January Voice 2023

Building a lasting legacy

Rockford businesses spanning multiple generations

By Andrew Wright, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs dream of building a company that will become a testament to their acumen, create generational wealth and, perhaps, bear their family name for decades to come.

Since 1839, business owners and innovators have been drawn to the Rockford area. It’s not uncommon for local businesses to celebrate 50, 75 or even 100 years in business in our community.

Three local companies shared with us how they’ve helped design and build much of Rockford through the decades, how their legacy companies have survived through booms and recessions, how they passed through multi-generational leadership and how they plan to thrive in the future.

Schmeling

315 Harrison Ave, Rockford 120

years

E. W. Schmeling & Sons was founded in 1903 by Emil Schmeling, and his five sons joined the business taking responsibility for the day-to-day operations. In 1970, the construction division, once led by Emil’s son Elmer, became Schmeling Construction, led by Elmer’s son Roger.

Today, the fourth-generation Schmeling son, Steve, is the president of Schmeling Construction Co. “My father got me involved very early in the decisionmaking process of the company,” Steve said. “I got involved in the financials, making decisions on buying insurance for the company. He let me get involved early in my career, make my own mistakes, and he talked to me about ownership. He was never reluctant to let me take over. I know that generational change is a big challenge when the older generation can’t let go, but that wasn’t the attitude we had here.”

Steve’s son Peter is rising through

estimator. “I’ve been here six years, going on seven, and I’m diving into the financials, making decisions on things like equipment trucks or office renovations. I’ve always been involved.”

For the Schmelings, transition planning is a years-long process.

“If you’re waiting until you’re 60, you’re too late,” Steve said. “Communicate your plan. Talk about death and taxes. Communicate everything from personal life to business operations if you’re going to pass it to your family’s next generation.”

For Peter, absorbing and applying that information is key. “The biggest thing is sitting back and listening to that past generation, while bringing your ideas to the table. Understand that generational track record of failures and successes throughout the years.”

One thing that’s necessary to pass along a legacy is to have a business valuable enough to continue.

(continued on page 6)

Meeting members’ needs

Chamber priorities for 2023

The turning of the calendar once again offers a fresh start for a new year. Although ongoing health challenges, workforce needs, economic instability and foreign turmoil color the outlook, there are plenty of ways for organizations to take hold of their future and work to grow their business.

Your to-do list for the New Year might be daunting, but the Rockford Chamber of Commerce is here to help. We’ll help you make a lasting positive impact on your business in 2023. This year, the Chamber is offering new programs, restructured events and solutionsoriented offerings. See our refreshed website, www.rockfordchamber.com for details. Here are a few highlights of what you can expect in 2023:

NEW EVENTS

Speed Networking – A networking

classic, it offers face-to-face networking in an efficient setting with maximum time for connecting. With a limit of 20 seats per session, attendees will create a follow-up pipeline that’s manageable but large enough to create real value.

Feb. 23, 8:30-10:30 a.m. March 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27, 3-5 p.m.

May 25, 8:30-10:30 a.m. June 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Aug. 24, 3-5 p.m.

Sept. 21, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 to attend, locations vary

Coffee on the Chamber – Partner with the Chamber to support a member coffee shop and increase your organization’s exposure. Perfect for B2C organizations, this opportunity allows your company to build credibility and goodwill with the general public.

The Chamber will organize a partner event with one of our member coffee shops and your organization. Then we’ll pick up the tab for one beverage per person, in-store during a set 90-minute time frame.

The Chamber will create a co-branded card for your representatives to hand out to patrons explaining the complimentary beverage and allowing you to share more information about your organization.

(continued

ROSECRANCE, ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTNER FOR STUDENTS

Rosecrance and Rockford Public Schools have teamed up to help students experiencing socioemotional or behavioral concerns.

Through this collaboration, which began in February, a team of behavioral health student assistance professionals (BH SAP) is embedded in RPS 205 schools.

“The past couple of years have been tough on our students, and we want to make sure that we can provide support for each of them,” said Amy Gannon, director of the RPS 205 multi-tiered system of supports program.

Students who may need extra support are identified by their teachers and referred to a team, which includes the Rosecrance BH SAP.

“By placing BH SAPs in each school, we’re making it much easier for students to seek and receive help,” said Sadie Cobio, director of community based programs at Rosecrance.

The 16 positions are being funded through grants received by each organization.

YWCA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

YWCA Northwestern Illinois is accepting nominations for outstanding leaders who exemplify the YMCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. There are six award categories—business, community, mentorship, professions, promise and racial justice—and award recipients will be honored at the Leader Luncheon XLIII: Women of Achievement.

Nominations must be received by end of day, January 20, 2023, and can be submitted by mail or in person at YWCALeader Luncheon Nominations, 4990 East State St., Rockford, IL 61108; or by email at funddevelopment@ywcanwil.org. For more details, visit ywcanwil.org or call 815-316-6126.

CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber President

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Perception is reality

Believing in our better selves in 2023

My birthday is December 7. As a kid, I spent a good amount of time complaining to my mom that my birthday takes longer to get to than anyone else’s. She tried to help me understand that everyone’s birthday takes 364 days to arrive, but I was unconvinced. I even used the calendar to serve as my very own visual aide—it took TWELVE flips to get to my calendar page and only SIX and FOUR to get to my brother’s and sister’s, respectively.

While I’ve grown and logically understand that she was right, there is a small part of me that still feels that my birthday takes longer than anyone else’s to arrive. In a world that’s so driven by specific sets of time (work weeks, calendar year, fiscal year, etc.), the perception is that my birthday takes longer than my springborn sister’s. And, for me, that perception is my reality, as illogical as it may be.

We are surrounded by perceptions that cloud, or completely over shadow, our actual reality. Starting a new year, there’s a perception that New Year’s resolutions only work if you commit 100% from day

one—no misses, no mess ups, no failure. If you happen to miss a morning workout one random Tuesday in mid-January, your entire “work out five days a week in 2023” is shot to hell. In reality, the intent of the goal probably can withstand a miss here or there. Our perception is that we might as well give it all up—we failed the goal.

And then? Perception becomes realty. We slowly stop working out entirely, because if we can’t do it all, we might as well sit back and eat chips.

As leaders, we owe it to ourselves, our companies and our employees to examine the perceptions and realities in our daily work and lives. How often do we let perceptions take over our realities? This is a question I’m asking myself as I reflect on my first months as Chamber president and plan for my first full year.

The perception that I will be fully available to my staff 24/7 is unreasonable for any leader. And yet, it’s one I very quickly started giving life to. Answering emails while on vacation, at 2 a.m. while dealing with a bout of insomnia, or at

8 p.m. while spending time with my husband or kids creates a reality that I am always available.

A healthy leader sets and communicates clear boundaries that identify preferred communication practices. I can certainly be that healthy leader, and I would be happier for it! But I let my own perception that a “good” leader is constantly available create a reality that I begrudge. No one wins when I’m resentful. No one wants to hear from me at 2 a.m. It’s not cool to be always on the clock, and it certainly doesn’t create a culture I’m proud of for others. But I created a perception that quickly became reality because I didn’t take the time to be intentional from the beginning.

Rockford is full of perceptions that seep into our realities. We have this weird notion that we are somehow “less than.” We have this idea that we can’t be a place that attracts top-level talent. And we’re shocked when we meet new residents who gladly chose to move to Rockford.

Of those that complain the loudest about our great city, most are natives or long-timers. What if we harnessed the

idea that perception is reality and started perceiving ourselves right into prosperity. I understand simply saying it doesn’t make it so, but there does seem to be some magic about just believing something to be true. Our perceptions inform our realities, our actions, our belief systems and our leadership. In 2023, let’s raise the bar on our perceptions and watch our realities fall into place.

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. 350 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. 350, 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. 350, Rockford, IL 61101.

MEMBERS NEEDS

The Chamber will advertise the event to our members and the local business community.

Only one Coffee on the Chamber date will be available each month.

The Update – This quarterly in-person networking and educational event features updates from regional organizations on topics that are top of mind for business leaders today. We’ll tackle the topics heard in board meetings, around watercoolers or in elevator small talk. The Update allows for 30 minutes of networking, plus 60 minutes of updates from three organizations (20 minutes each). We’ll have the timer running.

Feb. 2, March 30, Aug. 17, Oct. 19 9-10:30 a.m. | NIU Rockford | $25

Business Over Lunch – Formerly Business Women’s Council, this networking and educational event is open to any Chamber member. Similar to our previous Breakfast Buzz series, this event series focuses on educational information for business leaders, marketing and sales professionals, and small business owners. Come for the networking, enjoy lunch and learn a thing or two.

2nd Tuesday of the month | 11:30am-1:00pm |

Forest Hills Country Club | $25

NEW PROGRAMS

Leadership Rockford Alumni

Calling all Leadership Rockford/CAP

alums! This newly-formed networking group is designed specifically for you. As a Leadership Rockford alumnus, you have access to:

■ Two networking socials per year for Leadership Rockford alumni (and VIPS) only.

■ Opportunity to audit current Leadership Rockford sessions. Miss the jail tour? Want to see Four Rivers Sanitation Authority? Loved the Government session? Register online for a complimentary open seat at an upcoming session. Limited seats available per session, first come-first served.

■ Opportunity to submit news for the quarterly Leadership Rockford Alumni email updates.

■ Access to Leadership Rockford Alumni social media groups.

■ Name emphasis in Leadership Rockford Alumni directory, with an opportunity to upgrade your directory listing for a nominal fee.

■ Recognition at the Celebration of Leadership event (April 20).

■ Unique opportunity to participate in the Leadership Rockford Alumni Giving Circle to fund and direct scholarships for future participants.

Alumni fees are $150 per year or $500 for a lifetime membership.

Think Tanks – A think tank is a body of experts providing advice and ideas on specific political or economic problems. The

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Think Tank program is a year-long connection, education and problem solver program for business leaders committed to business growth and organizational success. You can take advantage of 10 half-day sessions featuring experts, panels, facilitated group work, company tours, food and drink. Build a cultivated network of local peers who understand your specific obstacles, celebrate your successes and collaborate with you to take your business to the next level.

2023 Tanks:

■ Family-owned Business Owners

■ Small Business HR Leaders

■ Marketing & Communication Pros

■ Nonprofit Exec. Warriors

■ Women Business Owners

$1,600 per participant

Nonprofit Tank - $750

NEW RESOURCES

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Speakers Bureau

Do you love to speak in front of people? Are you a training development consultant looking to expand your network? Want to share your expertise with new audiences? Consider becoming a part of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Speakers Bureau.

Through the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Speakers Bureau, regional and national organizations can search our database of available speakers and their pre-determined topics. Turns out, here at the Chamber, we know a few people across the country looking for good speakers and

Rockford is FULL of great speakers. Help us help you leverage your speaking abilities!

Small Business Services

Small businesses make up the core of our Chamber membership. We know that you are the best at what you do, but things outside of your area of expertise can sometimes be daunting or costly. If you are a small business of five employees or fewer looking for small business services, the Rockford Chamber can help. For a nominal fee, our staff can assist with:

■ Event planning

■ Press releases

■ Logo development

■ Ad design, and more!

Small Business Pricing

You understand the power of advertising and as a member of the Chamber, small businesses with fewer than 10 employees can take advantage of a one-time (per calendar year) reduced rate on Chamber advertising products.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce

The Voice

Small Business Investment: ¼ page - $300 | 1/8 page - $178 | 1/16 page - $102

The Voice Now Small Business Investment: $50 for one issue

Website Banner Ads

Small Business Investment: 1 week - $100 | 1 month - $250

is committed to lead business growth. Thank you for your membership. We look forward to an energizing 2023. v

GUEST COLUMNIST

Retelling the story of Camp Grant

Midway Village’s 2023 resolution

View of soldiers from the 331st Machine Gun Battalion performing exercises at Camp Grant in Rockford, Illinois. Records of the War Department General and Special StaffsPanoramic Views of Army Units, Camps, and Related Industrial Sites.

Looking back at 2022 at Midway Village Museum, I’m reminded of Warren Harding’s 1920 presidential campaign slogan, “A return to normalcy.”

We brought back all of our programming from before the coronavirus pandemic, including Living History Weekends, school day tours and a Sock Monkey history day.

Our patrons responded. Attendance is running nearly 10% higher than 2021. Our World War II Days drew 5,500 visitors, 1,000 reenactors and 300 volunteers. All Hallows’ Eve drew more than 4,400 trickor-treaters. It was encouraging to see so many faces back in our museum and our Victorian Village.

Midway Village is finalizing an expanded schedule for 2023, and we’re confident the Rockford region will be excited. In 2023, we’ll also be focusing on completing a capital campaign to build a permanent Camp Grant exhibit.

For some, the story of Camp Grant is familiar. For many others, it’s either unknown or forgotten. Camp Grant was a U.S. Army basic training site that opened in 1917 as we prepared for World War I. The camp closed for good in 1946 after World War II. It was located where the ChicagoRockford International Airport now sits and was home to more than 400,000 soldiers, at some point, during the two wars.

Many descendants of Camp Grant still live in the area. Descendants of the thousands of people who helped build and tear down the camp or serve the massive flow of soldiers remain here as well. Camp Grant led to better roads and infrastructure, more social services and changed the face of Rockford.

Before World War I, about 200 AfricanAmericans lived in Rockford. About 6,000 Black troops trained there for World War I. The Booker Washington Center in Rockford was founded to serve these troops. Some of them came back to Rockford after the war because of greater economic opportunity.

Two years ago, Midway Village acquired

a treasure trove of Camp Grant items from the owners of the Command Post Restaurant when they retired. With the continued popularity of World War II Days, a permanent Camp Grant exhibit will make Rockford and Midway Village a must-stop for any World War II enthusiast.

This is a major opportunity for Midway Village and the Rockford region. The museum draws visitors from all over the United States. In October alone, we had visitors from 13 different states, including Arizona, Florida and Texas. To create a visitor experience on par with what you find in Chicago and New York museums, it will cost about $550,000. To date, we’ve raised about $165,000. So, 2023 will be a busy year for Midway Village staff as we fan out to raise awareness of Camp Grant and its lasting impact on Rockford.

Patrick O’Keefe is executive director of Midway Village Museum. The museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024.

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

PATRICK O'KEEFE Midway Village Museum

Forward thinking sales strategies for 2023

By Emily Heaslip, Co - By U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Contributor

As business leaders look forward to the new year, it’s worth taking stock of how B2B and B2C sales strategies are evolving. New digital technologies and recession fears are changing buying behaviors and disrupting the way sales teams interact with potential and existing clients. Here are some sales strategies to embrace in anticipation of 2023.

The expansion of digitahl toucpoints

Hybrid selling is essentially an omnichannel approach to sales that brings together digital and offline outreach. And while many sales teams have the offline outreach part down to a science, some small merchants lag behind on the digital side.

By 2025,  Gartner predicts that 80% of B2B sales communication between suppliers and buyers will occur through digital channels, such as email, social media, text, live chat or all of the above. Self-service options will become increasingly popular as more people seek convenience, speed and a tech-first

relationship with sales representatives.

In a recent study, McKinsey & Company found that  90% of companies were willing to complete high value deals without a single in-person interaction. When asked what they wanted most from their sales rep, one executive responded, “Please stop asking to meet with me in person. I’m busy enough as it is.”

The Chamber can help you find the resources you need to expand digital touchpoints and train your sales representatives on the hybrid sales approach to customer service.

Focus on customer retention

There are dozens of stats quantifying just how important it is to retain customers, such as:

■ It is  five times more expensive to earn a new customer than keep an existing one.

■ Increasing customer retention by just 5% can increase profits by 95%.

■ Existing customers  spend 67% more than new customers.

Customer retention has long been the goal for many business owners, and today’s business environment is leading sales teams to zero in on this key metric.

Sales teams can start improving retention as early as the onboarding process. The language app Duolingo, for instance, reinvented its onboarding process to reduce customer churn by 13%.

And it’s not enough to simply maintain existing customers. Your sales strategy should incorporate opportunities to upsell and cross-sell to current customers. Consider adding apps to your online store, launching a targeted email campaign and reaching out with personalized offers to each individual client.

Sales culture is king

A healthy culture in which your representatives feel supported is shown to make a difference in  reaching your sales targets. Invest in meaningful initiatives that help you recruit great sales talent, promote healthy collaboration and drive results. The key word here is “meaningful.”

A supportive sales culture isn’t something you can mandate or buy. Instead, consider investing in long-term initiatives like a mentorship program, a sales advisory council and a compensation structure that shows employees you value their hard work. Not only will

you motivate your employees to work productively, but you can also improve your employee retention—a metric that’s just as important as customer retention.

Use demos wisely

Many organizations offer demos as an inbound marketing lead magnet. These demos can be incredibly powerful ways to connect with people who are interested in your product or service. But it’s also likely that a potential customer is asking for demos from a number of different vendors at the same time.

To make your product or service stand out, Dan Tyre, inbound fellow at  HubSpot, suggests focusing on the specific problem that customer is trying to solve, rather than the solution your product offers.

“Prospects are less interested in ‘seeing how it works’ and more interested in making sure you understand their needs, have a comprehensive idea of their requirements, and that the product will work,” Tyre said

Use your demo to separate your brand from the competitive landscape. Instead of talking about your product or service features, speak to the customers’ goals and personalize your pitch.

LASTING LEGACY

“Honesty, integrity and excellence— these are the tenets that have been held for 120 years. That’s why we’re still here. It informs how we treat our clients, our customers, our community and our employees,” Peter said.

“We spend time in the field talking to everyone from superintendents to new hires. We still hand deliver paychecks. We want to know our staff at a personal level. We want to hear about any issues. We want to relate like family,” Steve said.

A commitment to the community is also key to their ongoing success.

“If there’s anything the next generation needs to do, it’s to get involved. Sit on boards and find out what makes the community tick,” Steve said. “If the

community succeeds as a whole, your business will have a better opportunity to succeed.”

Will the fifth generation of Schmelings take over the family business?

“My oldest is only three months old, so I have no idea. But we wouldn’t be opposed,” Peter said.

the Byron nuclear plant,” he said. Johnson’s grandfather, Carroll Johnson, founded the company with John Ringland in 1947 in Ames, Iowa. While they initially thought they’d be building pole barns, the two founders ended up collaborating with Iowa Power and Light as part of the Rural Electrification Act.

Anderson said. “Growing up, I wanted to be an architect. I knew by age five that I wanted to do this job.”

Brent Johnson began his success story in Rockford by joining the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

“I moved to Rockford in 1988, and the first contract I secured after working with the Rockford Chamber and the Council of 100 was a vehicle storage building at

Now, Johnson presides over an innovative construction firm, with completed projects ranging from the Lazy River at Magic Waters to Woodward’s Rock Cut campus. They’ve developed a broad base of customers, working with organizations like Rockford Public Schools, the YMCA and many regional hospitals. One of their most notable current projects is the Hard Rock Casino.

Johnson remembered his earliest days working for his father, Larry. “I’m 61 and I started working as a laborer at 11 helping my dad. I’ve worked for this company for 50 of our 75 years in business.”

When asked about the most important resource for success, Johnson does not hesitate to answer, “People. The people who work for us are some of the best science and engineering minds. We continue to train them, solve problems together like managing supply chains, and treat each other with respect. If our people are happy, it translates to our work. Providing the most value to a project is fulfilling.”

By design, the legacy of RinglandJohnson will live on through its employees. “I’m happy that our employees are our partners. The employees have purchased a third of our company through an employee stock ownership plan,” Johnson said. He sees this as paving the way to the transfer of leadership. “We need to give young talent the opportunity to take the mantel of leadership.”

Johnson already has confidence in his lasting legacy. “To be a part of structures that will last well after I’m gone is humbling.”

In January 2022, Anderson became the president of Larson & Darby after working for the company for 16 years. He joins CEO Stephen Nelson and COO Sherry Gaumond as the leadership team, maintaining the guiding principles of Larson & Darby when it comes to highquality architecture, engineering and interior design.

“During our transition planning, we were talking about different models of governance. We had some business relations with an architecture firm in Wisconsin, Kaler Slater, and they had what they called a ‘3EO’ model—three principles working as a group managing the firm. There were things about that model that we really appreciated,” Anderson said.

Anderson recounted how Larson & Darby managed continued growth and success through the ups and downs of the local economy.

“Not unlike a financial portfolio, you diversify. We’ve been able to diversify our market sectors that we serve over the years,” Anderson said. “At this point, we serve just about any market sector you can imagine, except for single family residential. On a rare occasion we’ll do one or two of those as well—those are a different challenge. All of the other markets that we serve really keep us diversified really well. When one market is up, another may be down. It keeps us with a steady flow of work.”

Larson &

Darby

Group 4949 Harrison Ave., Suite 100 Rockford

60 years

In 1963, Sam Darby and Larry Larson began one of the most prolific architectural firms in Rockford. Over those 60 years, Larson & Darby has designed buildings that have defined Rockford. The BMO Harris Bank Center, the Chicago Rockford International Airport Terminal, Rock River Water Reclamation District, Riverview Museum Park, Rockford City Market, and the Winnebago County Justice Center were all born of the minds at this local firm.

Today, their offices are inside the former Sundstrand administration building, one that the firm had a hand in building back in 1987.

“I grew up across Harrison from this building for the first nine years of my life,” Larson & Darby President Christopher

The lobby of Larson & Darby is lined with awards and recognition for their designs. “The awards come after good work. We always challenge ourselves to do quality work, not necessarily to gain recognition, but because that’s what our clients demand and what they deserve. Every assignment we want to do our best,” Anderson said.

Like other success stories, attracting and retaining the right talent remains a significant priority.

“Our workplace has changed as a reaction to the pandemic. We’ve got a hybrid model in place that we did not have prior that affords staff to have a flexible schedule. That’s a game changer for us in recruiting. Also, a lighter environment matters. We’ll pilot a drink cart around on a Thursday to develop and maintain friendships and create an atmosphere we really like. Try to keep our space a little loose, more fun,” Anderson said.

The best advice Anderson has for companies looking at transition planning is to start early and enlist help. “It’s never too early to begin transition planning. And don’t assume you know everything— there are people that can help you along the way.”

Ringland-Johnson Construction 1725 Huntwood Drive Cherry Valley 75 years

GUEST COLUMNIST

The importance of a succession plan

KMK Media Group

I’m 25! A few wrinkles, lots of smile lines and loads of memories describe the last 25 years… 25 years in business, that is.

Twenty-five years ago, I was in my mid-20’s, had finished a five year stint as a TV reporter, worked for a nonprofit doing marketing and had no idea where the next chapter of life would lead me. I didn’t know it was entitled, “entrepreneur.”

The marketing company I started with two partners out of a make-shift bedroom office in my home has evolved into a woman-owned business I own alone, serving hundreds of clients from a downtown Rockford office, experiencing double-digit growth with a record year in 2022. Fancy that.

A lot has changed in a quarter century

When I began KMK Media Group, websites were new, social media was nonexistent, and most business was done face-to-face.

Over the years, I’ve learned about spouts for alcohol bottles, how to breed Bernedoodles, the benefits of hiring a fiduciary advisor, what happens at a pumpkin patch in the off-season, the most common urological problems, what goes into a school district budget, how a potato chip is made, and the many steps in the casino licensing process, to name only a few.

I’ve seen businesses flounder after mergers, leaders pass away and people run into legal issues that caused the death of their corporations. Some were public; some were quiet, and we managed the message accordingly.

I never knew my business would change lives

I grew KMK Media Group from the ground up with no playbook and, initially, no clients or employees. Today, hundreds of clients have kept us in business and our valued employees continue to do so. I just finished annual reviews with multiple staffers

stating that they hope to retire from KMK. Wow. That’s the best compliment I could receive, and I’m so grateful my company has made an impact on their lives.

When I gave birth 20 years ago to my eldest, a child with a disability, I scurried from business meeting to therapy appointment and made the unusual decision to work at home one day a week. I installed a “home office system” to hide the fact I was working from home as it was far from the norm.

Along the way I had two more children, continued working from home on Fridays and supported other working parents who wanted to do the same. Now it’s commonplace.

What I’ve learned

The majority of our business is repeat and referral. We do excellent, awardwinning work, but the experience is what keeps clients coming back. We return phone calls and emails the same day, whenever possible. We deliver work promptly. We’re upbeat. We’re predictable. (No one likes surprises unless it’s a birthday treat.) We’re polite, respectful and thankful for our clients and each other.

As a business owner, I’ve learned life is too short for drama. It drains productivity and mental health, so it’s gone from our office and from our client roster. I’ve learned to make the tough decisions now. It’s not going to get any easier and the only question will be why I didn’t do it sooner.

I love my job. I love the people I work with and the clients I work for. I work long hours, not because I have to, but because I want to.

Bring on a few more wrinkles and the next 25 years!

Pam Maher is president/CEO of KMK Media Group.

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

Succession planning for any business, especially a small privately-owned business, is crucial. You probably know of at least one business that closed not long after the founder or a key employee fell ill or passed away unexpectedly. This may have happened despite the business having a long list of satisfied customers and decades of goodwill in the community.

I’ve never met a business owner who didn’t want his or her business to continue to thrive after they were gone. The first and most important step in the succession planning process is acknowledging that there will come a time when the owner or a key employee will no longer be there. If appropriate steps haven’t been taken, there is a high probability the business won’t survive that transition. While no succession plan will be the same, here are some things all business owners should consider:

Will the business pass to the right person or people?

Consider the case of the sole business owner who is married with three kids. The oldest child is an executive employee of the business with a longstanding relationship with important customers and suppliers. Meanwhile, the spouse has never been particularly involved with the business nor have the other two children, who live in different states. A typical estate plan may leave everything to the spouse, or if the spouse is predeceased, leave the business outright in equal shares to the three kids. Is that really the best plan for your business?

Would a trust be beneficial?

A trust can help accomplish several different goals when it comes to succession planning. First, it will keep the succession private. Having only a will means the transfer of ownership interests (and any other succession terms) would have to be done under court supervision and would be public information. A trust also gives the business owner flexibility to name a successor trustee who may be better capable of managing

the business than the owner’s loved ones. Putting the business into a trust would allow beneficiaries to receive income from the business while not having to be involved with its operation if they aren’t interested or suited for it.

Is there a shareholder/ LLC agreement?

A business should have a shareholder/ LLC agreement if there are multiple owners. This agreement is important for business succession purposes, because, among other things, it can qualify how an ownership interest will pass upon the death or incapacity of an owner. For example, a shareholder agreement can give the remaining owners the right to buy out their deceased partner’s ownership interest (at fair market value or a predetermined price) before it passes to his or her heirs. It can also provide that, in the event the ownership interest does pass to the deceased owner’s heirs, the interest becomes nonvoting. This can help keep control of the business in the best hands for continued success.

What are the tax implications?

Finally, thought should be given to the potential tax consequences of transferring ownership of the business. A Family Limited Partnership can be very useful in transferring business interests to family members, while minimizing the tax impact. Factors such as the current value, cost basis and phase in the business’s life cycle can also determine whether lifetime transfers or testamentary transfers are better from a tax perspective.

J. Joseph McCoy is trust officer at Stillman Bank. For more information about succession planning, contact Stillman Bank’s Trust & Wealth Management

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

J. JOSEPH MCCOY Stillman Bank

Make sure your business is in the right hands

profile profileMEMBER PROFILE

Midwest Scale Company

Midwest Scale Company joined the Rockford Chamber of Commerce 57 years ago.

Founded in 1956 by Morey Debo and Bob Kennedy, Midwest Scale found a flourishing industrial market for their accurate mechanical scales of all sizes. Pioneering the development of electronic weight indicators and the electronic counting scale, this Rockford company became a reliable resource for sales rentals and repairs.

New leadership celebrates five years

Utkarsh Doshi moved to Illinois from India in 2002. He earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering in 2004 and worked in various manufacturing operations until 2017 when he decided acquire a business of his own.

“I was looking to invest in companies that were either in manufacturing or service, and that’s when I came upon Midwest Scale,” he said.

When Doshi needed to bring on an experienced operator he could trust to handle the day-to-day operations, he already had the perfect candidate in mind.

Doshi had been plant manager at a food packaging company where he worked with Jim Olejarski, an experienced engineer in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Today, Olejarski is chief operating officer at Midwest Scale.

“As an engineer, I find this work interesting,” Olejarski said. “There’s always a challenge. I can take care of people’s problems and remain customer service oriented.”

Continuing the family tradition

“What attracted me to Midwest Scale is that it was a family-owned business that had been in business for several years, and the last family owner was looking to retire,” Doshi said. “When I spoke to him, he told me that he wanted to sell it to somebody who can keep the company going. There was a lot of family pride, and he wanted to sell it to somebody to take care of the business. We wanted to make sure the business continued, that the employees were happy and that our customers were satisfied.”

Midwest Scale has roughly five on-site technicians, an office manager and the leadership team.

Evolving to meet challenges

The company is seeing significant growth in the industry and has taken on a lot of new customers.

“We’re looking at adding another vehicle to give us some more flexibility on how we do jobs,” Olejarski said.

Despite their successful track record, not all customers understand the scope of the company’s capabilities.

“It’s important for our customers to know all the things we can do. Often, we can send a technician out to repair a scale, but it’s also our job to let our customers know that we can rent or sell them a new one as well,” Olejarski said.

Like many companies, Midwest Scale has been affected by supply chain issues, but they have adjusted to be proactive about maintaining parts and product in inventory.

“We’re prebuying. When we know that lead times are going to be long, we’re increasing our inventory to keep a buffer so we can repair or replace a customer’s product right away.”

Rockford is home

A transplant from Buffalo, New York, Olejarski heaps praise on Rockford as a good place to bring up a family and how that plays into attracting and hiring staff.

“I raised a family here,” he said. The Rockford Park District is fantastic. My daughters came up through the Rockford Park District hockey program, along with softball, and moving into the club team environment. They went to Boylan—great schools. The region has a lot to offer.”

Doshi sees the advantages of Rockford from a business perspective as well. “When I looked at Rockford geographically, I felt like this is the next biggest hub. It’s conveniently connected to Chicago but just far enough away. So it’s the best of both worlds. We’re not competing with businesses in Chicago, but we’re also near the largest hub in the U.S., so we have a lot of accessibility. With a college and a trade school here, I feel like Rockford seems to be the right place to invest in a business in the long term.”

For more information about Midwest Scale Company, call 800-521-0857 or visit them at www.midwestscale.com.

PIONEERING IN ELECTRONIC WEIGHT INDICATORS AND SCALES

Thank you,Rockford, for an amazing Stroll on State

The 10th annual Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, was a huge success. The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is so thankful to area businesses and everyone in the community for your tremendous support of this signature holiday celebration.

We want to say a special thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, Rockford City Government and the GoRockford team for delivering another great event. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Thanks also to everyone who attended our 10th annual Stroll on State. We appreciate your support and spirit of community. We look forward to doing more great things together in 2023.

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

SARAH BRENNER RPS 205

International Baccalaureate school coming to Rockford

Thriving communities value education. Rockford values education, and here’s why. Rockford families have choices. They can choose between public and private school offerings, general education curriculum and specialized, targeted curriculum.

Families will have another choice in the 2023-24 school year. Conklin Elementary School will be the home of an International Baccalaureate Candidate School. This special program adds another option for RPS 205 families. It’s in addition to schools that offer a specialized focus on fine arts, STEAM (science, technology, arts and math), Spanish language immersion, Maria Montessori and gifted program, plus public charter schools. Adding this program at Conklin puts another special program site in the city’s northwest side, and district leaders have plans to grow and expand into other areas of Rockford.

More about International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate, or IB, is internationally recognized by universities across the globe based on the type of education and curriculum students undergo during their educational journey. The program is for children ages 3-19 and designed to meet numerous program goals that will help students as they progress in their educational career or transition to the workforce.

This program takes on an interdisciplinary approach to learning, meaning students learn content through six themes: who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves, and sharing the planet.

All students at the new IB Candidate School will learn Spanish starting in kindergarten. This approach to learning fosters students’ abilities to communicate with others globally and develop respect for all cultures, which will help them as they continue to progress toward their future career goals.

International Baccalaureate also provides students with the opportunity to know themselves as learners. In addition to rigorous academic goals, this program aims to develop students that strive to be open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective young people.

Application details

Students can attend Conklin based on their home address. Students who currently attend Conklin (kindergarten through fourth grades) will have the first

opportunity to apply for seats at the IB Candidate School. Students currently attending McIntosh, Welsh and West View elementary schools in grades K-4 are eligible to apply for remaining seats. Incoming kindergarten students in the Conklin, McIntosh, Welsh or West View attendance zones can apply for a seat through a kindergarten lottery.

Community benefit

Adding this program in Rockford will help Rockford students and our community, because the curriculum design and experiences are shaped by both global context and the local community. This gives students reallife experiences or research applications outside of their textbooks or curriculum. This might mean collaborating with professionals in the business community and developing community partnerships that support the IB goal or unit of instruction. Students in this program learn how to research, analyze, communicate and present to others. Those skills will help them no matter what path they take as future learners.

Learn more

We are excited for our students and families to learn more and benefit from this program. The IB program gives families another quality education option in Rockford. Learn more at rps205.com/IB.

Sarah Brenner is the principal of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School at Conklin Elementary in Rockford Public Schools.

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

Looking for more great content from RPS 205? Stay in the know with the 205 VIBE™.

READ. LISTEN. WATCH.

The 205 VIBE™ was created to share the amazing things happening in Rockford Public Schools. The 205 VIBE publishes firsthand stories from district staff, students and community members who support RPS 205. Podcasts, Blogs, News & Videos! rps205.com/205vibe

GUEST COLUMNIST

needs

It’s been nearly 100 years since the discovery of penicillin and insulin shots, 68 years since children’s Tylenol hit the market, and a little more than 50 years since the first colonoscopy was performed.

But there’s one life-saving medical treatment that has been here all along— blood.

This natural resource will save the lives of 4.5 million Americans in 2023 but only if there’s enough available. At the Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC), it’s our aim to make sure that happens. We are the only local supplier of blood for 13 hospitals in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. And, unfortunately, we have only 16,000 dedicated donors filling that need.

There is an ongoing need to bring in new donors to make up for those who move out of the area or can no longer donate for health reasons. A stable blood supply is critical to our region’s medical stability, and that requires bringing in new donors continuously.

In recognition of our 70th anniversary in 2023, we’re asking 7,000 new people to

step up and donate blood for the very first time.

That’s an aggressive goal, no doubt. But as business leaders, you can help us achieve it.

Donate blood, and ask others to join you

As an influencer in our community, you are in a unique position to encourage your colleagues, friends and family to donate blood, especially those who have never donated before. If you haven’t donated previously, now is a great time to start and support a community initiative. If you are a regular donor, invite one (or even two) people who have never donated before to join you.

Host a corporate blood drive

More than 80% of new donors begin at a mobile blood drive. It’s unquestionably effective at bringing in first-time blood donors.

The RRVBC relies on businesses,

We are the only local supplier of blood for 13 hospitals in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

churches, schools and community groups to host mobile drives, which bring in nearly 40% of all blood collected in our region.

Drives are scheduled in advance, can happen on any day, except Sunday, and typically last three to six hours. We can set up a drive inside your location or from a mobile bus parked outside your location. If your business is smaller and does not meet the minimum requirement for a mobile drive, you can still encourage your staff to donate blood by hosting a drive at one of our fixed site locations.

We invite you to join us in 2023 to help save lives in our community by recruiting 7,000 new donors. Help us spread the word that donating a pint of blood can save up to three lives in less than 10 minutes.

Only about 3% of the eligible population in the U.S. donates blood. Closer to home,

we only see roughly half of that. Whole blood collections for the RRVBC in 2022 were more than 15% below goal. This means our region faces a shortage of this life-saving resource, putting patient care at risk.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. If everyone who is eligible donated blood just twice each year, we would never face a shortage.

Please join the RRVBC in 2023 as we work to show donors just how easy it is to save a life. Together, we can make the difference.

Lisa Entrikin is CEO ofRock River Valley Blood Center.

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

Rock River Valley Blood Center

7,000 new donors Commit to donating blood in 2023

Small Business NEWS

Take a moment to celebrate

Ways to commemorate company milestones

By Nate Jordan, Small Business Development Council consultant

As a small business owner, you have a lot to be proud of. You’ve built something from scratch, nurtured it and watched it grow into a thriving enterprise. And while it’s important to focus on the future and keep moving forward, it’s also important to take a moment to celebrate your business’s legacy and all that you’ve accomplished. Here are five ideas that can help you share your story with the community.

1. Host a party or event

A party or event is a great way to celebrate your business’s history and accomplishments. You could host an open house, a reception, or even a special sale or promotion. Invite your employees, customers and other members of the community to join in the celebration. You can also use the occasion to launch a new product or service, or to announce a major milestone or achievement.

2. Create a special product or offering

Another way to celebrate your business’s legacy is to create a special product or offering. This can be a limited-edition item, a special edition of a popular product or a one-of-a-kind offering. You can also offer a discount or special promotion to customers who have been with you for a certain number of years. This is a great way to show your appreciation and to thank your loyal customers for their support.

3. Launch a social media campaign

Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses, and it’s a great way to engage with customers and share your business’s history and achievements. Create a hashtag and encourage customers to share their experiences with your business. Or share stories and photos, highlight key milestones and engage with customers through contests and promotions. This is a great way to build buzz and generate excitement about your business.

Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses, and it’s a great way to engage with customers and share your business’s history and achievements.

4. Develop a timeline or history of your business

Another way to celebrate your business’s legacy is to create a timeline or history of your business in print, online or both. Include photos, stories and key events in your business’s history, and share it with customers and employees. This is a great way to document and preserve your business’s history, and it can also be a valuable resource for future generations.

5. Establish a scholarship or other form of support

Finally, you can celebrate your

business’s legacy by giving back to the community. Establish a scholarship or other form of support for employees or members of the community. Support the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders, and make a positive impact on your community.

No matter how you choose to celebrate your business’s legacy, the important thing is to take a moment to recognize and honor all that you’ve accomplished. By doing so, you can inspire others to pursue their dreams and achieve their own success. And who knows, maybe one day they’ll be celebrating their own business legacy.

Embarking on the road of entrepreneurship can be frightening, uncertain and turbulent—especially at the start. On your journey, it’s helpful to have a mental roadmap and to know what to expect from yourself along the way. Nobody is 100% clear and consistent from the onset, and you’ll naturally have fluctuating states of mind about the whole thing.

Author and entrepreneur, Farshad Asl, provides a roadmap called the “Five Levels of Entrepreneurship.” Here’s a brief summary:

Level one: Encouragement

At this stage of your entrepreneurial journey, you’re just slightly over the fence and have convinced yourself to leave the safety of a regular job behind.

You’re feeling a combination of fear and anticipation for what lies ahead and sometimes worry about financial security and whether your plans will work out. During this stage, it’s important to clarify to yourself why you’re doing this.

Develop a clear business plan, start researching and developing marketing strategies, and put the first pieces of the puzzle together. Ask yourself why consumers should be interested in your product/service and what value you/your business provides.

Level two: Engagement

During the engagement stage, you’re off the fence and are fully invested in your new entrepreneurial life. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have moments of compromised confidence.

Five

levels of entrepreneurship

But it’s equally as exhilarating as it is terrifying. You’re fully emersed in your future vision and are beginning to foster a growth-positive mindset. You’re making advances every day and are gaining a clearer vision of the task at hand.

Level three: Established

This is the middle stage of your entrepreneurial journey, and you’re about to cross the bridge between conceptual and practical. You’re experiencing a lot of mental clarity, and you’re focusing on expanding your network and vision. The more time you spend with a mentor at this stage to soak up and valuable lessons you can, the better.

The next stage awaits you, but passing from level three to level four is the biggest transition in the whole journey. You’re already making money at this stage, which is why many entrepreneurs get too comfortable at this level. Don’t let your progress stop here.

Level Four: Expert

This is a hard-won level to achieve, and it’s also the most transformative. At

this stage, you’re realizing the value of delegating authority to others to free up your own time. You’re helping others step into leadership roles and have developed a zest for bringing out the best in people you work with. You’re focused on creating new opportunities and can easily catch the attention of investors.

Fully settled into your new life as an entrepreneur, you’re helping and encouraging others to do the same. It took a great deal of maturity and flexibility to reach this stage, and you’re enjoying the fruits of your hard work.

Level five: Entrepreneur

This is the highest level of your entrepreneurial journey, and you’ve broken free from an array of limitations. You’re no longer bound by financial difficulties, and you’ll never doubt your own abilities again. The years of hard work, late nights and the stress of uncertainty have paid off, and your life is everything you dreamed it could be.

The road to entrepreneurial actualization is long and arduous. With enough confidence, intelligence and perseverance, you’ll make it.

The journey is just as important as the destination

Five business trends for 2023

Workplaces, roles and customer expectations are evolving

shopping choices. Consumers from every generation are now willing to pay more for sustainable products.

By Emily Heaslip, CO - By U.S. Chamber of Commerce, contributor

It’s never too soon to start thinking about what’s coming next. The way we work has changed radically over the last few years and in ways few could have predicted. Are these changes here to stay, or will we see some new work and business trends crop up in 2023? Here are some predictions experts are making for this year.

Workplaces will focus on accessibility

Remote work, hybrid work and returning to the office. Businesses have taken a scattered, and at times inconsistent, approach to allowing employees to work from home.

Many business owners are realizing they may be focusing on the wrong thing when deciding whether or not to allow remote work. According to Wired, it’s about accessibility, not presence.

There are plenty of technology tools to support work. But it’s also true that some business operations need employees who show up in person to be successful. In 2023, the focus must be on connecting the right people to do the work that needs to be done effectively. Evaluate how your business make work accessible to all in a way that sparks productivity.

But it’s not enough to just pay lip service to sustainability. Consumers are savvier than ever when it comes to brands and their business practices. H&M learned this recently when it was hit by a lawsuit from a shopper alleging “greenwashing”—a practice in which a company implies it’s more sustainable than it really is.

Governments, too, are increasing regulations on brands to lower their environmental impact. For small businesses, now is the time to invest in meaningful measures to shrink their carbon footprint.

The rise of voice search tech

Google reports that 41% of adults and 55% of teens now use voice search daily — and this number continues to rise. Voice search through devices and programs like Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Windows 10 Desktop is more convenient and faster than typing. However, many businesses haven’t accounted for voice search in their website and SEO marketing.

“As it turns out, searching with your voice is very different than typing. Specifically, voice search changes how people search, when people search,and what they search for,” wrote SEO experts at Backlinko.

Prepare for this trend by researching how to adapt your online store for these types of searches. Optimizing your website for voice search can help you gain an early edge over your competition.

Employees are searching for job security

workers in the job market seeking employment, many of them are choosy about where they land next. These employees want stability and peace of mind about their future with a company. Business owners can tap into this desire in their employer marketing materials and recruitment outreach.

The role of middle management is evolving

Finally, the way we work has changed, and so too has the role of managers. Social and political turmoil, shift to hybrid/remote

work, and complex consumer trends have caused employees to reevaluate where, when, and how much they work.

The role of a manager has traditionally been straightforward. Middle managers manage employees and provide feedback on their performance. Today, however, a manager needs to be willing to work as a coach, mentor and empathetic leader. Business owners and leaders should understand that middle management is changing and support these managers with the resources and training they need to succeed.

Sustainability is a key consideration for many consumers. Research from Forrester shows that over half of U.S. consumers factor their values into their

The last few years have been tough on the labor force. A recent Gallup survey reflects the fatigue many employees are feeling. “In the Gallup poll, a little over half (53%) of the workers said they were looking for jobs that have a greater degree of security than they currently have,” reported Nasdaq.

While there are still plenty of talented

What business owners

done differently Looking in the rearview mirror

They say hindsight is 20-20. As a business owner, you may already have a few things you wish you'd have known. Would you have hired that one person? Perhaps you would have started your company sooner.

There are many things business owners wish they would have done differently. Here are some common themes:

Get help sooner

Many business owners start out with a desire to build a company from the ground up on their own. It may be admirable, but it may not be exactly what helped your business to thrive. Instead, many business owners realize that, if they could do it again, they would have hired on more help sooner. Some would have turned to a mentor sooner. They would have networked with other business owners more readily to pull them into their company.

Invest in the local community

It goes without saying that every business relies on its community to grow and thrive. Even online companies need to hire from a local talent pool and build their business with the support of local

suppliers. But not all companies give back. Giving back to the community doesn’t have to be a challenge. Doing simple things on a routine basis can make a big difference in the community. You don’t want to be on your deathbed wishing you had done more.

Eliminate problems

It’s important to create a culture of respect and dependability. Some business owners wish they had let go of problem employees long before they had a chance to do real damage.

The risk question

For some business owners, risk is too stressful. For others, it is all about the potential reward. When you look back, you’ll be glad you took a few risks and experienced not only the thrill of the ride but also the struggles.

As you work to build your business, reach out to others, embrace the community, spport each other and provide mentorship opportunities. By taking these steps, you can solidify your business model and learn from the mistakes and regrets of those business owners that came before you. It may be exactly what you need to push your business forward.

Council

rockfordchamber.com for more information.

Sponsored by:

A growing awareness of “greenwashing”

wish they’d have

JAN SELANDER Forest City Counseling

GUEST COLUMNIST

Leadership in 2023 Defining the path forward

As 2023 approaches, we’re moving beyond the pandemic and many have settled into adaptations produced by COVID-19. We’d like to believe that we’re OK. Yet, in a recent podcast produced by psychologist Brené Brown with organizational change experts Adam Grant and Simon Sinek, as much as we’d like to believe that we’re moving forward emotionally, we’re not.

The last few years have pressed upon leaders many unique demands to cope with insecurity and uncertainty among employees. How we navigate this season of change is largely dependent upon our leadership. It will require new approaches, skills and empathy. There has never been a greater time for those in leadership roles to reflect on their approach and identify opportunities to strengthen how they lead.

Begin with understanding

As we approach the new year, it’s important to adapt our leadership style to meet the challenges we’re currently facing. Contemporary insights culled from the latest research provide clarity on the path forward for leaders. Studies on leadership move us away from external skill development and toward intrinsic understanding.

“Self-awareness and self-love matter,” said Brown. “Who we are is how we lead.”

According to Brown, we begin by understanding:

■ Our own leadership motives.

■ How we respond to difficult situations.

■ What motivates our employees’ performance and behavior.

Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

Current research emphasizes emotional intelligence as one of the most essential elements to success in the workplace. This is a hard sell to leaders who fail to understand emotional intelligence and its importance in organizations. Long-held myths about emotion keep leaders from exploring this area for growth. Emotions drive our performance and decisions, as well as our employees’ decisions. Emotional intelligence is foundational to effective leadership and transforming how we lead.

Brown expands on some of the challenges we face as leaders when we lack self-awareness:

■ We avoid tough conversations.

■ We fail to provide meaningful feedback.

■ We use shame and blame to manage ourselves and others.

■ We fail to hold people accountable.

Her research provides a path to becoming a courageous leader by understanding what drives our behavior. Meaningful change comes through:

■ Growing our emotional literacy.

■ Embracing vulnerability.

■ Embracing our values.

■ Learning how to trust ourselves and others.

■ Learning how to grow through our failures.

A companion insight is advanced by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, “Let go of knowledge and opinions that are no longer serving you well. Anchor your sense of self in flexibility rather than consistency.”

As you begin a new year, I encourage you to find new ways to grow your leadership. Take the time to understand yourself and how you lead. Embrace opportunities to become a better version of yourself. Handle hard better. Extend grace and welcome opportunities for growth and development. Here’s to 2023 as a year of personal and professional growth.

Forest City Consulting offers training and consulting built on empirical research and industry experience. They provide a customized approach to develop leaders, teams and employees. For additional information, contact Jan Selander at jan@forestcityconsulting.org or 815-3913055.

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

profile profileMEMBER PROFILE

Northern Illinois Optical

Northern Illinois Optical has been a presence in downtown Rockford since 1949 and a Rockford Chamber member for 75 years. But owner Sheri De Rosso would argue they’re just getting started.

De Rosso bought the business from the Fulling family in August of 2022 after serving as company president under the previous owner, Michael Fulling, a second-generation owner and the son of founder Earl Fulling.

De Rosso is excited about the future of the company, “I love Northern Illinois Optical. I’ve felt that way since I dove into this opportunity [in 2015]. I like growing things.”

The office at 121 N. Madison Street sports a vintage vibe. Wood paneling and historic displays are intermingled with racks of modern eyewear and stylish frames from some of the top fashion brands.

But a treasure trove lies behind the reception area—an enormous collection of vintage eyeglass frames worthy of Antiques Roadshow.

The collection includes everything from vintage cat-eye frames to wire-rimmed octagonal art frames from well-known brands such as Ray-Ban, Clubmaster and Bausch and Lomb. Many of the items are still in their original packaging.

“Our vintage inventory is wild. I have drawers and drawers of them. I want styles that appeal to everybody,” De Rosso said. “If somebody wants something retro, something vintage, I’ve got it. If you want something modern, I’ve got that too. And if you want something I don’t have, I’ll get it for you.”

De Rosso loves the character of the building, from the “red room” that looks like a 1960s speakeasy, to the gigantic metal fire doors. She even has plans to create story walls to highlight the heart and history of Rockford.

“I want to care for what’s here; I want this place to tell its story,” she said. “You can go anywhere to get your eyes checked. You can go to a mall or private practice. Or you can come here, the longest running optical practice in Rockford, and have an experience.”

Northern Illinois Optical has seen multiple generations of customers come through their doors, and they’re invested in serving the generations to come.

“I want the customer experience to be personalized here, and I’m excited about how we’re improving. We’ve updated a lot of our equipment, and we now have one room that’s entirely wheelchair accessible,” De Rosso said. “We’re also working on a partnership with a contact lens provider to help serve the needs of children with myopia.”

For more information about Northern Illinois Optical, call 815-963-3454 or visit www.NorthernIllinoisOptical.com

As we approach the new year, it’s important to adapt our leadership style to meet the challenges we’re currently facing.

Mathematics for decision making

Try using the 37% rule

Have you ever been stuck between multiple options and simply unable to make a decision? Nobody likes being paralyzed by a decision, yet it happens to all of us. What if there was a magic number, a decision statistic, that could help you work through those difficult decisions?

Mathematicians have discovered a number that they believe we can use to make any type of difficult decision. Whether you’re deciding which of your 10 romantic interests are the best pick, which house you should buy or which job to choose, this rule can help.

The 37% rule

The underlying tenet is that if you have to choose among 100 possibilities, you should sample the first 37 and ignore (or postpone) the rest. The 37% rule is not some automated, unthinking process. It’s a phase of calibration where you figure out what works and what doesn’t.

Developed by mathematicians, the 37% rule quantifies what’s intuitive, that you should look at “enough” data to establish a standard and then take whatever opportunity satisfies this standard. The “enough” is 37 percent. In reality, adding additional data points beyond the first 37% will not alter the benchmark enough to be scientifically significant. In layman’s terms? Enough is enough—and 37% is enough.

After understanding our likes and dislikes from the sampled (and rejected) 37%, we then move forward. Once we find a possibility that outperforms the benchmark, we immediately select that option. Decision made! And even better, a good decision was likely made. You can remove yourself from a place of decision paralysis and on with your to-do list.

Mathematicians maintain that following this rule will increase your chances of selecting the best decision. How to apply the 37% rule

Hiring

To streamline your hiring efforts, focus on your process. First, identify

the amount of time you’d like to spend on the hiring process. If it’s one month, apply the 37% rule to your efforts. This means you spend the first 11 days meeting with candidates to determine what it is you’re actually looking for in terms of candidate fit. You’re giving yourself a chance to calibrate what exactly an ideal candidate in today’s labor market looks like without overwhelming yourself with an unreasonable number of possibilities.

Once you’ve completed those 11 days, prepare yourself to immediately commit to the next candidate that beats out those you’ve already met with. Find the candidate that exceeds the benchmark you spent time developing and then make that decision knowing that, odds are, you’ll be satisfied with the results. This process not only streamlines your decision making but recalibrates your expectations to better align with the current environment. The 37% you work through is a realistic sampling of available options.

Dating

This rule says that if you’re planning to go on 10 dates, you should enjoy the first three (3.7) but don’t make any commitments. Then, the very next person you date who is better than any of those three should be the one you choose to settle with. According to the research, this is the perfect statistical balance between being exploratory and exploitative.

Job hunting

If you plan on doing 100 job interviews, this rule says that you do 37 noncommittally, without having the intention to take any of them. Then, when you find the first thing that beats any of those first 37 options, take that one.

Humans are naturally analytical, but we can’t always do the right thing. There’s always an optimal decision to be made, but our tendencies to be risk averse or overly exploratory might steal it from us. You can apply this to your personal and business decisions to avoid missing out on the optimal choice.

DR. IFTEKHAR AHMAD OSF HealthCare

GUEST COLUMNIST

More

than 10,000

lives saved Saving lives one screening at a time

Although treatments for late-stage lung cancer have improved, early detection and treatment remain crucial in slowing mortality rates from the disease.

A recent study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) shows that more than 10,000 lives have been saved in the U.S. since lung cancer screening was introduced for high-risk individuals who are 55 and older and have a history of smoking.

The results, which combined data from two cancer registries, show a 3.9% per year increase in early (stage 1) detection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and an average 11.9% per year increase in median all cause survival rates from 2014 and 2018.

“The findings did show that, so far, lung cancer screening works,” said Dr. Iftekhar Ahmad, a radiation oncologist with OSF HealthCare. “With the people who are at risk, we’re finding cancers that would not otherwise have been found, and we’re finding them at an early stage. As with many other cancers, treatment for lung cancer at an early stage has a much better prognosis. So if you can treat lung cancer at stage 1 or 2 versus 3 or 4, you’re going to save a lot more lives.”

Although treatments for late-stage lung cancer have improved, early detection and treatment remain crucial in slowing mortality rates from the disease. Still, lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer, due mostly to the fact that cases are often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

“The biggest challenge of lung cancer is, by the time it becomes symptomatic, it’s typically stage 3 or 4,” said Dr. Ahmad. “At stage 3, your cure rate is 30% at best, and at stage 4 your cure rate is 0.”

That’s why, a low-dose CT scan for high-risk people was introduced in the U.S. in 2013, with the hopes of catching many more cancer cases at an earlier, more treatable stage.

“The thought was it’s such a common cancer, such a deadly cancer, what can we do? There’s something we can do to try and improve the chances people

have, so that’s where it started,” said Dr. Ahmad.  “Chest x-rays were not accurate enough to show small masses. And the concern about CT scans was, are we subjecting people to unnecessary tests or too much radiation? So that’s where it all started. But, over time, we’ve developed something that’s effective but also safe for patients.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screening for people who have a 20pack per year or more smoking history; currently smoke, or have quit in the past 15 years and are between the ages of 50 and 80. The latest guidelines lowered the age to 50, which made an additional 6.5 million people eligible for screening.

“If you find yourself between the ages of 50 and 80 with a 20-pack per year history of smoking or you currently smoke and it’s been that long, then I think it’s worth having a conversation with your primary care provider and let them know you’re interested in having a lung cancer screening CT scan done,” said Dr. Ahmad.

Still, there’s more work to do. The acceptance of lung cancer screening has been slow, and screening rates have remained low nationally due to several reasons, including fear of radiation exposure, stigmatization of smokers and lack of insurance coverage.

Dr. Ahmad remains optimistic that rates will improve.

“Over time, I feel like the rates will go up, and that means we’re going to catch a lot more lung cancer at an earlier stage.”

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmad is radiation oncologist with OSF HealthCare.

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

What if there was a magic number, a decision statistic, that could help you work through those difficult decisions?

economic development

News from Rockford Area Economic Development Council

New board chair, board members at RAEDC

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) Board of Directors welcomed new board members and a new executive committee as of January 2023.

Our thanks to outgoing board members LoRayne Logan (Workplace) and Joel Sjostrom (Sjostrom and Sons, Inc.) for volunteering their time, energy and expertise to guide RAEDC over the years.

RAEDC welcomes new board members James Richter II (Village of Machesney Park), Grant Sjostrom (Sjostrom & Sons, Inc), Karl Franzen (City of Rockford), and Sully Cadenga (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce). David Forward (Woodward, Inc.) and Tom Green (Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera) were re-elected for another term.

We are grateful for the leadership and guidance over the last two years provided by current board chair and upcoming immediate past chair, Eric Cunningham (Collins Aerospace).

Jimmy Rozinsky (Spectrum Insurance) is the new board chair and will be joined by Dan Giovannetti (Bergstrom Corporation) as vice-chair, and Michael (Mick) Gronewold (Fehr Graham) as treasurer/secretary.

“We are grateful to have this group of individuals join the board and bring their unique talents, expertise and perspectives to the work of the organization to further our vision of promoting prosperity and job growth for Winnebago County,” said Therese Thill, RAEDC president.

The complete RAEDC Board of Directors:

■ Jimmy Rozinsky (owner, Spectrum Insurance), board chair

■ Dan Giovannetti (president/CEO, Bergstrom Corporation), vice-chair

■ Mick Gronewold (principal and board chair, Fehr Graham) treasurer/secretary

■ Eric Cunningham (executive director, Collins Aerospace) immediate past chair

■ Wendy Alsteen (VP of finance, Hard Rock Casino Rockford)

■ Christopher Anderson (principal, Larson & Darby Group)

■ David Anspaugh (executive director, Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association)

■ Edward C. Berg (president and CEO, First Northern Credit Union)

■ Conor Brown (CEO, Rockford Area REALTORS)

■ Sully Cadenga (president, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)

■ Gina Caronna (executive director, The Workforce Connection)

■ Rebecca Epperson (president, Chartwell Agency)

■ David Forward (VP of operations, Woodward, Inc.)

■ Karl Franzen (community development director, City of Rockford)

■ George Gaulrapp (external affairs manager, ComEd)

■ Alan Golden (business manager and financial secretary, NW Building & Construction Trades)

■ Thomas Green, (partner, Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera()

■ John Groh (president and CEO, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)

■ Caitlin Pusateri (president, Rockford Chamber of Commerce)

■ James Richter II (village administrator, Village of Machesney Park)

■ Grant Sjostrom (president, Sjostrom & Sons, Inc.)

■ Therese Thill (president, RAEDC)

RAEDC board members serve a three-year term and volunteer their time and energy to directly impact our community and our organization. The 22-member rotating board aims for both diversity of perspective and depth of expertise. Staggered terms ensure the board is always changing.

We thank our board members— past, present and future—for their contributions and dedication to RAEDC’s mission of ensuring economic well-being and prosperity for all.

Market momentum affecting economic development

During the recent Women in Economic Development Forum, Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, presented data on population growth trends likely to affect site selection and talent attraction strategies for economic development organizations. The data covers the fiveyear periods of 2010-2015 and 20162021.

Regions experiencing the largest growth tend to be mid-sized cities in the west and suburban areas of larger cities throughout the U.S. Growth is beginning to slow in areas like Austin, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Nashville, Tennessee. Most of this shift is attributed to remote work and a the priorities of the millennial population.

Industrial hubs and areas focused on

manufacturing, similar to the Rockford region, are beginning to grow again after periods of population decline. The reshoring of manufacturing provides opportunities for these mid-sized markets to find long-term solutions for sustainable population growth.

The long-term effect of this migration is still unclear. However, there is potential for emerging investment opportunities in these markets if the population growth continues.

Workforce continues to be a driver in decision making for companies looking to relocate or expand. Recent data highlights the trend of companies following talent to new markets as those potential employers seek lower-cost locations. This is especially true in the technology field.

Rockford residents and employers benefit from a high quality of life and a cost of living that is significantly lower than other Midwest cities, as well as the national average (100) as determined by the Council for Community and Economic Research. We also provide short commutes (23 minutes) and a young population (39 years old).

Our region has the opportunity to attract and retain primary employers due to our education to workforce pipelines and our ability to create agile training programs to fill the evolving needs of employers. We also have access to highspeed internet, facilitating remote work and supporting the tech industry.

Alex Keedi completes training program

Recently Alex Keedi, RAEDC business development manager, attended the Basic Economic Development Course—an economic development education seminar, accredited by the International Economic Development Council, for professionals with less than 10 years of experience and individuals dedicated to expanding their economic development knowledge.

For the past 15 years, ComEd has sponsored the program, supporting local partners from numerous economic development organizations as well as municipalities participating in the training. Each year, ComEd sponsors a small number of scholarships to assist organizations with fewer resources. ComEd also partners with Nicor to recruit participants for the program. Alex’s attendance was sponsored by Nicor.

Connect With Us

We love sharing your good news and celebrating the successes of your organization. Connect with us on our social networks and help us spread the word about your good news, upcoming events, and employees.

in the newsMEMBERS IN

THE NEWS

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (WWEMA) Board of Directors elected Bill Decker chairman for its 2023-2024 term. Decker is VP and general manager of the Equipment & Services Group at Aqua-Aerobic Systems Inc.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

The Rockford Mass Transit District appointed Shawn Williams as the new Fixed Route Operations manager.

Blackhawk Bank promoted Jim Reynolds (1) to McHenry Market leader.

Fehr Graham hired Max Boes as a hydrogeologist and Ashton Rutherford as an associate engineering technician. Dave Winnekins (2) and Austin Schramm (3) were promoted to associate engineering technician. Abdullah Akhtar (4), joined Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren’s intellectual property practice as an associate in the firm’s Rockford office. He previously served as a registered patent agent with the firm.

First National Bank and Trust announced Julie Thornton (5) accepted a position as VP, deposit systems manager; Jessica Hernandez (6) was promoted to VP, cash management manager; Susan Starr (7) was promoted to cash management officer; and Mallory Nygren (8) joined the cash management team as cash management specialist.

Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. promoted Angelica Davila (9) to application engineer supervisor. The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford welcomed Sallini Kalachandran, MD, as an assistant professor of clinical family medicine in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation (Nik’s Wish) hired Tammy English as development director.

The Rockford IceHogs announced Mike Folta (10) as the team’s new play-by-play broadcaster and Manager, Hockey Communications and Broadcasting.

Midland States Bank is excited to announce that Martesha Brown has been promoted to Director of Community Economic Development.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford welcomes Sallini Kalachandran, MD, as an assistant professor of clinical family medicine in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Chartwell Agency announced it has hired Stephanie Spickler as a Communications Strategist. Additionally, Jason Edlen has been promoted to Vice President, Creative Services.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Tori Allen (11), a medical education program specialist in the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford’s Office of Medical Education and Evaluation, received the Janice Watkins Award for Distinguished Civil Service from the University of Illinois Chicago. Rockford Mutual Insurance Company announced Billy Cuddy (12), assistant claims manager, earned his Associate in Claims (AIC) designation from The Institutes; Katherine Chamberlain (13), technical trainer earned her Associate in Insurance (AINS) designation from The Institutes; Deb Fleming (14), commercial lines

underwriter, celebrated 45 years with RMIC; and Kristin Gonzalez (15), agency assistant, was named RMIC’s 2022 Associate of the Year.

Waldom Electronics, Inc. Annual Significant Good Award donated $10,000 to the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center in Rockford. As part of the company’s core values and beliefs, Waldom cares about their employees and surrounding community, providing assistance and participating in charitable events throughout the northern Illinois area. Dr. Douglas Roegner, celebrated his 20th anniversary as a general urologist at Rockford Urological Associates

Dr. Hannah Orem (16) celebrates nine years at Upper Cervical Care Center - Rockford.  Dr. Orem is the only female board certified in the NUCCA technique in the state of Illinois.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Jim Reynolds

2. Dave Winnekins

3. Austin Schramm

4. Abdullah Akhtar

5. Julie Thorton 6. Jessica Hernandez

7. Susan Starr 8. Mallory Nygren

9.

Angelica Davila

10.

Mike Folta

11. Tori Allen

12. Billy Cuddy

13. Katherine Chamberlain

14. Deb Fleming

15. Kristin Gonazles

16. Dr. Hannah Orem

aMBaSSaDOR SPOTLIGHT

2022-23 Rockford Chamber Ambassadors

There’s

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize a group of remarkable volunteers—the Rockford Chamber Ambassadors.

These volunteers represent the best of what the Chamber has to offer. With a welcoming spirit, our ambassadors help us celebrate new members, new businesses and the growing enterprises that represent the successes of our community.

At events, our men and women in red cultivate an environment for networking by making introductions and helping start conversations that lead to new business partnerships and long-time friendships.

Our ambassadors represent a continuity of care that the Chamber’s busy staff work daily to offer and a continuity of community leadership

that extends back decades. Though the times may change at the Chamber of Commerce, the ambassadors are there to make sure that, as we grow over the years, the welcoming spirit remains constant.

They volunteer because they sincerely care about the needs of our business community, and they want to celebrate new successes. They show up because they’re proud of their business and want to share that pride with our newest members. They keep coming back because they enjoy the company of others who share their interest in serving the community and making everyone feel welcome as a member of the Chamber.

Adriana Durán Krauss, Gallagher

Cheri Grennan-Smith, Rockford Christian Schools

Danna Krischke, State Farm

Diane James, MembersAlliance Credit Union

Emily Burke, Northwestern Mutual

Emily Plumb, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Jessica M Olmstead, The Brian Boyer Group - State Farm

Karen Smith-Stietz, Northern Illinois Health Plan

Maren Sanders, Edward Jones

Mary Jo Hare, Servpro of Rockford

Paula McCann, Stanley Steemer

Pinky Langdon, The Broken Wings Club

Sarene Alsharif, Tad More Tailoring

Stacy McGuire, V2 Marketing & Management

Traci Honings, St. Croix Hospice

Melissa McCormick, MX3 Business Solutions

Jean Lopez, Alpine Kiwanis Club

Karen Tilly

Mary Ann Gaunt, Alpine Kiwanis Club

Mike Wright, Hughes Resources

Nick Birch, Stanley Steemer

Pat Casazza, Alpine Kiwanis Club

Ray King

Smitty Smith, Stratus Networks

Steve Cunningham, MercyCare Health Plans

Tamika Brown, Infinite Soul Vibrations

in 2022,

2023.

To find out more about becoming a Rockford Chamber Ambassador, visit www.rockfordchamber.com/ambassadors. If you would like to become a Chamber Ambassador, contact Kristin Muehlfelder at KMuehlfelder@Rockfordchamber.com

and we’re excited to share new experiences, new opportunities and new successes with them in

businessBUSINESS

KMK Media Group earned a Silver W3 award from the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts for its design of the North Suburban Library District website. The site is found at https:// www.northsuburbanlibrary.org/. KMK Media Group also launched a new website for Modern Plating Corporation. The site, https://www. modernplating.com/, showcases the manufacturer’s proprietary coatings and finishes for products including cars made by major automobile manufacturers.

The Milwaukee Airport’s popular Coat Check service is now open through April. MKE offers nonstop flights to a variety of warm destinations where winter coats are not needed and this service allows travelers to safely leave their coldweather belongings behind at the Airport. The service is available inside the Summerfest Marketplace for the low cost of $2 per day with a maximum charge of $10 per trip. MKE is the only major Airport to offer this service.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center is pleased to announce that the hospital has enrolled in the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Healthcare program. This national program recognizes health institutions that make an impact on community wellness through tree planting, tree education, and community engagement. The program gives OSF Saint Anthony a structured approach and plan for planting trees for community wellness. The Foundation connects inpatient health care facilities with local community forestry programs to improve human health outcomes, while improving the condition of the community forest.

Chartwell Agency recently earned eight MarCom Awards from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The MarCom Awards honors excellence in marketing and communication while recognizing the creativity, hard work, and generosity of industry professionals. Chartwell Agency, also recently designed a new website for Alignment Rockford, creating an improved online experience for the organization to communicate its unique mission, expertise, and value to the community, all while reflecting best practices for intuitive navigation, search engine optimization, and modern website functionality.

In recognition of the continued hard work of its employees, effective November 27 OSF HealthCare increased its minimum wage from $15 to $16 per hour. This is the fourth

BRIEFS

time in seven years OSF HealthCare has raised its minimum wage. In addition to the minimum wage increase, OSF is giving pay increases to all Mission Partners (employees) within eligible job classifications. This will enable OSF to attract and retain Mission Partners while at the same time address staffing needs in positions critical to the health care Ministry.

Region 1 Planning Council (R1), as the Rockford Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is seeking public comment on the draft of the Public Participation Plan (PPP). This Public Participation Plan (PPP) sets forth the policies, procedures, and methods utilized by Region 1 Planning Council. A 45-day comment period is afforded to the public to review and provide feedback on the draft document.

Public comments will be accepted regarding the PPP through January 13th, 2023. The draft Public Participation Plan is available at https://r1planning.org/fundamentals. Comments can be submitted by email, telephone, or in writing. Comment should be directed to: Makenzee Wilcox, Associate Planner 127 N Wyman St., Suite 100, Rockford, IL 61101 Phone: 815-319-4193 | Email: mwilcox@r1planning.org For more information, visit www. r1planning.org.

The Village of Machesney Park presented the Helping Hands Pantry with donations totaling $3,500 to support its annual toy drive and food pantry operations at the December 5 Board of Trustees meeting. Mayor Steve Johnson said that Village leaders are proud to support area nonprofits, “These donations signify the Village’s continued support of the Helping Hands Pantry. We are very thankful for the hard work the pantry’s volunteers undertake all year round, especially during the holiday season.”

Per Mar Security Services was named Critical Infrastructure Partner of the Year by Axis Communications. Per Mar Security Services also announced the launch of its latest commercial security solution, Intelligent Video Monitoring. The company designed an exclusive Intelligent Video Monitoring solution utilizing smart thermal cameras and video analytics to detect intruders as soon as they arrive on property, automatically activating an audio deterrent, and alerting Per Mar monitoring agents to dispatch authorities. Per Mar monitoring agents are able to watch live video, and direct security officers as well as first responders to intruders’ locations on clients’ sites.

Judson University celebrated 117 students who graduated at Judson’s 88th commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 10.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company recently hosted an associate-sponsored fundraiser to benefit the Rock River Valley Pantry, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides over one million pounds of food annually to the greater community of Rockford, Illinois. Rockford Mutual associates recently donated a variety of food items that RRVP most desperately needed, totaling nearly 400 lbs. of food.

The City of Rockford’s Health and Human Service’s health literacy initiative, Rockford Ready, aims to build a healthier tomorrow by empowering residents to take control of their health through education, community engagement, and promoting access to the COVID-19 vaccine and booster. In partnership with Rockford Ready and the City of Rockford, the Rockford Area Arts Council is excited to announce a new video series of poems written and performed by the City of Rockford’s 2022 Youth Poet, Giulyana Gamero. The six-part video series, directed and produced by Corbyn Tyson of Frank and Harvey Film Productions, is part of the Rockford Ready Health Literacy Poetry Series which encourages Rockford residents to speak up about their health. You can watch the Rockford Ready Health Literacy Poetry Series at the City of Rockford’s YouTube page here: https://www. youtube.com/@ cityofrockfordgovernment374/ featured.

Mercyhealth partners donated 240 turkeys, 150 hams and multiple vegan options to the Rock River Food Pantry. Mercyhealth offered the dinner entrees to its partners as a holiday gift. Many partners chose to donate the food to local charities, instead of taking the gift home.

Wesley Willows employees delivered 420 Cold Weather Kits to students at Conklin Elementary School. Each kit contains a hat and a pair of gloves. Over four weeks in November and December, employees from Wesley Willows and Peterson Meadows employees donated the children’s winter gear and more than $600. Registration for 4-H Camp 2023 is open! 4-H Camp is set for June 11-15, 2023, at Rock River Christian Camp, Polo, IL. 4-H Camp is a five-day, four-night residential camping experience that is conducted cooperatively by University of Illinois Extension staff in Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle,

Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago Counties and the professional staff at RRCC. 4-H Camp is open to ALL boys and girls, ages 8-14 by June 11, 2023. 4-H membership is not required.

In partnership with the City of Rockford, Rockford Art Deli, and 2021 Rockford Area Visual Artist of the Year Manny Tang, the Rockford Area Arts Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the third round of the 2022 Community Arts Action Grants.

Artists’ Ensemble Theater: “Project: Julia and Jane.” Family to Family at The Grove: “Project: Fall Friday Night Outdoor Movie Series.” Fringe Festival: “Project: Fringe Festival.” Festival of Frights: “Project: Festival of Frights.”

Keith Country Day School, Fine Art Department: “Project: Graphic Design Elective Course”

Up to ten affordable single-family homes will be built next year in a dormant west Rockford subdivision near the Auburn High School campus thanks to a partnership of Region 1 Planning Council (R1), Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, the City of Rockford, and Rockford Public Schools (RPS). The R1 Land Bank acquired 30 residential lots in the Emerson Estates subdivision, where construction had stalled following the 2008 housing market collapse. The school district will work with Habitat to identify RPS teachers who qualify for Habitat assistance to potentially purchase the homes. The project also offers opportunities for RPS construction trade students to obtain hands-on skills and experience as they help Habitat build the homes. R1 joined Habitat, City of Rockford, RPS and local elected officials in a news conference in November to celebrate this unique partnership that advances affordable housing, workforce, property tax growth, and blight reduction.

The SM&SF Club of Rockford donated $10,000 to OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center to benefit the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care, during a presentation on Thursday, December. The donation is part of the club’s annual “Kick-In for Cancer” fundraisers that support cancer programs throughout the northern Illinois region.

Pine Creek Escape, presented an $800 check to Nik’s Wish. On Giving Tuesday, Pine Creek encouraged their followers to engage with the post (like, comment or share) and then Pine Creek would match the amount of likes, comments and shares and turn it into a monetary donation.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

businessBUSINESS

MORE BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from page 20

YWCA Northwestern Illinois announced that the YWCA Literacy Council adult learning classes are now open. The YWCA Literary Council provides free classes through group and individualized tutoring programs to adults seeking to enhance the quality of their lives by improving their English language comprehension, reading, writing, and English as a second language (ESL) skills. Multiple courses will be offered, from introductory to advanced. The list of classes being offered includes: English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL In the Workplace

GED/Academic Skills

Computer Classes

IT Careers Blast Off!: Students will receive an introduction to the field of information technology (IT) while increasing their digital literacy and presentation skills. Upon completion of the class, students can receive assistance in transitioning to Rock Valley College’s IT Network Technician ICAPS program to continue their education and prepare for employment in the computer field.

REAL ID deadline extended

In early December 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025. Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security

BRIEFS

YW Tech Lab: Students will receive hands-on training, personalized assistance, numerous certificate options, paid internship opportunities, on-the-job-training and job placement. All students will receive a laptop that is theirs to keep after completion. Adults 17 years old and older who are not enrolled in school, wanting to enhance their reading, writing, technology, and conversing skills are eligible to enroll, as well as individuals whose first language in not English, and native English speakers wishing to increase their reading and writing skills.

To enroll, log on to ywcanwil.com/ litcouncil or call at 815-968-9681.

Drivers can now charge their electric vehicles in downtown Rockford thanks to a Region 1 Planning Council (R1) program to make charging stations more affordable for local governments. R1 established a procurement program with Blink Charging Co. this year to help local governments in Northern Illinois purchase Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at discount prices. The City of Rockford is the first local government to take advantage of the

Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards.

The extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. REAL ID progress over the past two years has been significantly hindered by state driver’s licensing agencies having to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only.

Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum

program. Two Blink EV Charging Stations have been installed at a municipal parking lot at South Main and Cedar Streets, southwest of the Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront Hotel. Each charging station allows two electric vehicles to charge simultaneously.

Crusader Community Health is pleased to partner with Rock Valley College to announce two annual scholarship opportunities for students interested in careers in the medical and dental fields.

The two new scholarships for RVC students will be available beginning in spring 2023:

For students enrolled in or accepted into the Associate for Applied Science Medical Assistant Program.

For students who are enrolled or accepted into the Dental Assistant Program.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful invites area residents to recycle their live Christmas trees at the end of the holiday season to benefit the environment. Participants need not be Rockford residents to drop off trees or pick up free mulch. Trees can

security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anticounterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

Since enactment of the REAL ID Act in 2005, advancements in technology have enabled TSA to make significant improvements in checkpoint screening, particularly in the areas of identity management, on-person screening, accessible property screening and alarm

be dropped off January 1 through January 15. Free mulch will be available while supplies last or until the end of February. Bring your own containers and tools to gather mulch.

Tree Drop Off (only) Sites:

Alpine Park, 950 S. Alpine Road, Rockford; Andrews Park, 800 North Central, Rockford; Gambino Park, 4421 Pepper Drive, Rockford; Levings Lake, 1420 S. Pierpont Avenue, Rockford (east entrance, S. Johnston Ave. at Montague)

Tree Drop Off & Mulch Pick-Up Sites: Bauman Park, South Walnut Street, Cherry Valley (daylight hours only); Davis Village Hall, 104 West McKimmy Street, Davis; Martin Park, 5600 Park Ridge Road, Loves Park (northeast parking lot, south of Riverside);

Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve, 4550 N. Pecatonica Road, Pecatonica; Rockton Boat Ramp, 830 East Main Street, Rockton; Sandy Hollow Golf Course, 2670 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford; Schoonmaker park, 10500 Ventura Boulevard, Machesney Park; Valley View Farms, 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe. v

resolution. TSA also increased its vetting capability through Secure Flight, a riskbased passenger prescreening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. REAL ID requirements will strengthen these improvements further by providing an additional layer of confidence in the identity of the traveler.

All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards have significantly improved the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

For more information on REAL ID, visit www.dhs.gov/real-id

States to have more time to meet requirements

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

EMPIRE TAX FIRM

A full service tax preparation service, offering fast, affordable and convenient state and federal tax preparation.

1114 Taylor St, 61101

Tiffany Barracks - (815) 520-1511 3640 E State St, 61108

Jessica Martin - (815) 520-1511 www.empire-tax-firms.my shopify.com

FOREST CITY CONSULTING

Offering leadership and organizational development services in a highly customized & collaborative approach for leaders, teams, and organizations.

4320 Spring Creek Rd Ste 12, 61107

Jan Selander, MSW, LCSW, CDWF, CDTLF - (815) 391-3055 www.forestcityconsulting.org

FOREST CITY COUNSELING

Creating a culture where you feel safe, understood, supported, inspired, and respected while working toward your personal and professional goals.

4320 Spring Creek Rd, 61107

Jan Selander, MSW, LCSW, CDWF, CDTLF - (815) 391-3055 www.forestcitycounseling.com

HALO ACCOUNTING LLC

Accounting, Bookkeeping, Tax Preparation

PO Box 10258 Loves Park IL 61131

Ginny Sampson - (779) 888-4256 www.haloacct.com

MISS CARLY’S, INC.

To provide food, support and supplies for people in need, including those who are homeless, struggling with the disease of addiction, experiencing human trafficking or anyone who feels as though they are without hope.

1125 5th Ave, 61104

Carly Rice - (815) 275-9465 www.misscarlys.org

NORTHTOWN RESTAURANT LLC

JANUARY MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

20-YEAR MEMBER

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

10-YEAR

MEMBERS

Progressive Steel Treating River District Association

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME) Hennig, Inc.

Be the Voice of expertise

The Rockford Chamber is always on the look out for educational speakers for our events. Want to share all you know about a particular topic? Reach out to discuss potential speaking opportunities at an upcoming event.

Send your idea to ckellerman@ rockfordchamber.com.

DBA

STOCKYARD ROCK BURGER BAR

Restaurant

908 W Riverside Blvd, 61103

Billy Ni - (815) 708-8663 www.facebook.com/ stockyardrockburgerbar/

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

CHaMBER CHAMBER EVENTS ADVERTISERS INDEX

Rockford

JANUARY 2023

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

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

FEBRUARY 2023

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

The Update, 9 a.m., NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Business Over Lunch (formerly Business Women’s Council), 11:30 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Speed Networking, 8:30 a.m.

MARCH 2023

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Business Over Lunch (formerly Business Women’s Council), 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Speed Networking, 11 a.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

The Update, 9 a.m., NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford.

APRIL 2023

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

Business Over Lunch (formerly Business Women’s Council), 11:30 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Celebration of Leadership, 10 a.m., Hoffman House, 7550 E State St, Rockford.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

Speed Networking, 3 p.m.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Ad Vice Marketing

Alpine Kiwanis Club

AMDG Holdings LLC

Angelic Organics

Children’s Safe Harbor

Christofferson Moving & Storage CMM & Associates

Crusader Community Health - West State

Edward Jones - Maren Sanders, AAMS™, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Michelle Bowman, AAMS™, CRPC™, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Erna Colborn, AAMS™, CRPS™, ABFP™, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Karre J. Cromwell, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Lea Evers, CFP®, AAMS™, CRPS™, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Chris Johnson, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Bryan G. Orvis, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Jenny Redington, CRPC™, Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Jen Reisinger, AAMS™, CRPS™, Financial Advisor

Erboe & Associates, CPAs

Healthcare Plus

Hughes Media Corp.

Inveniam Automation

Irontek

KMK Media Group, Inc.

LaLoggia Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Lincoln Rent-All & Sales, Inc.

MembersAlliance Credit Union

Muslim Association of Greater Rockford

Nova Painting & Decorating Novo Nordisk

Open Arms Early Learning Childcare Center

Pearson Plumbing & Heating Co.

Ringland-Johnson, Inc.

Ripe Life Juice Co.

Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center

Rockford Christian Schools

Rockford Fastener Inc.

Rockford Molded Products

Rockford Rigging, Inc.

Rockford Rotary Club

Social Kat

Special Power, Inc.

Staff On Site Midwest Inc.

SuperSuds Car Care Center

Trekk, Inc.

VetsRoll.org

Wesley Willows

Windmill Hill LC

Winnebago County Clerk and Recorder

Winnebago County Health Department

Wired Cafe’

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100

Direct Line

Caitlin Pusateri, President 815-316-4337

Melissa Adams, Executive Assistant 815-316-4312

Susan Contrady, Account Executive 815-316-4317

Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology 815-316-4338

Carmen Kellerman, Events Manager 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

Andrew Wright, Director of Strategic Initiatives 815-987-8100

Jake Loescher

Savant Wealth Management

Jamar Luster Ripe Life Juice

Kris Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Dawna Menke OSF HealthCare

Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Kelly Epperson

Health Network Ira Grimmett

Aerospace

Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction Co

Brent Scott Rockford Community Bank

Teri Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

Ryan Snider Rockford Ice Hogs

Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA

University of Illinois College of Medicine

Rockford

Karl Swanson Illinois Bank & Trust Christina Valdez CMM & Associates

Dustin Vock Meiborg, Inc.

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Caitlin Pusateri, President Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Therese Thill Rockford Area Economic Development Council

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in November 2022