January Voice 2022

the January 2022 | Volume 35 | No. 1

TURNKEY SAFETY

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

PAGE 4

PAGE 5

of the rockford business community NEW 861 AREA CODE FOR 309 REGION

Our manufacturing community celebrates Wendy Young named Individual Business Catalyst of the Year

PHOTOS BY MINDY JOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Celebrating an industry that has defined the Rockford region throughout most of its history at a building that once helped to build that reputation could not have been more fitting.

The Celebration of Manufacturing, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, welcomed guests into Ziock Ballroom at the Embassy Suites in downtown Rockford. While the manufacturing industry, like so many others, has been stressed throughout the pandemic, the

Caitlin Pusateri and Jeff Hultman present Wendy Young, Forest City Gear, with Individual Business Catalyst award. event boasted a vibrant energy from people excited to once again be amid friends and business partners.

The evening featured keynote speaker Dr. David Boulay, president of IMEC, who spoke to the crowd on the changing tides impacting manufacturing. Dave encouraged conversation amid table guests focused on solutions inside the walls of local manufacturers.

Connections were made and shop-talk brought feelings of both accomplishment and a path forward.

IMEC is a team of improvement specialists and technicians dedicated to providing organizations in Illinois with the tools and techniques to create sustainable competitive futures. IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in the areas of leadership, strategy, customer engagement, operations and workforce.

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only

Keynote speaker, Dr. David Boulay of IMEC. plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements.

Announcing Individual Business Catalyst of the Year This year’s event also included the announcement of the Individual Business Catalyst of the Year. While traditionally, a Manufacturer of the Year is also announced, this year was focused specifically on the individual. (continued on page 3)

RFD lands top spot in new statewide economic impact study

PHOTO BY MARK MAKELA/REUTERS

THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY

Join the Chamber on Social Media

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

The 2020 Illinois Aviation Economic Impact Analysis, based on data collected from 2019, identified Chicago Rockford International Airport as the thirdlargest airport in the state based on total economic impact. RFD generated $4.7 billion and was behind only Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports.

The Illinois Department of Transportation examined 85 public use airports in Illinois and found that RFD created 21,476 jobs, earning $1.4 billion in labor income, contributed $2.6 billion in value added, and generated a total

economic impact of $4.7 billion in 2019.

The previous EIA, which came out in 2012, showed that RFD created 5,384 jobs and generated $1 billion in economic impact. “The growth over the past decade has been tremendous, and the study is another proof point that we are achieving great things for our region,” said Mike Dunn, executive director at RFD. For more information about the Illinois Aviation Economic Impact Study, visit ilaviation.com. v

The Illinois Commerce Commission added the 861 area code to counties and municipalities served by the 309 area code. It will be available for assignment during late 2022 or early 2023 when the 309 area code exhausts. This is forecasted to be during the fourth quarter of 2023.

The 861 area code will be assigned to new customers requesting local phone service, cellular and paging services, and alarms. Current 309 area customers will keep their numbers. The FCC requires that all telephone calls made in the 309/861 overlay area be completed by dialing the 10-digit number (area code + seven digit number), which does not raise the cost of the call.

In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission issued an order designating “988” as the new, three-digit, nationwide Suicide Prevention hotline; to go into effect in July of 2022. In order for the 988 code to function properly, all area codes that already have “988” as a working prefix must convert to 10-digit dialing.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! ROCKFORD CHAMBER

GOLF CLASSIC

MONDAY, MAY 23, 11 AM FOREST HILLS COUNTRY CLUB For more information, see page 23 PRESENTING SPONSOR

ROCKFORD SBDC ADDS LOCATIONS The Illinois SBDC at Rockford Chamber (Rockford SBDC) has added new locations in the community to assist small business owners.

Heather Kelley, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m.

Shelby Flores, Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 4249 E. State St., Ste. 209, Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m.

Available in Spanish and English.

Mustafa Abdall, Muslim Association of Greater Rockford, 5921 Darlene Dr., Fridays, noon to 3 p.m.; Rockford Police Station District 3, 557 S. Newtowne Dr., Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Available in Arabic and English.

All in-person services are available by appointment only.

2

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

EXECUTIVE’S PERSPECTIVE

CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber Executive VP

And just like that …

It’s 2022

Somehow, here we are again – at the beginning of another calendar year. I have a love/hate relationship with January. I have this weird feeling of losing a sense of accomplishment. I just made it through a year! I completed the list, checked the box!

And now you want me to do it … again? I feel like there should be a week off in there somewhere. A week between years. A gap week. Where time doesn’t count. A time that I can celebrate making it through the year – reflect, grieve, rejoice. A chance to process the year without moving directly into the next one.

Starting 2022 feels a bit like living in Groundhog Day. Cases are up, vaccination rates aren’t where they should be, and people are tired, angry and so over the word “pivot” even the Friends meme isn’t funny anymore. The “new normal” isn’t exactly new, I don’t remember what anyone’s nose and mouth look like, and I have hand sanitizer tucked away in so many places I feel like a (very clean) packrat.

And yet … January has arrived again.

I’m actually sitting writing this while

my daycare is closed due to a COVID case while I anxiously wait out my kids’ quarantine period. I’m equal parts angry, sad, worried, numb and worried some more. It’s like an emotion casserole.

We’ve spent the last two days cancelling Christmas plans, attempting to reschedule small family gatherings, and trying to avoid all of the photos of kids with Santa online as we threw our “Donuts with Santa” tickets in the trash.

My kids are too young for the vaccine and were exposed. My heart is breaking with feelings of inadequacy – for not being able to protect them, for not being able to watch my almost-three-year-old bask in the magical wonder of Christmas experiences, for not knowing how exactly my seven month old is feeling. I’m mourning memories that aren’t being made while trying to keep their lives as normal as possible … while checking their heads for fevers every 15 minutes. Nothing about the end of 2021 and start of 2022 feels like a fresh beginning.

I know as I sit here, I’m privileged in

a lot of ways. I have time to take at work.

My kids have no pre-existing conditions that put them at a high risk for serious infection. We have a loving support system that checks in on us often and can aid us in a multitude of safe ways. All I’m losing is a Santa sighting neither kid will remember and a belated Christmas by a few weeks.

In the end, it’s small potatoes. Others have lost so much more.

But January. January.

It’s supposed to feel shiny and new, and it feels more tired and overdone. This year my “resolutions” (minus losing that COVID weight I’ve been putting on faster than Netflix loads the next episode) look different than years past. They are filled with ways to find more time for self-care as I recognize my mental energy is totally tanked. “Do something new!” is replaced with “Do something and know that’s enough.”

The start of a new year always brings out those people that demand that this be your BEST YEAR EVER. The year you’ll do it all, while losing weight and writing a novel. Let me be the person that tells you – it’s okay if it’s not. It’s okay if you need the year – or at least the start of it – to be about recalibrating… again… and just getting through.

The pandemic isn’t over. And this? All of this – it’s hard. It’s hard on everyone. So you’re not alone, you’re not doing it wrong, you’re not slacking. With every new January comes a new February, and March … and April ... And new opportunities for easter baskets, and fireworks, and costumes, and soon enough, Santa sightings. And amid all the drudge?

There’s hope.

Caitlin Pusateri is executive vice president of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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 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.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

MANUFACTURING Continued from front page

It is anticipated that a Manufacturer of the Year will be named again in 2022.

This year’s Individual Business Catalyst of the Year honoree is Wendy Young, president & CEO of Forest City Gear. Young’s passion for both manufacturing and people shines through in everything she does.

Her multiple nominators spoke with respect and candor of a woman who is compassionate, driven, tenacious, hardworking and full of grit. The

announcement of her honor was met with a standing ovation and a brief and sincere acceptance and gratitude.

As the manufacturing community continues to innovate, grow and thrive, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting the industry and our members.

The event was presented by Illinois Bank and Trust. Gold sponsors included Comcast Business and RSM US LLP. Thayer Energy Solutions sponsored at the silver level. The event was photographed by Mindy Joy Photography. v

3

4

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

Chamber thanks Heidi Garner for 21 years of service The Rockford Chamber extends its thanks and gratitude to Heidi Garner, chief operating officer, who retires in 2021 after 21 years of service and plans to spend more time with her family. “I have learned so much over the past years working here,” she said. “It’s a great company to work for, but nothing compares to the friendships that I have made over the years.”

“As a member of our team, Heidi has been an invaluable provider of support for me as well as the whole team, and has served as a model of professionalism,” said Einar Forsman, CEO of the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP). “I very much enjoyed working with her every day and will truly miss the leadership and contributions she brought to the Chamber and the GRGP.” Caitlin Pusateri, executive vice president of the Rockford Chamber said, “Heidi is passionate about the success of members. Her work at the chamber was instrumental to many and will be carried on for years to come.

I’ll miss her greatly as she has been a core member of the team. We wish her a long, happy and well deserved retirement. The Rockford business community is better thanks to her work.”

MEMBER PROFILE

Rockford Systems:

PROVIDING WORKPLACE SAFETY FOR 50 YEARS

By Paul Anthony Arco The good old days weren’t so good for machine operators. In the 1900s, safety wasn’t always the top priority for manufacturing shops and factories, resulting in many serious injuries and death to factory workers. Fortunately, conditions improved over the years, due in large part, to changes to workplace laws, and the formation of companies like Rockford Systems.

The Rockford-based company provides industrial plant safety solutions for companies using metalworking, automation, material handling or thermal processing in their operations.

Rockford Systems offers consulting, inspections, training, technical support and helps its clients understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) machine safety standards for various industrial applications.

“Rockford Systems is best known for providing turnkey machine safeguarding solutions that reduce risk and help prevent industrial injuries in some of the largest companies in the world,” said Joe Nitiss, CEO of Rockford Systems. “Our turnkey combustion safety solutions range from training, risk assessments and annual inspections, to the engineering and installation of customized fuelmanagement systems. The work we do is extremely important.”

Rockford Systems was formed in 1971, not long after President Richard Nixon signed into law the WilliamsSteiger Occupational Safety and Health Act, which gave the federal government the ability to make and enforce safety and health standards for most of the country’s workers. But manufacturing plants and machine shop owners struggled with how to safeguard their machines to meet new OSHA regulations. That’s where companies like Rockford Systems came into play.

The company started in the basement of Dennis Ebens, who along with his business partner Dick Provi, were two of the first press control manufacturers in the country. Provi and Ebens brought to market a complete package of components that adapted unprotected punch presses to machines that complied with OSHA requirements, an idea that transformed the safety industry and earned Rockford Systems national recognition. Ebens stayed with Rockford Systems until 2005 and Provi left when he sold the business to a private investor in 2014.

Rockford Systems’ clientele includes many Fortune 500 companies within the aerospace, manufacturing, automotive and food and beverage industries,

Rockford Systems has 100 employees and plans on hiring additional staff within the next year. including John Deere and Raytheon Technologies.

The company has 100 employees including technicians, machine safeguard specialists, sales and marketing professionals, and engineers, and plans on hiring additional staff within the next year. “Our retention is good, as is our culture and work environment,” said Nitiss, who joined Rockford Systems five years ago.

Rockford Systems also is a strong backer of the local community. For several years, the company has assisted Rockford Public Schools with a donation of shielding and safety devices to help keep shop class students safe. Rockford Systems has also sponsored area students to attend FabTech, a popular machine trade show in Chicago, and also supports food and clothing drives for Carpenter’s Place.

“It starts with recognizing that there’s a need,” said Vice President Matt Brenner. “I grew up in Rockford and have a healthy understanding of the needs in our community. When you have a successful business it’s your responsibility to pay it forward.”

The COVID pandemic hasn’t slowed Rockford Systems down. In fact, the company developed GermBlock shields – transparent barriers used by various industries to prevent the spread of airborne particles between employees and customers. Nitiss said Rockford Systems has experienced double digit growth and is strategically aligned to experience even more success over the next decade.

“We’re proud of our extremely talented team who works hard to analyze our customers’ needs and deliver on our promises,” added Brenner. “Our goal is to always make sure our customers are satisfied.”

ROCKFORD SYSTEMS, LLC CEO: Joe Nitiss 5795 Logistics Pkwy.

815-874-7891 Rockfordsystems.com

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

 Destination

5

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Pandemic’s impact on visitor spending

One strength is in the quality of our outdoor activities

With the enormous anomaly created by the pandemic, we will likely spend the next decade reflecting on 2020 and 2021 and analyzing its effect on our society and economy. Case in point: Each year, we receive a report from the Illinois Department of Commerce, prepared by research firm Tourism Economics, which details the economic impact of visitor spending in Winnebago County. With our 2020 report delivered this month, we had a comprehensive, data-driven perspective of the effects COVID had on Rockford’s recovery and lodging.

This report is instrumental in informing our plans for the future of tourism in our county, which is why we share details in our annual Economic Impact news release and highlights through other channels like this column. Not surprisingly, the numbers are down, but there are signs of optimism for recovery.

In 2020, visitors to Winnebago County directly contributed $358.5 million to our economy, representing a decline of 25.8 percent over 2019 spending. However,

when comparing us to the top 10 Illinois counties and cities by population, our decline in Winnebago County and Rockford was among the lowest.

In contrast, both Cook County and Chicago – our state’s largest markets – were down the most at more than 58 percent, which is not surprising, due to the inseparable link between major urban centers and visitation. Cities like Chicago have a broader variety of products – including convention centers, a heavy reliance on business and international travel – and greater inventory of hotel rooms to accommodate visitors.

Among the 10 second-tier Illinois cities or counties most like Rockford, we fared better than all but one (Joliet). As mentioned above, we are still analyzing this information, but believe that one element in our favor is our product mix.

And more specifically, our abundance of outdoor areas, attractions and activities.

One only needs to visit one of our 40+ forest preserves or stroll along the Rock River Recreation Path to observe walkers,

cyclists, kayakers and water skiers, as well as children playing in Shorewood and Martin Parks and families visiting Sinnissippi Gardens and Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.

Throughout the pandemic, we learned that the poor ventilation of indoor spaces was hazardous to our health, so the whole world fled to the outdoors. Particularly in the United States, consumers spent their COVID-19 stimulus checks on everything from bikes to backpacks, escalating growth in the Outdoor Gear and Equipment Market to new heights. According to the Outdoor Foundation, in 2020, 53 percent of Americans participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record. Not only that, but 7.1 million more Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2020 than in 2019. That’s a lot of trail traffic!

Growth in “getting outside” bodes well for the Rockford Region, where our vast network and variety of outdoor recreation,

includes 30,000 acres of protected space, four rivers, extensive walking paths and mountain biking trails, and more than 3,000 acres of woodlands, lakes, hiking and horse trails and camping – all at Rock Cut State Park.

Outdoor recreation makes Winnebago County a highly desirable place to live and visit. As RACVB works day-in and dayout to bring tourists and visitors back to Rockford, we are leveraging our outdoor assets to move the needle from our -25.8 percent decline in the visitor economy to zero. And from zero, we plan to bounce back to our pre-pandemic streak of 11 straight years of increases in visitor spending.

John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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

6

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

Census Bureau announces Hartville, Mo., as the U.S. “Center of Population” Telling the story of citizen migration westward and southward The U.S. Census Bureau announced that the center of population for the United States, based on 2020 Census population figures of 331.4 million, was 14.6 miles northeast of Hartville, a town of about 600 people in central southern Missouri.

Every decade, the Census Bureau since 1790 has calculated the “center of population;” the average location where people in the United States live.

Surveyors and demographers use the information to determine how fast and in what direction the U.S. population is moving over time. It reflects the immigration and interior movement of people from the Northeast and Midwest to the Sun Belt.

With the 2020 Census, the center moved in the most southerly direction ever — the shortest distance since 1920 and the second shortest distance moved at 11.8 miles. This southerly drift and shorter distance can be attributed to a strong pull on the center by continued population growth in the Southeast, especially Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, the Southwest, and Texas.

Migration of the ‘Heart of America’ The largest movements by miles were between 1850 and 1890, when events like the Gold Rush in California and land speculation in Oklahoma helped spread people farther west.

1790: Historically, the center of population has followed a trail that reflects the sweep across America with the settling of the frontier, waves of immigration and the migration west and south. Since 1790, the location has moved in a westerly, then a more southerly pattern.

1860: The center moved the greatest distance, leaping 80 miles westward. The United States had reached the Pacific by 1850, acquiring California, New Mexico and other parts of the Intermountain West from Mexico; and Oregon Country in the Pacific Northwest. Texas joined the Union and the 1850s saw substantial growth in the West.

1870: The most northerly movement of the center occurred in 1870, following the Civil War, largely from the substantial population growth of the cities of the Northeast and Midwest. New York was

The center of population from 1950 through 1980 was located in Illinois. It’s been in Missouri ever since.

This southerly drift and shorter distance can be attributed to a strong pull on the center by continued population growth in the Southeast, especially Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, the Southwest, and Texas. nearing one million people; Chicago grew by 166 percent between 1860 and 1870.

Of the 100 most populous cities in 1870, 80 were in the Northeast or Midwest and these cities increased their populations by approximately 1.6 million.

1920: The center moved the shortest distance — just under 10 miles. When the East experienced high rates of growth,

as it did in the decades between 1890 and 1920, the westward movement of the center slowed. The decade prior to 1920 saw large increases in immigrant populations in Northeast and Midwest cities as well as the migration of AfricanAmericans out of the South to many of those same cities.

University of Illinois Extension addresses energy alternatives Solar, wind, geothermal options In light of the recent surge of renewable energy projects, Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension educator, addressed questions, concerns and misconceptions by residents at the Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Workshop last November. “Most of the attendees wanted to know about residential and community-scale solar projects,” Solomon said.

■ Residential wind and solar projects are designed to offset the energy used in a home. “It’s behind the meter, and you get the full benefit of the energy generated, but you are limited to where you can put it, and you’re responsible for the maintenance of it.” Energy produced is rated in kilowatt output, 120/240 volt.

Usually, these energy plans are designed to supply 50 to 90 percent of the energy used.

■ Utility scale solar farms are developer-owned, and the land is often leased for a select number of years.

“The cheapest energy is the energy you never have to use or have to buy.”

These farms are high voltage and have a megawatt output, because of this, they are recognized as a power plant and will have a power purchase agreement between the developer and the energy company. According to Solomon, key local benefits with these larger solar farms are the local tax revenue benefits as well as the lease payment options.

■ Community solar gardens are usually developer owned, but they tend to distribute power locally to consumers who are buying a portion of their poweroutput. These gardens are higher voltage than your typical residential setting, producing kilowatts to low megawatts power output. Local consumers receive credits on their utility bills, but do not

have panels on their property or the responsibility for maintenance. “The Future Energy Jobs Act has contributed to the uptick in community solar gardens throughout the state of Illinois along with the declining costs of solar panels and installation,” Solomon said.

Wind projects are less defined in Illinois.

“Regardless of your decision on using renewable energy, you need to first consider energy efficiency of your home,” Solomon advised. “The cheapest energy is the energy you never have to use or have to buy.” He recommends doing a home energy audit prior to looking at renewable energy options.

Depending on the results, updating major appliances, or other energy efficiency upgrades, such as windows and insulation, may need to be part of the plan.

Contact Jay Solomon at 815-2354125 or jssolomo@illinois.edu or visit go.illinois.edu/jsw.

Geothermal: Sustainable, efficient energy The University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Geothermal Coalition held a webinar in November on the value, sustainability and policies surrounding geothermal energy. Geothermal energy resources are located underground and not commonly visible or exposed to disaster.

The Illinois Geothermal Coalition comprises individuals from corporate, non-profit and research spheres dedicated to establishing geothermal energy in Illinois.

According to Nancy Ouedraogo, University of Illinois Extension community and economic development specialist, geothermal energy systems could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent and lower energy bills by up to 70 percent and are 400 percent more efficient than conventional heating and cooling systems.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

DR. EHREN JARRETT Superintendent RPS 205

January 2022

Protecting our assets through building upgrades Ensuring a modern 21st century learning environment

Ten years of facilities work, finished last summer, has transformed the Rockford Public Schools. We could not have made this huge progress without your help.

Thanks to voter approval in two referendums, the district was able to invest $279 million in the community’s future via a facilities master plan. Some of the bigger ticket items included $48 million to build classrooms and additions, separate cafeterias and gymnasiums; $42 million for field houses and other upgrades; and $38 million to build Constance Lane and Cherry Valley elementary schools.

The plan also included new windows; new paint, carpet and furniture; mechanical, electrical and plumbing work; deferred maintenance and the demolition of nine obsolete buildings.

Those items made up an additional $86 million in much-needed renovations.

That plan is finished, but we aren’t stopping. We will leverage at least $157 million in federal dollars from pandemic relief to improve air quality in our buildings, including heating, ventilating and air conditioning. We will also be able to check off other items from our deferred maintenance list.

Keeping Up with Needed Maintenance After a long period of neglect prior to 2011, we have discovered something most smart homeowners know. If you keep up with scheduled maintenance and replace things when their useful life is over, you protect your assets.

In 10 years, we reduced the average age of our buildings from 68 years to 50 years. As we approached the end of the last facilities plan, we hired a firm to do a facilities condition assessment.

We discovered the replacement value of the district’s infrastructure, if rebuilt by today’s standards, was at least $1.7 billion.

What we have is well worth protecting.

While we’ve made lots of progress, we haven’t erased our to-do list. Today, we are working on two fronts.

First, we are disciplined about deferred maintenance. We are setting aside $10 million a year from Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT) revenue to meet these needs, guided by our facilities condition assessment. Second, we are committed to being strategic in facilities investments.

By making scheduled, annual investments in our facilities – and using supplemental investment from the federal government – we are not your school district of old. Long gone are the daisy chains of multiple devices wired together by necessity and “gymnacafetoriums” where building leaders had to scramble so students could eat lunch and take gym in the same space.

Where are we now? We’re thankful.

We’re thankful the community stepped up in a big way when the public schools had great needs. We’re thankful we did what we said we would do in our 10-year plan, all the while lowering the tax rate for schools from $7.93 to a projected $5.91 by 2022.

We will continue to monitor and maintain our facilities. We will talk to our staff, families and community stakeholders about what’s needed to improve our buildings and meet future needs.

With your help, we have learned what it takes to be a modern 21st century learning environment, where all of our students have a competitive advantage.

With your help, we’ll keep learning and keep investing in our future.

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.

7

8

SPECIAL SECTION Marketing / Communication

R O C K F O R D

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Seven trends in marketing for 2022 Video content builds trust with customers Marketing trends in 2022 will require HEATHER KELLEY businesses to Illinois SBDC provide concise, targeted content to their customers while introducing them to their brand in a storytelling format.

Here are seven trends that will define success in the coming year.

Content marketing will continue to be king. It’s a form of marketing focused on creating, publishing and distributing content for a targeted audience online. Content marketing is an important aspect of any digital strategy and can have a lasting impact on your business, for better or worse. Effective storytelling can help build a company into something that consumers want to engage with on every level, which is why content marketing will still be incredibly important throughout 2022.

Use data and metrics regularly to

measure your success. Marketers are spending less money, so it’s key to make sure you are reaching your target audience with messages and content that are engaging, at the right time.

Social media will remain very important, as it is a cost effective way to reach your audience with easy-to-use data and tracking tools. However platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are changing rapidly, and it’s getting harder to reach people, especially with organic posts.

Creating high-quality images and videos increases the chances of building trust and increasing the chances that your brand will be shared by potential customers.

Marketing teams will work closely with product development teams in order to improve customer experience and increase conversion rates.

Collaborating with your product development team can provide multiple benefits for both design and advertising.

A healthy partnership between the two

halves of your organization — one focused on research and design, and one focused on messaging strategy — means you’ll be able to market your product effectively and efficiently.

Marketing will be less about the product and more about the customer’s needs. The internet and data collection will enable companies to get a sense of the online habits of your customers. This technology will allow hyper-focused targeting, which builds a sense of trust and brand loyalty.

Your clients will feel a connection to your company and products and will feel they speak to them as a unique individual.

Marketers are becoming educators, not just advertisers. Consumers no longer want to be told what to buy. They are more engaged when you are sharing your products and knowledge with them and why it’s important to have it in their lives.

Video content should be the top priority for content and messaging your feed to your customers. It builds trust and

allows them to see and experience your products.

Search engine giant Google has announced that YouTube reaches more 18 to 34-year-olds and 18 to 49-year-olds than any cable network in the United States. Facebook reports that video posts receive six times more engagement than photo or link posts on average while Twitter has seen an increase in video views by over 160 percent.

Marketers who are serious about success in the coming years need to put an emphasis on educating their customers. Consumers now want more information, not just a hard sell. You can take this opportunity to set yourself apart by providing your audience with detailed content that educates them and answers all of their questions.

Heather Kelley is a consultant with the Illinois Small Business Development Center. Visit rockfordsbdc.org.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

GUEST COLUMNIST

KATRYNA KIRBY Social Kat

Four social media ‘must-dos’

User generated content promotes authenticity and credibility, it is a power word-of-mouth tool, and it gives consumers a voice.

Plus, this type of content is extremely cost effective.

Want to give your business a leg up on the competition in 2022? I have one solution for you: Be active on social media. It’s a new year, and if you are not consistently posting on social media, your business is simply missing out.

But let me guess, you’re overwhelmed and frankly don’t know where to start?

Trends are constantly changing, you don’t have time to post or maybe you don’t even understand how the platforms work.

This is your year to get educated and take that step to social media success, and these tips below will help. Trust me, follow these trends, and you’ll be ahead of your competition and stand out from the crowd in 2022.

Storytelling

Video Content – Instagram Reels & TikTok

It is content created by someone who’s

Video must now become a core component of your strategy — but simply hitting record and throwing up a plain video is no longer enough. It must be creative, innovative and entertaining to stand out in today’s digital marketing landscape. In 2022, you must figure out a way to create short snippets that highlight your products, your team and your community. And if you really want to get ahead of your competition, start creating Instagram Reels and TikToks.

Reels and TikToks are short, entertaining videos where you can express your creativity and bring a brand to life. It isn’t just a platform for young adults dancing to music, it is now a key platform for businesses to get noticed and stand out. P.S. I also heard LinkedIn will be jumping on the video bandwagon soon.

Facebook Ads & Boosts While I one-hundred-percent-believe in creating authentic content that draws organic engagement and reach, you still must have a Facebook ad strategy to go along with it. Do you ever post something amazing only to receive two likes?

Facebook algorithms are frustrating and anymore the platform expects you to “pay to play.” I recommend budgeting approximately $150 to $200 a month for Facebook ads and boosts. The best part is that you can specifically target individuals who fit your brand when you do a boost.

I have a PR background so I absolutely love,

(and

believe

in)

storytelling.

People want to hear and see from real people. They want to build emotional connections, and businesses can do this through telling stories and showing vulnerability. By showcasing real people from your company and real testimonials or success stories, people will build trust and credibility in your brand. That human connection will bring people back for more, time and time again.

User-generated Content Ever heard of user-generated content? not an official representative of your business (typically a customer).

Simply put, every person has a phone and nearly every person is on social media. People are constantly taking photos while shopping, taking pictures of food, products and more, and they are posting (and possibly even tagging your business) on social media. This type of content is GOLD for your brand.

User-generated

content

promotes

authenticity and credibility, it is a power word-of-mouth tool, and it gives consumers a voice. Plus, this type of content is extremely cost effective. You can simply re-share it, use their content (with permission) on your pages, or if that individual has a large following, ask them to do more and possibly be an “influencer.”

Some of you may still be overwhelmed after reading this. And while social media seems “easy,” it takes a lot of strategy and creativity. Make it a priority to get your social media channels in-check this year.

Take time to strategize and pull in team members who can help. Or simply find an outside agency to take on the duties.

Katryna Kirby is founder of Social Kat, a boutique social media and PR agency in the Rockford region.

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

SPECIAL SECTION Marketing / Communication

9

10

SPECIAL SECTION Marketing / Communication

GUEST COLUMNIST

GUEST COLUMNISTS DEVIN MAINVILLE KMK Media Group

STACY MCGUIRE V2 Marketing & Management

LEXI TINTLEMANN KMK Media Group

Age is the rage; through the generations

Understanding your customers on social media Since the beginning of time, (probably) different generations have agreed on two things: the generation ahead of them just doesn’t “get it,” and the generation behind them doesn’t understand either.

It’s a conundrum as infuriating as the ever-changing algorithms of social media.

Here at KMK, our staff is lucky to represent all current adult generations.

We have one (he’d like it known, on the very young side) Boomer, two GenXers, two Millennials and one Gen Zer. Thanks to the range of voices at KMK Media, we are perfectly poised to answer the question: How do you reach your target with your marketing message?

Boomers favor Pinterest more than other generations. With its focus on home décor and DIY, it makes sense that it’s preferred by one of the last generations that can still afford to be homeowners.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Baby Boomers live on Facebook. A 2021 Pew survey found that 73 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds and almost half of those aged 65 or older are active on Facebook. Since they generally prefer traditional media, it’s unsurprising that Boomers prefer Facebook, which is perfect for sharing traditional articles and images.

If your business is geared toward people who couldn’t tell a TikTok from a reel, sharing informative articles or textheavy infographics and cute memes on Facebook is the way to go.

A little more interesting, Boomers favor Pinterest more than other generations.

With its focus on home décor and DIY, it makes sense that it’s preferred by one of the last generations that can still afford to be homeowners.

Creating organic content for Pinterest can be difficult if your business isn’t in the home sector, but saving budget for ad placements on Pinterest can be beneficial.

Generation X (1965-1980) Ah, Generation X. How does one successfully market to this latchkey generation defined by its independence?

By looking at the trends of their closest counterparts, of course.

Doomed to forever be the bridge between two larger, louder generations, Gen X can also be found on Facebook and Pinterest in large numbers, but the MTV generation also gravitates toward YouTube – perhaps because it’s one of the last places to watch music videos? Or perhaps because visual media defined their adolescence in the way the internet would define Millennials.

Millennials (1981-1996) Millennials are defined by their childhood proximity to the turn of the millennium. As the first “digitally native” generation, they can be found on every available social media platform and often find new brands and business through online reviews and word-ofmouth recommendations – making them the most susceptible to loyalty-driven influencers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

As the largest segment of the workforce, they are also prolific users of LinkedIn. If you’re a B2B business looking for larger reach, LinkedIn is it, and 60 percent of Millennials are on it.

Generation Z (1996-2012) Not even into double digits when Facebook was launched, Gen Z grew up with technology in a way no other generation has, and their social media habits reflect this.

They prefer their content visual and short and are most readily found on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.

Gen Z is also known for its civic mindedness, with spending habits influenced by social issues they feel strongly about. But tread carefully, they can easily sniff out phoniness and pandering to those issues without backing it up, which will be worse than not appealing to that angle at all.

Marketing on social media will likely always be a bit of a mystery, and there will never be a one-size-fits-all solution. Start by collaborating and consulting with those from different generations as the first step toward reaching your intended audience.

Devin Mainville and Lexi Tintlemann are both communication specialists at KMK Media Group.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

2022 — Full steam ahead

For the first time in a while, the New Year may feel more like a glimmer of regular life once again – and a powerful wave of hope is sure to be present this year. Your annual resolutions may feel different than before, and it’s important to take stock of what really matters to you and your business. If we have learned anything in 2021, it’s not to take anything for granted; in 2022, a renewed focus on your business and strategic marketing plan may be top of mind.

While personal New Year’s resolutions are common, creating a list of obtainable business New Year’s resolutions might be just what you need to come out on top in 2022. Here are 5 resolutions to help get you started: 1. Create realistic organizational processes. Look at any of the new magazines at the checkout line in January and they all have one thing in common (besides THE best diet of 2022) – ways to organize every nook and cranny in your home. Organization is not just for your home – choose to organize your business.

The key to any organizational system is to create a realistic process. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new year and to have your sights set on major changes. But, for an organizational system to be sustainable, it needs to be realistic.

What worked and didn’t work for you and your staff over the last year? What processes seemed to be more trouble than they were worth? What did you have to change over and over because it was too complicated to keep up with? Evaluate the results and use that to fuel change for 2022.

2. Refresh your marketing plan.

Just like revising your organizational processes, take a look at your marketing plan over the past year. What worked well?

What didn’t? Where did you get your biggest results from, and can you replicate that again in a fresh way for 2022? Your updated plan should cut out anything that didn’t work and prioritize what worked best for your business (and your budget). If your marketing plan knocked it out of the park in 2021, try adding in a new strategy or tactic to build on your momentum.

And, if your website is more than a couple of years old, it’s time to revisit and refresh.

3. Expand your network. When you are swamped at work and your to-do list is already a mile long, the last thing you feel like doing is adding anything else to your schedule that doesn’t have an immediate impact on your business. So for 2022, get back out there and continue to expand your network. Make an effort to make a new – or foster an old – connection at least once a week, or even monthly, and

you improve the odds of finding a new business lead, learning some valuable industry information or creating a strong professional relationship. The more you network and participate in industry events, the more results you’ll see. Schedule phone calls, coffee dates or a hand-written note in your calendar like any other appointment to ensure it is a priority and not an afterthought.

4. Beat burnout. It can be exciting to return to the office after the holidays with a renewed sense of energy and motivation to do all the things, but it’s no secret that many small business owners or non-profit organizations work themselves to the bone. Burnout is no good for you, your organization, or your personal life.

Set clear boundaries, know when to take a break and learn to ask for help – all good ways to help eliminate burnout. Try this simple exercise – put your phone down and become “unreachable,” even if it’s just for a short time.

5. Learn to be okay with outsourcing. This resolution can be hard for anyone who is used to being the only one in charge of their organization. The thought that it’s easier to do it yourself than delegate to someone else is very common. Not only can it be a challenge to step away and let someone else step in, but hiring help is also a challenge these days – but this might be exactly what you need if growth is one of your goals for 2022.

When it comes time to outsource, consider what tasks you struggle with the most.

Do creative assignments keep you up at night – e-Newsletter copy, social media posts and blogs? Are you uncertain if you are managing your financials correctly?

Do you spend way too much time on administrative tasks? Your time is valuable.

Consider looking at creative ways to get your task list taken care of by hiring some extra help or investing in digital tools to free up your schedule.

Let 2022 be the year of getting things done and crossing things off your to-do list. If this list of resolutions is already stressing you out – here’s a bonus tip: Get a plant. Just the presence of indoor plants can lower human stress levels, calm the nervous system and lower blood pressure.

And when people work near plants, they report greater concentration, satisfaction and perceived air quality. Exhale…

Stacy McGuire is managing partner at V2 Marketing & Management.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

GUEST COLUMNIST

KARLI SMITH Chartwell Agency

Five strategies for launching your marketing campaign Create a splash to drive customers through the doors

A marketing campaign is a specific strategy designed to meet a specific marketing goal. In some cases, campaigns are developed for broader initiatives such as driving more sales, and sometimes for narrower purposes such as building awareness around one specific product. Campaigns help build brand awareness and establish the identity and personality of an organization. If done right, a campaign will help you meet your business goals and also create a lasting impact on your audience.

With so many tactics to choose from nowadays, it’s crucial to be strategic and thoughtful in the approach you take to roll out your marketing campaign.

Developing a campaign rollout plan should be your first step after identifying your campaign creative. A plan will help your team stay focused and organized on the goals at hand.

Below are some best practices for creating your rollout plan.

Incorporate measurable goals: What is a plan without measurable goals? Make sure to include your goals and objectives for the campaign in your plan and ensure your strategies and tactics will help you get there. Work with project stakeholders to turn your goals into SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely) and set up milestones to track your progress.

Be strategic about your tactics: There are countless marketing tactics to choose from today, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to decide what vehicles to choose to share your campaign and message.

What you decide to do here comes down to one thing — your audience.

Make sure to do your research on your potential customers. Create personas to understand their interests, wants and needs; think about their pain points; and know what marketing tactics will reach them.

Host an internal launch party: Your staff and/or volunteers are your brand ambassadors and their buy-in and understanding of your campaign is essential. Roll out your campaign to your internal folks prior to sharing with the general public. Share any campaign creative and messaging during that time to ensure everyone understands the goal. Make the party fun and include food and potentially a campaignbranded item, if budget allows.

Make a big splash: Launching a campaign is a big deal. If you know your audience members and come at them from many different angles, you will

generate a buzz and get people talking about your new product or service.

Don’t be afraid to come out heavy and spend more of your marketing dollars at the onset of your campaign. Leave your audience with no other option than to see what your new product or service is all about by using relatable success stories or a clear and strong call to action.

Roll out your campaign to your internal folks prior to sharing with the general public. Share any campaign creative and messaging during that time to ensure everyone understands the goal.

Assess your campaign: When your campaign is over, it’s important to measure its success. By measuring and analyzing data, you are able to see what strategies and tactics worked and which ones didn’t and make adjustments for the future. In addition to comparing your data against your SMART goals to determine which goals were met, develop a list of questions you may want to answer such as: ■ What tactics worked best? What tactics might we want to reevaluate?

■ What did we learn about our audience during the campaign?

■ What did we learn about our internal processes during the campaign?

■ What did we do well? What could we have done better?

The launch of a new marketing campaign is a fun and exciting time for organizations. With a little planning and strategic thought, your campaign can produce a big splash for your audience and ultimately drive more customers through your doors.

Karli Smith is senior director at Chartwell Agency.

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

SPECIAL SECTION Marketing / Communication

11

12

SPECIAL SECTION Marketing / Communication

R O C K F O R D

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

economic development 23-Year economic development veteran named as RAEDC president The Rockford Area Economic Development Council selected Therese Thill to become the organization’s president beginning Feb. 1, 2022. She has more than 23 years of economic and community development experience in business retention, expansion and attraction projects.

Reporting to Einar Forsman, president of the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership, she will focus her efforts on actively engaging with site selectors, company executives, business owners, brokers and public officials to encourage companies to locate or expand in the region. She also will concentrate on assisting existing primary employers in the region with resources for sustainable growth.

Previously, Thill was senior vice president of business development with Grand Rapids-based The Right Place, the region’s leading economic development organization, offering comprehensive business assistance services to growing companies. In 2018, she was the recipient of the Economic Developer of the Year Award by the Michigan Economic Developers Association.

She has her MBA in global management, bachelor’s degree in international studies and Economic Development Master Practitioner certification.

“We look forward to applying her talents to the many opportunities available for our region,” said Forsman. “Her experience and accomplishments building business attraction and retention efforts coupled with her proactive, collaborative leadership style aligns with the goals we’ve set at the GRGP.” “With her considerable expertise and enthusiasm for our community’s vision, Therese will hit the ground running,” said Eric Cunningham, RAEDC board chair.

Chatting with Matt Matt Zarembski is the director of always keeping in mind investor relations for the RAEDC. He took that it is their some time out of his day to chat with us. investment that leads to asset creation, You’ve been in this position enhanced production, about a month. What has employment and overall economic been your first goal to progress here in the Rockford Region.

accomplish?

My first goal has been to connect and reconnect with investors of the RAEDC, with the overall goal of establishing meaningful relationships within our business community. In my role as director of investor relations, I look forward to assisting existing businesses with resources for sustainable growth here in the Rockford Region.

What can RAEDC investors expect in the coming year?

I look forward to working closely with many partners to improve the competitiveness of our region by taking what we learn from the region’s employers and the community and applying it to the daily work of economic development. By networking with local business and community leadership, I plan on building relationships designed to generate a better understanding of your organization’s mission, needs and strategic plan to provide appropriate engagement to help meet the needs of your business and the Rockford business community at large.

Why is becoming an investor important?

Without the partnership of our investors, we cannot carry out our mission of cultivating opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic well-being of our region. We continue to strive to meet our investors’ needs while

Why is economic development so important?

I believe economic development is a concerted effort by all of us to harness the efforts and resources of our public and private partners to work collectively to accomplish economic development goals that would be difficult to accomplish individually. It is important that we work together to pool and leverage resources from a broad set of diverse stakeholders to ensure the entire region is successful.

PHOTO COURTESY OF INDUSTRY WEEK

Our region is a skilled workforce powerhouse The region has established nimble, industry-specific and customized education-to-workforce pipelines; ensuring we have the skilled workforce essential to filling jobs that are good today, tomorrow and in the future.

Skilled workforce in the Rockford Region outranks the statewide and national levels in multiple industry clusters.

nursing degree.

■ RVC offers an FAA-approved degree program and an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification program.

■ RVC offers stacked credentialed certificates and degree programs through the Advanced Manufacturing Center.

■ Apprenticeship programs are offered by many regional trade unions.

Rockford Public Schools has partnered with Rockford University to recruit teachers and build a workforce from its own student body.

These partnerships, in addition to Rockford Promise, a location-based scholarship program offering full-tuition scholarships to qualifying graduates of Rockford Public School District 205, allows the next generation of the workforce find jobs that are good for today, tomorrow and the future.

Our workforce solution is what sets the region apart The NIU@RVC partnership allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering for under $40,000 total while staying in Rockford.

The Rockford Campus of University of Illinois Medical School is home to all four years of medical school.

■ OSF Healthcare has partnered with Rock Valley College for a four-year Industry Cluster

MSA Level Data

State Level Data

National Level Data

Healthcare Practitioners

7.3%

6.1%

6.2%

Logistics & Distribution

11.1%

10.3%

8.7%

Manufacturing

18.7%

7.2%

6.1%

What is your favorite aspect of the region?

As a lifelong resident of the Rockford Region, it is hard to choose just one aspect that makes this community great. Whether it is taking in a performance at the Coronado Theater or enjoying our wonderful park district, the Rockford Region has so much to offer. In the end, what makes the Rockford Region special is its people. When I think of Rockford, I think of a close-knit community, a place where everyone knows everyone, and a region who relies on each other in times of trouble and triumph. I am proud to call the Forest City home.

Investors can reach Matt at mzarembski@rockfordil.com or his cell at 815-793-2735. Also, call the office 815987-8118, and he can connect you with the right person to meet your needs.

Attending MAC2022 Registration for MAC2022 is open!

MAC2022 creates connections, discusses innovation and strengthens supply chains and opportunities for attendees and exhibitors. One of the primary functions of MAC2022 is matchmaking and networking.

MAC2022 features Dr. Ronald Sega as the keynote speaker and Dr. Kevin Michaels with an aerospace industry update, provides matchmaking opportunities and continues the discussion about innovation, cybersecurity and emerging technology.

Innovation and technology are the heart and soul of aerospace.

Registration includes access to workshops, exhibitions and presentations tackling key topics relevant to the aerospace industry from cybersecurity to supplier development and workforce development to electrification.

Learn more about registration and the exhibitors attending at MidwestAerospaceConference.com.

See you on March 10, 2022!

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

13

January 2022

IRS guidance for taxpayers and small businesses

Per diem rates and the temporary 100% deduction for food or beverages The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance under the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act of 2020 on how the temporary 100 percent business deduction for food or beverages from restaurants applies to taxpayers, properly applying the rules for using per diem rates.

The IRS added a temporary exception to the 50 percent limit on the amount that businesses may deduct for food or beverages. The temporary exception allows a 100 percent deduction for food or beverages from restaurants, as long as the expense is paid or incurred in 2021 or 2022.

A special rule allows the taxpayer to treat the full meal portion of a per diem rate or allowance as being attributable to food or beverages from a restaurant beginning Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2022. Taxpayers should refer to section 6.05 of Revenue Procedure 2019-48 to determine the meal portion of a per diem rate or allowance paid or incurred.

More information for businesses seeking coronavirus-related tax relief can be found at IRS.gov.

Depreciation of Property Deduction Depreciation is an annual tax deduction that allows small businesses to recover the cost or other basis of certain property over the time they use the property. It allows for the wear and tear, deterioration or obsolescence of the property.

Small businesses can depreciate property when they place it in service for use in their trade or business or to produce income. The business stops depreciating property when they have fully recovered their cost or other basis or when they retire it from service, whichever happens first.

Small businesses can depreciate machinery, equipment, buildings, vehicles and furniture. They cannot claim depreciation on personal property. If a business uses an asset,

such as a car, for business or investment and personal purposes, the business owner can depreciate only the business or investment use portion. Land is never depreciable, although buildings and certain land improvements may be.

Business requirements:

that it must be something that wears out,

■ Own the property. The business is considered to own property even if it is subject to a debt.

a business places it in service.

■ Use the property in a business or income-producing activity. If the property is used to produce income, the income must be taxable. Property that’s used solely for personal activities can’t be depreciated.

■ Be able to assign a determinable useful life to the property. This means

decays, gets used up, becomes obsolete or loses its value from natural causes.

■ Expect the property to last more than one year. It must have a useful life that extends substantially beyond the year ■ Not depreciate excepted property.

Excepted intangible

property property,

includes certain

certain term

interests, equipment used to build capital improvements and property placed in service and disposed of in the same year.

Small businesses should use Form 4562 to figure their deduction for depreciation.

14

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

GUEST COLUMNIST

ERNA COLBORN Edward Jones

Should inflation affect your investment moves?

As you know, inflation heated up in 2021, following years of pretty stable – and low – numbers. And now, early in 2022, we’re still seeing elevated prices. As a consumer, you may need to adjust your activities somewhat, but as an investor, how should you respond to inflation?

First, it helps to know the causes of this recent inflationary spike. Essentially, it’s a case of basic economics – strong demand for goods meeting inadequate supply, caused by material and labor shortages, along with shipping and delivery logjams.

In other words, too many dollars chasing too few goods. Once the supply chain issues begin to ease and consumer spending moves from goods to services as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, it’s likely that inflation will moderate, but it may still stay above pre-pandemic levels throughout 2022.

Given this outlook, you may want to review your investment portfolio. First, consider stocks. Generally speaking, stocks can do well in inflationary periods because

companies’ revenues and earnings may increase along with inflation.

But some sectors of the stock market typically do better than others during inflationary times. Companies that can pass along higher costs to consumers due to strong demand for their goods – such as firms that produce building materials or supply steel or other commodities to other businesses – can do well. Conversely, companies that sell nonessential goods and services, such as appliances, athletic apparel and entertainment, may struggle more when prices are rising.

Of course, it’s still a good idea to own a variety of stocks from various industries because it can help reduce the impact of market volatility on any one sector. And to help counteract the effects of rising prices, you might also consider investing in companies that have a long track record of paying and raising stock dividends. (Keep in mind, though, that these companies are not obligated to pay dividends and can reduce or discontinue them at any time.)

Illinois highest in identity theft complaints Arm yourself with this information With businesses such as Facebook, T-Mobile and Volkswagen experiencing data breaches this year and the number of breaches in 2021 higher than in 2020, WalletHub.com released its report on States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft & Fraud in 2021. Illinois ranked #1 for identity-theft complaints per capita (tied with Kansas and Rhode Island).

Other Options

and interest payments will decrease, but

Apart from stocks, how can inflation affect other types of investments? Think about bonds. When you invest in a bond, you receive regular interest payments until the bond matures. But these payments stay the same, so, over time, rising inflation can eat into your bond’s future income, which may also cause the price of your bond to drop – a concern if you decide to sell the bond before it matures. The impact of inflation is especially sharp on the price of longer-term bonds because of the cumulative loss of purchasing power.

However, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) can provide some protection against inflation. The face value, or principal amount, of each TIPS is $1,000, but this principal is adjusted based on changes in the U.S. Consumer Price Index. So, during periods of inflation, your principal will increase, also increasing your interest payments. When inflation drops, though, your principal

you’ll never receive less than the original

Your Mail: Fishing for pre-approved credit card offer and opening an account in your name.

Phishing: E-mails from phony financial institutions asking that you provide certain information for their records or from friends asking for help out of a financial pickle.

Skimming: Thieves manipulate credit card processing machines and ATMs by inserting a device that captures the account information of whomever uses it.

Steps You Can Take

Shred Documents/Put a Lock on Your Mailbox: Forty percent of identity thieves glean personal information from people’s mail, according Other Illinois Rankings to Good Housekeeping magazine.

Limit Prescreened Offers in the Mail: Call #22 Fraud & Other Complaints per Capita 1-888-567-8688. #30 Median Loss Amount Due to Fraud Protect your Social Security Number: Don’t State Security-Freeze Laws for carry your Social Security card in your wallet, #18 and ask the DMV to use a different number for Minors’ Credit Reports your driver’s license (if your state generally uses Identity-Theft Passport Program #1 your SSN as a default driver’s license number).

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as Your SSN may be listed on your insurance card or alternative forms of identification. While many as nine million Americans experience some organizations are gradually phasing out this form of identity theft each year. practice, be proactive and make sure your cards Most Common Identity Theft Complaints are switched now.

Only Enter Financial Information on Official, Government Documents/Benefits Fraud 46% Secure Websites: Look for the “https:” prefix.

Credit Card Fraud

13%

Phone/Utilities Fraud

10%

Bank Fraud

6%

Employee-Related Fraud

5%

Loan Fraud

2%

Other

18%

Beware of These Tactics Your Trash: Digging through for old bills, financial statements, etc., to get your name, address, account number, bank name.

IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN …

■ Submit your identity theft complaint at www. consumer.ftc.gov or 1-877-ID THEFT. ■ Fill out the Postal Inspection Service’s ID Theft form.

■ Tax Identification Number compromised? Fill out the Internal Revenue Service’s Identity Theft Affidavit.

■ SSN compromised? Call 800-269-0271.

■ Contact Your Bank(s)

principal value when the TIPS mature.

Talk to your financial advisor to determine if TIPS may be appropriate for you.

Ultimately, inflation may indeed be something to consider when managing your investments. But other factors – especially your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals – should still be the driving force behind your investment decisions. A solid investment strategy can serve you well, regardless of whether prices move up or down.

Erna Colborn, AAMS, CRPS is financial advisor at Edward Jones. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC. The views expressed are those of Colborn’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Protect Your PIN: You’re more likely to be held liable for a debit card or ATM transaction if your actual PIN is used.

Never Respond to Unsolicited Requests for Information Order a Free Credit Report Every Four Months: All consumers are entitled to a free copy of their Experian, Equifax and TransUnion credit reports once every 12 months. Space out your orders for each one.

Lock Your Credit Reports: Certain states enable consumers to “lock” or “freeze” their credit reports to prevent anyone from accessing them without your express permission and making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

Sign Up for Credit Monitoring: Credit monitoring services alert you within 24 hours of any change to your credit report.

Make a Credit Card Your Primary Spending Vehicle: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express all offer blanket $0 liability guarantees for unauthorized credit card purchases.

Sign for Debit Card Purchases: The four major card networks also provide liability protections to debit card users as well. However, you’re only guaranteed to be covered if a signature is used for “verification.”

Review Your Accounts on a Regular Basis: Check your monthly account statements for charges that you did not make or any other irregularities.

Leave No Room For Doubt: Never leave the final amount of a transaction open for interpretation.

For example, always fill in the “Tip” field on a bill, even if you’re only going to write “$0.00.”

Know Your Wallet: Make a photocopy of every relevant item: credit cards, driver’s license, insurance card for a faster recovery if it’s stolen.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

15

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

What is IGNITE? CARMEN KELLERMAN IGNITE/Rockford Chamber

Four ways to engage young professionals

IGNITE is the region’s young professional group and is a part of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

IGNITE members do not have to be Rockford Chamber members to join, but IGNITE members are always welcome to learn more about becoming a Chamber member.

Our mission is to attract and retain young professionals to the Rockford region. We do this by connecting and engaging young professionals with leadership, professional and personal development and volunteer opportunities.

IGNITE’s program is suitable for individuals between the ages of 21 to 40; however, all are welcome in our group!

Young professionals can be found in a wide variety of careers and IGNITE is not limited to any specific line of work.

Our group is full of diversity, and we would love to keep it that way!

What Can IGNITE Provide for Me? IGNITE focuses on the professional development, volunteering, community and social aspects of life.

Professional Development. Professional development is a key area for YPs. While in the beginning to middle stages of our careers, it is important that we grow as engaged members of our community as well as professionals.

At IGNITE, we provide opportunities to meet key leaders in our community through our Lunch with a Leader series.

Our Leadership Team is always happy to help make connections such as jobs, board seats, business opportunities and more. We have a job board and open community board positions listed on our website.

Volunteering. As young professionals it is important that we give back to the communities we live, work, learn and

play in. Not only does this help our communities grow stronger and healthier, but it also allows YPs an important chance to expand their networks, engage in the non-profit side of our community, learn more and even improve their resumes.

There are multiple volunteer opportunities listed on the IGNITE website or you can check United Way. Young professionals could also join us at our Meet the NonProfit series to learn more about the different organizations in our community.

Community. We are constantly looking for new ways to keep YPs engaged in the community. This is an ever-expanding and changing task, but IGNITE is up for the challenge. We are committed to encouraging our members to be a part of their local community.

This could mean encouraging YPs to attend a city council meeting or becoming a mentor for high school seniors through Alignment Rockford.

It could mean writing a column in the Rockford Chamber’s newspaper, The VOICE, or getting involved with Transform Rockford. Our community is constantly changing and so is our

involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always in 100 percent.

Social. “After 5s”, social events and IGNITE Cup will all be back for 2022!

IGNITE Cup is a summer-long event series designed to connect and engage young professionals in the Rockford region. Teams of 10 (comprised of coworkers, friends or friends-to-be (i.e. strangers)) compete in games to earn points. The team at the end of the summer who earns the most points wins the coveted IGNITE CUP! All are welcome!

To learn more about IGNITE, check out our Facebook at IGNITE Rockford or our Instagram (igniterockfordyp). If there are ever any questions or if you are interested in joining IGNITE, please contact me at info@igniterockford.com.

Carmen Kellerman is coordinator of IGNITE. The views expressed are those of Kellerman’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

16

SPECIAL SECTION Celebrating All Businesses

January 2022

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Happy birthday, Illinois!

Illinois joined the Union on Dec. 3, 1818, as the 21st state. Happy 203rd!

Nickname: The Prairie State State Slogan: “Land of Lincoln” State Animal: White-tailed deer State Amphibian: Eastern tiger salamander State Bird: Northern cardinal State Fish: Bluegill State Microbe: Penicillium rubens State Tree: White oak State Flower: Violet State Fruit: GoldRush apple State Grain: Corn State Vegetable: Sweet corn State Snack Food: Popcorn The area of Illinois was part of the original territory of the United States, being part of lands ceded by four states to the United States and designated in 1787 as the “Territory northwest of the River Ohio.” Illinois Territory was organized on Feb. 3, 1809, from the western part of Indiana Territory, and included all of presentday Illinois, most of Wisconsin, the western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and northeastern Minnesota.

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Illinois are available beginning with the 1800 census. The 1810 population is for the entire area of the Illinois Territory, including territory not in the present state.

Data for the legally established state of Illinois are available beginning with the 1820 census.

Top U.S. Exports from Illinois 1. Medicaments 2. Dumpers (Dump trucks designed for off-highway use) 3. Antisera and other fractions 4. Machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus 5. Brewing or distilling dregs and waste 6. Diagnostic or laboratory reagents 7. Soybeans, other than seed 8. Civilian aircraft, engines and parts 9. Petroleum spirit for motor vehicles 10. Parts and accessories of motor vehicles

Top Export Countries from Illinois 1. Canada 2. Mexico 3. Germany 4. Australia 5. China 6. Brazil 7. United Kingdom 8. Japan 9. Netherlands 10. South Korea

Top U.S Imports to Illinois 1. Telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks

2. Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals

3. Portable digital automatic data processing machines 4. Medicaments

5. Parts of airplanes or helicopters 6. Machines for the reception,

conversion and transmission or

regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus

7. Beer made from malt

8. Immunological products 9. Turbojets

10. Video game consoles and machines

Top Import Countries to Illinois 1. China

2. Canada 3. Mexico

4. Germany 5. Japan

6. Netherlands 7. Vietnam

8. Singapore 9. Taiwan

10. United Kingdom

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

SPECIAL SECTION Celebrating All Businesses

17

VETERANS AND STUDENTS RIDE FOR FREE ON RMTD RMTD announced effective Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 that free rides will be offered to veterans and students in grades K-12 attending school in the Rockford area on all RMTD fixed routes.

Veterans will need to obtain an RMTD Veterans Free Ride Photo ID. The cost for the ID is $5. Vets will need proof of service and proof of identity to get the ID card. Once they have the card, they can ride any fixed route for free.

Students in grades K-12 can also ride for free by presenting their school ID. If they do not have an ID card, they can purchase an RMTD Student ID for $2. Proof of enrollment and proof of identity are needed to get an RMTD Student Free Ride ID card.

For more information call 815961-9000 or visit our website at rmtd.org.

On Dec. 12, 2021, Tom Morgan left, and Bob Morgan, right, founders of Morgan Building Maintenance, recreate a picture that appeared in an article on the company in Rockford magazine in 1988. Tom is now 85 years old and still involved in the business. Bob is 89 years old and long since retired. Dan Morgan (Tom’s son) is now the CEO and majority owner, and the business still is going strong after 50 years. The company says the last couple of years has been interesting in learning how to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, the shortages and high demand it created.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2022 The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2022 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (vans, pickups or panel trucks) are: ■ 58.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 2.5 cents from the rate for 2021, ■ 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, up 2 cents from the rate for 2021, and ■ 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2021.

Under Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Networking is key to 30 years of success for Brian Thomas Photography Brian Thomas Photography attributes much of its 30 years of success to being a Rockford Chamber member. I joined the chamber the first month I started my business so that I could take advantage of the networking opportunities. I have found by attending and networking at chamber events over the years that I have built strong partnerships with other chamber members.

The chamber team is great to work with when I’ve hosted events and is always accessible to field any questions I may have.

I also find the monthly VOICE publication is a great resource to keep up-to-date on the activities of other businesses in our region.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow chamber members who wrote letters of support in recognizing me as one of the 20 people we should know in 2021.

John, Fran, John J. and Mary Beth keep their family of businesses going strong.

Thank you for your support and friendship for 50 years!

John Morrissey Accountants was founded in 1972 with a passion for helping people and helping businesses succeed. The Morrissey Family Businesses has grown over the years to include Staff Management and Market Dimensions.

John F. Morrissey began his public accounting career in 1968, and founded John Morrissey Accountants, Inc., in 1972 in the basement of his home. He made a threemonth commitment to himself — if things didn’t work out, he would give up his dream of owning his own accounting practice. Fifty years later, John Morrissey Accountants has grown exponentially through new business and client relationships, accounting practice acquisitions and market share expansion.

John and his wife Fran founded Staff Management in 1983 as a human resource consulting and professional employer organization to assist their clients with the increasing complexities of compliance and human resources in general. Fran was the president and CEO of Staff Management for many years, and together they built the current offices.

They worked on opposite sides of the building, but shared lunch together nearly every day, while focusing on growing both businesses. John J. Morrissey, returned to Rockford with his family in 1998 and joined the family business. The family then acquired an existing payroll company, Market Dimensions, to offer cost-effective payroll solutions to clients. Mary Beth rejoined the family business in 2013.

Morrissey Family Businesses is excited to celebrate its 50-year milestone. We are proud of our community and proud to call the Rockford region our home!

Celebrating 175 years as an educational pioneer for students of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

18

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

on digital

MEMBER PICS

State Farm Insurance - Semmelroth Insurance Agency (Meagan Semmelroth) held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 2 at 6551 E.. Riverside Blvd., Ste. 114, Rockford.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS EDWARD JONES - CHRIS JOHNSON, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

1463 S. Bell School Road, Ste. 2, 61108 Chris Johnson 815-397-5169 www.edwardjones.com/us-en/ financial-advisor/chris-johnson

GAMBINO REALTORS TEAM LUNDE Opening Doors For You 3815 N. Mulford Road, 61114 Mike Lunde 815-985-9522 www.teamlunde.com

LALOGGIA INVESTMENT GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

Investment Services 6801 Spring Creek Road Ste. 1A, 61114 Nicole Morig 815-921-0555 www.laloggiainvestmentgroup.com

MARSHMALLOW’S HOPE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION CORP

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Nonprofit Organization Laura Kane 847-754-5770 www.marshmallowsHope.org

NOVO NORDISK

Todd Hughes 815-670-1654 www.novonordisk-us.com

STATE FARM - MEAGAN SEMMELROTH

Insurance and Finance Services 6551 E. Riverside Blvd., Ste. 114, 61114 Meagan Semmelroth 779-238-3062 www.meaganfromsf.com

Ambassadors gathered for the annual Christmas lunch. Front Row: Ray King; Mary Ann Gaunt, Alpine Kiwanis Club; Jean Ginner, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful; Diane James, MembersAlliance Credit Union; Mary Jo Hare, Servpro of Rockford; and, Michele Beeman, Collins Aerospace.

Back row: Randall “Smitty” Smith, Stratus Networks; Matt Gugliciello, Forest Plaza; Maren Sanders, Edward Jones; Pat Casazza, Broadmoor Agency; Steve Cunningham, MercyCare Health Plans; Jim Lyke, Lamar Advertising of Rockford; Jeff Bailey, Rockford Chamber; and, Kristin Muehlfelder, Rockford Chamber.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in November 2021 A-1 Dry Cleaners & Laundry Advanced Chimney Systems Inc. Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME)

Northern Illinois Terrazzo & Tile Company

Alden Debes Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

Nova Painting & Decorating

American Advertising Federation of Northern Illinois

Pearson Plumbing & Heating Co. Professional Graphics Inc.

American Solutions for Business (Formerly Skyward Promotions) Baker Tilly US, LLP Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education Brian Thomas Photography, Inc. Briggs Floor Sanding & Refinishing Center for Education and Training Reform Chick-fil-A Rockford Christofferson Moving & Storage ColorLab Cosmetics, Inc.

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

40-YEAR MEMBER

15-YEAR MEMBER

Pearson Plumbing & Heating Co.

SVL Productions

25-YEAR MEMBERS

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Catholic Diocese of Rockford

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc.

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc.

The Observer

Winnebago County Board Office

20-YEAR MEMBERS Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Zion Development Corporation

Morgan Stanley - The Custer/ Meisch Group

Creative Crane & Rigging, Inc. Dalton & Tomich, LLC Envoy Mortgage Erboe & Associates, CPAs Forest City Diagnostic Imaging Forest City Diagnostic Imaging Summit Location Gateway Professional Baseball, LLC - Beloit Snappers

RAC Adjustment Company Rock River Environmental Services (Waste Connections) Rock Town Consulting Rockford Ball Screw Rockford Christian Schools Rockford Molded Products Saavedra Group Architects Savant Wealth Management SPXFLOW Hydraulic Technologies Stanley Steemer of Rockford State Farm Insurance Brian Faulk, CLU, ChFC State Farm Insurance Leslie West Agency Studio GWA SuperSuds Car Care Center Swedish Historical Society The Olympic Tavern Trinity Day Care Unity Hospice

Giuseppe Verdi Society/Verdi Club

Upper Cervical Care Center

workplace

Grace Funeral & Cremation Services

VetsRoll.org

5-YEAR MEMBER

Hughes Media Corp.

Winnebago County Health Department

Rock Valley Credit Union

MDM Consulting

Judson University Lincoln Rent-All & Sales, Inc. Louis Bageanis

Windmill Hill LC

Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office

MDM Consulting

YWCA Northwestern Illinois

MembersAlliance Credit Union

Z Resource

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

19

legislative LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

New laws ring in the New Year for Illinois With the New Year comes a host of new laws that affect many aspects of Illinoisans’ lives. In all, 285 new laws will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Also, some bills passed during 2021 include effective dates into 2022, 2023 or beyond.

MINIMUM WAGE Minimum Wage Increases On Jan. 1, the minimum wage increased to $12 per hour and will continue to increase on Jan. 1 each year until it hits $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025.

PUBLIC SAFETY Criminal justice reforms take effect One provision of the criminal justice reform bill passed in 2021 that takes effect at the beginning of 2022 includes the start of the phase-in requirement that all law enforcement officers in the state wear body cameras by 2025.

Counties and cities with populations of 500,000 or more (City of Chicago; Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties) will have to meet this requirement by Jan. 1, 2022. Smaller departments will be phased in over the next few years.

Effective Jan. 1, 2023: ■ Abolishes monetary bail and gives broad discretion to judges to determine detention.

■ Forbids arrest for resisting arrest/ obstructing unless there is an underlying offense.

■ Prohibits an officer from making a custodial arrest for Class B misdemeanors, which includes property trespassers and peeping toms. Instead, all an officer can do is issue the offender a citation but can no longer remove the person from private or public property.

Adding email and social media posts to stalking/ no contact orders The Legislature took steps to strengthen the Stalking/No-Contact Order Act. As of Jan. 1, 2022, a person who is prohibited through a no-contact order from contacting another individual by phone or in person can also be restrained from sending email, texts or social media posts.

Strengthening penalties against child predators Legislators also closed a loophole that allowed family members found to be in possession of child pornography to escape jail time.

Through an amendment to the Code of Corrections, child pornography laws are strengthened by making possession of child pornography, when the child is a household or family member of the defendant, a non-probational offense. Previously, this category of offenders could receive a sentence of probation for their pornography conviction.

EDUCATION

Optional college admissions testing Beginning Jan. 1, all of Illinois’ public universities and community colleges must offer a “test-optional” policy as part of its undergraduate

admissions process. This means that students can choose whether or not they will submit SAT, ACT or other test scores as part of their applications for college. The law only affects admissions processes for the state’s public institutions of higher learning.

Mental health excused absences for Illinois public schools When students return to school in January, they will have up to five excused absence days available to them that can be used for mental or behavioral health. Students will not have to provide a medical note when using these days, and they must be given the opportunity to make up any missed school work assigned during the mental or behavioral health absence.

the student attends must provide that student with a report that includes the following: ■ The estimated cost of his or her education associated with pursuing a degree in that major; ■ The average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on the estimated cost of his or her education; ■ The average job placement rate within 12 months after graduation for a graduate who holds a degree in that major; ■ The average entry-level wage or salary for an occupation related to that major; and ■ The average wage or salary five years after entry into an occupation related to that major.

Agricultural Sciences as an official class to meet state requirements For high school students, courses in agricultural sciences will now count toward the three-year minimum of science classes required for admission into a public university in Illinois. Classes in agricultural sciences can also now be taken in lieu of the current two-year requirement of a foreign language for admittance into a public university.

Outlining the costs of college Through a new comprehensive report that must now be completed by all public universities in Illinois, when a student declares or changes a major of study, the public university

PUBLIC HEALTH Repackaging unused prescription medications Beginning in January, those who struggle to afford their prescription medications can take advantage of a new program that makes their medicines more affordable.

Through the new Illinois Drug Reuse Opportunity Program Act, individuals may now donate their unused prescription medications back to participating pharmacies, which could then repackage them and make them available to patients in need. Pharmacies may charge a nominal handling fee.

Source: State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford)

20

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

in the news

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Therese Thill

2. Daniel Garcia

3. Chris Posey

4. Randy Beck

5. Bonnie Gundry

6. Diane Martin

7. Cassi Steurer

8. Devin Mainville

9. Lexi Tintlemann

10. Dan Roszkowski

11. Stephen Nelson

12. Chrisopher Anderson

13. Sherry Gaumond

14. William Waldorf

15. Lizeth Medina Diaz

16. Lisa Stamos

17. Madison Psinas

18. Linette Rojas

19. Melissa McCormick

20. Dr. Kyle Strobel

BOARD APPOINTMENTS RAMP welcomed new board members, Nikki Lynch, Rockford Park District, and Misty DeHaven, APN and RN.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Rockford Area Economic Development Council named Therese Thill (1) as president beginning Feb. 1, 2022.

Daniel Garcia (2) joined Blackhawk Bank as vice president business banking in the Kane County market.

RAMP hired Jackie Sundquist as its new CEO/executive director, Amy Morris as chief operations officer/ development director, Katie Lee as services director, Heather Foulker as assistant services director, Matt Ludolph as office assistant/information and referral specialist in Freeport and Taryn Finley as independent living advocate.

Fehr Graham hired Chris Posey (3) as an EHS project manager at the Freeport office and Randy Beck (4) as an engineering technician at the Rockford office.

KMK Media Group Inc., hired Devin Mainville (8) and Lexi Tintlemann (9) as communications specialists.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company promoted Dan Yesbeck to director of information technology and Arica Plautz to agency manager. Jessica Burns joined as a pricing analyst in the research & development department and Marcy Savage as a marketing representative for Eastern Wisconsin.

Rockford Community Bank, part of the Wintrust Community Bank network, hired Nathan Bevineau as branch manager of retail banking, Darwin Rodriguez as personal banker, and Wendy Sutton as teller supervisor. They join Michele Petrie, president, Wintrust commercial banking; Brent Scott, senior vice president, Wintrust commercial banking, and Tammy McNeany, Wintrust residential mortgage.

Larson & Darby Group announced its new leadership team with day-to-day management of the firm: Dan Roszkowski (10), chairman of the board; Stephen Nelson (11), CEO; Christopher Anderson (12), president, and Sherry Gaumond (13), COO. The current CEO, William Waldorf (14), will continue as senior structural engineer.

OF GENERAL INTEREST SNAP-Ed program coordinator, and Tammy Bené, Winnebago County office Melissa McCormick (19), MX3 support associate. Julie Miller, Business Solutions, presented Stephenson County office support “Negotiation 101 – A Mindset Shift” at assistant, was recognized for 10 years. the Global Women’s Leadership Judson University held its eighth Network’s Executive Summit, and “The Judson Shark Tank event in November.

Future of Women in the Workplace” at Winners, all seniors: Lizeth Medina the Rockford Chamber Pow(h)er Diaz (15), first; Eliana Sarver, second; conference.

Pedro Rodrigues, third, and Edgar Castillo, fan favorite.

Rockford Housing Authority named Tanya Woody, janitor, with a Director’s Spotlight Award for October and Vince Tarara, maintenance supervisor, for November.

Kika Young, director of corporate management, Forest City Gear, received the 2021 Outstanding Young Rockford IceHogs’ former team Alumni Award from Rockford captain, Jared Nightingale, joined as an University. She received a bachelor’s in RAMP welcomed Daisy Carrillo as assistant coach. arts degree in business management office assistant, Grace Gerrard as youth and English literature in 2008 and an Bonnie Gundry (5), vice president and education advocate and Nick MBA in 2009. branch manager, Rockton branch, First Altamirano as program assistant.

National Bank and Trust, announced Lisa Stamos (16) received Judson plans to retire at the end of the year after EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY University’s 2021 Presidential Award of RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS 46 years.

Excellence during the World Leaders Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness Forum in November. She founded J.L. Clark hired Gyas Uddin as educator, and team, received the Quintessential Media Group and serves manager, systems and process University of Illinois Extension Team as a commissioner of the Village of excellence, quality department; Dean Excellence Award from the National Barrington, Barrington Cultural Van De Hey as litho manager Extension Association for Family and Commission, for more than 12 years. overseeing litho and coating operations; Consumer Sciences (fi rst place), and the Lori Hansmeier as director of human Madison Psinas (17), senior, Central Region - Marketing Package resources, and Scott Coney as vice architecture program at Judson Award (first place) for the “Fill Your president of manufacturing.

University, received the Abraham Pantry: Home Food Preservation” Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and Steven Larsen, music director of the webinar series and “31 Days of Food became a Student Laureate.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra for 30 Preservation” social media campaign. years, conducted his final RSO concert, Grant McCarty, local food systems and Linette Rojas (18), personal trainer and Holiday Pops, on Dec. 18 at Coronado small farms educator, received the 2021 group fitness instructor in the healthy Performing Arts Center. living department, YMCA of Rock River Program Evaluation Excellence Award Valley, was named to the 2021 YUSA for his role on the international Diane Martin (6), assistant vice Emerging Leaders Resource Network 30 committee. president and branch manager of the Under 30.

Argyle branch, First National Bank and Four University of Illinois Extension Trust, announced plans to retire at the staff members were recognized for five Ryan Callahan, senior at Rockford end of the year.

University, was named a Lincoln years of service: Angela Miller, Jo Academy Student Laureate; awarded to Daviess County 4-H program Cassi Steurer (7) rejoined Chartwell only 55 students in the state. coordinator; Gina Adams, Rockford Agency as a director.

Phil Huber, chief investment officer, Savant Wealth Management, launched his new book, The Allocator’s Edge, exploring alternative asset classes and their potential to help build durable and resilient investment portfolios. He also authors the “bps and pieces” blog.

Rockford Area Arts Council announced that performing artist and Rockford native, Ryan Bernsten, is a contestant starting Dec. 5 on the quiz show, “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses,” hosted by Helen Mirren on TBS, Cartoon Network and HBOMax. Author and theologian, Dr. Kyle Strobel (20), class of 2000, gave the keynote address for the Judson University commencement on Dec. 11.

Rockford Christian Schools fifth grader, Josie Tarquini, inspired preschoolers and eight graders to bring candy and write grateful letters for candy care packages for the Soldiers’ Angels’ “Treats for Troops” program.

Mrs. Granite, elementary STEM teacher, received a $2,500 Golden Apple Foundation grant for dash & dot robots.

State Senator Steve Stadelman partnered with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful and Rockford SheVets to ship more than 415 cell phones, 37 tablets, charging cables and other accessories collected by his office and KNIB to benefit active duty U.S military.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Blackhawk Bank’s annual ‘Grateful Giving’ Thanksgiving Food Drive raised $17,128 and 2,910 nonperishable items, thanks to employees and customers. Beneficiaries were the Salvation Army of Beloit, St. Vincent DePaul of Beloit, Caritas of Beloit, Old Stone Church of Northern Winnebago County, Victory Outreach of Rockford, Rock River Valley Food Pantry of Rockford, YWCA of Janesville, Empower Boone of Belvidere, FISH of McHenry, Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry, St. Peter Community Food Pantry–Geneva, and Food for Greater Elgin.

WATT Global Media announced the agenda and speaker for the 2022 Feed Strategy Conference, co-located with 2022 International Production & Processing Expo on Jan. 25 in Atlanta.

Visit FeedStrategyEvents.com.

The State of Illinois certified KMK Media Group Inc., as a “Woman Business Enterprise” (WBE). Owned by Pam Maher, it’s been in business for 23 years.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company partnered with Kritzer Insurance Agency and donated $1,000 to purchase everything from backpacks to winter gear for the children at Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center, Bloomington, Ind. Rockford Area Arts Council received $150,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts as a subgrantor of the American Rescue Plan. Funds go to the Rockford area arts and cultural community to support job creation, facilities management, health and safety supplies and/or promotion of events and must be spent over a two-year period.

Renovations are underway at BMO Harris Bank Center as a part of the $23 million multi-year capital project to revitalize the facility after the Rockford Ice Hogs were sold to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Rockford received a $16.5 million federal grant to begin transforming the downtown into a more walkable and bicycle-friendly area with street renovations and lighting, recharging facilities and three electric buses.

Rockford was one of 680 communities nationwide to receive the grant out of 9,700 applicants.

YMCA of Rock River Valley began accepting charitable donations in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies on #CryptoGivingTuesday, Nov. 30. #CryptoGivingTuesday has taken place since 2019; the same day as Giving Tuesday.

During its Dec. 6 board meeting, Village of Machesney Park as a part of its 11th annual toy and food pantry drive presented Helping Hands Pantry with $3,500.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company developed and released a new mobile application, Rockford Express Mobile, for policyholders to

21

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

view coverages, ID cards, documents and policy details; tap to call for roadside assistance, pay their bill, review their claims history, and contact their local agent. Available at Apple App and Google Play stores.

Rockford Park District has memberships on sale for a reduced fee through Feb. 28 for Alpine Pool in Rockford and Sand Park Pool in Loves Park.

Woodward, Inc., reported financial results for its fiscal year 2021 and fourth quarter ending Sept. 30, 2021.

Fiscal year 2021 net sales were $2.25 billion, compared to $2.50 billion; earnings per share were $3.18, compared to $3.74, and adjusted earnings per share were $3.24 compared to $3.96.

WATT Global Media’s 2022 Petfood Forum Europe is scheduled for May 23 at Nuremberg Messe in Nuremberg, Germany; co-located with Interzoo 2022, May 24 to 27.

Judson University announced in December the start of renovations to a building at 28 N. Grove Ave., in downtown Elgin. Once housing PNC Bank and vacant for several years, it was purchased by the World Leaders Forum through a donor gift. The university also received property. Plans include using the first floor to house the Glunz Studio for Architecture and Urbanism and as studio space for students in the master of architecture program.

Chartwell Agency was named as Agency of Record for Racine Unified School District, the fifth largest school district in Wisconsin. Chartwell Agency received six MarCom Awards: The Alignment Rockford annual report and Winnebago County Animal Services website (platinum), NI ReACH website and Edgebrook Shops marketing campaign (gold), and Lucha Cantina video and Keith Country Day School video (honorable mention).

The new Casper Creek Natural Cemetery in Galena, Ill., will be protected in perpetuity with a Conservation Easement held by Natural Land Institute. The 16-acre property owned by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation will contain grave stones and plots, a memorial grove and wall. The mesic upland forest/cool-season grassland will be hayed until prairie replaces the hayfield.

It will include paths, foot trails and pedestrian bridges for bird watching, hiking and cross-country skiing.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center celebrates seven employees; four registered nurses, two technicians and one OB/GYN physician, all from the Family Birthing Center, who welcomed children in the midst of the pandemic, February to July, 2020.

Rockford Mass Transit District added an hour of service to the beginning of its core weekday routes and at the end of all six of its night routes. First runs of the day start at 4:15 a.m., and go until 12:15 a.m. The late-night shuttle will run until 12:45 a.m. Expanding service hours was one of four major goals for improving the system identified as part of the RMTD Comprehensive Mobility Study.

Rock Valley Credit Union received a 2021 Kudos® Best Culture Award in recognition of its inclusive, collaborative and supportive workplace culture.

Rockford Christian Schools students and staff gathered 23 barrels of items for The Salvation Army food drive.

The middle and high school bands and choirs performed at CherryVale Mall and the choir caroled at Anderson Japanese Gardens Wintertime Lightscapes. The school hosted a nativity scene at the Festival of Lights at Sinnissippi Park and brought gifts to those in need at the Matthew 25 event with Hope Fellowship Church of Rockford.

RAMP received $1,650 for the Teens in Transition program at North Boone High School and $10,000 from General Mills for general services. It received $9,340 from the 708 mental health board in Stephenson County to help provide mental health-related services.

Rockford Community Bank, part of the Wintrust Community Bank network, announced plans to open in January in a 6,000-sq.-ft. facility at 1825 N. Perryville Road to offer local, personalized service for retail, residential mortgage, wealth management, small business and commercial customers.

Rockford Rescue Mission received a $5,900 grant from the Woodward

Babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital– Riverside receive handmade Halloween costumes, including a turtle, lady bug, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Babybel cheese, and cheeseburger and French fries, thanks to nurse, JoAnn Gorsline.

Charitable Trust to replace worn-out furniture with 20 new computer desk stations with 25 chairs for the Works!

Center computer classroom.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company raised $2,920 for the Rockford Rescue Mission. Associates also collected hundreds of items most desperately needs this holiday season, from winter gear, to disinfecting spray, to hand warmers. Associates also pledged $10,500 in monetary contributions to United Way of Rock River Valley causes of their choice for 2022.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope received a general operating grant from The Coleman Foundation to help address significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the workforce crisis. It received a $4,625 grant from the Woodward Charitable Trust for outdoor recreational equipment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois kicked off its 2021-22 Girl Scout Cookie Program with online sales. Customers can have cookies shipped directly to them, have a Girl Scout offer contactless delivery to their door or donate cookies.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company selected the Rockford Rescue Mission for its annual holiday drive and delivered items and monetary donations on Dec. 14.

Judson University celebrates 125 students who graduated during the 86th commencement ceremonies on Dec. 11 at Herrick Chapel on the Elgin campus.

22

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

January 2022

community COMMUNITY EVENTS & WEBINARS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

JANUARY 2022 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 Deadline is midnight today for nominations to be sent to the Rockford Area Arts Council for the 2022 Rockford Area Arts Awards, slated for March 10. Visit artsforeveryone.com/rockford-areaarts-awards for categories.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 University of Illinois Extension’s fourth-annual Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit takes place 9 a.m. to noon at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Building, 210 W. Spring St., Freeport. The theme is Updates in Crop Management. Register at go. illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 Grow Your Own Business presents Business Over Brunch, featuring networking, education and growth, at 340 E. Riverside Blvd. Call 779-2085371 for ticket information.

MONDAY, JANUARY 17 Natural Land Institute hosts the free Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton.

Snowshoes available for rent or bring your own snowshoes or skis.

Registration required at www. naturalland.org or call 815-964-6666.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 Registration is open for NIU Lifelong Learning Institute’s Winter 2022 session, taking place online via Zoom, Jan. 18 to Feb. 10. Register at Go.niu. edu/lli.

MONDAY, JANUARY 24 Keller Williams Realty Signature hosts a Diversity Meeting, The History of Race and Systemic Inequality, noon to 1 p.m., at 4201 Galleria Dr., Loves Park. Call 815-315-1111.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 Coronado Performing Arts Center presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, 7:30 p.m., at 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at coronadopac.org/ Broadway.

MONDAY, JANUARY 31 Rockford Park District is offering holiday sale prices for 2022 Golf Rockford Memberships to play four golf courses. Visit golfrockford. org/memberships.

Natural Land Institute and the Rockford Public Library host a free virtual Book Talk and Discussion, 6 to 7:30 p.m., via WebEx, with author-adventurer Anders Morley, This Land of Snow: A Journey Across the North in Winter.

Registration required at www.

RockfordPublicLibrary.org or call 815-987-6626.

U.S. Indicators November 2021



Consumer Price Index Unemployment Rate

0.8 percent 4.2 percent

      

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

210,000 $0.08 0.8 percent 1.3 percent (third quarter, 2021) 5.2 percent (third quarter, 2021) 0.7 percent 1.0 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

FEBRUARY 2022

Unemployment Rates

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 University of Illinois Extension hosts Intro to Fruit Tree Pruning, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Elizabeth Community Building, Hwy. 20 W. Elizabeth, Ill., and Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St. The Zoom webinar will be Feb. 11, 3 to 5 p.m.

Register at go.illinois.edu/jsw or 815-986-4357.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Aaron Lewis performs following the January 2022 release of his fourth studio album “Frayed at Both Ends,” 8 p.m., at Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado PAC box offices or 815-968-5222.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Coronado Performing Arts Center presents The Simon & Garfunkel Story, 7:30 p.m., at 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at coronadopac. org/Broadway.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Keller Williams Realty Signature hosts a Diversity Meeting, Improving Communication Through Empathy and Active Listening, noon to 1 p.m., at 4201 Galleria Dr., Loves Park. Call 815-315-1111.

Region / State / Nation June 2021 July 2021 Aug 2021

Sept 2021

Oct 2021

Rockford

9.4

8.7

8.3

6.9

7.1

Chicago

9.2

8.1

7.5

5.7

5.4

Illinois

7.2

7.1

7.0

6.2

6.0

United States

5.9

5.4

5.2

4.8

4.6

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Consumer Price Index, U.S. Avg. This is the largest 12-month increase since the period ending June 1982.

Annual Increases, Nov. 2020 to Nov. 2021 All items Food Energy Overall Gasoline (all types) Fuel oil Energy services Electricity Utility (piped) gas service New vehicles Used cars and trucks Apparel Shelter Transportation services Medical care services

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

6.8 6.1 33.3 58.1 59.3 10.7 6.5 25.1 11.1 31.4 5.0 3.8 3.9 2.1

Month Increases, Oct. to Nov. 2021 Shelter ▲ Rent/owners’ equivalent rent ▲ Lodging away from home ▲ Used cars and trucks ▲ New vehicles ▲ Household ▲ Apparel ▲ Airline fares ▲ Medical care index ▲ Physicians’ services ▲ Prescription drugs ▲

0.5% 0.4% 2.9% 2.5% 1.1% 0.8% 1.3% 4.7% 0.2% 0.4% 0.3%

Month Decreases, Oct. to Nov. 2021 Hospital services Motor vehicle insurance Recreation Communication

0.3% 0.8% 0.2% 0.2%

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

Online education resources Free to Rockford Public Library cardholders

Rockford Public Library now offers three new, free digital databases for library card holders through its website or RPL app: Gale Courses, Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test & Career Prep, and Gale Presents: Udemy.

Gale Courses. More than 350 instructor-led online courses with topics such as health and wellness, creative writing, computer programming, business management and GED test preparation. Courses run for six weeks, with two new lessons released weekly, and new classes beginning every month. Entirely web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments and a dedicated college-level instructor who coordinates every course.

Gale Presents: Udemy. Connects patrons to online, video-based

courses taught by leading experts in business and technology. Thousands of continuously updated courses that match professional goals and personal interests for a unique, tailor-made learning experience is perfect for adults who want to upskill for a new job or advance in their current profession or advance themselves personally.

Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test & Career Prep. Combines Peterson’s Test Prep and Peterson’s Career Prep into one user experience. Explore tools for standardized test preparation, researching and selecting college and graduate schools, finding tuition assistance and exploring career paths.

Visit www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org/a-to-z-all-databases. Click on “Gale.”

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

CHaMBER

ADVERTISERS INDEX

CHAMBER EVENTS & WEBINARS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

JANUARY, 2022 THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber Commerce presents Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace, 11 a.m. to noon, featuring presenter Kimberly Kuborn, president, Kuborn Consulting. Many companies are focusing on diversity and inclusion as a priority for 2022.

Learn how to implement a listening tour to create a more inclusive workplace, improve customer satisfaction, employee engagement and retention. Call 815-509-3363 or visit rockfordsbdc.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber Commerce presents How to Start a Food Truck Business, 11 a.m. to noon, featuring presenter Karen Hobbs, president, KH Consulting. Food trucks have become a popular small business venture and way to enjoy a variety of cuisine in different locations. Learn about the history of food trucks, common mistakes in starting this business and hidden requirements, licenses and compliance. Call 815-509-3363 or visit rockfordsbdc.org.

23

January 2022

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber Commerce presents Finding the Right Location for Your Business featuring presenter Teri Watts, president, Key Realty.

Location is key to the success of a brick and mortar business. Learn how to determine the size of a building or space you will need and how to partner with the right company to negotiate on your behalf. Call 815-509-3363 or visit rockfordsbdc.org.

Accelerating Creatives & Entrepreneurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The Northwest Illinois Opportunity Equity Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chartwell Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 23, 24

Cushman & Wakefield. . . . . . . . . . .13, 15 Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) . . . . . . . . . 8

Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber Commerce presents Hiring in a Competitive Job Market, 11 a.m. to noon, featuring presenter Vito Franzese, Samantha Wroten, ADP. Learn about the resources available to aid in your candidate search. Call 815-5093363 or visit rockfordsbdc.org.

Schmeling Construction Co.. . . . . . . . . . 4 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KMK Media Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Thayer Energy Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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

V2 Marketing & Management . . . . . . . .11

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

VOICE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27

Rockford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ...........................................Direct Line Caitlin Pusateri, Executive Vice President ...............................................815-316-4337 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment ..................... 815-316-4317 Jeff Bailey, Membership Development Executive ...................................815-316-4336 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep...........815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology .................... 815-316-4338 Carmen Kellerman, Program & Event Coordinator .............................. 815-316-4302 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations....................................................815-316-4315 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller ................................ 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator .......................... 815-316-4320 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO ........................................... 815-987-8100 Edward Caceres, Director, Small Business Development Center ....................................................815-987-8100

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Dan Ross Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Vice Chair Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Vice Chair Don Daniels

DIRECTORS LaVonne Brown Savant Wealth Management Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc. Lesly Couper workplace Doug Curry Stenstrom Construction Group Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School

Carol Friesen OSF HealthCare Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc. Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Christina Valdez Peacock CMM & Associates Joel A. Prah Mercyhealth Nicole Radford UW Health Northern Illinois Region Denise Sasse RSM US LLP Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction Co. John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network

Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford Karl Swanson Illinois Bank & Trust Dustin Vock Meiborg, Inc. Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Brent Scott Wintrust Financial Teresa Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

FEBRUARY VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS

The Health & Wellness Issue Wealth Management – Estate Planning For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100