River Valley Blood Center invites the community to an Open House from 2 to 5 p.m., at 419 N. Sixth St., to celebrate the retirement of Laurie McWilliams, RN, after 31 years of service. Call 815-965-8751.

Sunday, January 15 Judson University hosts a CampusWide Overnight Preview Event for prospective students on Jan. 15 to 16 in Elgin, Ill., 1151 N. State St. Includes overnight in a dorm room with current students, a day of informational sessions and meetings with staff and faculty, and Jan. 16 chapel at 10 a.m., with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration. Register at www. judsonu.edu/visitJudson.

Tuesday, January 17 Rockford Public Library presents Finding Grants for a Non-Profit Organization from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St., second floor computer room.

Registration required. Spaces limited.

Call 815-965-7606.

Friday, January 20 Rockford Public Library presents “Their Eyes were Watching God,” part of its Black Cinema Discussion Series, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Montague Branch Connie Lane Room, 1238 S. Winnebago St. Registration not required. For questions, call 815-965-7606.

Saturday, January 21 Midway Village Museum presents its 10th annual Civil War Symposium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, featuring Dr. Michael Burlingame, author of the award-winning “Abraham Lincoln: A Life.” Contact lonna.converso@midwayvillage.com or 815-397-9112, ext. 110, or visit www.midwayvillage.com.

Tuesday, January 24 Rockford Public Library presents How Will We Pay for College? from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Friends of RPL Community Room. Registration required. Call 815-965-7606.

Wednesday, January 25 Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Rockford College presents Leadership Cafe, at noon at Burpee Center. Pam Clark Reidenbach, NICNE director, presents Nonprofit Sustainability:

Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability. RSVP at least five days prior at 815-394-4384.

Friday, January 27 Avalon String Quartet performs Program 3: “Sturm und Drang” at 7 p.m., at Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St. For tickets visit www.mendelssohnpac. org or call 815-964-9713.

Saturday, January 28 Young Musicians Series Recital, “The Harmony of Music,” at 1:30 p.m., at Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St. Free.

Visit www.mendelssohnpac.org or call 815-964-9713.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Foundation presents the 58th annual Pink Ball with a champagne reception at 6 p.m., at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Conference Center in Rockford.

For tickets call 815-395-5333.

Rockford College, Regents Hall, presents “Divine Nine,” an Italian dinner and showcase fundraiser for Ethnic Heritage Museum. For tickets visit www. ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

Discovery Center Museum hosts a grand opening for Robots: The Interactive Exhibition on Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Jan. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Call 815- 963-6769 or visit www. discoverycentermuseum.org.

Sunday, January 29 Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., unveils its new African American Gallery exhibit, “A Salute to the Divine 9,” from 2 to 5 p.m., with nine historically Greek letter African American fraternities and sororities and their impact on the community — on view Sundays through April 29. Visit www. ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

Tuesday, January 31 McGladry invites not-for-profit executives to register for a free webcast, Annual Tax Update, to learn the new tax law developments and their impact on their organization. To review and register, visit http://mcgladrey.com/Events/ Annual-Not-for-Profit-Tax-Update.

Live webcast will be held 11:00 a.m. with a duration of 1.5 hours.

For additional information Contact Allison Quattlander at McGladreyMidAtlantic@mcgladrey.

26

January 2012

New Chamber Members MEMBERS

Illinois Chamber reveals 2012 holiday survey results Each year, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce conducts its annual paid Holiday Survey, which indicates how Illinois employers handle paid holidays. A cross-section of almost 700 businesses responded. Based on

the responses, the survey indicated that the average number of paid holidays for Illinois workers is 8.2 days, slightly lower than in 2011. The average number of paid personal days is 2.8 days.

Percentage of Firms Observing Paid Holidays

New Year’s Day, 2012 Friday, Dec. 30 Monday, Jan. 2

9.3% 79.6%

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (observed) Monday, Jan. 16

Lincoln’s Birthday Sunday, Feb. 12

20.9% 1.8%

20.3%

President’s Day Monday, Feb. 20 Washington’s Birthday Wednesday, Feb. 22

Casimir Pulaski’s Birthday (observed) Monday, March 5

Good Friday Friday, April 6 Memorial Day Monday, May 28

<1.0% <1.0% 33.9% 97.2%

Alexza Incorporation Caterers 115 7th St., 61104 Zina Horton 815-962-9185 www.sweetambrosia.us

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Good Food for Good People. Casual Dining with Excellent Service and Something for Everyone 6845 E. State St., 61108 Tim Krause 815-226-8818 www.applebees.com

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar

<1.0%

Good Food for Good People. Casual Dining with Excellent Service and Something for Everyone 1675 E. Riverside Blvd., 61114 Mark Jerusal 815-654-8337 www.applebees.com

14.8%

Auto Care Center

Thanksgiving Wednesday, Nov. 21 Thursday, Nov. 22 Friday, Nov. 23

2.5% 97.5% 68.7%

Christmas Monday, Dec. 24 Tuesday, Dec. 25

53.7% 97.5%

35.1%

Provides Complete Auto and Truck Repair Servicing All Makes and Models 7906 Forest Hills Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Mike Vettore 815-636-0021

Independence Day Wednesday, July 4 Labor Day Monday, Sept. 3 Columbus Day Monday, Oct. 8

Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 8 Half day or full day off

Veterans Day/Sunday Nov. 11 Monday, Nov. 12

New Year’s Eve Monday, Dec. 31 Employees Birthday

97.4% 97.5% 10.6%

2%

Source: Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Membership Renewals Thank you to the members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber in November.

Advanced Reproductive Center, Inc. Advanced Therapy Solutions Aerotek, Inc. Bobcat of Rockford Brian Thomas Photography, Inc. CBro, Ltd. CFO 4 Small Biz Chicagoland Medical Billing Specialists, Inc. Ciao Bella Ristorante City of Loves Park City of Rockford Human Services Department Columbia College Crusader Community Health on West State Street, Woodward Campus for Community Health Care Crusader Community Health Belvidere Crusader Community Health on Broadway, Uram Building D & S Marine Inc. Datacraft, Inc. Erboe & Associates, CPAs Faust Landmark Apartments GrahamSpencer Inspired Strategic Communications Humana Independence Village at Rockford Leland L. Freberg, CPA, LLC

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Lindstrom, Sorenson & Associates, LLP Mid-City Office Products Midwest Building Management Morning Star Village Mrs. Fisher’s, Inc. Northern Illinois Terrazzo & Tile Company Picha, Salisbury & McCumber, LLC Professional Graphics, Inc. Regional Office of Education Riverside Community Bank Rock River Environmental Services Rockford Detective Agency, Inc. Rockford Symphony Orchestra Saint Anthony College of Nursing Satori Pathway Stateline World Trade Association Summit Radiology Target Commercial Interiors TDS The Grand Victorian The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club Transitions Hospice US Signal Village Green Home & Garden Winnebago County Health Department Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department Winnebago County-River Bluff Nursing Home

Baney Construction & Restoration Specializing in Exterior, Restoration, Roofing & Siding 11537 Wild Deer Trail Roscoe, IL 61073 Jeremiah Jessen 815-401-8122

Banner of Truth International We are a Local Church Preaching, Teaching, Ministering Healing 1401 W. State St., 61102 The Reverend Mark Williams 815968-0026 www.banneroftruthinternational.com

Cloisters of Forest Hills Condominium - 144 Units - Owned 2929 Sunnyside Dr., 61114 Suzanne McDonald 815-877-6597

Delta Dental of Illinois A Not-For Profit Dental Service Corporation that Administers and Underwrites Dental Benefits for Employers Based in Illinois 111 Shuman Blvd.

Naperville, IL 60563 Raquel Konopacki 800-335-8215 www.deltadentalil.com

Dodge Lanes, Inc. Bowling Center - 24 Lanes, Bar, Banquet Room 1940 N. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 Jayne Speckman 815-547-5363

Forest City Communications of Illinois Inc. Providing Services in Network, Design Services, Phone Systems, Security Cameras P.O. Box 15047 Loves Park, IL 61132 Chad Davies 815-395-1800 www.fcitycommunications.com

Joyner Neighborhood Resource Center We Act as a Hub for Wide-Ranging Services Where Individuals, Families, Churches, Faith Based and Community Partners are Enhanced Through Their Mutual Cooperation 1410 W. State St., 61102 The Reverend John Evans 815-968-0026 www.banneroftruthinternational.com

Michalsen Office Furniture Inc. In Business for Over 26 Years, Providing New and Used Desks, Chairs, Files and Work Stations 8014 N. 2nd St. Machesney Park, IL 61115 Jim Michalsen, Jr. 815-877-8301 www.michalsen.biz

Napleton Honda Retail and Servicing for Automobiles 6600 E. Riverside Blvd.

Loves Park, IL 61111 Geoff Feinblatt 815-636-6600 www.napletonlovesparkhonda.com

Nova Painting & Decorating Commercial Painting & Decorating P.O. Box 7413, 61126 Jennifer Bunjes 815-703-5226

Production Line, Inc. Specializes in Component Packing and Kitting/Contract Manufacturing Including: Assembly, Sorting, Packaging, Inspection and a Variety of Outside Services 14330 Industrial Pkwy.

South Beloit, IL 61080 Logan Scott 815-624-6029 www.productionline.com

Total Technology Solutions Group Since 2003, Our Executive Team has been Influential in Pioneering, Rapid Changes in Growth that have Defined the Managed Print Services Industry 280 Phelps Ave., 61108 Timothy Ward 815-825-7768 www.ttsgroupinc.com

Weight Watchers Provides Weight Loss and Healthy Life Style Management Dawn Scott www.weightwatchers.com

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27

January 2012

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events January, 2012

Thursday, January 26

Tuesday, January 10

Ribbon Cutting, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, 615 N. Longwood St., 9 to 10 a.m. Celebrating the relocation of Goodwill’s mission services/ administration building.

Refreshments and tours.

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@ flandersinsurance.com.

Wednesday, January 11 Advantage Power Network Club, Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@ whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

february, 2012 Thursday, February 2 Business After Hours, Rockford MELD, 5 to 7 p.m., at Giovanni’s, Inc., 610 N. Bell School Road.

Tuesday, February 7

Friday, February 10

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. For information on joining, call Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. For information on joining, call Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Annual Dinner

Networking, 5 to 6 p.m.; dinner, speaker and Citizen of the Year, 6 to 8 p.m. In strong support of public education, the Rockford Chamber features Dr. Robert Willis, superintendent for the Rockford Public Schools, who will present his five “Readiness Rocks” and strategies for student success. The 2012 Citizen of the Year will be announced.

Sponsors: WilliamsMcCarthy LLP (presenting) Humana (Citizen of the Year Award) OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (gold) Leading Lawyers Network (silver) McGladrey (bronze) Riverside Community Bank (calendar)

Tuesday, January 24 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@ flandersinsurance.com.

Wednesday, January 25 Good Morning Rockford! The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System, 7180 Spring Brooke Road, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Advantage Power Network Club, Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@ whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Wednesday, January 25 Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Alpine Bank.............................................3 A-Sign Designs.....................................20 Broadmoor Agency, Inc........................15 Brian Thomas Photography, Inc.................................. 9 Colorwave Graphics.............................20 GrahamSpencer Inspired Strategic Communications.................17 IMEC.......................................................7 McGladrey.........................................5, 10 Meridian................................................18 PIP Printing and Marketing Services.............................18 Prographics...........................................16 Riverside Community Bank....................................................13 RiverView Printing.................................19 Rockford Chamber of Commerce............................3, 23, 28

Rockford College....................................8 Rockford Health Physicians....................4 Rockford Health System.......................19 Rock Valley College................................8 SignsNowRockford...............................18 Sikich.....................................................11 Skyward Promotions.............................20 Stillman Bank..........................................8 Thayer Lighting.....................................15 The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System.....................25 Van Galder Bus A Coach USA Co..................................2 Velasco & Associates............................19 Weinberg & Co......................................10 WilliamsMcCarthy...................................3 Wipfli LLP..............................................10

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road.

Friday, January 13

Thursday, January 19 5:00 - 8:00 pm Giovanni’s 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS

Tuesday, February 14 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@ flandersinsurance.com.

Wednesday, February 15 Advantage Power Network Club, Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@ whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Wednesday, February 15 Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Thursday, February 16 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center 7801 E. State St., Rockford

Small Business Luncheon Sponsors: BMO Harris (presenting) Humana (gold)

Friday, February 17 Ribbon Cutting, KP Counseling, Inc., 6392 Linden Road, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 23 Good Morning Rockford! Entre Computer Solutions and U.S. Cellular, 7:30 to 9 a.m., at Entre Computer Solutions, 8900 N. 2nd St.

Tuesday, February 28 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N.

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO....................................

Heidi Garner, Executive Assistant to the President..................

Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology.............

Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive.........

Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events.. ..

Cyndie Landis, Financial Assistant.. ....................................

Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance.. ...............................................

Stacy Mullins, Director of Events.. ......................................

Diane Navickis, Membership Development Manager...............

Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator...................

Valerie Tippitt, Membership Development Manager.................

Direct Line 815-316-4304 815-316-4312 815-316-4338 815-316-4317 815-316-4337 815-316-4300 815-316-4316 815-316-4302 815-316-4315 815-316-4320 815-316-4336

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers Executive Committee Chairman of the Board Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions Chairman Elect Richard Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System Vice Chair Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Pam Maher KMK Media Group

Directors Romero Bennett Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc.

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Walt Boothe BMO Harris Bank N.A. Ryan Brauns Rockford Consulting & Brokerage Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc.

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer

Tim White Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation

Pat Morrow Alpine Bank

Jennifer Wood Sikich LLP

Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Peter Ricker Rockford Register Star Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy

J Chapman Maverick Media of Rockford LLC

Daniel Saavedra Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects

Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University

Henry Seybold Rockford Health System

Darlene Furst Furst Staffing

Pat Shaw RSM McGladrey

Penelope Lechtenberg Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Somchan Thatsanaphon K-I Machine Tool & Production Inc.

Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@ flandersinsurance.com.

Wednesday, February 29 Advantage Power Network Club, Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@ whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Ex-Officio Directors Janyce Fadden Rockford Area Economic Development Council Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

February 2012 Special Sections

Educational Services Sports & Fitness For information on advertising, call 815-987-8100