January Voice 2025

2025 | Volume 38 | No. 1

Our plan for Leading Business Growth

Honoring our mission and achieving our vision

By Angela Kay Larson, chief executive officer, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Six months ago, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) announced my appointment as CEO of the newly-formed organization, following the merger of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Economic Development Council, and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership. In the press release, I was quoted, “We have a lot of work to do in outlining and executing a strategic plan that honors our mission and the expectations of members and investors. In doing so, I’m looking forward to collaborating with

the staff, board, and other organizations engaged in supporting and growing our business community.”

Since that time, I’ve met with the board, staff, committee chairs, elected officials, and other civic and business leaders to hear their perspectives on the chamber and share my ideas for the future of our organization. This fresh round of listening to members and stakeholders, combined with strategic thinking from the past several years of GRCC’s formation, has culminated in our five-year plan for Leading Business Growth.

This phrase, Leading Business Growth, captures the spirt of our vision (keep reading!) in a truncated version of our Mission:

Deliver benefit to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing services and

educational opportunities that help our members grow.

Our mission is our purpose, or reason for existence. It is a foundational element that drives our decision making and keeps us grounded. Also at the foundation of our five-year plan are our Values. These statements represent how our staff and volunteers show up in representing GRCC. They too drive our decision making and day-to-day behaviors:

We work as a team.

We are connectors, conveners, and collaborators We make business personal. We are forward thinking. We strive for operational excellence. We are energized by good work, good laughter, and good coffee.

(continued on page 2)

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors welcomes new members

New executive committee takes the reins in 2025

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) announced its 2025 board of directors, welcoming new board members Gina Caronna (ex officio) of The Workforce Connection, and David Anspaugh of Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association.

“Gina and David bring with them a wealth of business acumen, life experience, and a deep commitment to supporting the growth of our community,” said Lesly Couper, board chair.

Mick Gronewold of Fehr Graham resigned his position on the board at the end of 2024.

NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING GRANT

Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment (RAVE) launched the Community Programming Grant Request Program, aimed at providing financial assistance for community programming at the BMO Center, Coronado Theatre, and Davis Park. This initiative was created to enhance the cultural landscape by supporting a diverse range of events in these popular venues.

In 2025, the program will allocate $10,000 annually to help cover venue costs for local events. The funding structure is designed for efficiency, with grants deducted directly from venue costs, eliminating the need for check writing.

Interested applicants must complete the Application for Community Events, which includes providing proposed event information, licensing organization details, and references.

For more information about the Community Programming Grant Request Program, including application guidelines, please contact Kelly Frye at 815-8476380 or kfrye@asmrockford.com.

ILLINOIS CONSIDERS FLAG REDESIGN

The new board members will play a pivotal role in shaping the GRCC’s strategic initiatives, strengthening partnerships across the region, and promoting community development.

The board’s 2025 executive committee comprises Lesly Couper, chair; Conor Brown, vice chair; Nate Jordan, treasurer; Terry Voskuil, past chair; and Angela Kay Larson, GRCC CEO.

See the list of all board members on page 10.

“We so appreciate Mick’s time and energy to move GRCC forward. His participation for and with our board and our community has been incredibly impactful and has helped set our direction on the right course,” Couper said.

The Illinois Flag Commission is seeking input from the public about redesigning the Illinois state flag. The commission has selected 10 design finalists out of nearly 5,000 submissions. In January, the public will be able to vote for one of the new or former flag designs. The commission will report the result of the vote by April 1. Lawmakers will then vote on adopting a new Illinois flag, returning to a previous version of the state flag or retaining the current state flag. The 10 designs can be viewed at the ilsos.gov website.

The original flag was designed by Lucy Derwent, a Rockfordnative, in 1915. That design has only changed slightly in the subsequent years, such as adding the word “Illinois” below the seal in 1969.

Another foundational element in our plan for Leading Business Growth is a new Equity Promise. This third driver of our day-to-day decision-making, was approved by the Board at our August 2024 meeting:

We partner with members and the larger community to foster a business culture of equity and belonging.

With our decisions grounded in our Mission, Values, and Equity Promise, the board and staff can confidently pursue our Vision for the future:

Relentlessly grow, develop and support a thriving business community.

I characterize this style of organizational vision as aspirational in that we will constantly strive to achieve a “thriving business community” year after year even if the definition of thriving changes due to market developments, economic pressures, or community priorities. We will regularly assess our definition of “thriving” and adjust our course accordingly. To get started, we need your input! We’ve identified five components of a strong business community and have written short descriptions of each. We’d like your feedback on these, along with help in identifying anything that’s missing. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/GRCC_

committees and board identified several initiatives that honor the organization’s mission and point it toward achievement of our vision. The staff further refined these initiatives for the board’s approval and incorporation into our five-year strategy for Leading Business Growth:

• Strengthen our capacity to lead business retention and expansion.

• Coordinate collaborative efforts to attract businesses to Winnebago County.

• Establish GRCC as the proactive voice of members in pro-business advocacy.

• Develop our region’s leaders and workforce through training, best practice sharing, recognition, and networking.

• Reinvent our publications and communications to become a confident, reliable source of business news and information.

• Partner with GoRockford and The Workforce Connection to address members’ current and future workforce needs.

2025 2025 2025 2025

As we begin 2025, the board’s executive committee is aligning our committee structure to ensure support of these initiatives, and I am leading the development of a budget and staffing structure to focus our plan execution. (See related articles, “GRCC Board of Directors and its role in leading business growth” and “GRCC aligns staff to support strategic initiatives.”)

The staff will drive execution of this plan with monthly check-ins, quarterly reviews, and annual retreats, while the

As GRCC’s CEO, Angela Kay Larson strives to honor her leadership purpose, “to encourage others to see their worlds differently and inspire them to try new things.” (continued

board will provide ongoing oversight. Everything we do will be driven by and evaluated against this plan and the expectations of our members. We still have a lot of work to do, but I’m excited to bring this level of clarity to our day-today work in Leading Business Growth.

Input to share your thoughts.

In establishing the merged Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, the

• Design systems of productivity, efficiency, and innovation as a model of profitability and performance excellence.

GUEST COLUMNIST

Major changes in Rockford housing market

Sales are high and inventory is up

By NorthWest Alliance of Realtors

October saw a trifecta of major changes in the Rockford housing market, the most significant market movement over the last year.

Sales up 6.6 %

In October, home sales (including single-family homes and condominiums) were up 6.6 %t, from 349 homes sold last October to 372 this October, the largest monthly increase in home sales in almost four years.

Year-over-year monthly home sales have increased only six out of the last 47 months. The last major bump in home sales was December 2020, when sales increased 23% from 352 home sales in December 2019.

Inventory up 22.2 %

Accompanying a significant home sales increase was another major rise in housing inventory. Monthly housing inventory rose 22.2 %, a bump of 80 homes, from 360 homes for sale last October to 440 homes for sale this year. This was the sixth month in a row that inventory has risen.

The last six-month run of year-overyear monthly housing increases was almost a decade ago, stretching from April to September 2014 over the same time period in 2013.

New listings up to 449 in October

Accompanying the rise in inventory was another climb in the number of new listings, moving from 411 new listings last October to 449 this year, a 9.2 % jump.

“This is a good sign that market-wide year-over-year sales, average prices, and inventory were all up during October, especially since this is the first time we have seen all three go up during the same month in 2024,” said Conor Brown, CEO, NorthWest Illinois Alliance of Realtors.

Rockford no. 5 U.S. hottest real estate market

Rockford retained a spot in the Top 10 Hottest Real Estate Markets ranked by realtor.com on market demand, as measured by unique views per property on realtor.com, and the pace of the market as measured by the number of

days a listing remains active, but dropped from no. 3 in the country to no. 5. Of the top 10, Rockford had the second lowest median listing price of $232,000. Akron ’s average was slightly lower at $228,000.

“There are more homes on the market right now than there have been, and that could be a game changer for you if you’re ready to buy,” Conor said. “Though still lower than pre-pandemic levels, with

more homes available for sale now, you have more options to choose from.”

Learn more online at northwestillinoisalliance.realtor.

The views expressed are those of NorthWest Alliance of Realtors and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

How to use your event credits

Chamber

membership has its perks

As a member of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), you are part of a distinguished group of business leaders in the Rockford region. As with any good membership, being a part of the “cool kids club” has its perks. While we don’t offer free samples like some other membership organizations (though, if you pop in our office, we’ll make you a cup of coffee), your membership is brimming with benefits.

In upcoming issues of The Voice, we’ll outline specific member benefits and walk you through how to take advantage of your organization’s specific membership benefits. No matter your level of investment, your organization has benefits to use.

First up: Event credits.

Each GRCC membership level includes event credits. Those credits can be used for a variety of GRCC events, including our new Community Series. The Community Series brings back our in-person, large scale events over lunch, featuring community leaders with topics relevant to building a thriving business community. Our first Community Series event is scheduled for February 6. When you’re ready to register for this or another event, you can use your organization’s event credits. Here’s what to remember when registering for events:

1. Login at www.rockfordchamber. com using your username and password. This not only allows you to redeem event credits, but it also ensures you receive member-only pricing. Don’t have a username and password? The QR code below will help with that.

2. Thanks to our new database, you now can enjoy a faster checkout experience. Once you’re logged in, the system will save your attendee information (name, address, contact, etc.) and allow you to register other employees from your organization

as well (great for when you’re filling a table). You can also save payment information in the system (optional) for fast, secure checkout.

3. Need to make changes to your attendees? Log back in and update your attendee information. Change names, update dietary restrictions, etc. – it’s all there. Please keep in mind, any changes made less than 48 hours prior to the event may not be reflected on nametags and such at the event.

4. Once you’re logged in, if your organization has event credits to apply and the event is eligible, the system will automatically apply the discount. No need to enter a special code or check a specific box – the system will automatically deduct your credits.

For step-by-step directions, scan the QR code below.

Event credits are only one part of your member benefits. Events are a wonderful way to network and make connections, but your chamber membership is so much more than just events. With your membership, you are part of an organization actively working to make the region’s business community one that is thriving, growing, and excelling.

Throughout the year, I will focus on highlighting benefits available to our members, from job board to business retention visits, connections to expansion services and ribbon cuttings.

The world of all-thingschamber is vast!

Thank you for your membership. See you at our next event!

GUEST COLUMNIST

A more sustainable New Year

Is your business ready to lead on sustainability?

Happy new year. Political leadership on climate change is uncertain, and it’s likely that aggressive government policy will never be sufficient by itself. Now the obligation for leadership falls to business, along with their investors, employees and customers. By focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste, companies can not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also reap significant financial and reputational benefits.

Make a statement

A great first step towards a more sustainable future is to make a public statement about your commitment to reducing your environmental impact. A simple declaration like, “We are determined to move the needle on sustainability this year,” can inspire your employees, customers, and community.

Reduce waste

To start, focus on reducing waste within your operation—execute an energy audit, streamline supply chains or minimize packaging. These simple steps can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

Measure your impact

Track your greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste output. Metrics help you set goals, track your progress, and identify of areas of improvement.

Share your successes

Sharing your sustainability journey with others is essential. By communicating your achievements, you can inspire other businesses to act and

create a ripple effect. Even small wins can have a magnifying effect, motivating others to follow in your footsteps.

Benefits of sustainability

Your customers want you to be financially healthy, productive, and resilient to upsets. These attributes are consistent with a sustainable business. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions can lead to lower operating costs and improved energy efficiency. Waste reduction can streamline operations, save money, and eliminate variation. Moreover, a strong commitment to sustainability can attract and retain top talent, boost employee morale, and foster a positive work culture.

It’s your legacy

What kind of legacy do you want to leave for future generations? By acting on sustainability now, you can create a positive impact on the planet and ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. Every journey comprises small steps.

Paul Schweitzer spent 25 years with GE’s Energy, Aviation and Aerospace divisions. Early retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue his passion and earn a Certificate in Environmental Sustainability through the University of Wisconsin. Forest City Sustainability was born from his desire to help make the Rockford region a leader in sustainability.

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

PAUL SCHWEITZER, principal, Forest City Sustainability

CAITLIN PUSATERI, chief operating officer, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

GUEST COLUMNIST

New benefit for Rockford Promise Scholars

Housing grant eases expense of living on campus

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is introducing an initiative to ease the cost of on-campus living. Beginning fall 2025, the AIM HIGH Campus Housing Grant will offer eligible new, incoming students $2,500 per year for up to four years to help offset on-campus housing expenses. For many Rockford Promise Scholars, this program will provide critical housing support.

Research shows that students who live on campus tend to perform better academically, remain enrolled, and graduate on time. On-campus living also provides easy access to academic advisors, study groups, and extracurricular opportunities—such as the Rockford Promise Student Club. These resources foster a sense of belonging and engagement in college life.

“Rockford Promise at NIU has made a huge impact on the lives of hundreds of our students. Although many now commute to NIU, it is my hope that this new AIM HIGH Campus Housing Grant will help them live on campus for an even more fulfilling experience,” said Ehren Jarrett, superintendent of Rockford Public Schools

Rockford Promise Scholars are already demonstrating impressive outcomes, and campus housing support can only enhance their success. At NIU, for instance, scholars are staying in school at rates eight times higher than their peers—a testament to the effectiveness of our Scholar Support program. Each scholar is paired with an academic mentor coordinator who provides guidance through semesterly check-ins. Additionally, every student is matched with a community mentor and a supportive peer group.

Rockford Promise is dedicated to providing scholars with the resources to achieve their academic goals while fostering a strong connection to the Rockford community. By bridging funding gaps and removing the burden of tuition costs, alongside offering personalized support through the Scholar Support program, Rockford Promise creates opportunities for success. With the addition of NIU’s housing grant and the expansion of scholarships to Rockford University (RU), the program’s impact is poised to grow even further, transforming more lives and strengthening the community.

Thanks to a new partnership with the City of Rockford, eligible students from public and private partner high schools within city limits can now attend RU

tuition-free, provided they meet GPA and financial aid requirements. This initiative not only bolsters a key local educational partner but also enhances Rockford’s reputation as a hub of innovation and opportunity.

“This collaboration is a profound investment in Rockford’s future,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “By enabling our students to achieve their educational goals without the burden of tuition, we are not only supporting individual success but also strengthening our community’s workforce and economic growth.”

Rockford stands out as one of just six communities nationwide to offer place-based scholarships linked to city residency. Rockford Promise is encouraging families to stay while also attracting new residents, solidifying Rockford’s reputation as a progressive community dedicated to investing in its youth and future.

“Rockford Promise is a game changer for our community. The program not only provides opportunities for graduates to pursue higher education, but it serves as a strong incentive for families to plant roots here. This initiative highlights our city’s commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive future, making Rockford an increasingly attractive place to live and grow,” said Whitney Martin, Made for Rockford program director.

“As realtors, we understand the importance of a vibrant, educated, and thriving community. It increases wealth and makes it attractive for employers to expand or relocate here,” said Conor Brown, CEO of the NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS®. “We are also acutely aware of the mounting student loan debt that deters homeownership. Rockford Promise eliminates this obstacle for many young people who are establishing their careers.”

Applications for Rockford Promise scholarships opened Jan. 1, 2025, at rockfordpromise.org. Each scholarship comes with specific eligibility criteria, so be sure to review thoroughly before applying. If you or someone you know has questions about the requirements, feel free to reach out to us at contact.us@ rockfordpromise.org.

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

KAYLENE GROH, executive director, Rockford Promise

ERNA COLBORN, CFP®, CRPS™, ABFP™, AAMS™, financial advisor, Edward Jones

GUEST COLUMNIST

Financial resolutions for 2025

Recommendations to help reach your goals in the New Year

Now that the calendar has flipped, it’s time for some New Year’s resolutions. You could decide you’re going to exercise more, lose weight, learn a new skill, reconnect with old friends — the possibilities are almost limitless. This year, why not add a few financial resolutions to your list?

Here are some recommendations:

• Reduce your debts. It may be easier said than done, but if you can cut down on your debt load, you’ll increase your cash flow and have more money available to invest for your future. So, look for ways to lower your expenses and spending. You might find it helpful to use one of the budgeting apps available online.

• Boost your retirement savings. Try to put in as much as you can afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. If your salary goes up this year, you’ve got a good opportunity to increase

your contributions to these retirement accounts. And once you turn 50, you can make pre-tax catch-up contributions for your 401(k) and traditional IRA. You might also want to review the investment mix within your 401(k) or similar plan to determine whether it’s still providing the growth potential you need, given your risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Build an emergency fund. It’s generally a good idea to maintain an emergency fund containing up to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Without such a fund, you might be forced to dip into your longterm investments to pay for short-term needs, such as an expensive auto or home repair.

• Keep funding your nonretirement goals. Your traditional IRA and 401(k) are good ways to save for retirement, but you likely have other

goals, too, and you’ll need to save and invest for them. So, for example, if you want your children to go to college or receive some other type of post-secondary training, you might want to invest in a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan. And if you have short-term goals, such as saving for a wedding or taking an overseas vacation, you might want to put some money away in a liquid account. For a shortterm goal, you don’t necessarily need to invest aggressively for growth — you just want the money to be there for you when you need it.

• Review your estate plans. If you haven’t already created your estate plans, you may want to do so in 2025. Of course, if you’re relatively young, you might not think you need to have estate plans in place just yet, but life is unpredictable, and the future is not ours to see. If you have already drawn up estate plans, you

may want to review them, especially if you’ve recently experienced changes in your life and family situation, such as marriage, remarriage or the addition of a new child. Because estate planning can be complex, you’ll want to work with a qualified legal professional.

You may not be able to tackle all these resolutions in 2025. But by addressing as many of them as you can, you may find that, by the end of the year, you have made progress toward your goals and set yourself on a positive course for all the years to come.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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

CHRIS KELLEY, partner/CEO, Heinzeroth Marketing Group

GUEST COLUMNIST

Create better marketing content with AI

Tips for blending AI with human creativity and decision making

Today’s consumers expect relevant, personalized messaging from the brands they follow. But for small marketing teams strapped for time and resources, deciphering customer data and creating large amounts of marketing content for a growing number of channels is a challenge.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help marketers work faster, smarter, and more creatively. From automating workflows and generating tailored content to offering data-driven insights, AI can streamline content creation and enhance analytics.

But it’s no silver bullet. Coca-Cola’s 2024 AI-generated Christmas ads sparked controversy, drawing criticism for its technical flaws and inability to replicate the emotional appeal of human creativity. This is a reminder: AI works best as a powerful collaborator, not a stand-in for human marketers.

With all its impressive capabilities, it’s important to integrate AI in a way that enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. Make your AI-generated content better

Generating high-quality, on-brand content is one of the most timeconsuming tasks for marketers. AIpowered platforms like ChatGPT, Jasper, and NotebookLM make producing blogs, emails, ad copy, and social posts faster and easier, but there’s an art to using them effectively. Try these tips to get the best results:

Start with strong prompts - The old adage, “garbage in, garbage out,” still applies. When asking an AI bot to create content, be as detailed as possible. Instead of saying, “Write social copy about a new coffee product,” try something like this:

“Act as a creative marketing expert and write a snappy Instagram caption for a specialty Arabica coffee launch. Highlight its rich flavor and free shipping offer.”

Tailor AI to your brand - Train the AI tool on your brand’s tone of voice and style. Is your company culture casual or professional? Do you use the Oxford comma? Most platforms allow you to “teach” them using samples of past content or by uploading your brand’s style guide. Giving the tool direction ensures that every output is more closely aligned with your brand’s personality.

Edit and polish the output - No matter how impressive the draft, NEVER publish AI-generated content without editing. Think of AI drafts as placeholders or a first draft from your marketing intern. Refine, humanize, and thoroughly fact-

check to ensure accuracy and alignment with your strategy.

Remix your content - A single marketing campaign can quickly explode into multiple deliverables—social posts, blogs, reels, ads, emails, and more— across many channels. AI makes it easy to repurpose your content for each platform.

For example:

• Turn a blog into LinkedIn posts.

• Transform a YouTube video into an article.

• Make a webinar into Instagram stories or Facebook reels.

• Segment and personalize at scale. Leverage customer data to deliver hyper-personalized experiences. CRM platforms like Salesforce Marketing Cloud and HubSpot integrate AI to analyze customer insights and tailor everything from email campaigns to website journeys.

Imagine sending an email campaign where every recipient receives not just a personalized greeting but also products and recommendations based on their past purchases, location, or even browsing history.

Getting started

Before going all in, test drive different AI products by taking advantage of free trials. Here are a few worth trying:

• ChatGPT – General AI writing assistant for generating content.

• NotebookLM – AI-powered research assistant by Google.

• Google Gemini – Advanced AI tool for creative ideation and strategy.

• Canva AI – Great for generating onbrand visuals and graphic designs.

Marketers who leverage AI wisely can work more efficiently to improve their strategies and gain a data-driven edge. Still, successfully integrating AI lies in striking a balance between human expertise and machine power.

My advice: Start small—select a tool, test a pilot campaign, and see where AI can take your marketing efforts.

Chris Kelley is partner/CEO at Heinzeroth Marketing Group (Heinzeroth.com). He’s an expert in digital marketing and spearheads new business initiatives. With over 20 years of agency experience, he holds multiple certifications from HubSpot and Google.

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

Corporate Transparency Act requirements halted by federal court

A federal court in Texas halted the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements. Holding that the CTA is likely unconstitutional, the court issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing the CTA and its reporting requirements against anyone.

Prior to the ruling, small businesses that met certain criteria would have had to file reports with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025, or risk fines and criminal penalties.

The preliminary relief will remain in effect until the conclusion of legal proceedings, at which point the court may enter a permanent injunction. In the meantime, the government will likely appeal the preliminary injunction.

Unless and until an appellate court overrules or narrows the injunction, no

businesses are obligated to comply with the reporting requirements.

Background on the CTA

The CTA was enacted by Congress on January 1, 2021, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The CTA included significant reforms to anti-money laundering laws and is intended to help prevent and combat money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and tax fraud.

Under the act, small businesses in the U.S. need to file beneficial ownership information reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025.

Failure to submit the new paperwork by the deadline puts small business owners at risk of criminal penalties, imprisonment, and fines up to $10,000. Visit www.uschamber.com/smallbusiness for more information and to download the CTA Guide.

Movement Fitness Rockford profile profileMEMBER PROFILE

With a background in business management and a passion for healthy living, Theresa Kegley is on a mission to positively impact the community through fitness and health.

“My path has been quite random,” she said. “I started in marketing at Walt Disney World, then moved to Rockford in 2006 and dove into the nonprofit sector. Throughout my journey, I’ve always been driven by a desire to leave a legacy and make a real impact.”

This strong sense of purpose led Theresa and her husband, Justin, to open Movement Fitness Rockford in 2015, where they could directly contribute to improving the local community.

In her business, Kegley’s focus is on inspiring growth and change through results-driven coaching and teambuilding activities.

‘We own our outcomes. It’s not just about attitude; it’s about taking action. We can say a lot, but we aim to be great through our actions, not just our words,” she said.

As Kegley reflects on the growth of Movement Fitness, she is proud of what they’ve achieved, particularly as the company celebrates its 10th year.

“Reaching 10 years in business is a huge milestone,” she said. “The fitness industry is turbulent, but we’re proud to have consistently served the community. It’s been a rewarding journey.”

Kegley’s also excited about The Connection, a new health collaboration she’s opening next door that brings together professionals like massage therapists, aestheticians, and dietitians.

“Our team is wonderful, and we’re excited to expand the services we provide to the community,” she said.

Kegley believes in leading by example to inspire others to get involved: “Generosity is contagious. If we can show that to others, they’ll do the same. Our business has always been committed to giving back.”

Matching her words with actions, Kegley’s actively involved on the boards of local nonprofits, such as Go Rockford Foundation, Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, and Transform Rockford.

“By participating in the community, we are better able to understand the community’s needs,” she said.

The staff at Movement Fitness sets up a Blessing Tree during the holidays for members to give gifts to those in need. They also lead the Stroll on State parade every year.

Membership in the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) plays a key role in the company’s success.

“From the start, we got involved with the GRCC through ribbon cuttings and Leadership Rockford programs,” Kegley said. “It helped us build real relationships, not just transactional ones. Through those connections, we’ve grown in ways we never imagined.”

Kegley also participated as a speaker at the GRCC’s Pow(H)er Conference, which allowed her to connect with likeminded individuals and expand her influence in the community.

“The Pow(H)er Conference provided an amazing platform to engage with other business owners and community leaders,” she said. “It pushed me to share my experiences and learn from others in a way that truly enhanced my personal and professional growth.”

Kegley believes the sense of belonging at Movement Fitness is what makes her business stand out: “Our members aren’t just clients, they’re family. They become part of our community, and we celebrate their successes together.”

Kegley says she and her husband would not have achieved the success they have without discipline.

“Motivation comes and goes, but discipline is what keeps us focused on our goals.”

She also believes that the drive to make a lasting impact and leave a legacy is what fuels her work: “We focus on making a difference, and that’s what keeps us going.”

Kegley is grateful to the Rockford community and its role in her life.

“I’m not originally from Rockford, but I chose to make it my home,” she said. “I’m proud of the potential this community has, and I encourage others not to overlook it. There’s so much opportunity here to grow and connect.”

JOHN GROH, president/CEO, GoRockford

Rockford Restaurant Week 2025

It’s a long week, but you’ll savor every moment

A vibrant culinary scene is at the heart of any thriving community.

In 2024 alone, Winnebago County welcomed more than a dozen new independently-owned dining establishments. From upscale, datenight venues to neighborhood gathering spots serving inventive pub fare, these additions further solidify our region as a burgeoning foodie destination.

To celebrate our diverse dining experiences — both new and longstanding — and to support local hospitality businesses during a traditionally slow season, GoRockford is proud to present Rockford Restaurant Week 2025, running from Thursday, Jan. 23, to Sunday, Feb. 2.

As we’ve done in recent years, we’re extending the “week” to 11 days, spanning two weekends. This extended timeframe gives participating restaurants more opportunities to showcase their creativity through prix-fixe menus, exclusive dishes, and limited-time promotions.

“The extra weekend was huge,” said Joshua Binning, owner of Lucha Cantina, reflecting on last year’s event.

This year, our website and social media channels will highlight dining options across lunch, brunch, and dinner to ensure there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring bold global flavors, sipping on inventive cocktails (or mocktails), or rediscovering a classic dish at a familiar spot, Rockford Restaurant Week is your opportunity to indulge in the best our region has to offer.

Vote for your favorites

As in previous years, diners will have the chance to cast their votes in categories such as:

• Best Dessert

• Best Deal

• Best Cocktail or Brew

• Best Main Course

• Best Experience

The coveted Best Experience award, recognizing outstanding food quality, ambiance, and customer service, went to Hidden Creek Estates in 2024. The Roscoe-based venue, which transitioned its whiskey and wine bar into a full-

service restaurant, saw record-breaking sales and attendance during last year’s event.

“Restaurant Week was fantastic for us,” said Dude Frank, founder of Hidden Creek Estates. “Each week broke attendance and sales records. I would guess that 75% of patrons were new to Hidden Creek. I would consider it a great success.”

Supporting local restaurants

Last year, participating restaurants experienced an average sales increase of 40%, with some seeing as much as 150%. This year, we expect many of the 62 participants from 2024 to return, along with new entries from recently opened establishments.

Since its inception in 2021, Rockford Restaurant Week has remained a vital promotional event, born from a need to help local restaurants recover from the challenges of the pandemic. Restaurants, often the backbone of small business communities, continue to face unique challenges but remain essential to our local economy.

As more establishments embrace farm-to-table practices, they create ripple effects that benefit local farmers, producers, and artisans, strengthening our regional economy. Additionally, restaurants encourage patrons to explore nearby shops, cultural venues, and other attractions, fostering a holistic community experience.

Make your plans today

I invite you to explore the incredible offerings of Rockford Restaurant Week. Plan culinary adventures with family and friends, discover new favorite dishes, and share your experiences far and wide. Let’s show our support for the hardworking chefs, bartenders, and restaurateurs who elevate our region’s dining scene.

Visit GoRockford.com/RestaurantWeek for all the details and get ready to savor the flavors of Winnebago County. From global cuisines to comforting classics, the Rockford region has it all. Bon appétit!

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

GRCC aligns staff to support strategic initiatives

In late 2023, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Economic Development Council, and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership merged to form the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC). After more than a year in transition, the GRCC enters 2025 with a new CEO, a new business strategy, and a new organizational structure.

Our highly motivated team of skilled professionals welcomes your questions, suggestions and support as we continue to revitalize, grow and serve our business community.

MEMBERSHIP

Recruits new members, provides new member orientation, manages and develops member benefits.

Matt Zarembski Director of Membership

Kristin Muehlfelder Member Services Coordinator

OPERATIONS

Responsible for day-to-day operations; marketing/communications content and channels; member events and educational conferences; data and research.

Caitlin Pusateri Chief Operating Officer

Melissa Adams Operations Manager

Doug Hessong Director of Publications & Technology

Carmen Kellerman Events Manager

Brylee Knutti Data Management Intern

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Responsible for strengthening the economic health of the region by supporting the growth of existing companies, attracting new business, and working with local governments and organizations to create a favorable business environment.

Angela Kay Larson Chief Executive Officer

Alex Keedi Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager Open – now accepting applications at rockfordchamber.com

EXECUTIVE

Provides strategic direction and organizational management, facilitates business connections and partnerships, drives engagement with local and state government, and liaises with GRCC Board of Directors.

Angela Kay Larson Chief Executive Officer

Caitlin Pusateri Chief Operating Officer

2025 GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS

Terry Voskuil Woodward, Inc., Immediate Past Chair

Wendy Alsteen Hard Rock Casino

Paula Carynski OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Conor Brown NorthWest Illinois Alliance of Realtors, Vice Chair

David Anspaugh Northern Illinois Building Contractors Assoc.

Armando Cardenas Affordable Insurance & Tax

Dr. Gina Caronna The Workforce Connection

Steve Kotso Collins Aerospace

Lesly Couper workplace, Chairman

Travis Andersen UW Health Northern Illinois Region

Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Dietmar Goellner Advanced Machine & Hennig Engineering

Nate Jordan Illinois Small Business Development Center, Treasurer

Troy Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Mayor Tom McNamara City of Rockford

Frank Wehrstein Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

Jeff Hultman Foresight Financial Group

John Groh GoRockford

Angela Kay Larson Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Thomas Green Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

Dr. Sheila Hill Think Big Corporation

Michael Dunn, Jr. Region 1

GRCC Board of Directors and its role in leading business growth

According to the National Council of Nonprofits (councilofnonprofits.org), “Board members are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.”

One of the key responsibilities of the GRCC Board is to hire, supervise and evaluate the chamber’s CEO. Under the direction of the CEO, the GRCC staff manages the dayto-day activities of the organization.

On a broader scale, the GRCC Board provides:

• Supervision – Ensures the organization obeys relevant laws and regulations, including its own bylaws. Makes sure the chamber’s decisions and activities are in the organization’s best interest and advance its mission.

• Insight – Offers valuable guidance and expertise on strategy, finance, legal, and marketing issues, as well as business trends.

• Direction – Monitors and supports the chamber’s culture, long-term strategic focus, effectiveness, and organizational health.

• Advocacy – Leverages personal and professional networks to reach and influence decision-makers, spark public awareness, and be a persuasive voice on the most important issues facing chamber members and the business community at large.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

COMMUNITY SERIES: THE VITAL SIGNS OF HEALTHY BUSINESS, HEALTHY WORKFORCE

Thursday, February 6, 2025

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion

COMMUNITY SERIES: FUTURE-READY WORKFORCE - DATA, COLLABORATION, AND ACTION

Thursday, March 13, 2025

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion

CELEBRATION OF LEADERSHIP

Thursday, April 10, 2025

10 a.m. to noon

Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion

ROCKFORD MAYOR’S BUSINESS ADDRESS

Thursday, April 24, 2025

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion

GOLF OUTING

Monday, May 19, 2025

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Forest Hills Country Club

COMMUNITY SERIES: BUSINESS EXPANSION PANEL

Thursday, June 26, 2025

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion

ANNUAL DINNER

Thursday, August 14, 2025 5 to 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford

40 UNDER 40 RECEPTION

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

3 to 5 p.m.

Prairie Street Brewing, Inc.

MAC2025

Thursday, October 23, 2025

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

POW(H)ER

Thursday, November 13, 2025

8:30 to 4 p.m.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

2025 GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF

Get your voice in the VOICE

As a chamber member, one of your benefits is the opportunity to write/submit two articles a year for publication in the VOICE. There’s only one catch—it shouldn’t be 700 words of self-promotion. Think of it as show vs. tell… When you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, you won’t have to tell us how great you and your company are— it will be obvious.

Submitting an article to the VOICE is like participating in an expert panel, except on paper. It’s your chance to share real-world experiences (good and bad), give advice, highlight best practices, and offer business insights that your fellow chamber members would find beneficial.

Each month, the VOICE has a special section with a specific editorial focus, such as healthcare or workforce development. You’re always welcome to submit an article pertaining to the theme of a special section, but it’s not required. In fact, we’d like you to take a look at your own calendar for 2025 and see if that sparks an article idea for you. And if it does, let us know now (editor@rockfordchamber.com), so we can save you a spot in an upcoming issue of the VOICE

Here are some examples of significant events and the potential article ideas they could inspire.

New product/service launch

- Tips for conducting competitive and market research

- Working with social media influencers

- Strengthening relationships with distributors and retailers

Major fundraising campaign

- How to recruit and work with volunteers

Relocating your business

- Working with a realtor to find a new space

- Tips for packing and moving your office

VOICE

- Finding the best donor management technology

- Ideas for thanking donors and volunteers

Hosting a conference or event

- How to recruit and coordinate speakers

- Event management tips

- In-person vs. virtual events

Opening/building a new facility

- Steps for creating an RFP

- Best practices for working with contractors

- How to maintain momentum through delays and debacles

- How to update your address in online searches

Job fair/recruitment event

- Promoting your event on social media

- Strategies for speeding the hiring process

- Nontraditional workforce pipelines

Leadership changes

- How to make your new boss feel welcome

- Helping employees cope with change

- Dealing with generational differences

While many print publications have gone by the wayside, we still believe there’s a place and a purpose for the VOICE. We’re sharpening our editorial lens to focus on business and economicdevelopment news for you, from you, and about you.

It’s your VOICE after all—use it. Submit articles and questions to editor@rockfordchamber.com.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR THE VOICE

◊ Should be non-advertorial, informational articles appropriate for a business audience.

◊ Word count of 650-750 words.

◊ Photos can be included for consideration.

◊ All submissions will be edited for style, tone, and grammar.

◊ Please include a brief note about the author (50 words or fewer).

◊ Send articles to editor@rockfordchamber.com.

◊ Deadline for submissions is the 5th of the month prior to publication, e.g. March issue deadline is Feb. 5.

Tip for authors

◊ Write in a professional but conversational voice.

◊ Don’t stress about grammar and punctuation. That’s why we have an editor.

◊ No footnotes. If you cite a source, please do so in the text of the article.

◊ Feel free to submit blog posts or articles provided by your company’s corporate office. Please modify with local information whenever possible.

the

Advertising in the VOICE

Connect directly with the Rockford area business community by advertising your product, service or event in the VOICE. With a 6,000 per month distribution, the VOICE is one of the most widely-read periodicals in the Rockford region. Approximately 3,000 copies are mailed to chamber members each month, and an additional 3,000 are distributed throughout the community in high-traffic areas, such as grocery stores, lobbies, and offices.

The VOICE newspaper is distributed the first week of each month and features business news, economic development updates, events and programs, member news, and more. And don’t forget, active GRCC members receive special discounts.

Advertising space reservation deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Advertising artwork deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication.

Contact Matthew Zarembski at mzarembski@rockfordchamber.com or 815-7932735 for pricing and details.

GUEST COLUMNIST

The workout before the workout

Tips for moving heavy gym equipment around your home

With the new year, many of us are thinking about adding more exercise to our daily routines. For some, this means buying a new gym membership or purchasing home gym equipment to fulfill our New Year’s resolution.

While the convenience of having an in-home gym can be enticing, moving the heavy exercise equipment can be a difficult task.

You may be wondering how you’re going to move your gym equipment safely, without damaging it or your home.

One of your options is to hire professional movers like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK ®. Trained moving teams know how to handle large, awkward gym equipment with ease. And they’ll get the job done efficiently, which can save you time and hassle.

Most movers also offer delivery services. They can pick up any gym equipment you purchase from the store and deliver it to your home. Some will even help you assemble it.

However, we do understand the desire to tackle moving your heavy equipment yourself. That’s why we want to offer some of our best tips for moving exercise equipment.

1. Disassemble all exercise equipment properly before you move it. It’s important to remember to take this step, because most exercise machines and treadmills have an uneven weight distribution. They also have awkward shapes, which make moving the equipment extremely difficult.

2. It’s important to take apart the entire piece of equipment and then move it to the desired location.

3. Keep track of the parts and remember where the pieces go. It helps to take pictures during disassembly.

4. Place the parts in a dedicated box or bag. That way you won’t lose them.

5. Ask for help. Depending on what you’re moving, having an additional person to help you will make your move safer, more efficient, and less stressful.

6. Use professional moving equipment such as dollies and furniture sliders. This will make it go a lot smoother. As professional movers, we always stress the importance of using professional moving equipment. Furniture sliders are an amazing tool to use when you’re trying to get something from one end of a room to another. Moving dollies also give you more control and help limit damage.

7. Protect your floors and walls. Since home gym equipment is large and tough to move, it’s a great idea to use protection, such as floor runners and padding for walls. This will help you navigate the bulky equipment through your home without damage.

8. Practice patience and don’t overdo it. Moving gym equipment is a difficult task, and you should take your time to do it the right way. This will help prevent damage to your equipment, your home, and your body.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has locations in Loves Park and Freeport. Free estimates are available by calling 779-7716110. For additional moving tips, visit: https://twomenandatruck.com/blog.

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

ANGELICA POST

marketing coordinator, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

The value of chambers of commerce

What a 2024 opinion poll reveals

By Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Local chambers of commerce play an integral role in supporting businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. The Greater Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is no exception. By offering resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy, the chamber plays a pivotal role in fostering local economic development.

According to a 2024 public opinion poll conducted by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in partnership with The Harris Poll, 63% of businesses involved in local chambers of commerce report a positive impact on their sales, underscoring the value of chamber membership for business growth.

Resources for business growth

Chamber membership provides businesses with access to valuable tools that promote growth. The GRCC offers a variety of resources, including networking events, marketing support, and educational programs. Chambers also serve as excellent platforms for making personal connections that can lead to new clients, partnerships, and opportunities. According to the study, 72% of businesses in local chambers consider networking with other members a significant advantage.

“The local chamber does a lot of work improving our area. Our chamber brings good corporations, small businesses, and entire industries to a higher level,” said

Viki Bilich of Murphy’s Pub, a proud GRCC member. “Networking not only introduces you to other chamber members but also helps increase awareness of other small businesses, which in turn boosts business for everyone.”

Advocacy for local businesses

Chambers also advocate for businesses at the local level. They know what their members need and want and use their local connections to make sure they are heard. Chambers act as a voice for the local business community, pushing for pro-business policies that will protect them.

The 2024 ACCE study reveals that 75% of chamber members believe their chamber’s efforts contribute to job creation and a stronger local economy. This is particularly important in communities where small businesses form the backbone of economic life.

Lia Pennacchi, from the Rockford restaurant Plume, has first-hand experience with the support provided by the GRCC and Rockford Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

“The Chamber and SBDC have been extremely helpful in providing resources and support to help us get started. As a new business, knowing people and resources are available to guide us and help make connections is amazing. I think it’s important to promote how local chambers can assist new businesses with getting started,” Pennacchi said.

Fostering collaboration and partnerships

One of the key advantages of chamber membership is the opportunity to form new partnerships. The ACCE study found that 67% of chamber members reported that their involvement led to valuable collaborations that directly benefited their businesses. Through events, workshops, and forums, GRCC encourages business owners to share ideas, solve problems, and collaborate. Through these initiatives, the chamber helps foster a connected, thriving local economy.

The GRCC’s directory of members is a valuable resource in fostering partnerships. The online business directory makes it easier for members to connect with other local businesses.

“The chamber’s directory has been amazing, allowing us to find what we need and build important partnerships,” Pennacchi said. “It’s not just about getting help but about supporting other local businesses. The connections and collaboration we’ve found through the chamber have really helped us grow.”

Bilich agrees: “Members introduce you to other members, and the list of connections just keeps growing.”

Building trust and credibility

Membership in a local chamber of commerce not only provides valuable business connections but also enhances credibility in the eyes of consumers. According to the ACCE study, 80% of consumers are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that are chamber members. This trust can lead to greater customer loyalty and repeat business, which is especially important for small businesses looking to establish a strong reputation in their community.

“The Rockford community, especially in the North End, has been extremely supportive… It’s kind and welcoming, with a true sense of community. This is exactly what we were looking for when we were looking to open the restaurant,” Pennacchi said.

Being a member of a local chamber not only provides businesses professional connections but also offers businesses a level of credibility in the eyes of customers. The ACCE study showed that 80% of consumers are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that are members of local chambers. This trust can lead to greater customer loyalty and repeat business, especially for small businesses looking to establish a strong reputation in their communities.

Chamber membership signals a business’ commitment to the community and local economic development. The visibility that comes with being associated with a chamber can enhance a company’s reputation and help attract new clients.

“A lot of trust is built and makes a huge difference in sales,” Bilich said.

Chambers of commerce, and the GRCC specifically, are more than just membership organizations—they are specialized local resources for businesses seeking to grow, increase their visibility, and advocate for their needs. With realworld benefits like networking, advocacy, and community collaboration, joining a chamber offers significant advantages to local businesses. For any business looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape, the GRCC is an invaluable partner in driving business growth. v

in the newsMEMBERS IN THE NEWS

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

The Crusader Community Health Foundation Board of Directors welcomed Michael Smith, CPA, and Therese Trenhaile, MD, as new board members. The board also announced new executive committee members: Andrew Hendrickson, CPA, president; Jamie Cassel, Esq., vice president and liaison to the Crusader Community Health Board of Directors; Jeffrey Smith, MD, immediate past president; Michael Smith, CPA, treasurer; and Lisa Carter, secretary.

The Rockford Cosmopolitan Club installed the following officers: John R. Johnson (1), president; Paul Sutkay (2), presidentelect; Chris Graceffa (3), vice president of membership; Matt Aukes (4), secretary; and Greg Lundquist (5), treasurer. First Mid Bancshares, Inc. appointed Paul L. Palmby (6) to the company’s board of directors, Palmby will also serve on the board of directors of First Mid Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of the company.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS, DEATHS

Stillman Bank in Roscoe welcomed Andy Williams (7) as senior vice president and commercial loan officer, Jacki Martin (8) as vice president and commercial loan officer, and Kaitlyn Jones (9) as commercial banking specialist.

Len and Donna Roach (10), founders of LDR Cleaning and Restoration, officially retired in September after 33 years. The

family legacy that began in 1991 is now under the second-generation leadership of Heather and Dave Roach.

The Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) recognized two departing Board of Health members, Dr. Patricia Lewis and Luci Hoover (11) for 25 years of service. WCHD staff honored Dr. Lewis and Hoover for their service to the community and commitment to improving the health of all Winnebago County residents.

OSF Healthcare CEO Bob Sehring will retire in April 2026 and will be succeeded by OSF Chief Strategy Officer Michelle Conger (12). Conger assumed the role of president of OSF on January 1, 2025.

The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) welcome Xavier Whitford as its new comptroller. RMTD also announced the retirement of long-time employee Ronald Schoepfer, who served as director of finance for 24 years.

Abreo welcomed new Executive Sous Chef Brittany Mazur.

Terry Braune (13) joined Remedies Renewing Lives as senior vice president of business development.

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office welcomed two new assistant state’s attorneys. Shannon Cervantes (14) and Lucas Brainerd (15) were sworn in by 17th Circuit Court Chief Judge John Lowry.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company welcomed Dan Powell (16) as inside auto appraiser/estimator. Kristine Boggs was

promoted to underwriter II and Jessica Burns (17) was promoted to pricing analyst II.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois promoted Isabella Ibarra (18) to accountant, Kate Black (19) to Program & Development associate and In Youth We Trust liaison, and Heather Cunningham (20) to Program & Education coordinator.

RAMP Disability Resources & Services welcomed Branda LaBuy (21) as youth services specialist, Brittney Green (22) as independent living specialist, and Dane Johnson (23) as systems change advocate.

Midland Wealth Management, a division of Midland States Bank, welcomed Emil Suqi (24) as portfolio manager - team lead in its Rockford office.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program featured a Norway Spruce in White Rock Cemetery (Ogle County) as the December Tree of the Month.

LDR Cleaning & Restoration participated in the Salvation Army of Winnebago County’s Feed the Need holiday food drive to help local families. LDR surpassed their goal of meeting last year’s donation with an additional four barrels of food.

At its December commencement, OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing recognized two Doctor of Nursing

Practice (DNP) graduates and 29 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates.

James Meisch (25), Thomas Custer (26) and Jeffrey Marrs (27) of Morgan Stanley attended The Thayer Leadership Development Program at West Point in New York in January.

Forest City Gear recognized Customer Quality Engineer Jacob Hutmacher (28) on his 10th anniversary and thanked him for his long-term dedication to the company.

i3 Broadband was voted the top internet service provider by CommunityVotes Rockford 2024.

Abby Finley (29), development associate at RAMP Disability Resources & Services, graduated with a master’s degree in nonprofit administration through Louisiana State University - Shreveport. Austin Smith (30) is now mental health advocate at RAMP.

GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford received five Standards of Excellence Awards at their National Leadership Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Rockford Playhouse was awarded Center of Excellence status for Financial Health, along with four “Strong” designations in the areas of Board Health & Strategy, Operations & Facilities, HR & Volunteer Management, and Marketing.

SwedishAmerican Health Foundation (SAHF) awarded the 2024 Andrea Adams, BSN Memorial Scholarship to

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

14. Shannon Cervantes

9. Kaitlyn Jones

2. Paul Sutkay

4. Matt Aukes

17. Jessica Burns

13. Terry Braune

19. Kate Black

7. Andy Williams

1. John R. Johnson

15. Lucas Brainerd

11. Dr. Patricia Lewis and Luci Hoover

3. Chris Graceffa

16. Dan Powell

12. Michelle Conger

18. Isabella Ibarra

5. Greg Lundquist

8. Jacki Martin

6. Paul L. Palmby

10. Len and Donna Roach

20. Heather Cunningham

23. Dane Johnson

25. James Meisch

22. Brittney Green

21. Branda LaBuy

24. Emil Suqi

26. Thomas Custer

in the newsMEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Paulline Manguerra (31), an infection prevention specialist at UW Health in northern Illinois.

Dr. Scott Trenhaile, a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at OrthoIllinois, co-authored an article in EFORT Open Reviews on the use of mixed reality (MR) in surgery. Mixed reality, a technology that combines virtual reality with the real world, is used to help surgeons plan and

perform complex procedures with greater precision.

Martesha Brown (32), director of community economic development at Midland States Bank, received the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) Outstanding Community Service Volunteer Award.

Alpine Kiwanis named Valerie Johnson (33) as the recipient of the 2024 Touch

a Life Award, honoring individuals who embody a deep commitment to the community, serve as a source of inspiration, and create a lasting, positive impact that enriches lives and strengthens communities.

Per Mar Security Services (34) received the 2024 Premier Security Dealer of the Year award by Resideo at its 35th Annual CONNECT customer event. The award honors the company’s dedication

business BUSINESS BRIEFS

Mercyhealth employees donated 260 turkeys, 92 hams, 12 vegan options and 16 pumpkin pies to the Rock River Valley Pantry in December. Mercyhealth offered the dinner options to its employees as a holiday gift, with many employees choosing to donate the food to local charities instead of keeping it for themselves.

Rosecrance Behavioral Health has transferred ownership of the Rosecrance Hillman House to Life Decisions.

Dickerson & Nieman Realtors (above) donated 55 bikes and helmets to the Annual 12 Hours of Salvation Toy Drive at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall, which benefits the Salvation Army of Winnebago County. Their Bikes for Tykes delivery was made possible with generous donations from agents and staff.

Boylan Catholic High School’s Student Council delivered Christmas gift baskets to the St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center, continuing a 50-year tradition of supporting local families during the holiday season. The Boylan community came together to raise over $7,000 and collect food supplies for the Christmas Basket program.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope received a $2,200 grant from the Try Beta Club to purchase recreation equipment for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Twenty-four students from Boylan Catholic High School’s Class of 2025 were named Illinois State Scholars.

to growth, true team performance, and exceptional security solutions.

Field Fastener received the 2024 Outstanding Corporation or Foundation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Rockford Chapter for their exceptional commitment to strengthening the community through consistent support and volunteer initiatives.

OSF HealthCare was again named to the Becker’s Hospital Review 44 ACOs to Know list, the only Accountable Care Organization from the state of Illinois named.

The Chicago Titan 100 program named Brent Brodeski (35), CPA, CFP®, CFA®, MBA, founder and CEO of Savant Wealth Management, to its list of 2025 Titan 100 recipients. The award recognizes accomplished business leaders in their industries, demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion.

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

The National Safety Education Center (above) (a consortium between Northern Illinois University and the Construction Safety Council) trained Chicago Transit Authority employees and awarded them OSHA Safety and Health Fundamentals certificates.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company announced its strategic expansion into the state of Michigan for Commercial Lines products in 2025 as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to diversify its portfolio and spread risk across different markets in the Midwest.

The University of Illinois Extension serving Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties will offer inperson Master Gardener Training in Freeport, starting in February. Training will consist of eight sessions with two optional field trips, scheduled on select Thursday evenings from February 27 to June 5. Visit extension. illinois.edu/jsw for more information.

SwedishAmerican Health Foundation (above) received a donation of $56,000 from the Margaret M. Rudolph Trust. It was presented by the Maggie Strong Golf Outing Advisors and will directly support the Margaret M. Rudolph Endowment Fund, continuing its mission to provide vital assistance to breast cancer patients in the community.

RAMP Disability Resources & Services received a grant of $10,000 from US Bank Foundation in support of Youth Education and Career Readiness (Fast Track, TNT and Project SEARCH).

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center signed a professional service agreement with Cardiac Surgery

Associates (CSA). CSA provides exclusive open-heart services at 18 hospitals in five states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan). In addition to heart surgery, CSA physicians do pre-operative and postoperative clinic visits with patients.

Savant Wealth Management acquired Kentuckybased Sortino Advisory Partners, a wealth management firm that specializes in longevity and care planning.

Carpenter’s Place will open a second thrift store location at 2512 S. Alpine Rd. in the shopping center at the corner of Alpine and Harrison in the Spring of 2025.

The Rockford Park District is now offering indoor group, private, and semi-private lessons at Lockwood Park’s new Perks Family Equine Center.

The Discovery Center reopened its newly-renovated second floor featuring two new exhibits: Calm Space, a sensory-friendly environment designed for calming; and The Lab, a hands-on science lab where kids can work with real lab equipment.

First Mid Ag Services, a division of First Mid Wealth Management, celebrated 20 years of providing thirdparty research to local farmers with the publication of its Agronomic Partners Seed Research Program annual fourth quarter data.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Rockford Area Arts Awards hosted by the Arts Council. Visit www.artsforeveryone.com/rockfordarea-arts-awards for more information.

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

30. Austin Smith

28. Jacob Hutmacher

34. Per Mar Security Services

33. Valerie Johnson

35. Brent Brodeski

32. Martesha Brown

29. Abby Finley

27. Jeffrey Marrs

31. Paulline Manguerra

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

JANUARY

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

Natural Land Institute’s Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike, 4:30 to 8 p.m., Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton. Free familyfriendly event with luminaries, bonfires, hot cocoa, and treats.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15

VA Disability Compensation presentation with Superintendent Jesus M. Pereira, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main Street, Rockford. Sponsored by the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes, 7:30 p.m., Coronado Theatre, 314 N Main St, Rockford.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Rockford Park District’s Snowy Views in Snowshoes, 1-3 p.m., Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Rd., Rockford. Atwood staff will lead a peaceful snowshoe tour through the park’s winter wonderland. Event is part of the In the Outdoors series presented by Rock River Disposal. Visit https://atwoodpark.org/ programs to register.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition 2025, presented by the Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N 2nd Street, Rockford. Open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m. Runs through Jan. 25.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

Rockford Region Restaurant Week 2025 begins and continues through Sunday, Feb. 2. Visit www.gorockford.com/restaurant-week for more info.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Highland Community College Student Conference Center in Freeport. The rapidly expanding market of biologicals, biostimulants, and biofertilizers will be discussed. Earn Continuing Education Units in nutrient management, crop management, and integrated pest management. Visit: go.illinois.edu/JSW or call (815) 986-4357 to register.

Our ambassadors are in the holiday spirit. They make our days merry and bright. Thank you, ambassadors, for all you do!

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

FEBRUARY

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

SOAR Gospel Awards, 7 p.m., Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

2025 Rockford Legacy of Service Luncheon benefitting the Blackhawk Area Council of Scouts BSA, noon to 1:15 p.m., Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. All proceeds support local youth participation in Scouting. Visit blackhawkscouting.org for more information.

Cirque du Soleil: Crystal, 7 p.m., BMO Center, 300 Elm St, Rockford. Runs through Feb. 9.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

14th Annual Gospel Brunch, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center

FEBRUARY 22-23

44th annual Rockford Home Show, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Price: $7, children under 12 free. showtimeproduction.net/ home-show

MARCH

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

2025 Rockford Area Arts Awards hosted by the Arts Council, 6 p.m., Rockford Woman’s Club Theatre. The Arts Awards are an annual acknowledgment and celebration of how the arts positively impact our community. The Arts Awards, and after-party, are hosted at the Rockford Woman’s Club Theatre. Nominations are open now.

The Prince Experience, 7 p.m., Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Restyle the Runway hosted by Womanspace and TadMore Tailoring, 11 a.m.3 p.m., Regents Hall at Rockford University. An all ages, all sizes fashion show featuring fashions reimagined by Tad More tailors and stylists, plus a tasty lunch, socializing, shopping, music and cocktails.

MARCH 15

Animal Rescue Expo, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. Price: $5 donation adults, veterans and kids under 12 free. Proceeds benefit the Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry.

NASDAQ BOARD DIVERSITY RULES BLOCKED IN RESPONSE TO LAWSUIT

In December, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission’s approval of Nasdaq’s board diversity rules.

These rules imposed race, sex and orientation quotas on corporate board membership for Nasdaqlisted companies, compelling those that failed to meet their board seat quotas to explain why or face involuntary delisting from the stock exchange.

The Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 “required companies listed on a registered stock exchange to comply with SEC disclosure regulations,” Fifth Circuit Judge Andrew S. Oldham wrote for the Court in the case of National Center for Public Policy Research v. Securities and Exchange

Commission, but “SEC may not approve even a disclosure rule unless it can establish the rule has some connection to an actual, enumerated purpose of the Act.”

The Court found that the race, sex and orientation of corporate board members has no connection to the purposes of the Exchange Act. The Court decided that Nasdaq “offered little support for its claim that there is an empirically established—even logical—link between the racial, gender, and sexual composition of a company’s board and the quality of its governance.” The SEC also failed to justify how the rules helped to promote free and open markets, a core stated purpose of the Exchange Act.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Thank you to members who renewed with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in November 2024

Advanced Chimney Systems Inc.

Aetna Building Solutions

AMDG Holdings LLC

Amundsen Davis

Atlas Components

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Crosby Starck Real Estate

Bobcat of Rockford

Briggs Floor Sanding & Refinishing

Brightpoint

Center for Sight & Hearing

CherryVale Mall

Children’s Safe Harbor

City of Rockford

CMM & Associates

ColorLab Cosmetics, Inc.

Creative Crane & Rigging, Inc.

Crusader Community Health - West State

Fehr Graham

Forest City Diagnostic Imaging

Furst-McNess Company

GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford

GrahamSpencer Brand + Content Solutions

Holiday Inn of Rockford

Independence Village at Rockford

Inveniam Automation

Keith Country Day School

Keller Williams Realty Signature

Lowe’s Distribution Center

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

NLT Title, a division of Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc.

Olson Enterprises LLC

Olson Funeral & Cremation Services

Ltd./Fred C. Olson Chapel

Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd./North Main Chapel & Care Center

Ophelia’s Rose 360 Photo Booth, LLC

Porter Pipe & Supply Co.

Powmet, Inc.

Premium Roofing Solutions PLLC

Professional Graphics Inc.

Redd Insurance Group

Rockford Auto Glass and More

Rockford Bell Credit Union

Rockford Fastener Inc.

Rockford Housing Authority

Rockford Promise

Rockford Toolcraft, Inc.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Spine and Body Renewal

Taylor Company

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center

Title Underwriters Agency Trekk, Inc.

U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce | International Trade Administration

VIP Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Winnebago County Bar Association

Woodman’s Food Market, Inc. #30

Let your Voice be heard

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT

MALACHI BRICK, REAL ESTATE AGENT, DICKERSON & NIEMAN REALTORS

What is your business?

What do they provide for the community?

I’m a real estate agent with Dickerson & Nieman Realtors. Licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin, I work with residential and commercial clients in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Whether they are first time home buyers, investors looking for opportunities, or people wanting to upgrade or downsize, I’m here to help. I enjoy walking with people through this momentous (sometimes stressful) part of their life and making sure they have a great experience and maybe even some fun!

How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador?

I’ve been a Chamber Ambassador for one year, and it has been a great experience!

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

THE SALVATION ARMY ADULT REHABILITATION CENTER

Heather Eilken heather.eilken@usc. salvationarmy.org

TAD MORE TAILORING (779) 423-1234 https://tmtailor.com

U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION

Adam Shanks adam.shanks@trade.gov (779) 208-2211

WINNEBAGO COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION (815) 964-4992 director@wcbarockford.org

JANUARY 2025 ANNIVERSARIES

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

30 YEARS

Campos Construction, Inc.

25 YEARS

Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois Hicksgas Belvidere

15 YEARS

Galapagos Rockford Charter School

TLC Construction

10 YEARS

Family Counseling Services of Northern Illinois La Quinta Inn & Suites Rockford Rocktown Adventures

5 YEARS

Ross Blumenthal Comcast - Xfinity Retail

What is your favorite thing to do in Rockford or favorite thing about Rockford?

The community of Rockford is resilient and strong. After many years of being told this isn’t a great place to live, I feel that the narrative is beginning to change. Locals and visitors alike are seeing the wonderful things Rockford has to offer.

Whether it’s the amazing parks, unique restaurants, quality entertainment venues, community resources and nonprofits, fun local music scene, lower housing costs, or countless other activities, our city has something for everyone. Our family loves to take advantage of it all!

Advice for someone, especially young professionals, considering becoming an ambassador?

For those looking to get involved with the chamber, do it! This is a great group of people who love to cheer on and champion one another’s efforts. It’s a great place to network and bounce new ideas off of trusted friends.

Being in real estate, the connections I’ve made in the community and being among the first to hear of new businesses and endeavors entering our area has been invaluable to me and my clients.

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages member submissions for The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 5th of the month preceding publication date. Send

items of interest to the business community to:

CHaMBER CHAMBER EVENTS ADVERTISERS INDEX

New in 2025: The GRCC Community Series

Created to address the most important issues facing Rockford area businesses, this series revives our in-person, large-scale events over lunch. We’ll bring together community leaders and business professionals to share experiences, insights and best practices. Watch the Chamber Events page for information on upcoming topics.

FEBRUARY 2025

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Community Series: The Vital Signs of Healthy Business, Healthy Workforce, 11:30 a.m., Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion, 1868 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford.

Explore the critical intersection of healthcare and business with industry panelists, and learn best practices for navigating healthcare challenges in your business. Details to come.

MARCH 2025

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Community Series: Future-ready Workforce - Data, Collaboration, and Action, 11:30 a.m., Illinois Bank & Learn about Trust Pavilion, 1868 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford.

Employment professionals share the latest on initiatives shaping workforce development across the Rockford region. Details to come.

APRIL 2025

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

Celebration of Leadership, 10 a.m., Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion, 1868 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford.

Celebrate the 70th class of the Leadership Rockford program with coworkers and friends. After months of exploring what makes Rockford unique, the 2024/2025 graduates embrace their roles as community leaders.

MAY 2025

MONDAY, MAY 19

Golf Classic, 11 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Rd, Rockford.

Set your out of office now; we’re heading to the golf course! Invite your coworkers and clients and join us for round of golf, oncourse beverages, tee-box sponsor challenges, and more. Always a hit, the Greater Rockford Chamber Golf Classic is the fun side of leading business growth.

FEBRUARY VOICE

GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Anspaugh Northern Illinois Building Contractors Assoc.

Armando Cardenas

Affordable Insurance & Tax Service Inc.

Paula Carynski

OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Dietmar Goellner

Immediate Past Chair

DIRECTORS

Wendy Alsteen Hard Rock Casino

Travis Andersen UW Health Northern Illinois Region

Advanced Machine & Engineering

Thomas Green Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP

Troy Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Sheila Hill Think Big Corporation

Jeff Hultman Foresight Financial Group

Steve Kotso Collins Aerospace

Carly LaMonica

LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

Frank Wehrstein

Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

EX-OFFICIO

DIRECTORS

Mayor Tom McNamara City of Rockford

Dr. Gina Caronna The Workforce Connection

Michael Dunn, Jr. Region 1

John Groh GoRockford

Angela Kay Larson

Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce