January Voice 2023

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 solutions oriented 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.

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 per-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 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

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is committed to lead business growth. Thank you for your membership. We look forward to an energizing 2023.