January Voice 2020

the January 2020 | Volume 33 | No. 1

2020 VISION FOR ROCKFORD

SPX: 40 YEARS OF KEEPING THE FLOW

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of the rockford business community

Small business owners

PARK DISTRICT TO HOST HEARING FOR PROPOSED 2020 BUDGET

RECORD

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners voted in November to hold the line on property taxes for the sixth year in a row. Heading into 2020, the district faces another $1.4 million deficit and is working on a number of options to reduce it.

The proposed budget, which includes new levy figures, was presented on Dec. 10, 2019. The public has been given 30 days to review it before a public hearing on Jan. 14, 2020 at 5:00. Formal approval of the 2020 budget will take place at that board meeting.

CONFIDENCE

“Although we hear media reports of many larger businesses retrenching, in most industries, small business continue to thrive.”

JESSICA MOSER, SENIOR VP, SMALL & SPECIALTY BUSINESS, METLIFE

Employers are experiencing record high levels of confidence about their businesses and financial future, according to data from the 2019 Q4 MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index. The survey of 1,000 small business owners shows that 71.3 percent currently have a “strong outlook” on the small business environment and optimism about their own business health in the fourth quarter; up 0.6 points from the third quarter, and the highest since the index’s inception.

Small business owners with a positive outlook on their local economies also increased three percentage points from the third quarter to 59 percent. More than half

(57 percent) believed the U.S. economy to be in good health. In first quarter of 2019, only 53 percent did.

Midwest small businesses ranked the most optimistic concerning the national economy at 62 percent.

“This quarter’s findings emphasize that small businesses are one of the backbones of our economy,” said Jessica Moser, senior vice president, small & specialty business, MetLife.

“Although we hear media reports of many larger businesses retrenching, in most industries, small businesses continue to thrive, and many indicate plans to expand, whether by increasing headcount, increasing investment in the business, or both.”

Continued on page 3

Rockford Chamber welcomes new board members

Brent Bernardi, Alpha Controls & Services LLC

THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY

Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University

The Rockford Chamber welcomed the following new board members for three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1.

■ Brent Bernardi, Alpha Controls & Services LLC

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

Rob Young, Midwest Packaging and Container

■ LaVonne Brown, Savant Capital Management ■ Paula Carynski, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

■ Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D., Rockford University

■ Sam Castree, Staff Management, Inc.

■ Carly Lamonica, LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

Network

■ Rob Young, Midwest Packaging and Container Join the Chamber on Social Media

Carly Lamonica, LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

A number of board members also were reappointed for additional threeyear terms:

■ John Schuster, Rosecrance Health ■ Karl Swanson, Illinois Bank & Trust ■ Michael Iasparro, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Dan Ross, Fehr Graham, was named chair elect for a one-year term.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

ANNUAL

Chamber Dinner THURSDAY, JAN 23 GIOVANNI’S

For more information, see page 23 SPONSORED BY

TAKE THE UNIFIED STATE PLAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY SURVEY Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker seeks your feedback on a brief survey. Every four years, the governor is required to submit a state workforce development plan to release funds under the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act. This Unified State Plan outlines a four-year strategy for coordinating all of the state’s workforce development programs. A full draft of the 2020 plan is available for review at www.illinoisworknet.com/ wioastateplan.

The survey outlines the plan’s economic analyses and strategies and seeks your reactions. Take it at www.surveymonkey.com/r/USPBIZ.

NEW ALL-DAY BUS PASS Rockford Mass Transit District now offers passengers an adult all-day pass option for $3, valid for unlimited rides on the day the fare is purchased. RMTD heard this request numerous times from customers as a part of its Comprehensive Mobility Study.

A half-fare, all-day pass also is available for students and persons with disabilities with appropriate ID for $1.50.

This is a substantial discount when riding the bus more than twice on the day of purchase, and avoids the need for transfers and restricted time limits. Visit rmtd.org.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

Steady progress for our community in 2019 TOM MCNAMARA City of Rockford Mayor

Investing in our neighborhoods and infrastructure is critical to our community.

Doubling down on committments

Editor’s Note: This column originally ran as an Op-Ed in the Dec. 23, 2019, edition of the Rockford Register Star.

It’s been a busy and exciting year for our community. Looking at 2019, I’m pleased we’re making continued progress our three top priorities—public safety, economic development and neighborhood revitalization.

Nothing is more important to me and my team than keeping our community safe. When I took office 2 ½ years ago, we made a commitment to attack our crime problem on many fronts.

Since then, with City Council support, we’ve invested more than $4 million in training and technology and are at our highest level of sworn officers in more than a decade. Both the short- and longterm results are promising—year to date through November, we’re down 17 percent in violent crime and 12 percent in property crime. Most importantly, since 2017, we’re down 31 percent in violent crime.

At the same time, my team has worked to stabilize and strengthen the City’s finances. When I took office, we faced a $23 million dollar projected deficit through

2020. To address this, we sought input from employees, union leaders, municipal finance experts, and a citizen-led Finance Task Force to reduce that deficit. Since then, we’ve passed balanced budgets in 2018, 2019 and 2020, with an overall City workforce that has 1/3 fewer non-public safety staff than our peer communities.

Most importantly, we have held the line on property taxes, with no increase, despite facing a pension-funding crisis.

By doing so, we left more than $1 million in revenue for 2020 alone in taxpayers’ pockets – where it should be. And, the City’s projected property tax rate fell to 3.00, a 3.8 percent decrease from the previous year.

Business Community Surges As we look across our city at businesses and organizations continuing their resurgence, we can look at the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and its role as a regional economic engine.

RFD is now one of Rockford’s largest employment hubs with UPS, Amazon, Pinnacle, AAR and others employing more than 4,000 people on RFD property.

RFD recently cracked the Top 20 in busiest US airports for cargo (checking in at #19) and also was named the fastestgrowing cargo airport in the world by Airports Council International.

Other signs of success are plentiful across our business community. Ingersoll is now in line to help build the world’s largest telescope. Estwing is moving forward with a major expansion, investing $10 million and adding 30 jobs. Collins Aerospace is spending $50 million on its campus to build a research and testing lab. Specialty Screw opened a $2.5 million expansion, adding 10 employees to the company.

Advanced Machine & Engineering has added a $3.5 million investment to its facility, creating 50 new jobs.

Capital Improvements Investing in our neighborhoods and infrastructure is critical to our community.

In early December, our partners with National Resource Network outlined our data-driven approach to neighborhood revitalization, which will include additional investment in residential areas

across the community. Coupled with establishing a Land Bank, the reformed Trustee Program and the Vacant and Foreclosed Property Registry, and the highest increase in property values since 1994, I’m excited about the work we’ll be doing to strengthen our neighborhoods.

A final and important part of our work is the 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed by City Council in November. The $51 million program uses $22 million in Motor Fuel Tax and Sales Tax funds, $9 million in Water Capital Improvement funds and nearly $20 million in leveraged State and Federal funds and will touch every area of the city.

My team and I know there’s more work to be done and will continue to be relentless in building a stronger and safer city for all of us. I’m excited about the opportunities we have ahead of us in 2020.

Thomas P. McNamara is Mayor of Rockford The views expressed are those of Mayor McNamara’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

CONFIDENCE Continued from front page

Hiring Pace Remains Hot One in five small businesses reported increasing their staff size over the past year; the highest percentage in the index’s history. Hiring plans showed interesting trends, with 36 percent of minorityowned small businesses having plans to grow staff, compared to 27 percent of non-minority owned businesses. More than half (51 percent) of millennial-owned businesses have plans to grow their staff. In comparison, 25 percent of baby boomer generation or older owners have plans to increase staff.

“These high levels of confidence have prompted Main Street employers

to increase hiring,” said Tom Sullivan, vice president of small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “It is remarkable that millennial-owned and minority-owned small businesses have aggressive hiring plans despite the tight labor market.”

Manufacturers Lag in Overall Confidence Small manufacturers have become more pessimistic about the national economy over the last two quarters with a decline of 11 points (from 69 percent in second quarter to 58 percent in fourth quarter).

This quarter, small manufacturers remained the least likely to plan to increase investments, (19 percent) compared to 26 percent for all small businesses.

LET YOUR Voice BE HEARD The Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages member submissions for The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community.

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication date. 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

HOTEL KATE TO OFFER BOUTIQUE LODGING EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN ROCKFORD Joseph James Partners announced December 19, 2019, plans to redevelop an historic building along the Madison Street corridor in downtown Rockford.

Officially unveiled as “Hotel Kate” at the groundbreaking event, it promises to offer visitors and families a place to stay, gather, dine, play, and connect with Rockford’s urban center just footsteps away.

The property, originally built for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), opened in 1958. In honor of this history, Joseph James Partners has named the hotel after Rockford’s own activist, Kate O’Connor. Born in Rockford in 1863, Kate O’Connor was an early supporter and member of Rockford’s YWCA. “An advocate, suffragist, businesswoman and community builder, Kate dedicated her life’s work to helping and fighting for our community and the people who lived and worked in it,” said Peter Provenzano, President of Joseph James Partners.

Hotel Kate will feature 47 rooms; hospitality areas for meetings and events; recreational areas that include a gym, pool, and fitness center; and featuring a garden and patio. Locallysourced food will serve guests with unique, seasonal menus.

This $14 million project is expected to be completed and open to the public in late summer 2020.

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January 2020

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.

Manufacturing remains the least optimistic across industries when reporting expected revenue growth, although it is higher than last quarter (54 percent in fourth quarter from 49 percent in third quarter).

The sector’s hiring plans (31 percent) are statistically unchanged since last quarter (32 percent in third quarter 2019).

Technology Use Among Small Business Owners This quarter’s index also spotlighted small business attitudes towards technology adoption. Small businesses showed a strong affinity for technologies that helped them complete daily tasks, like accounting software, but cited cost as the biggest barrier to adopting new technology.

“No matter what business you feel like you’re in, almost every company now is a ‘tech company’ — or should be,” said Casey Stanley, vice president of Ontario Systems and a U.S. Chamber Small Business Council Member. “Technology drives how companies operate today.

Businesses that make steady and smart investments in technology are the ones who lead, are more profitable, and are more prepared to weather challenging business times.”

A majority of small business owners are concerned about cybersecurity

Small businesses showed a strong affinity for technologies that helped them complete daily tasks, like accounting software, but cited cost as the biggest barrier to adopting new technology. threats (54 percent) and data privacy issues (50 percent).

By sector, professional service firms are the most concerned about cybersecurity (62 percent vs. 44 percent).

Professional service firms are also the most likely to agree that data privacy issues are a challenge at 59 percent.

Cost was identified by 44 percent of small businesses as, by far, the biggest factor keeping them back from adopting new technologies. Other significant concerns when deciding on new technologies are: the time it takes for IT training (25 percent) and lack of understanding of

new

technologies

(19

percent).

Please visit www.sbindex.us for the full results and methodology.. v

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

DR. EHREN JARRETT Superintendent RPS 205

Scorecard: Giving educators a timely outcome measure

Letting the professionals do the jobs they are trained to do

The Scorecard is a clear accountability measure for school improvement. It offers more frequent and more timely feedback for our educators.

The state’s new funding model has brought more money to the Rockford Public Schools. We have worked hard to make sure the additional dollars bring value to our schools, our district and our community.

By now you may know one of the ways we have made sure our dollars impact the community. We have used the additional funds to give residents much-needed tax relief. The School Board in November approved a flat tax levy for the eighth consecutive year. The tax rate for 2019 has dropped 47 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation, the steepest drop since 2015. The rate is now below $7 per $100 of EAV – a longterm goal of both the administration and the board.

You may have also heard about the way we are using additional dollars to improve our schools and our district.

Late last year, we unveiled the School Scorecard. It’s a tool to continuously improve our organization and help students succeed.

The Scorecard is a clear accountability measure for school improvement. While the State Report Card, published by the Illinois State Board of Education, offers detail, transparency and critical information about school performance, the district Scorecard offers more frequent and more timely feedback for our educators.

The tool provides a deeper and more precise look in two broad areas: student growth and achievement and climate and culture. We are working with our principals, teachers and staff to explore our baseline data in the Scorecard, a tool that measures indicators across two main areas. Quality instruction counts for 75 percent, and climate and culture counts for 25 percent. Each school is measured on a four-point scale. Each school will also fall into one of four categories: highest performance, above average performance, below average performance and lowest performance.

The tool will provide clarity to principals, teachers and staff about what’s important – and where our successes and challenges are.

The Scorecard works hand-in-hand

with another new district practice: Strategic budgeting. As principals prepare their budgets for the 2020-21 school year, they will have a lot of latitude to implement their own, school-specific improvement plans while ordering off a menu of district-approved programs, positions and partnerships.

Philosophy of Bounded Autonomy We are giving building leaders something called “bounded autonomy,” which research shows is the best way for schools to do more of what works and less of what doesn’t.

It’s part of the ABCs of school improvement, which are actually three As: autonomy, alignment and accountability. It sounds simple. But our district is a large one, and it will take time to develop new habits to replace old ones.

It’s not second-nature yet, but we’re convinced it’s a change that will be as good for our system as it will be for our students.

We’re not there yet, both in our results and in our funding. Although there’s progress, we’re still funded only at 61 percent of the cost of an adequate education. However, evidence-based funding has allowed our district to give an eight percent increase to all schools, while giving even more to the schools with students of low income and high needs.

I believe all students deserve the opportunity to attend a high-quality public school. At the same time, the board and I understand we have a commitment to the community to ease the tax burden.

Greater support from the state has allowed us to bring more value to the community and more value to the schools through accountability, alignment and autonomy.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

The little article of ‘Hygge’ VICKY RHINE IGNITE Rockford

A new perspective for the coldest days of the year

Perhaps you already feel it.

Perhaps it crept up on you when you took down your holiday décor, wrapped up your finer sets of dishes and reorganized the storage containers that will wait patiently until fall sets in again.

Perhaps you felt it when you finished the last candy cane or specialty chocolate you were gifted. Maybe you are starting to feel it even though you stubbornly keep up your tree until February.

While the holiday season can provide some of the happiest moments of the year, it is well understood that the winter months can be a source of negative emotions. The frigid temperatures and limited social outlets alone can make us agitated, impatient and focused on what we do not have rather than what we can be grateful for in the present.

But to a certain extent, we have a choice to resist or embrace what life sets in front of us. Perhaps this year we can decide to revel in the coldest season of the year, rather than dread it.

This is the mindset the Danes have

long embraced; who have winters consisting of extremely limited sunlight and excessive snow. They see the season as an opportunity to find comfort and enjoyment in indoor activities, relishing in all things cozy.

This lifestyle has its own name, “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”), which comes from a Norwegian term meaning “to comfort.”

Feeling at Home In his book “The Little Book of Hygge,” Meik Wiking gives a full picture of the hygge lifestyle and explains to readers how they too can adopt it in their own lives. Wiking notes that the term hygge can take on many meanings and vary from person to person. It has been described as “cozy togetherness,” “the absence of annoyance,” and, Wiking’s favorite, “cocoa by candlelight.”

Hygge is often characterized by relaxed settings, often involving what Americans would describe as “quality time” with loved ones. It also parallels our modern

day “self-care” activities of journaling, meditating and reducing screen time.

Among a dizzying list of options, the items that the Danes most associate with hygge include hot drinks, candles, music, books and sweets. Activities include playing board games, cooking and all things holiday-related.

Wiking’s hygge manifesto emphasizes the importance of setting an atmosphere that is comfortable and welcoming for all. It also encourages individuals to be present in the moment by building dialogue through thoughtful questions or story-telling and having everyone share tasks for the evening, regardless of who is or isn’t hosting. A good “hygge-minded” host is one who makes all guests feel like they are home.

The Rise of Hygge Hygge culture’s popularity has risen sharply in recent years, but it’s important to find the right hygge style for you especially as retailers seek to capitalize on the market. Like yoga and the self-care phenomenon, the idea of hygge has been easily franchised.

While hygge can involve some preparation and planning, over-priced candles, quilts and conversation-starter games do not have to define your success with it. As Wiking writes in his book, “hygge is about an atmosphere and an

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experience, rather than about things.”

Hygge can be as simple as a few tea light candles, soft music and a home-cooked meal. If you find yourself wanting to say “this is so cozy,” you’re likely on the right track.

So, let’s change the narrative for this time of year. Let’s savor the warmth when we step through the threshold into our homes rather than shrink in dismay at the lingering chill. Let’s settle in each night with a good book and our favorite hot beverage. Let’s invite friends over for a potluck simply for conversation and a good time. Let’s take a pause to intentionally find meaning in the small things we cherish. Let’s be hygge about it.

Cheers!

Author’s note: as the new REACH co-chair for IGNITE, it is my responsibility to plan events that make all members feel welcome! I encourage members to contact the REACH Committee with ideas for future IGNITE Events, including IGNITE Cup. Visit www.igniterockford.com.

Thank you!

Vicky Rhine, MPH, also is assistant director of external and pipeline programs, National Center for Rural Health Professions, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

 Destination

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

2019 has been our most productive year, yet

My annual old year/new year exercise of looking back and leaning forward proved particularly enjoyable – and useful – this time around, as it spotlighted themes of success that connect our activities in 2019 to our aspirations for 2020.

It’s possible that 2019 was the busiest and most productive year yet for RACVB staff. We concentrate a tremendous amount of energy on enhancing our community’s image, creating destination defining events and promoting initiatives that appeal to our residents and attract visitors.

A review of our work over the past year confirms that these efforts have “legs,” long-range results that stand up over time. We evaluate our work in terms of how it improves quality of life here, enhances Rockford’s reputation beyond our borders and creates economic impact to bolster the region’s wellbeing.

Creativity on Display For instance, the impact of our CRE8IV mural festival, which was staged in May, will be felt over the next decade and beyond. Nine large-scale murals, which were created simultaneously throughout downtown amid festive celebrations, have significantly improved the appeal of our inner city.

The work of these local and visiting muralists garners widespread notice, and we anticipate that attention to grow in coming years, as fans of these artists follow their passion to Rockford. Downtown businesses reported an increase in foot traffic and a boost in sales during the festival in May and later in the summer as people walked from mural to mural.

The VanVleet Effect Likewise, there are legs to the success of hometown basketball star Fred VanVleet, who helped the Toronto Raptors win the NBA championship in June. Having worked alongside VanVleet the last few years on a variety of marketing events since the launch of Bring Your Game 2 Rockford, RACVB extended its efforts during the championship run by curating two community watch parties dubbed Jurassic Park RKFD, as well as Fred Comes Home, the community’s official championship celebration in honor of VanVleet.

For all three events, thousands of residents from every part of the region gathered downtown to support their hometown hero — a direct reflection of VanVleet’s unabashed devotion to Rockford, which remains the foundation of his growing brand on and off the court.

Building Relationships That Last Beyond that, RACVB is proud to be the lead agency for sports tourism in the region, which has a tremendous economic impact here through a packed itinerary of tournaments. In October, our team was instrumental in bringing Olympic trials to Rockford with the North American Olympic Table Tennis Trials at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

In August, we worked with the Tough Mudder organization to once again bring that competition to the Chicago Rockford International Airport. That event pumped an estimated $1.3 million into the local economy. We work hard to maintain relationships and keep such successful events coming back year after year.

Earlier in the summer, we partnered with our counterpart north of the state line, Visit Beloit, to secure and host the National Softball Association’s Girls Fastpitch North-Central B&C World Series. Those players, coaches and fans from across the nation spent an estimated $1 million while here.

Regardless of which tournament brings them, while visitors are in the region we aggressively promote our multitude of unique attractions and businesses in the hope of persuading people to extend their spend or come back again.

Activating Downtown Rockford Also this summer, we launched a series of events called Summer at Davis Park to re-introduce that wonderful space to the community after Rockford Sharefest volunteers spent countless hours in June sprucing up the riverfront park. We’ll continue to showcase and advance Davis Park in 2020.

We closed out our activation efforts with the return of Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust. Stroll continues to be a community favorite, and we are grateful that even in the rain families and friends gathered together to kick off the holiday season. Stroll will, most certainly, return next year!

After pausing briefly to reflect on 2019, RACVB looks ahead to 2020 with renewed vigor. Once again, with gusto!

John Groh is president/CEO of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. www. gorockford.com The views expressed are Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

AMY OTT Boylan Catholic High School

Top 5 tips to afford a private high school education Secret: It’s more affordable than you think

Boylan Catholic High School serves diverse students and families. They are diverse in background, culture, religion, family structure and in their school experiences prior to attending Boylan.

They’re also diverse in their ability to pay for a private education.

Boylan has seen increasing diversity in its incoming freshmen. Some are from Catholic grade schools, while an increasing amount are from public middle schools or home school environments. For a variety of reasons, they’ve turned to a private option for high school.

The problem?

With college becoming increasingly expensive, and those costs rising faster than the rate of inflation, many families don’t believe they can afford to save and pay for both college and private high school. The average private school tuition in Illinois is approximately $7,936 per year (20192020, www.privateschoolreview.com/ tuition-stats/illinois).

At Boylan, we never want the ability to pay to stand between our doors and a student being able to enter them.

Most incoming families are surprised to learn that 44 percent of Boylan students receive financial assistance.

We tell incoming families that if they are unable to choose Boylan solely due to financial reasons, we will find a way to make it work. Many other private schools in our region follow the same philosophy.

There are many options to make a high quality private high school education affordable.

family’s monthly financial plan.

Top 5 Tips to Afford a Private High School Education

and it’s the continued focus for Boylan

Apply for financial assistance.

Most private schools have robust financial assistance programs. Ask what’s available.

Re-examine your household budget. Once you take advantage of available financial resources, a private high school education could cost as little as $100/week … or less. Do the math and see if it can fit into your

Set up a payment plan. Private schools offer flexible payment plans to accommodate many different lifestyles and budgets.

Take advantage of other tuition discounts. Does the private school have a student work program or scrip program?

Start saving early. Saving even $100/month in a Coverdell Education Savings Account when your child is a baby can amount to thousands when high school arrives.

At Boylan, we strive to create a customized learning environment that fits every student. That customization includes a financial plan crafted to make that private education a reality.

Many private schools offer more help than people realize.

The last week in January is national Catholic Schools week. It’s historically a week for students, families, parishioners and community members to celebrate the role and contribution Catholic schools have made and continue to make in our community.

Boylan’s impact runs deep and long.

From our successful academic, arts and athletic programs to our highly successful alumni including mayors, entrepreneurs,

judges,

engineers,

physicians, educators and artists, Boylan has taught them all to learn, serve, lead and succeed. That’s actually the theme for this year’s Catholic Schools Week, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Be ambitious in your family’s educational pursuits, and be proactive in your desire to find a way to make it happen.

Amy Ott is president of Boylan Catholic High School.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Appraising employee performance MIKE MASTROIANNI SBDC

Meeting the difficult task of rating employees

As a business grows, and as the start-up owner begins to add staff, there is a need to evaluate employees’ performance to provide direction, goals and support. Employees need to know the expectations, have a stake in their performance and the performance of their company, and have opportunities to improve when not meeting expectations.

The purpose of rating people is to improve performance and help the employees do better, as well as providing feedback when the performance meets or exceeds expectations.

So, What’s ‘Fair’ As you rate the performance of people, you have to be careful not to be guilty of rater errors. Common mistakes include giving all employees excellent reviews to avoid conflict. If there is no

room for improvement and everyone is perfect, why do a review? The opposite would be to rank everyone as not meeting expectations. It is very demoralizing to work hard only to keep hearing how you come up short in all categories. Some raters feel that everyone should be in the middle. If that is the case, you will punish your excellent employees, and reward the poor performer by giving all employees a “meets expectations.”

Appraisal is a three-part process.

■ First, set clear expectations and goals with the employee.

■ Secondly, give feedback on a routine basis to let people know how they measure up to the goals and expectations; to allow them a chance to correct anything that may be off base.

■ Third, the actual review itself should

Feedback given to employees should be immediately after the positive or negative behavior occurs. Documentation should also be kept so that the year-end review is actually a culmination of discussions from the entire rating period. be a formalization of the feedback already given throughout the rating period. There should be no surprises.

Performance has to be observed and measured. You can observe by direct observation when someone works right beside you. You can use random observation when people are located in different areas. You can also use end result observation. If someone is working nights, you can see the end result of their work first thing in the morning.

Feedback given to employees should be immediately after the positive or negative behavior occurs.

Documentation also should be kept so that the year-end review is actually a culmination of discussions from the entire rating period.

At the year-end review, ask the employee to come prepared with areas of

their performance they are satisfied with, and areas for which they want to set goals to improve. Let them give their feedback before you give them your assessment.

Asking them to sign the form is only to acknowledge that they saw the form.

Some raters give the employee a copy of the review. If there is disagreement with the assessment, the employee can be allowed to put their thoughts on paper and attach it to the review itself.

Reviews, when done with employees’ feedback and participation, can be an effective way to improve operations in your company. It is always better to work with people who are engaged and cooperative; it’s better for the individual and better for the organization as well.

Mike Mastroianni is director, Illinois Small Business Development Center.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

R O C K F O R D

CENTER FOR

C H A M B E R

Brilliant principle that applies to work life and personal life

I recently had lunch with a friend who excitedly told me she had done the impossible – she had kept a New Year’s Resolution. As we were munching on tacos in December, I was beyond impressed. She went on to explain that this resolution had allowed her to run every day, write a novel and a half, and check quite a few things off her to-do list. I stared at her somewhat dumbfounded. What kind of magical resolution was this?

Her commitment? To Just Do Some of It. She said she is spreading the word about how liberating and productive this change in mindset has been for her in hopes that others will be similarly inspired. After we finished our lunch, I walked away a believer.

Often in life, we keep ourselves from getting things done because we don’t possibly have time to do them all. I can’t go to the gym – I only have 15 minutes. I can’t read that book on my nightstand – I only don’t have the time.

I can’t journal – who can fit in time to write pages upon pages?

C O M M E R C E

Leadership Development

Just do some of it CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber

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In today’s age, our lives are so scheduled – so busy, busy, busy – that we simply don’t have large pockets of time to devote to do the things we’ve really been meaning to get around to. It’s easy to put it off for a time when there’s more time (I’m not sure when that magical day will come, but I look forward to it…). We let ourselves become intimidated by the fact that projects are big and our windows of opportunity, small. So rather than jump in, we wait. We wait for the perfect time.

Which can’t possibly be now.

Set Yourself Free But, enter the brilliance of Emily. She started living her life in such a way that gave herself permission to just do some of it. She freed herself from the idea that everything had to be done perfectly and in such a way that whatever she was doing was completed in its entirety.

She gave up the idea that to run every day, she needed 30 minutes. She started running when she had time – which sometimes was three minutes, sometimes

more. She gave up the idea that she needed to write a specific number of words each day, and instead, just wrote in pockets of time she had available. Sometimes that was pages of words – and sometimes it was just a few. Either way, it was okay.

For me, this whole idea is extremely liberating. I often can find reasons that I can’t get something done – I simply don’t have the time. But, I do have little pockets here and there that I can start pecking away at things I really want to do. And, turns out, the more I do them, the more “done” they become. Crazy.

The personal implications from this mindset shift are easy to see. It’s easy to point to a million different ways you can start filling pockets of time to accomplish big goals you have with little steps. But, I believe there are business implications to be found here as well – especially in the realm of workforce development and retention.

Apply This to Keep Employees As employers work to attract and retain talent to their workforce, it can feel like an overwhelming task. How can small businesses (or even larger businesses) compete with Google-type workplaces? Small businesses simply don’t have the resources to offer perks and benefits that compete with Silicon Valley, right? Well, sort of. …

Small businesses have the benefit of flexibility – usually with very little (or none) corporate tape to work through.

Rather than completely redesign your organization’s culture in one big gesture – which could take a lot of time, money and effort – find small ways to create a culture that doesn’t suck. Schedule a walking meeting to allow employees to take in some extra sunshine rather than sit in a stark conference room. Acknowledge employees’ anniversaries with a personal thank you letter pointing out some of the great things they personally accomplished over the past year. Give your employees their birthdays off. Add a few extra personal days to their sick bank or buy better coffee for the break room.

In the end, small steps will make big impacts and may help you create a workplace that people flock to. Don’t let the overwhelming task intimidate you. Be like Emily – Just Do Some of It. Looking for more ways to “Create a Workplace that Doesn’t Suck?” Join us for our Annual Dinner on Jan. 23 at Giovanni’s to hear from keynote speaker Hannah Ubl, co-founder of Good Company Consulting, on just that! Tables are filling quickly – register at rockfordchamber.com today.

Caitlin Pusateri is vice president, leadership development at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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SPECIAL SECTION: Fueling Innovation

January 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Millions available for manufacturers to stimulate innovation

Seeking rapid growth for Illinois’ SMMs IMEC invites SMMs of five to 500 employees to submit a project idea for an Illinois Manufacturing Innovation Voucher of up to $25,000 in match funding.

Illinois is a U.S. manufacturing powerhouse that generates $304.8 billion in annual output, according to a recent Illinois Manufacturers’ Association study. But while small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) represent 99 percent of the industry in Illinois, they currently are lagging in the drivers of global competitiveness -- productivity growth and innovation.

One reason: A lack internal resources to adopt advanced technology and modern business practices.

IMEC invites SMMs of five to 500 employees to submit a project idea for an Illinois Manufacturing Innovation Voucher of up to $25,000 in match funding. Projects must aim to accelerate technology adaption, be conducted in Illinois, be practical in nature and have an expected timeline of six to nine months.

“Global trends like Industry 4.0 and the workforce skills gap are rapidly changing the manufacturing landscape,” said David Boulay, Ph.D., president of IMEC. “This is happening while we are witnessing slower productivity growth in small and mid-sized manufacturers.

The timing of this program is critical for

Illinois manufacturers to respond to this changing landscape.”

With more than $2.5 in matching funds available, vouchers can be used to: ■ Access

research

or

scientific

expertise, including preparatory work for research and development.

■ Develop

and

explore

new

technologies.

■ Commercialize new or enhanced products,

including

prototyping,

piloting, testing and product validation.

■ Implement new technologies.

■ Attain

consultation

regarding

product or service development and/or production or technology.

■ Perform product tests and industrial experiments.

■ Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit research.

■ Contract intellectual property legal consultation.

■ Acquire metrology, standardization and certification for new products.

Visit www.imec.org/innovation.

Source: Wikipedia

We’re in the Fourth Industrial Revolution* Industry 1.0. Mechanization of work previously performed by hand.

Industry 2.0. Introduction of electricity to various processes; making assembly lines possible.

Industry 3.0. Advent of computers and automation. Robots used to perform tasks previously performed by humans. *Industry 4.0. The era of Cyber Physical Systems. Smart machines, storage systems and production facilities autonomously exchange information (without the intervention of humans); Relevant terms: “Industrial Internet of Things,” “Big Data.”

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

SPECIAL SECTION: Fueling Innovation

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GUEST COLUMNIST

JEFF FAHRENWALD, MPOWR®/SUPPLYCORE INC.

Innovate your strategy for the New Year

Help for making those plans a reality

The reality is executing plans and achieving results is much more difficult than making plans.

As we ring in a New Year, leadership often thinks about refreshing its longterm organizational strategy. If you are going through this, you will probably ask yourself: How successful have we been at strategy execution? What should we consider that is truly innovative or different for the next planning period?

The reality is executing plans and achieving results is much more difficult than making plans. After all, making plans is the easy part. A June 2017 study conducted by The Economist noted that only two percent of leaders were confident they would be able to achieve more than 80 percent of their strategies and objectives. A November 2018 study

by Brightline and Quartz Creative found that 59 percent of respondents reported their companies weren’t able to effectively implement strategy.

This is unfortunate because most executives would rather have a good strategy executed effectively than a great strategy poorly executed.

So maybe a better question to ask is: Can we use innovation to help us better execute our strategy? In other words, is it time to embrace innovation in how you plan and execute instead of what you plan to accomplish?

Executing the Plan – for Real Start by adopting a Strategic ImprovisationSM approach of strategy execution where a networked group has input into plan development, the execution of the plan is given to the teams

to accomplish, and weekly progress towards goals is updated in real time.

An approach to planning where, once the organization puts together the plan, they actually retain the responsibility to achieve it.

The term improvisation refers to the flexibility and the adjustment that is necessary when the goals are clear but the paths to achieve the goals might change and so the organization is allowed to adjust how they reach them.

Operational changes are fully visible, adjustments are made in real time and participants are part of the process so they can own the outcomes.

If your entire organization is located in one place and you have the ability to display the plan where everyone can see it, update it, keep it current, read it regularly and make adjustments without reminders, you might be one of the rare organizations that has mastered strategic planning and execution.

However, if your organization is like most, the factors described above are not very realistic.

Progress Updated in Real Time To really enable your goals to become reality, it may be worth investigating and adopting tools that allow your team to regularly monitor progress. This is an area like many others in our new, connected lives where using strategic execution software really can help you achieve better results.

Strategic execution software is unlike traditional tools used to develop a strategic plan. Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, historic charts and graphs have all been used to record and develop long-term plans. The problem is these tools don’t really support ongoing execution.

Jajuan McIntyre tests out a Virtual Reality headset with Child Life Specialist Madesyn Boger in the Mercyhealth pediatric unit.

Virtual Reality headsets provide needed distraction Reducing pain, anxiety for pediatric patients Thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Mercyhealth has introduced two Starlight Virtual Reality headsets to the pediatric unit. VR headsets help ease pain and anxiety by virtually transporting children out of the hospital through preloaded, age-appropriate entertainments and distractions like virtual snowball fights, field trips to global locations, meditation and educational video games.

“This technology has proven to be a game changer for us,” said Taylor Turben, certified child life specialist at Mercyhealth. “Part of what we do is develop a coping plan for patients and families to perform these medical procedures, like IV placements, in the most efficient way for staff, as well as the most comfortable and stress-free as possible for the patient.”

The best strategic execution software pushes visibility and ownership of the plan throughout the organization, shares progress and updates towards goals in real time, provides ways to visually identify areas that are falling behind and helps build communication around the execution of a plan.

This type of software moves the focus away from a strategy as a static state that can only be assessed a few times a year and shared with a few behind closed doors, to strategy execution as a dynamic process that is carried out in the open and owned by a broad group throughout the organization.

So as you think about what

innovative things you can do to enhance your organization’s performance into the future, consider moving from an organization that develops plans and falls short on execution to one that executes effectively using tools that help you align and engage your teams to ultimately achieve your desired results.

Jeff Fahrenwald is VP of strategy development and execution at MPOWR®. SupplyCore Inc. is parent company to MPOWR®.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

profile

MEMBER PROFILE

GUEST COLUMNIST

DR. APARNA SALIGRAMA NICNE

Above, through its Bolting Systems range of products and services, SPX FLOW has a long history in the supply of controlled bolting solutions.

Calling Rockford Home for 40 Years:

SPX Hydraulic Technologies

By Paul Anthony Arco One of the best kept secrets in Rockford might be SPX Hydraulic Technologies, a division of SPX Flow, Inc. Based in Charlotte, N.C., SPX FLOW, Inc. manufacturers hydraulic technologies, as well as automated process systems, into food and beverage, industrial and power and energy markets. SPX FLOW has $2 billion in annual revenues with operations in more than 30 countries and sales in more than 150 countries.

From inflatable jacks, hydraulic pumps, cylinders and valves to hydraulic accessories, Rockford is home to the Power Team brand. These high-force tools and equipment are used wherever strong force is required: construction sites, power plants, rail lines, shipyards. The Power Team brand is sold through a worldwide network of industrial distributors.

“We produce hydraulic equipment used in heavy lift applications to, for example, pick up a home, repair a foundation or lift a bridge,” said Devon Person, Rockford site leader. “All companies use our products. If you look at the hand pump in cars to replace a tire, we make that. We offer products, big or small.”

The Rockford plant has been in operation for more than 40 years, and is one of the largest sites in the company.

“We are a global center of excellence that ships to other markets,” Person said. “The Rockford area has been beneficial to our growth as a facility.”

“We are a company with great products, made by people who are passionate about what they do,” Person said. “Not only customers, but our employees love our products. The feedback we get from customers is that our quality is top notch.

That comes from company pride and wanting to please our customers.”

SPX Flow has 224 employees in the Rockford plant and is looking to grow that number. “The average age of our employees is in the mid-50s. We see a lot of family members – grandfathers, fathers and sons – working together here,” said Person.

The company takes extraordinary care of its workforce by offering a corporatewide bonus program, pay for performance and hosts a number of events, including holiday dinners, renting out movie theaters for employees and family members, and offering incentives for meeting weekly goals.

“We want to grow the business and the best way to do that is to continue to have passionate work force and recognize our employees,” Person said. “Rockford is very competitive when it comes to recruiting employees. We want to be the place where people want to work.”

Over the years, SPX has expanded its physical location three times. The Rockford location is desirable because the company owns 20 acres of land around its current facility on 11th Street. Person anticipates another upgrade in two years to the tune of $4 million for an equipment upgrade.

And the future looks bright. Person expects sales to grow 13-15 percent over the next two years. He is looking to add staff – engineers, purchasing, customer service roles. “Our intention is to partner with local universities,” Person said. “We have strong relationships with NIU, Illinois and other schools in hopes of attracting strong candidates who want to grow with our company.”

SPX Flow supports a number of local causes and organizations such as Toys for Tots and United Way. The company has formed an engagement committee that will determine other opportunities to support.

Person joined SPX six months ago.

“Most of my career I’ve worked in small towns; for me, Rockford is a big city,” he said. “It’s convenient and has been a great experience for my family.”

SPX FLOW, INC. Devon Person, Site Leader 5885 11th St. 815-873-3741 www.spxflow.com

CollabLab social innovation and collaboration laboratory An approach for promoting whole-systems change

Social innovation, social enterprise, social impact, social purpose, social sustenance — these are all terms used increasingly today, interchangeably and in just about every context. And yet, no one really defines and explains them now, do they? So really, what is social innovation?

Social innovation could be anything depending on the context. It could be charter schools and emission trading, fairtrade practices, tackling climate change and eliminating poverty. It could mean increasing literacy levels, better insurance coverage for mental health, improved recycling practices and walk paths.

Social innovation is not a new shiny product or service. (Although that might happen too, but that is a happy coincidence!) A socially innovative solution is one that approaches everyday problems we face, big and small, in a manner that not only solves but eradicates it.

The innovation could be anywhere — how we understand the problem, devising outcome-based solutions, finding a new strategy for funding or a new way of designing the product/ service. Looking outside of one’s own sector for ideas, talking to people we never thought would be of any relevance to us — really, the innovation can be at any stage in the process continuum.

The innovation also could be in how we form partnerships to solve it, who we partner with and how we arrive at a common agenda.

Whole Systems Change A socially innovative approach is focused on whole systems change and rooted in systemic thinking. This means, we examine the root cause of the problem, map out all the players and stake-holders, the history, the facts, the policies — and being able to understand the entire ecosystem, enmeshed and intertwined with several issues, policies and players.

And given that no one individual, organization or sector has caused the problem in its entirety, it also means, no one organization, sector or individual can solve it on their own!

A more formal definition of social innovation put together by Stanford University’s Center for Social Innovation explains it best. “Social innovation is the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress.

“Social innovation is not the prerogative or privilege of any organizational form

or legal structure. Solutions often require the active collaboration of constituents across government, business, and the nonprofit world.”

Social Innovation Laboratory This makes the CollabLab, a social innovation and collaboration laboratory that Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) has proposed a very exciting proposition.

It is visualized as a collaborative space (physical and virtual) where area-wide organizations can come together and create innovative approaches to solve problems that they have been trying to cope with by themselves. In addition to providing intellectual and wrap around support for existing problems, there will be scope for developing new product and services & new initiatives, fostering and facilitating connections, linkages and collaborative efforts throughout the region.

Concepts like prototyping and experimenting on solutions will be encouraged, along with building a resource library and toolkits for the community to use.

The CollabLab will roll out events aimed at engaging the community, including youngsters, to actively think about social innovation with fast pitches, exchanges on innovation and similar endeavors on a regular basis.

As we move into the third decade of the new millennium, it is vastly accepted now that we need new thinking, new frameworks of operation, and that our current systems are not attaining the results we thought they would. People and organizations are slowly warming up to this idea; some faster than others.

Collaboration and social innovation are like two sides of a coin, they make for a valid whole. As knowledge spreads, as more best practices come out, as more people start using the approach and as efforts like the CollabLab become more prevalent, we are certainly in a better position than ever before to create a culture of innovation and collaboration in the community, to solve and eradicate our most pressing problems.

Aparna Saligrama, Ph.D., is a social innovation researcher and consultant who joined the NICNE team to assist in the development of the CollabLab and lead the Executive Exchange on Innovation.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

Every dollar spent should maximize ROI

STACY WALLACE V2 Marketing Communications

There’s much to consider in creating a targeted media plan

With all of the choices, how do you know if your message is even reaching the right people?

Advertising on television or radio used to be simple — there were only a handful of channels and programs to decide from, and you could put a plan together in no time. Today, there are endless choices when it comes to media – television, radio, cable, satellite, outdoor, print and digital.

Not to mention different metrics that can be measured monthly, weekly or even in real time.

With all of these choices, you need to be sure your message is reaching the right people, using all of the skill of a media buyer, who negotiates and purchases audience-targeted time and space to convey a marketing message.

Should you buy the media schedules yourself? Consider: ■ Time spent on thorough market research. You’ll need to decipher the difference between audience demographics and available media outlets and trends, then put together the ideal media mix for your product or service.

■ Experience planning and purchasing schedules. What’s your current relationships with the media in your market that will result in negotiating power? Media outlets recognize experience and tend to be more flexible with pricing and

placements if you know the right questions to ask.

■ Understanding media terminology. Do you know what break position or day-parts you should be considering? How about posting, HUT/PUT, GRPS and CPP? Should you choose advanced audience, contextual or extended reach targeting? Do you know where to place that conversion pixel?

■ Where to place ads. Do you create a targeted media plan or rely on someone to sell you a package with “guaranteed good times!” Do you comb through invoices at the end of the month to make sure the spots ran correctly, the traffic allocation is correct and the rotation is exactly what you ordered? How about monitoring make good proposals, invoice adjustments and added value?

■ Once you decide to advertise, you’ll need to field all of the calls, requests for meetings and latest and greatest media promotions from all of the other media outlets in town.

Hearing or seeing your new ad is like putting fresh blood in the water — all of the sharks will come to investigate.

Did you notice a trend? It all comes down to time and expertise, so that every dollar is maximized for ROI on a monthly basis.

Stacy Wallace is an account manager/ media analyst with V2 Marketing Communications.

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

SPECIAL SECTION: Media & Marketing

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SPECIAL SECTION: Media & Marketing

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

Is it time to give your page a new ‘face’?

PAM MAHER, KMK Media Group

Top five tips to boost your Facebook results in 2020

Is your company’s Facebook page falling flat on its face? Is it weary, tired and less than engaging? Are your Facebook insights showing less than stellar growth?

If so, it may be time for a “Facelift!”

How Many Use Facebook?

As Facebook celebrates its 15th anniversary, 2019 Pew Research shows that 69 percent of American adults use Facebook.

Interestingly, compare that to 73 percent of American adults who use YouTube, 37 percent who use Instagram, 27 percent who use LinkedIn, 24 percent who use Snapchat and 22 percent who use Twitter. Facebook is where it’s at for adult marketing reach regardless of your end user’s demographic.

Make sure you’re doing Facebook well before taking on other platforms.

Commit the Time to Do It Right Businesses most often hire an agency to handle their Facebook accounts to boost

their fans, engagement or brand awareness and invigorate their page with more creative content and a marketing strategy.

Sometimes it’s simply due to a desire to save their own marketing team’s time.

To do Facebook well, you need to allocate several hours a month to it. If you’re committed to that premise, read on to discover some tricks of the trade.

Top Tips for Increasing Your Facebook ROI Have a plan. Why is your company on Facebook? Customer service, new product and service information, and developing a stronger relationship with your customers and potential customers are all good reasons. Employee recruitment is another one. Just as employers look up prospective employees on social media, they look up your company, too, to discover what you stand for and what your culture is like.

Develop a Facebook marketing plan to drive your content and measure your results.

Post often, but not too often. A good Facebook strategy is to post three to five

times per week, including weekends when eyeballs on the site are at a peak. It doesn’t work to post three times this week and not post anything for the next three weeks.

Consistency is key. Develop a monthly posting calendar and intersperse it with spontaneous posts when the opportunity arises.

All posts should have good images.

Video gets the most eyeballs, followed by graphics and photos. Make sure you spend as much time creating the snappy verbiage for your post as you spend finding the right image to catch people’s eyes. Facebook has so much content that yours needs to be competitively creative to garner reach and engagement.

Entertain and inform. Include a mix of entertaining and informative posts and don’t be “salesy” – that will drive people away. When possible, tell a story.

Facebook, using photos, images and videos, allows you to tell a story about your product, employee, company; helping relay far more than you could do in a traditional newspaper, radio or TV ad. Give a short blurb of the story on your Facebook page

FTC releases advertising disclosures guidance

and link to the full story on your website; that drives website traffic.

Track your results. Search engines, including Google, index content on Facebook all the time. When you make a change to your website or you write a blog, it pushes your website up in the Google rankings, but posting content to Facebook pushes it up far faster due to the amount of changing content; allowing a potential customer to find the social media content and link through to your website.

Measure the traffic to your website from Facebook through your Google Analytics and, obviously, measure your month-overmonth growth in fans, organic views and reach using Facebook Insights.

Also, make sure to include a budget for boosting posts, creating Facebook ads and implementing like campaigns.

It doesn’t have to be a lot – even $50 to $100 per month is a great start. Determine what types of posts you want to boost and to whom and make sure to measure what works best and change your strategy accordingly.

These tips should help you put your best “Face” forward in 2020!

Pam Maher is CEO of KMK Media Group.

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

A growing technique for promoting businesses of all sizes is through influencer marketing. People generally trust recommendations from friends, family and social media networks.

As a third party, “influencers” often make statements about a company’s brand that the business owner would be reluctant to say at the expense of seeming self-interested. Yet, these influencers must comply with the rules of disclosure, according to the Federal Trade Commission. They cannot assume their followers are aware of their connections to the brands.

On Nov. 5, the FTC released its new guide, “Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers,” with tips on disclosing their relationships with the products and services they endorse through social media channels.

The FTC states that influencers should make it obvious when they have a relationship (“material connection”) with the brand, including personal, family, employment or financial relationships – such as the brand paying them or giving them free or discounted products or services. Thereby, consumers can fairly weigh the value of the endorsements.

For more, visit www.ftc.gov/influencers for endorsement guides and educational videos.

Judging Advertising Claims

Source: Better Business Bureau

Compiled by Barbara Connors, editor of The Voice.

Weighing legitimate ads from ones with misleading or confusing claims has gotten more complicated with the growing sophistication of communications technology.

The Better Business Bureau has released BBB AdTruthSM, with video vignettes, interactive quizzes and infographics to help explain through examples and user interactions advertising tactics that can mislead. Visit www.bbb.org/ad-truth/aboutbbb-adtruth.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

A solid branding plan with consistent broadcast placement

MIKE PATERSON, Midwest Family

The power of local outlets for creating local recognition

As the chamber creates its marketing and media issue, it’s really easy to discount the broadcast media world.

Sometimes legacy and heritage are more of a liability than an asset in an ever-evolving world. That’s far from the case with local broadcast media, as our business is as relevant as ever.

So, here are the top four reasons why broadcast media matters in a place like Rockford.

First, when was the last time Pandora, Spotify, Facebook, Google or a different digital media company cared about the 4th of July Fireworks at Davis Park in Rockford? Local media is made up of women and men who live in the local community. They go to church here. Eat in the restaurants. Volunteer.

Serve on non-profit boards. Pay taxes.

When deciding which audience to target, remember that all media companies and vendors are not the same. Local broadcast media shows up in the community and cares about the future of our region. Then, when deciding which vendors to use, find the vendors that help congregate an audience in the same area as your local business and create tribes of your potential customers.

Second, local broadcast media is more than just a tower in a field near Meridian Road. Local broadcast media can connect all the dots in the overall marketing plan for a customer. As almost all local broadcast partners offer some form of digital services as part of their arsenal for customers, we can serve a local business holistically more than ever before.

In the past, a local broadcast seller would show up at a potential advertiser to do a “needs analysis.”

After discovering the “need” of the advertiser, the seller would turn around

and try to sell them a broadcast TV or broadcast radio campaign to meet that need.

Now, as we work with a wide variety of vendors in the broadcast, digital and event space, we can really solve the needs of a local business, whether it’s in SEO, geotargeting, event creation, or branding and awareness.

Third, local broadcast media is curated by professionals. Social media is not. Imagine going to a museum and seeing a banana taped to a wall?

Oh wait, that happened. Imagine if the Burpee Museum just put things on display without a gameplan? It would be like walking into my unorganized garage and charging admission. That’s often the land of media that’s curated by an algorithm. Local broadcast media is managed by professionals, not a computer program to reflect the needs of Rockford and its citizens.

Fourth, awareness and consideration matters more than ever. This happens at the top of the marketing and advertising funnel. A solid and smart branding campaign will drive that awareness and consideration.

Consumer Awareness “The power of radio and the power of TV work to drive a brand and drive a business outcome is a foundation I learned four decades ago when I first began working in advertising, and it remains true today,” said Bill Koenigsberg, the founder and chief executive of Horizon Media in a recent Inside Radio interview. “Forty years later, if you think of everything that has transpired, audio and TV still work even though the advent of all the new media that’s out there. The tried-andtrue of 40 years ago is still the tried-andtrue today.”

SPECIAL SECTION: Media & Marketing

You can’t achieve awareness and consideration without local broadcast media. The world has always been fascinated by the bottom of the purchase funnel, discounting awareness and consideration’s part of the purchase decision.

Thirty years ago, people named their law firm “A+ Divorce Attorney, Inc.” or “AAA Towing” to play the Yellow Pages game. Now, people play the search engine game and type “Divorce Lawyer Rockford.” With that strategy, you better hope your name is recognized because more than 80 percent of all calls to local businesses are “Click to Call.” There is no chance to influence

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at the bottom of the marketing funnel.

It’s easy to chase the shiny object of the latest and flashiest digital media offering. Often, the best plan is to have a great branding plan – achieved through consistent local advertising and marketing involving your local broadcast outlets – to make your business #1 in the hearts and minds of the local consumer.

Mike Paterson is president and general manager of Mid-West Family.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

economic development Welcoming you with open arms The past two years, the RAEDC has been working on marketing our region, outside our region through the use of print and digital ads. We have also created ads for use within our market and have partnered with regional media outlets to share these positive messages. Now you, as a life-long resident, boomerang, transplant or visitor have access to them, as well, allowing you to personally share positive messages about our region.

There are a few ways you can share these messages: Sign-up for our News & Events newsletter at bit.ly/2obEgkU Become an 815 Ambassador at www.gorockford.com/media/815ambassadors/ and share all different types of messages about the Rockford Region.

Or follow our social networks ■ www.facebook.com/RockfordAreaEconomicDevelopmentCouncil/

■ twitter.com/RockfordAreaEDC ■ www.linkedin.com/company/rockford-area-economic-developmentcouncil/ Messages include videos and photos along with links and text content to be used on platforms you feel comfortable using.

Here, there and everywhere Let us know how you would like to be involved Each year, the RAEDC staff and ambassadors attend tradeshows, conferences and association events to spread the word about our region being Your Opportunity Region, our strong supply chains, and most importantly, our skilled workforce.

Here are some of the places we will be in 2020! Let us know if you will be there too, so we can spread the word.

In the effort to continually strengthen our supply chains as well as diversify into new industries we will be attending the International Fastener Expo.

MRO Americas

April 28 to 30, Dallas MRO Americas — where airlines, MROs, suppliers, OEMs, regulators and industry experts converge to define the aviation maintenance industry.

This is the premier event for the commercial air transport maintenance, repair and overhaul industry, designed for you by thought leaders and innovators from the leading and trusted brand in the aviation/aerospace industry – Aviation Week. This show provides a world-class venue for all those involved in the MRO sector to exchange ideas and best practices, share experiences, debate issues and challenges and gather knowledge.

SelectUSA

June 1 to 3, Washington, D.C. SelectUSA assists U.S. economic development organizations to compete globally for investment by providing

information, a platform for international marketing, and high-level advocacy.

SelectUSA also helps companies of all sizes find the information they need to make decisions, connect to the right people at the local level, and navigate the federal regulatory system.

IMTS

Sept. 14 to 19, Chicago IMTS 2020 is the 33rd edition of the Premier Manufacturing Technology show in North America.

Industry professionals from all over the world visit IMTS to see and experience more than 15,000 new machine tools, controls, computers, software, components, systems and processes that will solve their manufacturing challenges and improve their efficiency.

International Fastener Expo Sept. 28 to 30, Las Vegas

Connecting with more than 5,000 attendees from more than 30 countries and more than 650 suppliers; showcasing every type of fasteners for the industrial, construction, aerospace and automotive industry; electronic fasteners, specialty tooling products, special application fasteners, tooling and machinery, hand tools, power tools, service solutions, and much more.

Throughout the year, we also will attend SIOR, AIRE, CREW and CIP events to connect with site selectors and real estate professionals.

Where $130K means three bedrooms and a view Video Link: https://youtu.be/ KpVN7JXdIfQ In our region, you can afford a home with a view while enjoying a high-quality of life. Learn how you can make this happen at LovingThe815.com.

Share on your social networks our message of welcoming, quality of life and warmth for all people.

For additional information, visit LovingThe815.com.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

legislative LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

More than 250 new laws for Illinois

As 2019 comes to a close, and we prepare for a new year, more than 250 laws take effect on Jan. 1 that Illinois residents should know about.

Here’s a sampling of a few.

KENNEL FIRE ALARMS

A kennel operator must install in the kennel a fire alarm monitoring system that triggers notification to local emergency responders when activated or fire sprinklers. The Illinois Department of Agriculture will deny the initial licensure or license renewal of a kennel operator that fails to comply.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities are the property of employees, and employers can’t keep them. The law requires they be paid to employees within 13 days after the end of the pay period during which they were earned.

CHILD PERFORMERS TRUST FUND

The Child Labor Law was amended to require that a trust fund, where at least 15 percent of gross earnings will be deposited, must be created prior to issuance of a work permit for child performers younger than 16. The funds will become available when the child performer turns age 18 or is emancipated.

BABY CHANGING STATIONS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Every public building with restrooms open and accessible to the public must have at least one safe, sanitary, convenient and publicly accessible baby diaper changing station accessible to women entering a restroom provided for use by women, at least one baby diaper changing station accessible to men entering a restroom provided for use by men or at least one baby diaper changing station accessible to both men and women. Requires signage at or near the entrance of the restroom indicating the location of the diaper changing station.

BATHROOM SIGNAGE

States that a single occupancy bathroom for public accommodation or in public buildings will have the sign “restroom” and not indicate any specific gender.

MEDICAL CANNABIS ADMINISTRATION IN SCHOOLS

Requires all schools (public, charter, private) to allow a school nurse or administrator to administer medical cannabis to students who are registered, qualifying patients while on school premises, a schoolsponsored activity, or before or after normal school activities.

CHILD EPINEPHRINE INJECTOR COVERAGE

Mandates insurance coverage for children’s epinephrine injectors when deemed medically necessary.

Help for those affected by severe storms and flooding The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Illinois, including Winnebago and Stephenson counties, for those affected by the severe storms and flooding from Feb. 24 to July 3, 2019.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or -destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $200,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans to meet the working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Visit DisasterLoan.sba.gov for an application.

PASSING STOPPED SCHOOL BUS FINE

Raises the fine for passing a school bus that is stopped and has its visual signals (stop arm) displayed, from $150 to $300 for the first offense, and from $500 to $1,000 for the second or subsequent offense.

CONSTRUCTION ZONE PENALTY

Increases the fine from $10,000 to $25,000 for failing to reduce speed and make a lane change when possible when approaching a construction zone.

SCOTT’S LAW UPDATES

Increases penalties for violating Scott’s Law. Creates the Scott’s Law Fund to produce materials to educate motorists on approaching stationary emergency vehicles and to hire off duty ISP troopers to enforce Scott’s Law. Requires a motorist who is not able to change lanes to reduce speed and leave a safe distance between them and the stationary vehicles.

Allows motorists to move out of dedicated lanes if they’re doing so to comply with Scott’s Law. Source: Illinois Senate Republicans

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

JANUARY 2020

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Deadline to sign up a team of adult men out of high school in the Rockford Park District’s Friendly Basketball Competition on Thursdays, Jan. 30 to April 9, at 8, 9 or 10 p.m., at UW Health Sports Factory. Register at www. rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815-9627469.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 NIU EIGERlab hosts an Innovation Tuesday, “Invest in Your Company

by Protecting It! Insurance Tips for Entrepreneurs,” 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Visit www.eigerlab.org/ events or call 815-965-3522.

The Northern Illinois University Art Museum’s School of Art and Design Faculty Biennial exhibition opens Tuesday, Jan. 14. Public reception on Jan. 23, 5 to 7 p.m.

Visit www.niu.edu/artmuseum/ events.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 Thinker Ventures presents Techstars Startup Weekend, Jan. 17 to 19. Technical and non-

technical entrepreneurs participate in the 54-hour event. Friday night pitches, then brainstorming, business plan development and basic prototype creation; culminating in Sunday night demos and presentations. Register at swrockford2020.eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 The Mu Alpha Lambda Leadership Foundation and Rockford University present the 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, 9 a.m., at the Burpee Center, Regents Hall, 5050 E. State St. Honors male (minority) high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership ability and community concern. Tickets at www.MAL1975.com or eventbrite: MLK Scholarship Breakfast.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 John Waite performs his first-ofits-kind Acoustic Performance, 7:30 p.m., at Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at www.vincentrecords.com or 815-200-9567.

PJ Masks Live: Save The Day! 6:30 p.m., at Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St.,

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

Rockford. Tickets at 815-968-5222 or coronadopac.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 Tickets on sale for comedian Nate Bargatze’s Good Problem to Have stand-up tour, 7 p.m., at Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Subject of the Netflix special, “The Tennessee Kid.” Tickets at Ticketmaster.com, Coronado PAC, BMO Harris Bank Center box office or 815-968-5222.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 Grammy-award-winning, stand-up comedian Lewis Black performs as a part of his standup comedy tour, It Gets Better Every Day, 8 p.m., at Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at the Coronado PAC and BMO Harris Bank Center box offices, 815-968-5222 or www.Ticketmaster.com.

FEBRUARY 2020 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 YWCA Northwestern Illinois kicks off a free, six-week Women’s Empowerment 360 (WE 360°) program in partnership with

McDonald’s USA, through its Black & Positively Golden movement to close the entrepreneurship

knowledge gap. Open to women of all socio-economic backgrounds.

Visit YWCA.org/McDwe360 for details and to register.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Newsboys United will perform as part of its Greatness Of Our God tour, 7 p.m., at Coronado

Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at the

Coronado PAC and BMO Harris

Bank Center box offices, 815-9685222 or www.Ticketmaster.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 George Lopez performs as a part of his standup comedy tour,

The Comedy Get Down, with

Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, and

Cedric the Entertainer, 8 p.m., at

Coronado Performing Arts Center,

314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at the Coronado PAC and BMO Harris Bank Center box offices, 815-968-5222 or

www.Ticketmaster.com.

Best Wishes for a Successful New Year from the Ambassadors of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Front row, from left: Diane James – MembersAlliance Credit Union, Einar Forsman – Rockford Chamber, Barb Berman, Pat Casazza – Broadmoor Agency.

Middle row, from left: Kristin Muehlfelder – Rockford Chamber, Melissa McCormick – MX3 Business Solutions, Ray King – Realtor, Karen Tilly – Usana, Kristine Hoke – Sam’s Club, Stacy Wallace – V2 Marketing Communications, Jan Hagenlocher, Jean Lopez – Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, Michelle Bowman – Edward Jones, Mary Jo Hare – Servpro of Rockford.

Back row, from left: Marcia Keough – Two Men and a Truck, Steve Cunningham – MercyCare Health Plans, Jim Lyke – Lamar Advertising of Rockford, Matt Kiehl – Savant Capital Management, Maren Sanders – Edward Jones, Lynette Jacques – Rockford Chamber.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Rockford East High School received the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School award for its athletics program meeting the recommended standards to improve safety in sports. OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center has been Rockford Public Schools’ provider of athletic training services since 1996.

The Rockford Bank & Trust branches changed their signage during Thanksgiving week with new branding, Illinois Bank & Trust. Illinois Bank & Trust’s purchase of Rockford Bank & Trust assets closed in November.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Dance Company provided 4,000 area students with two one-hour educational programs of The Nutcracker at Coronado Performing Arts Center in December. Admission costs for the 2019 Nutcracker Student Matinees were underwritten by The Friends of the Coronado for first through eighth graders, along with one chaperone for every 15 students.

In November, the Second District Appellate Court of Illinois upheld the decision of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to grant Mercyhealth a Certificate of Need to build a hospital with an emergency room and multi-specialty physician clinic on the corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road in Crystal Lake.

Rockford Rescue Mission hosted its annual Thanksgiving Banquet the day before Thanksgiving with more than 500 attending and 100 volunteers to help.

Per Mar Security Services, parent company to Midwest Alarm Services, acquired NECO Security in Lincoln, Neb. Employees of Rockford Mutual Insurance Company in Rockford and Sadie’s Dream for a Cure for families in crisis following a pediatric cancer diagnosis stuffed 50 “Busy Bags” with hundreds of toys. Bags were delivered to Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital– Riverside prior to its 16th annual Holiday Toy Drive Event for pediatric patients.

Serola Biomechanics, Inc., received an award for Exporting Excellence during the 2019 Mid-America Trade Summit at the University of Missouri in November.

In the first three quarters of 2019, clients of theFranaGroup in Alaska, Kentucky and Michigan received new funding for activities ranging from fighting the opioid crisis, establishing new Federally Qualified Health clinics and expanding oral health infrastructure. theFranaGroup has established 41 FQHCs for clients. In 2019, clients received a total of $1,778,580 in new federal funding.

Digital Hive Mind was contracted by PCI Pharma Services to design and manage a 20 x 20-foot exhibit space for AAPS 2019 PharmSci 360 in November in San Antonio, Texas.

WATT Global Media released the 2019 edition of the WATT Executive Guide to World Poultry Trends with new forecasts, analysis and data for the global poultry meat and egg markets.

Rockford Art Museum presents “Bold Abstractions: Paintings from the Thoma Collection,” on view through Jan. 26, with free daily admission provided by the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois received a $800 grant from the Boone County Community Foundation in November for financial assistance for memberships, materials, curriculum and uniforms for girl scouts in Boone County who otherwise would not have access to its Leadership Experience.

Rockford Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the region’s winning bid to host the 2020-21 USA Wrestling 16U National Dual Championships, June 9 to 13, 2020 and June 8 to 12, 2021 at Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two. The event for 15- and 16-year old boys will be co-hosted by the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation and RACVB. Woodward, Inc., net sales were up two percent, at $737 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Net sales were

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Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

$2.90 billion for fiscal year 2019, an increase of 25 percent compared to the prior year.

Forest City Gear expanded its capacity for shaping high precision internal and external gears with the addition of the latest Gleason GP300ES Gear Shaping Machine.

The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers has selected V2 Marketing Communications to provide marketing, design, and logistical support of their association activities. V2 will be working with NAPIM on association membership retention and growth, event planning and logistics, and event marketing and promotion.

OSF HealthCare received a $197,000 incentive check from ComEd for a new state-of-the-art chiller that OSF Saint Anthony installed this year for $5.8 million. The energy avoidance and savings on the new chiller is equivalent to 1,662 tons CO2 per year, equal to annual emissions from 320 cars.

Northwestern Mutual awarded 25 childhood cancer survivors with a $5,000 scholarship for the upcoming academic year. It will award 10 siblings of childhood cancer survivors with a $5,000 scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Visit learnmore. scholarsapply.org/nmsurvivors/ or www.scholarsapply.org/nmsibling/.

KMK Media Group was hired by a Chicagoland breeder of popular Labradoodles and Bernedoodles to promote its websites via search engine optimization throughout the Midwest.

In three months, it went from secondand third-page placement on Google to number one for all key search terms.

RAMP launched a $1.5 million capital campaign to restore and renovate its building at 202 Market St., to offer more privacy and room for trainings.

RAMP has raised more than $810,000 so far from board members and donors. Building renovation is projected to begin in January, 2020, and estimated to take six to eight months. Staff will move out on Dec. 19 and resume business temporarily on Jan. 1 from an office on the first floor

of 2300 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford; donated by Mercyhealth.

Students and staff of Boylan Catholic High School donated more than 200 boxes of food, household items and gifts to 45 families connected with St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center as a part of its annual Christmas basket drive in December.

The Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau named three Rockford businesses, chosen by an independent panel of judges, as recipients of the 2019 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in December: Petals & Picken’s, Stanley Steemer of Rockford and Pearson Plumbing & Heating Co. Mosaic in Rockford held its Rejoicing Spirits Christmas Service in December at Alpine Lutheran Church. Christian Youth Theatre students lead Christmas carols and the Rejoicing Spirits pastoral team gave a unique telling of the Christmas story. Individuals with diverse needs could select two items from the Angel gift shop, donated by local churches and community members and wrapped by the Christian Youth Theatre students, to gift to someone special.

Rockford Park District’s Youth Sports department welcomed more than 600 athletes and families to Rockford to participate in the sixth-annual USA Track & Field Rockford FIRE Indoor Invitational on Dec. 14 at the Auburn High School Fieldhouse.

Rockford Park District’s free Therapeutic Recreation Winter/Spring 2020 Program Guide is available at www.rockfordpark district.org/tr. New this season: Buddy programs for kickball and dance, Rockford Rollers bowling league, All Stars Basketball recreational/skill-building league.

Rockford Christian Schools received an approximately 1.5-acre gift of land near the corner of McFarland and Spring Creek, next to the SwedishAmerican Immediate Care as an anonymous donation. The board of directors will consider options, such as using the land for school-related activities or sell it.

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January 2020

on digital MEMBER PICS

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Ceremonial ribbon donated by SERVPRO of Rockford.

Rockford Christian Schools held a dedication on Dec. 4 celebrating the final phase of expansion of Puri Residence Hall at 7701 Christian Way. The project includes the Indoor Sports Training & Fitness Center and Center for the Arts.

SwedishAmerican and Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes held a grand opening on Dec. 10 for a new, human milk depot on the fifth floor mother/baby unit at SwedishAmerican Hospital, 1401 E. State St., Rockford.

United Way of Rock River Valley hosted an open house on Dec. 4 at Memorial Hall in downtown Rockford for its 100th anniversary. Community members formed the United Way’s precursor, the Rockford Social Service Federation, at Memorial Hall a century ago.

A new Illinois law effective on Jan. 1, 2020 mandates coverage for human breast milk when prescribed by a physician. Donations from healthy, lactating, approved donors will help support the complex nutritional needs of sick and premature babies in Illinois and Wisconsin.

First Northern Credit Union held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 10 at 6832 Stalter Dr., Rockford.

Associated Bank held a ribbon cutting and open house on Dec. 12 at 612 N. Main St., Rockford.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

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January 2020

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Hassan Jamal

2. Amanda McMahon

3. Toni Hinds

4. Dr. Rosario Carrasco

5. Dr. Bob Tiballi

6. Dr. Raza Hamdani

7. Dr. Rana Khalek

8. Dr. Anil Rao

9. Dr. Bishara Baddour

10. Alice Brown

11. Haley Green

12. Tina Dettman

13. Frank Turza

14. Vincent Cha

15. Lisa LaSala

16. Genevieve Stoner

17. Dr. Rachel Hansen

18. Kristen Ferwerda

19. Luke Dirkse

20. Michael Wilder

21. Dallas Belmontes

22. Andrew Morgenroth

23. Jason J. Smith

24. Brooke Johnson

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS First National Bank and Trust hired Hassan Jamal (1) as information security officer. Amanda McMahon (2) was promoted to assistant vice president and branch manager at the Beloit-Madison Road office and Toni Hinds (3) to assistant vice president and branch manager at the Williams Bay office.

Mercyhealth welcomed Dr. Rosario Carrasco (4), radiology, to Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside and Rockton, Rockford; Dr. Bob Tiballi (5) to Mercyhealth Mulford, Mercyhealth Physician Clinic–Riverside and Mercyhealth Internal Medicine Residency Program; Dr. Raza Hamdani (6), gastroenterology, to Mercyhealth Rockton Avenue; Dr. Rana Khalek (7) to Mercyhealth Roscoe; Dr. Anil Rao (8) to Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton, Rockford, and Dr. Bishara Baddour (9) to Mercyhealth McFarland in Rockford.

Baird hired Alice Brown (10) as client assistant in Rockford.

Fehr Graham hired Haley Green (11) as marketing coordinator and Tina

director of Wesley Willows experience and Traci Kryzanski to accounting manager.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS 25. Susan Johnson

26. Bethany Tennison

Dettman (12) as project assistant in Rockford.

Midland States Bank hired Frank Turza (13) as director of retail banking.

Vincent Cha (14) joined Blackhawk Bank as a mortgage planner in Janesville, Wis. Lisa LaSala (15) joined OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center as patient experience coach.

Genevieve (Gen) Stoner (16) was named manager of obstetrics.

SwedishAmerican Hospital welcomed obstetricians Dr. Sarah Bradley, Dr. Beth Schleicher and Dr. Stephen Gladdin; cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Thomas Hinkamp to the Heart Institute, and Dr. Rachel Hansen (17) to the Byron Clinic.

27. Erica Figurin

28. Kerry Schaible

Lisa Entrikin was named CEO and Heidi Ognibene director of operations for Rock River Valley Blood Center.

Wipfli LLP promoted Taylor Dixon and Kristen Ferwerda (18) to managers, Luke Dirkse (19) and Michael Wilder (20) to senior accountants, Dallas Belmontes (21) and Andrew Morgenroth (22) to senior consultants, Jason J. Smith (23) to senior manager, business development, Shereen McMahon to senior manager, administrative services, and Brooke Johnson (24) and Susan Johnson (25) to senior managers.

Peterson Meadows welcomed Bethany Tennison (26) as resident services manager. Wesley Willows promoted Erica Figurin (27) to

WATT Global Media and Industria Avícola magazine named Gabriel Uribe Covarrubias, Mexico, and Guillermo Zavala, Mexico/USA, to the Latin American Poultry Hall of Fame.

SwedishAmerican named Michelle Youngberg-Campos and the ABCDEF Bundle Implementation Team as winners of the Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award for improved practices related to sedation and pain management, assessment, prevention and management of delirium, and an early mobility program.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Kerry Schaible (28), ChFC, RICP, CLU, CLTC, financial advisor, Northwestern Mutual, presented “How to Advise Donors in Times of Economic Uncertainty” at the Northern Illinois Planned Giving Council at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in November.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2020

economy

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

U.S. Indicators November 2019



Consumer Price Index Unemployment Rate

0.3 percent 3.5 percent

      

Payroll Employment Average Hourly Earnings Producer Price Index Employment Cost Index Productivity U.S. Import Price Index U.S. Export Price Index

266,000 $0.07 0.4 percent 0.7 percent (third quarter, 2019) 0.2 percent (third quarter, 2019) 0.2 percent 0.2 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates Region / State / Nation Aug 2019

Sept 2019

Oct 2019

Nov 2019

Rockford

5.5

5.3

5.0

---

Chicago

3.6

3.2

3.4

---

Illinois

4.0

3.9

3.9

---

United States

3.7

3.5

3.6

3.5

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in November, 2019 Ad Vice Marketing Advanced Chimney Systems Inc. Alignment Rockford Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter Anderson Environmental Co. Anderson Japanese Gardens Artale Wine Co. Atlas Components Barron Metal Finishing, LLC Benning Group LLC Bickford of Rockford Boylan Catholic High School Chastain & Associates LLC CherryVale Mall Children’s Home & Aid Christenson Funeral Home & Cremation Christina Rae Salon Spa Ltd. Circle of Wellness City of Loves Park CMM & Associates Crimson Ridge Estate Condos North CYRS Wealth Advisors LLC Envoy Mortgage Forest City Diagnostic Imaging Heritage Credit Union - Perryville Heritage Credit Union - East State Independence Village at Rockford Insurance Pro Agencies Judson University

Keller Williams Realty Signature Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial - Teri Watts, Broker Lindstrom, Sorenson & Associates, LLP MembersAlliance Credit Union Merrill Lynch Mid-City Office Products Northern Illinois Terrazzo & Tile Company Olson Enterprises LLC Orangetheory Fitness Parkside Warehouse, Inc. Powmet, Inc. Rock River Environmental Services (Waste Connections) Rockford Bell Credit Union Rockford Roasting Company Rockford Rotary Club Siepert & Co., LLP - Beloit Siepert & Co., LLP - Roscoe Siepert & Co., LLP - Sycamore Stanley Steemer of Rockford Swedish Historical Society Testing Service Corporation Town Square Publications Trekk, Inc. Trinity Day Care Unity Hospice VetsRoll.org Z Resource

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

JANUARY MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Which Country is Most Generous?

The United States once again ranks as the most generous country overall – something it’s achieved over the past 10 years, according to the 2019 World Giving Index, produced by U.K. international charity, Charities Aid Foundation. Myanmar ranked in second and New Zealand in third place.

U.S. donors in 2018 gave more than $427 billion to charity; 68 percent directly from individuals, according to the National Philanthropic Trust. What’s more, nearly 63 million Americans volunteered 7.9 billion hours per year; the equivalent of $184 billion of service.

The report asked survey participants if they had done any of the following in the past month.

■ Helped a stranger, or someone you didn’t know who needed help?

■ Donated money to a charity?

■ Volunteered your time to an organization?

Most Charitable States in America WalletHub announced its list of most charitable 50 states; comparing them across 19 key indicators, such as volunteer rate, share of income donated and share of sheltered homeless.

Illinois ranked 20th overall, but tied for second place with New Hampshire in the “highest percent of population who donates money.”

1. Minnesota 2. Utah 3. Maryland 4. Oregon 5. Ohio 6. Pennsylvania 7. North Dakota 8. Virginia 9. Washington 10. Maine 20. Illinois

Volunteering & Service Rank 3 2 4 1 11 12 5 28 17 6 36

Charitable Giving Rank 4 8 7 37 9 11 29 3 18 28 5

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

40-YEAR MEMBER

BMO Harris Bank Center

30-YEAR MEMBER

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful

25-YEAR MEMBERS

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Riverview Inn & Suites at Cliffbreakers

15-YEAR MEMBERS

A-Sign Designs Marden Tire & Auto (Marden Distributors, Inc.) Northern Illinois Health Plan Pierce Distribution Services Company

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Alignment Rockford Artale Wine Co. Region 1 Planning Council

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Boylan Catholic High School gift it! Rockford Insurance Pro Agencies Jason’s Deli The Olympic Tavern Swedberg & Associates, Inc.

Are you a Member with News to Share?

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

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

chamber

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

JANUARY, 2020

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 Ribbon Cutting, 10 to 11 a.m., at Edgewater Medical Center, SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health, 2909 N. Main St., Rockford.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Government Affairs Council, 7:30 a.m., at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Features Conor Brown, CEO, Rockford Area Realtors, on current market conditions in the Rockford region and priorities and initiatives of RAR.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 Open House & Ribbon Cutting, 3 to 6 p.m., at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St., Rockford. Ribbon cutting at 4 p.m.

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January 2020

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, 5 to 8 p.m., at Giovanni’s, Inc., 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Keynote speaker Hannah Ubl, Good Company Consulting, presents “Creating A Workplace That Doesn’t Suck.”

Includes the announcement of the Citizen of the Year Award. Sponsored

by OSF HealthCare (presenting), Associated Bank (gold), Quartz (silver), The Alliance and RSM (bronze), Gallagher (wine), AT&T (business) and Event Floral (centerpiece).

ADVERTISERS INDEX Ad Vice Marketing Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .13

Meridian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Midland States Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . .10

Mid-West Family Broadcasting . . . . .13

Comcast Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 CoyleKiley Insurance Agency Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Edward Jones – Erna Colborn. . . . . . .7 Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Government Affairs Council, 7:30 a.m., at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

Are you a Member with News to Share?

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

DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION

OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Rockford Local Development Corp. . .4 Rockford Chamber of

Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 9, 20

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) . . . . . . . 8

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Illumination.io . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

V2 Marketing Communications . . . . .15

VOICE

FEBRUARY, 2020

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . .19

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ..........................................Direct Line Jeff Bailey, Membership Development Executive ..................................815-316-4336 Carmen Brenz, Program & Event Coordinator ...................................815-316-4302 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO .......................................... 815-987-8100 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer .................................... 815-316-4312 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep..........815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology ................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment .................... 815-316-4317 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations...................................................815-316-4315 Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development ....................815-316-4337 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller ............................... 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ......................... 815-316-4320 Mike Mastroianni, Executive Director,

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS EDWARD JONES KARRE J. CROMWELL, FINANCIAL ADVISOR 7144 Kleckner Road, Ste. B Rockford, IL 61107 Karre Cromwell 815-637-6850 www.edwardjones.com

EDWARD JONES LEA EVERS, AAMS®, CRPS®, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Making Sense of Investing 5412 Bridge St., Ste. B Roscoe, IL 61073 Lea Evers, AAMS®, CRPS® 815-623-8966 www.edwardjones.com/lea-evers

EDWARD JONES JUSTIN D. JONES, FINANCIAL ADVISOR 1419 West Lane Road, Ste. G Machesney Park, IL 61115 Justin Jones 815-282-2087 www.edwardjones.com

EDWARD JONES MIKE ZARKO, FINANCIAL ADVISOR 973 Featherstone, Ste. 104 Rockford, IL 61107 Mike Zarko 815-637-1518 www.edwardjones.com/mike-zarko

FOREST PLAZA 6125 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61107 Matt Gugliciello 847-220-6710 www.washingtonprime.com

IMPERIAL SURVEILLANCE INC. Surveillance Cameras, Alarm Systems, Access Control, Fire Alarms, Intercom Systems, Data Cabling 1601 E. Algonquin Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Kurt Leszkiewicz 847-375-0300 www.imperialcctv.com

STATE FARM DANNA KRISCHKE Insurance Agency 6735 Broadcast Pkwy.

Loves Park, IL 61111 Danna Krischke 815-654-5433 www.myagentDanna.com

STATE FARM AGENCY MEAGAN SEMMELROTH Insurance and Financial Services 6551 E. Riverside Blvd., Ste. 114 Rockford, IL 61114 Meagan Semmelroth 779-238-3062 www.meaganfromsf.com

Small Business Development Center .....................................................815-987-8100

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Chair of the Board Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Chair Elect Dan Ross Fehr Graham Vice Chair Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Immediate Past Chair Richard Zumwalt Z Resource

Brent Bernardi Alph Controls & Services LLC Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc. Doug Curry Stenstrom Companies

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Karl Swanson Illinois Bank & Trust

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Terry Voskuil Woodward

Robert Young Carly LaMonica Midwest Packaging LaMonica Beverages, and Container Inc. Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth Rebecca Epperson John Schuster Chartwell Agency Rosecrance Health Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Network Rockford University Teresa Sharp Ira Grimmett American Precision Collins Aerospace Supply, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Nathan Bryant Rockford Area Economic Development Council

FEBRUARY VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS The Business of Wellness (Healthy Lifestyle & Experiences)

Financial Partnerships

(Financial Planning – Supporting Life Goals)

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987-8100