February Voice 2023

I Rockford

The economic impact of civic pride

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

Strolling down a sunny coastal beach wearing a Geri’s Hamburgers t-shirt, a Bygone Brand customer was approached by a stranger who pointed at the familiar red, white and blue sign on the shirt and said “Rockford?”

Geri’s Hamburgers, a Rockford-based franchise that opened in 1962, closed their last location in Beloit in 1999.

Keith and Amy Watson’s Rockfordbased company, Bygone Brand, started in 2013, trading on the nostalgia of fondly remembered logos and brands closely tied to Rockford.

Keith, a graphic designer who was attracted to brands, and Amy, a teacher and history buff, combined their passions

to create a company that uses trademarks to celebrate a sense of time and place, starting with brands familiar to long-time Rockford residents.

Geri’s Hamburgers, the Ing Skating Palace, Game Factory, the Pink Pony, The Mayflower Restaurant—these all evoke the nostalgic experiences specific to people who grew up in Rockford through the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

“Nostalgia starts in your 30s. Right now, the 90s are in vogue, and people have resources to think about recapturing their past,” Keith said. “This is just as much for local shoppers as it is for the Rockfordians who moved away and miss their hometown.”

“We’re known as the people who have the brands,” Amy said.

As Bygone Brand grew, they sought out this nostalgia across other cities, tapping into the hometown pride found in places like Madison, St. Louis, Peoria, the Twin Cities and more.

“I’m out here at the checkout desk, and people are excited when they come in. When people find a shirt that represents a place they loved and connected with, they want to tell us their stories—stories of their first job, their first date, the first kiss out at the Belford Drive In,” Amy said as she gestured to a t-shirt with the old, familiar logo.

“That’s the most fun part of it, because it’s a vindication that this is the right thing for us to do. We love this stuff and when we hear other people tell their stories, we know they love it too,” Keith said.

The value of hometown cheerleaders

When coming to Rockford, potential residents often Google the city, and find Rockford on some dubious lists.

“When we get new employees who move to Rockford, the first thing they all do is Google Rockford. We tell them that’s just the cover of the book and doesn’t tell

(continued on page 8)

We mean (coffee) business

By Andrew Wright, Director of Strategic Initiatives

The friendly barista takes your order, you select a hot beverage and a tasty pastry and settle into the comfy chair by the fireplace on a cold winter’s day.

Around you, you can pick up on several conversations at the same time. A pair of old friends are catching up. A book club is waiting for their last member to arrive. A woman is talking about a recent date on her Bluetooth while she types up her latest report. Three men discuss their social media rollout for their latest sports club launch.

The coffee shop is abuzz with activity on this Wednesday morning, and, as the business community embraces remote work more after the peak of the pandemic, coffee shops all over have become the new workplace for many professionals. The coffee shop as your office

Benjamin Chauvin, owner and founder of Rockford Roasting Company, explained that these spaces were designed with that in mind.

“We create more open spaces, have an

open floor plan, look for tall ceilings and design our layout to inspire creativity. White walls with a feature color wall, with art curated to make the space what our guests need it to be in the moment.”

Rockford Roasting Company has two downtown locations catering to the busy and the casual customer alike.

There are some good reasons to select a local shop for a business meeting or to use as a workplace, but there are some best practices to follow as well.

“You can set a tone for a client by bringing them into a space that you already know. There’s a sense of brand loyalty and social acceptance that comes when a barista greets you by name and has your favorite order memorized and ready to go,” Chauvin said.

While many coffee shops are created as welcoming spaces for remote workers to get out of their homes, they’re able to offer these services because of a steady

APPLY NOW FOR RPS 205 SPECIAL PROGRAMS KINDERGARTEN LOTTERIES

Rockford Public Schools has six special program schools that are available to residents. Four of the programs are lottery based, and the application period is open now through March 10, 2023.

■ Two-way Language Immersion at Barbour builds fluency in Spanish and English.

■ STEAM Academy at Haskell focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

■ International Baccalaureate Candidate program at Conklin develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people through a global perspective.

■ Montessori at Marsh (pre-K lottery) encourages independence and hands-on learning.

Visit the RPS 205 Welcome Center at 501 7th Street to apply.

FREE EVERGREEN MULCH

The City of Rockford and Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful have free mulch available from recycled Christmas trees. Evergreen mulch is slightly acidic, which makes it perfect for roses, azaleas, hydrangeas and pines. Bring your own equipment and containers to hand-load. No machine operated equipment permitted.

City of Rockford residents

■ 523 S. Central, across from the Rockford City Yards.

Available through summer. Check the “Mulch Cam” on the City of Rockford’s website.

Northern Illinois residents (available through February)

■ Loves Park, Martin Park, 5600 Park Ridge Road (northeast parking lot)

■ Cherry Valley, Baumann Park, S. Walnut St. (daylight hours only)

■ Rockton, Rockton Boat Ramp, 830 E. Main St. (parking lot opposite ball field)

■ Roscoe, Valley View Farms, 6440 Belvidere Rd.

■ Village of Davis, Davis Village Hall, 104 E. McKimmy St.

■ Pecatonica, Pecatonica

Wetlands Forest Preserve, 4550 N. Pecatonica Rd. (near picnic area)

■ Harlem Township, Schoonmaker Park, 10500 Ventura Blvd.

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

and

CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber President

As I sit at my computer in my basement writing this article—about 15 days past deadline and pushing the printing deadline beyond reason—my four-yearold daughter is upstairs recovering (well) from a crown on her tooth, my 20-monthold is alternating between crying and laughing as he fights a 101+ fever and my husband, who left work early to pick up my sick son while I was on a work call in the preschool parking lot to pick up my daughter, is keeping the house running.

It’s January 26. In the past 26 days, we’ve dealt with three days of unexpected daycare closures, eye appointments in Madison for both kids (which involved a 20-minute procedure during which my 20-month-old ugly cried the entire time), a scratched cornea involving one immediate care and two eye doctor visits (me this time!), strep throat, family dentist appointments, two follow-up dentist appointments, now a fever as my husband starts to come down with a cold, and general bleh-ness for a few days

in me. All the while, there’s a Children’s Motrin & Children’s Tylenol shortage nationwide.

While this month’s insanity has been a bit excessive, it’s really not that out of the ordinary for working parents these days. I’m sure that those in the trenches of parenthood right now reading this are nodding their heads thinking “us, too.”

It’s easy to blame all of this on COVID—and the pandemic SHOULD get its fair share of the blame. But the demands on working caregivers have been intense for a long time now. Our society is built around the idea that today, most households are dual-income households meaning those with children need to find outside care. Daycare availability and affordability was an issue before the pandemic but is even more of a crisis now. You're already behind the eight-ball if you aren’t on a daycare waitlist quite early in your pregnancy. Preschool wait lists (assuming you can figure out transportation) is over a year

long. School days end well before the working day ends, but after-school care can be difficult to find. Full-time summer camps fill up extremely fast leaving working parents scrambling for options.

On the other side of the spectrum, many working professionals are caring for elderly parents who need medical assistance. Between doctor appointments and in-home nursing care shortages, the scheduling demands can be just as intense as they are for me and my young family.

While sitting at Meg’s Daily Grind trying to push out a good amount of work before an important 10 a.m. meeting, I got a call that my daughter needed to be picked up from daycare and tested for strep. I hung up the phone and just started to cry—right there in the coffee shop, into my smoothie. I had just returned from having to take extra days off from work over the holidays due to daycare closures, followed by more days of unexpected closures. I had finally gotten back into the groove and had just a few moments to do actual work, and the call left me feeling defeated and destroyed. Luckily, my mother-in-law happened to be in town (helping watch the kids while daycare was closed) and offered to stay for three more days to help out. She got strep, but she saved our week, and I can’t thank her enough.

What does any of this have to do with the business community? Well, in some

ways, not much. And in other ways, everything. Working caregivers are faced with record levels of illness in children and record shortages of skilled help for adults. Our systems don’t align with reality. Our 24/7 available work culture is burning us out. And our community needs healthy, loved, read-to, resilient kids to grow into the community we want to be.

I don’t have any big answers right now, but I do have this suggestion:

The days are cold. People are tired. Kids are sick. And everyone is dealing with some sort of something. If you see a mom crying into her smoothie at Meg’s or an employee taking another sick day for her kids' never-ending illness, don’t stare or scoff. Just help her through it the best way you can. Maybe it’s picking up some Children’s Motrin for her that you happen to see during your weekly grocery trip. Maybe it’s gladly rescheduling a meeting for another day to give her a little breathing room. Maybe it’s moving meetings to 8 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. to help a dad make school drop off or allow an employee to wait for their in-home caregiver to arrive before they must leave for work. Or maybe it’s just saying, “Hey, we know you’re doing the best you can, and we appreciate that. This too shall pass.” And then mean it. Turns out, kindness goes almost as far as a highly sought-after bottle of Children’s Motrin.

v

Kindness

children's Motrin welcomed

On-going pandemic woes run deep - for everyone

customer base willing to support the business side. If you’re planning to use your local coffee shop as a workspace, there are a couple of great rules of thumb to follow that help keep those spaces operating and successful.

“Be aware that this is a public space for your use and for the people around you. When you come into the shop, if you want to set up your workspace before ordering, just let your barista know,” Chauvin said, “And if you’re planning to be there for a couple hours, consider picking up another drink or a snack.”

Take a lesson on coffee

Your local coffee shop can be a good place to learn about which offerings might appeal best to your palette.

“We’ve hosted private coffee brewing and coffee tastings—they’re called ‘cuppings’ for small groups—and even done public coffee classes in the past.”

Chauvin said. “Baristas are trained to take your tastes and make recommendations.”

When I talked with him about my sweet tooth, Chauvin designed an iced mocha with oat milk that was rich and just a little sweet. Right in my wheelhouse.

“If there’s ever anything not quite right with your drink, talk with our staff about it. People who work in this space do so because they like people. We want to make your experience more enjoyable,” Chauvin said.

A coffee tasting can be paired with an art opening, live music, a baby shower or any other event. Chauvin remembered a time when Rockford University brought a touring lecturer to speak about the James Webb Telescope. “The speaker came from UW Whitewater to host a science café, and we were packed.”

Coffee with the Chamber

In 2023, the Rockford Chamber

of Commerce plans to visit many of our local coffee shops and share the experience with our members. Watch our events page and check in with The Voice Now, our email newsletter, for upcoming dates and locations.

Coffee Appreciation 101

Coffee can be a life saver in a pinch. But not everyone takes it the same way. Here are some coffee etiquette tips and tricks for your next meeting over coffee:

■ Enjoy the scents of your coffee and the sounds of your coffee shop. Baristas have access to tools and machines most people don’t have in their kitchen. Savor the flavor and smells of a well-made cup of joe.

■ Enjoy your coffee your way. Cream, sugar, shots of flavor or straight up black, your coffee should be satisfying to your experience. Don’t shy away from something that adds joy to your coffee.

■ Do try different blends from time to time to see if something might hit your taste buds differently. There are lots of sourced coffees at local shops that might unlock a new experience or an old memory that you’d miss out on if you didn’t get a little adventurous.

■ Not everyone loves coffee, but a hot cocoa can be a great beverage of choice for someone with a sweet tooth. Don’t be afraid to order what makes you happy. People won’t look down on you if you like your hot beverages with marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles.

■ Be kind to the baristas and servers. How you treat people who are serving you will be a significant indicator of how you will work with your vendors or customers. Making a good impression with the staff will go a long way in making a good impression with your business partners.

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to as many as 30 designers, planners and service staff.

“You don’t need formal training, because we’ll train you from the ground up. We’re looking for people excited about

Event Floral

Event Floral has been making celebrations special for 20 years.

Erin Stoffregen, owner of Event Floral, came to work for the company when she was in high school, working under the store’s original owner, Deb Quillen. Stoffregen remembered working out of a warehouse east of Interstate 90. Midway through college, Stoffregen knew that she wanted to advance in the business once Quillen had expressed an interest in looking for someone to take over.

Now, nine years into her leadership of Event Floral, they occupy a beautiful retail space in Loves Park. The stone and metal building behind Blaine’s Farm and Fleet nestles up to a growing neighborhood to the north.

Entering the bright and colorful shop, the enticing fragrance of the flowers and aromatic plants greets you as you open the door. Retail shelves are well stocked with stylish décor and potted plants, while a floral cooler has freshly cut tulip bouquets arranged in a rainbow of reds, pinks and purples.

“We’re very well established in the wedding and event industry,” Stoffregen said. “But I think that people don’t realize we do everyday floral as well. We have our new dedicated showroom, delivery drivers, we do special orders for pickup and delivery, for proms and anniversaries, retirement parties—any scale of events, even if it’s just one thing. We’re open to the public.

“We’re excited to bring elevated style to the market, putting our own twist on what you expect from a commercial bouquet. What we offer is specialized design, talented seasonal design, and a fresh modern approach.

Organized beauty

We sat down in a brightly lit, welcoming space that was created for consulting with couples planning their wedding or corporate customers looking to decorate their upcoming event.

“When we’re consulting with a couple about their wedding, if they’re not sure where to start, we can offer a price guide that can give them averages and overviews

so that they can start to figure out a budget. It’s most helpful when someone comes in with a budget ballpark. Larger weddings have more needs, so knowing parameters in terms of quantities and expectations is important..

"Working with corporate partners is great because they often come up with a budget per table or per person that we can work backwards from to make the most impact per table.

Bring us inspiration pictures, help us understand and know your colors, styles, your specific requests, give us the best information. We can always customize to meet a budget and get as close to the vision as possible,” Stoffregen said.

A Valentine’s Day resource

As we approach Valentine’s Day, it’s good to have a go-to local store, particularly if one you’ve relied on has left the market. Stoffregen explained why you get better value working with a local store over ordering flowers online. “In general, if you can contact local florists directly, you’ll get the best value and overall arrangement. Online services take a big percentage, so contacting local florists directly can do more for you.”

Spotted in the wild

Event Floral has a busy social calendar ahead. Partnering with Rockford Art Museum with the annual “Art in Bloom” event, several bridal shows, and various public installations, you’ll see their arrangements around town throughout the coming months.

As with wedding season and corporate gala events, you can do better during Valentine’s Day by planning ahead.

“The sooner you place an order, the more likely you’ll get guaranteed delivery and the best selection. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll be limited to the stock we have on hand,” Stoffregen said.

And much like flowers growing in the spring, so does the flower business. With a staff of 10 to 15 core members, Event Floral expands to meet the demands of wedding and event seasons between June and October, expanding their staff

a fast-paced, ever-changing industry with a creative eye and general interest in design. And if you have experience and training and floral design, we’d love to talk with you,” Stoffregen said.

Ideal planning time for your events

■ Weddings: Six months to one year lead time for all floral arrangements, bouquets. Start earlier for weddings scheduled between June and October or for larger weddings.

■ Corporate Events: Two to four months lead time for centerpieces, focal pieces

■ Event Floral can also offer linens, charger plates, lanterns, pipe and drape, and other décor for your event

■ Event Floral is located at 7302 Rock Valley Parkway, Loves Park

■ Retail Hours are 9 am – 4 pm weekdays, and 9 am – noon on Saturdays.

■ Consultations are available by appointment.

■ Find them on Facebook and Instagram or at www.event-floral.com.

"Thayer made our whole LED upgrade easy and seamless and we are very pleased with the results! Our facility is much safer and more secure for our customers and employees and we also benefit from lower utility costs. I highly recommend the Thayer team to anyone considering new lighting."

Jim

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Garner, General Manager CIT Trucks, LLC

Chamber survey drives priorities for college, career readiness

I sat down with Rockford Chamber President Caitlin Pusateri in November 2022 for the Community Priority Series. The conversation focused on results from the recent chamber survey on education. I want to stress that we’re listening to your feedback and already taking action. Here are some highlights from our conversation.

College AND careers: RPS 205 to launch Career Running Start

High school juniors have had the opportunity for years to enroll in dual credit courses at Rock Valley College (RVC) and earn college credit in high school. Running Start participants can graduate high school with an associate’s degree from RVC.

But college, as you pointed out, is not the only path to success. Based on survey feedback from the Rockford Chamber, we’re launching a Career Running Start program.

We’ll offer 40 seats in the program in the 2023-24 school year for juniors to study mechatronics, manufacturing, welding or aviation maintenance. Students will split their time between RVC for career training and academic coursework. With job-embedded learning, we’ll give students a running start directly to a career. We hope this illustrates our commitment to our students and our local workforce with a fast track to a career with a high paying job. It’s a win-win-win for our students, our workforce and our community.

Workforce readiness and soft skills

We hear both anecdotally and on the survey that students lack soft skills for workforce readiness. Chamber feedback helped prioritize a new plan to encourage and reinforce soft skills.

This semester, RPS 205 will deploy five workforce coaches to connect with students and employers in our community to focus on students’ soft skills. Here is how it works… Coaches will meet with students and employers at their actual job sites to provide feedback. Rather than exclusively focusing on evaluating students in newly created

pathways, we can now meet students where they are already working. Students can earn recognition for illustrating those soft skills in the form of digital badges and high school credit.

Thank you for welcoming these coaches into your workplaces and supporting our students in learning these essential skills.

Rockford Promise: tuition-free scholarships to NIU, RVC, RU

We received positive survey feedback about Rockford Promise, the locationbased scholarship program for RPS 205 students to receive free tuition to Rockford University, Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. The program, long-term, can be a gamechanger for our community that will increase property values and attract and retain talent into our community and workforce. We want to ensure that all students and families know that Rockford cares about its students and that college can be a reality, and even a promise.

Thank you, business leaders

I want a highly engaged business community that is paying close attention and holding the district accountable. High engagement with the public schools, higher education and business community means we can build partnerships that solve problems together.

Another survey is scheduled for the spring, and we hope it leads to more conversations and deep listening opportunities. This is a team sport. Our students – our children – don’t have to stay in our community when they graduate from high school. We want them to come home and stay home, in the same way we want businesses to come here and stay here. Watch

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

DR. EHREN JARRETT Superintendent - RPS 205

development

News from Rockford Area Economic Development Council

RAEDC annual event and strategic plan presentation

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council will hold its annual meeting on February 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Prairie Street Brew House.

During the event, the strategic plan will be presented. It was developed following consultation and conversations with our economic development partners and Next Move Group.

“We are excited to share what the organization has achieved in the past year and what is currently in the works to increase the economic prosperity of the region for companies and residents,” said Therese Thill, RAEDC president.

This is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the organization and meet the new members of the board.

Register for the event at RockfordIL.com/events.

Skilled workers available

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council is working with The Workforce Connection and other regional partners to reduce the impact of the impending closure of the Stellantis Belvidere Assembly plant on our community.

work directly with Stellantis employees on transfer and relocation options, The Workforce Connection has created a portal to give local companies a platform to share their employment opportunities with these displaced workers.

Visit theworkforceconnection.org to register your open positions and indicate your interest in participating in future job fairs targeting these displaced workers.

Lean manufacturing interactive workshop

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council will host—Improve Process Efficiencies: Lean Manufacturing Overview with Simulation—February 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at NIU Rockford.

Meeting today’s manufacturing challenges demands a lean enterprise— streamlining product design and manufacturing by applying lean manufacturing principles, concepts and techniques. The primary focus is the continuous elimination of waste in the company’s business processes.

Implementing lean practices involves changing a work area or a business process to maximize efficiency, improve quality and safety, eliminate unnecessary

resources.

This interactive workshop combines comprehensive classroom instruction with the manufacturing simulation of a production facility. Participants will learn new techniques to aid in lean transformation:

■ How to differentiate between a “push” and a “pull” system.

■ How to identify the eight wastes that must be eliminated to make the manufacturing processes lean.

■ How those wastes reduce company profits.

■ Understand the functions of a Kanban system.

■ How to make more effective use of employee time following waste elimination.

The agenda includes:

■ Traditional Manufacturing & Eight Wastes

■ Traditional Manufacturing Simulation Workplace Organization (5S)

■ 5S System, Visual Controls, Standardized Work, Plant Layout, Point of Use Storage, Batch Size Reduction, Quick Changeover

■ Teams, Quality at the Source, Cellular Manufacturing, Pull Systems, Total Productive Maintenance

■ Applying Intermediate Lean Tools

Additional information is available at IMEC.org/events.

Discover engineering at the Discovery Center

National Engineers Week is February 19-25, and the Discovery Center will host Discover Engineering, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 25.

They’re wrapping up National Engineers Week with dozens of professional engineers from local firms as they set up shop at Discovery Center with hands-on engineering activities for children. Engage your brain and conquer fun challenges, meet high school robotics teams, enjoy special science demonstrations and more on this STEM-tastic day!

Discover Engineering is included with museum admission: $10 Public, FREE for Museum Members and all children ages 1 and younger. The event is sponsored by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers –Rockford Chapter.

Learn more about this and other events at

the true Rockford story. Rockford’s got great outdoor space, great restaurants, there’s everything in this town that you want,” said Mike Peck, vice president of marketing, content and operations for the Rockford IceHogs.

Peck, formerly the voice of the IceHogs, has been with the league since their UHL days in the early 2000s. As the team approaches their 25th year in Rockford, the IceHogs are celebrating national brand recognition and a history that includes a league championship and 23 players who have passed through Rockford and gone on to hoist the Stanley Cup.

“If I didn’t like Rockford, I’d have been gone. I’m raising a family here. We have two former players, Rob Klinkhammer and Jared Nightingale, who have returned to Rockford,” Peck said. “Oak Hewer, Scott Burfoot, and J. F. Rivard have returned to Rockford. We have everything you might want in a living situation.”

Rockford has become a desirable partner to the Chicago Blackhawks, not just for its location—near enough to Chicago to make it convenient for players to ascend to the NHL for short stints— but also because Rockford has embraced the IceHogs as a symbol of civic pride.

“The Blackhawks love Rockford, the interactions with the fans and the response the community has to this hockey team. Our parent team wouldn’t continue to invest in the IceHogs and this community if they didn’t see an adequate level of civic pride. It’s special to have an AHL affiliate just down the road from an NHL club that supports this team like Rockford supports the IceHogs,” Peck said.

And the familiar face of Hammy the IceHogs mascot has been spotted on jerseys across North America and around the globe.

“It doesn’t matter which high school you attended, what NCAA team you support or who your favorite major league team is, for Rockford, the IceHogs represent common ground. People aren’t shy about wearing the IceHogs logo all over the country,” Peck said. Projecting civic pride attracts visitors

Jacqui Corsi, the vice president of marketing for the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, has lived in Rockford for only five months.

“When I tell people I just got here, they ask me where I’m from. When I tell them West Bend, Wisconsin, they then ask me ‘Why are you here?’” Corsi laughed.

“People tend not to appreciate what they have here in Rockford. People from Illinois think Wisconsin is beautiful, while people in Wisconsin think Chicago is amazing. There’s a tendency for people not to appreciate what they have where they live. So when they ask why, I remind them that they have all these resources. And then they start telling me about all

their favorite places,” she said.

When Corsi was deciding to move to Rockford, one of the first places she wanted to go when she came to town was a local restaurant. Not someplace fancy, but a diner where the locals go, a breakfast place where they could go and talk to people as they waited in line. Corsi and her husband went to Johnny Pamcakes,

“People could not have been nicer. They loved that restaurant and told us of all the great things to see in Rockford that they like. We were really impressed,” she said.

That sense of pride in what makes Rockford great convinced her that this was an opportunity to pursue.

“We went to City Market. We tried to talk to as many people as we could, from vendors to visitors, to the police officers working the event. We would strike up conversations, because we wanted to see what people would say. You want these people on the front lines to be your ambassadors and promotors, making sure visitors want to come back, that they have a great experience,” Corsi said. “And civic pride attracts visitors. Without visitors, we might not have places like the Japanese Gardens, the beautiful waterfront, so many restaurants, 44 forest and nature preserves, and other destinations.”

A recent report prepared for the Illinois Office of Tourism showed that in 2021, at the height of the COVID pandemic, the total economic impact of Illinois tourism was $59.5 billion—388,800 jobs were created and $4.3 billion in state and local taxes were collected. These additional taxes save an average Illinois household more than $1,000 in taxes each year.

“Rockford has a lot more to offer than I realized. It’s not on your radar if you don’t have family here, if you don’t visit. There are so many attractions here, so much to do that my challenge is just trying to learn them all,” Corsi said.

From the murals to the Rockford Peaches, from Cheap Trick to the development of Davis Park, there are a lot of activities, destinations and locations that are attracting people to the city. And one of the driving forces for Rockford tourism is sports.

“Between 85% and 90% of visitors to Rockford are here for sports events. Our facilities are fantastic. Whether it’s people traveling for an IceHogs or Rivets game, or going to amateur events at the UW Sports Factory, Sportscore 1 or 2, the upcoming synchronized skating qualifying tournaments, Rockford is absolutely a sports town, and that’s what helped us get through COVID. Rockford tourism was able to recover more quickly than elsewhere because of sports.” Corsi said.

In the end, the thing that keeps visitors coming back to Rockford is that sense of

pride.

“We need ambassadors. The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has a small team, but the community can be ambassadors for us—supporting our community and remembering the great things happening, as well as the people trying to make it happen. There are a lot of people who want to make it the best that it can be,” Corsi said. Investing in the community

A little over six months into her role at Midland States Bank, Martesha Brown earned a new title as director of community economic development.

Brown takes pride in her service to the Rockford community, looking for ways for her bank to get involved in what they call the six pillars: education, workforce development, financial empowerment, housing, small business development, and health and wellness.

“When you’re giving back to your community, your community is giving back to you,” Brown said. “We’re looking for partners to collaborate with. Organizations who have high civic pride know what their community needs, and those collaborative partners help shape our communities.”

When a company or non-profit approaches Brown for a partnership with Midland States Bank, she looks for a way to make the most effective use of the funds that the bank has set aside to support community partners, invest in civic pride and revitalize the community.

Part of their process to invest in the community is through a community outreach needs assessment—interacting with a community group that provides feedback on ways to best serve the needs of the neighborhood or region.

“We’re looking at what the community needs, based upon what the community says it needs. When we make decisions, we seek to support organizations that are doing what the community wants,” Brown said.

She takes pride in the support Midland States Bank has shown to such successful programs as the 815 Minority Access to Achievement Group and Think Big, programs that have shown genuine success in growing financial empowerment and entrepreneurship, respectively.

“These programs have had a bigger impact on our community than many would understand,” she said.

Between financial support and the many hours of volunteering that staff at Midland States Bank give to build community pride, Brown is proud of the work they have committed to contribute towards making Rockford a better place to live.

“We really work to support our communities. The way we look at it is that we’re partners. We want to understand what the community needs and work to

fill those needs,” she said.

Planning for civic pride

High atop Rockford City Hall on that building’s eighth floor, the view of the city is spectacular. From the historic downtown to the rolling forested hills of the Rock River Valley, it’s not difficult to see the opportunity that Rockford has to offer.

Todd Cagnoni, city administrator for the City of Rockford, has a hand in making sure those opportunities are capitalized on.

“How people feel is important. Across the board, whether it’s an existing business or resident, or a business or resident looking to move into Rockford, how they feel is important,” Cagnoni said. “When there’s civic pride, there are citizens more engaged, more likely to support local not-for-profit organizations, dedicating money or hours of time. People are more likely to participate in government, join a volunteer board, vote and to get other people registered to vote.”

But Rockfordians can be tough to convince.

“We’re tough on ourselves. We have high standards, for sure,” Cagnoni said, “But I would encourage us all to recognize we have a lot of green grass here. While it’s easy to say that the grass is always greener someplace else, we’re working hard to communicate about the opportunities and the successes we’re having here."

Cagnoni feels more people in the community are embracing events that celebrate Rockford civic pride: the annual 815 Day, Stroll on State, City Market programs, and special events like the celebration of Fred Van Vleet and the Toronto Raptors’ run for the NBA Championship. Rockford has found ways to celebrate the city’s successes. And that positivity is already proving to have an economic impact in the form of new construction.

Once-blighted properties in downtown Rockford and along the riverfront are being redeveloped into attractive new spaces, with the help of historic tax credits and the riverfront redevelopment zone.

“From the Embassy Suites to the 700 block of South Main, the Talcott redevelopment to Turner School, we are seeing adaptive reuse of legacy buildings. The lofts of 301 South Main and the promise of the Coleman Yards represent 10 historic buildings that show potential for rehabilitation and a new purpose.

“At the end of the day, decisions related to expansion and attraction are made by people. Those people have got to have a good feeling if they’re going to make a significant investment in our community. It takes personal relationships to communicate with our community in a positive way. Feelings matter,” Cagnoni said.

The heart of nature near the heart of

Rockford

Explore the Severson Dells

Just minutes away from the heart of Rockford is a place that holds my heart. You may have heard of it, or even been there, but it remains a hidden treasure for much of the community. It boasts decades-old oak trees, golden prairies dotted with wildflowers, a meandering creek, several ponds and over four miles of paved and dirt trails that are open every day of the year. It even has towering rock faces that line the creek—dripping with mosses, ferns, and rare plants—that hold fossils from a time when Illinois was a tropical ocean. These rock walls are called “dells,” which is half of our name. The other half, “Severson,” comes from Harry and Fannie Severson who donated the land and center in honor of their family in 1975.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, this place is Severson Dells Nature Center. The natural areas here are worth visiting on their own, but have you heard of everything else we offer?

■ Come play in our Grove Nature Playscape, where children can climb logs, build forts, balance on a spiderweb, make music, and dance on a stage.

■ Enter the Nature Center and watch for seasonal birds at our bird feeders, read one of our thousand nature books for kids and adults, walk through one of our rotating exhibits, peruse our gift shop, or have a picnic on our screened in porch. The Nature Center is open 8 a.m.4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, so there are plenty of chances to come on in.

■ Even better than the trails, the Grove, and the Nature Center are the programs. I would know; I’ve been attending them since I was in first grade. I remember learning bird calls, smelling scat and splashing through the creek on field trips. I’ve walked the mystical lantern-lined trail at our yearly Luminaria event and howled at the moon on night hikes. My favorite time at Severson, though, was at camp. It captured my imagination and kindled a deep appreciation for nature within me. I loved camp so much that I came back to work as a counselor then eagerly accepted a permanent position at Severson Dells a few years later.

Now I lead the same hikes, programs and camps that I attended as a child. I love seeing the same spark of wonder on the faces of guests that I also experienced.

It’s an honor to help introduce children to maybe the first trees they will know by name, to teach adults how to hoot like an owl, and all ages how to see themselves as part of this natural community. I see these people enter into their own love story with nature and the community of Severson Dells Nature Center. It doesn’t take long before program participants become regulars and even volunteers.

Some “Severson kids” take it to the next level and choose to work in the environmental field. In my short career, I’ve seen several individuals go on to champion environmental causes. One of my camp friends returned to Severson to serve as a Natural Resources Americorps member. Another camper, who I supervised as summer staff myself, worked as summer staff last year. Other Severson kids are landscape architects, natural resource managers, wildlife biologists and more.

We are now in our fourth year of hosting Americorps members who volunteer to serve as critical support in areas like education, natural resources and community outreach. Some of our previous Americorps members are now nature center directors, outdoor recreation program managers and leaders of grassroots land preservation movements. Each of these individuals embody the way our programs fulfill our mission to “link people to nature.” These people, and many others who have passed through Severson, are the bright future of land conservation and environmental education. We are thrilled to see so many pursue careers in the environmental field, but our larger goal is to increase science and environmental literacy in our community and help people develop a personal relationship with nature.

You may come to Severson Dells just to visit the trails, attend a few programs or volunteer. Some of you may find that Severson is the beginning of a career, while others may find it part of their family traditions. Maybe Severson Dells will be something else to you entirely. No matter how you come to know Severson, I hope that it will hold your heart too.

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

What is the name of your business and what do you provide for the community?

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB)

RACVB drives quality of life and economic growth for our citizens through tourism marketing and destination development.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Rockford or favorite thing about Rockford?

One of my many favorite things to do in Rockford is dinning at the local restaurants like Octane and Lydia’s Café. I also enjoy biking at Rock Cut State Park, playing tennis and boating down the Rock River. Rockford has so much to

offer when it comes to entertainment and places to eat.

What advice do you have for someone, especially young professionals, considering becoming an ambassador?

Being a part of the Ambassador program through the Rockford Chamber of Commerce has had such a positive impact on my professional career path. Since joining three years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to meet an abundance of business professionals and have gained several close relationships and mentors. I’ve been able to tour and visit businesses that I never knew of before and now am able to spread the word on what the Rockford region has to offer. I would highly recommend joining.

Emily Plumb

ANDREA WALLACE NOBLE Educator, Severson Dells Nature Center

Five traits of great community leaders

Do these describe you?

Jamie Johnson, Contributor - CoBy US Chamber of Commerce

Leadership comes in many forms, from those who inspire dedication and support to those who rule through fear and intimidation. A true leader is someone who can command those under them without having to resort to extreme tactics. Many great leaders share some common traits. Working to improve these qualities can help you establish yourself as a leader in your community.

A vision for the future

You won't get very far as a community leader if you don't have a destination in mind. In order to get your friends and neighbors to rally around you, they need to have a sense of what your goals are for the community. Take the time to think about what it is you want for your neighborhood, and find out whether

others share your vision. This way, you can all begin to work together towards a common goal.

Humility

One of the marks of a great leader is the ability to recognize when you don't know something. Admitting you need outside help or advice is not a sign of weakness but rather a show of wisdom. Just because you ask for help doesn't make you any less of a leader. Of course, you don't want to discount your own knowledge, as you have a unique perspective to offer your community. The key is to recognize when others are more qualified to handle certain tasks. True leaders know when to do the work themselves and when to delegate.

Charisma

Some people seem to have a quality about them that just draws people to them, even if you can't pinpoint what it is exactly. You'll need charisma to succeed as a community leader, because you need to be able to persuade people to listen to what you have to say. Take every opportunity to refine your public speaking and networking skills. As you continue to rise through the ranks of your community, you'll need to draw on these skills more and more frequently.

Bringing out the best in others

A true leader knows how to maximize other people's strengths by encouraging and supporting them. Rather than clawing your way to the top by tearing down those around you, it’s far better to build yourself up by building a strong team. With everyone working together, the entire team gains greater recognition, and as the leader, you'll get the most recognition of all. You'll get greater

loyalty from your team as well, as they'll be more inclined to support you when they feel valued and their skills are being put to good use.

Patience

You won't become a community leader overnight, so you'll need to have the patience necessary to gradually build your audience over time. If you take the time to get involved in your community and listen to what your peers are saying, you'll establish yourself as an active member of society. Over time, your neighbors will start to get to know you and value your opinion. As you continue to grow and expand your influence, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a community leader.

There is no time like the present to start building the skills to become a pillar of your community. Focus on self-development and improving the community around you, and the rest will eventually fall into place.

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication

Financial focus

Be on the lookout for tax season scams

JENNY REDINGTON CFP®, CRPC™, Edward Jones

It’s that time of year when we do our taxes. It’s also the time that tax scammers go to work. Know what scams to watch for how to avoid being victimized.

Sadly, the list of scams is pretty long, including demands for payment or requests for additional information pertaining to your tax refund, in which the sender asks for your Social Security number and other personal information. These scam emails can look quite official, often incorporating the IRS logo. You might also receive scam text messages containing bogus links claiming to be the IRS website or an online “tool” that can help process your refund faster.

But keep these points in mind:

■ The IRS generally won’t contact you by phone and won’t contact you by email, text messages or social media channels to ask for personal or financial information. The IRS begins most correspondence to taxpayers through regular mail delivered

by the U.S. Postal Service.

■ The IRS won’t call to demand you make an immediate payment through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you owe taxes, the IRS generally will mail you a bill. And the IRS won’t threaten to bring in the police or another law enforcement group to arrest you for not paying your taxes.

It’s good to be extremely skeptical about any type of communication purporting to be from the IRS that sounds bullying or overly inquisitive. And you certainly shouldn’t give out any personal or financial information.

But these fake messages aren’t the only tax-season scams out there. You might even receive a direct deposit from what appears to be the U.S. Treasury Department. But if you weren’t expecting it, something’s likely not right. This payment could be a sign that a fraudulent tax return was filed in your name, and it

might be followed by a communication from a supposed IRS agent requesting this overpayment be sent to them. If this happens to you, you’ll want to contact the IRS right away, and you could also ask your bank to return the deposit to the government.

Other scams don’t claim to originate directly from the IRS, as scammers pretend to be from real or imaginary tax organizations. For example, you could get a message from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS. But this agency won’t contact you without a legitimate reason. Or you could receive a message from the nonexistent “Bureau of Tax Enforcement.” Your best bet is to delete these messages immediately or send them to your spam folder.

Not all tax season scams originate from fraudulent IRS representatives or fake agencies. You also need to be careful about whom you hire to prepare your

taxes. If possible, get a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member. And keep in mind that a legitimate tax preparer must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number and must sign your tax return. If someone doesn’t have this number or is reluctant to sign your return, it may well be a sign that this individual is a “ghost preparer” who only wants to pocket your fee.

Tax scammers are, unfortunately, here to stay. But remaining vigilant can help you keep them from causing problems for you in this tax season and in the future.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Jenny Redington CFP®, CRPC™ your local Edward Jones financial advisor. Edward Jones. Member SIPC.

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

Smart pricing strategies

Find the right tactic for your business

Emily Heaslip, contributor, Co- By US Chamber of Commerce

Pricing may seem simple—list your product for higher than it costs you to manufacture or acquire, and you’ll make a profit.

But your prices are more than just numbers. The way you price your products or services can be a reflection of your business’s identity, how you view and treat your competitors and how you value your customers. That’s why it’s important to have a carefully planned pricing strategy.

What to consider when setting your pricing strategy

Setting your product or service’s prices shouldn’t be a haphazard decision focused entirely on profit. It should be a calculated, informed choice in which your business identity, brand and financial stability are considered.

As with any business decision, determining your pricing strategy starts with assessing your own business’s needs and goals. This involves some commercial soul searching—what do you want your business to contribute to the economy and world? This could mean embracing a traditional retail strategy, establishing a service business mindset or emphasizing personal customer relationships in your offering.

Once you define your goals and needs, do some research on the market you’re entering. Determine three to five main competitors in the industry by conducting online research or scouting out local businesses. No matter what pricing strategy you adopt, what your competitors are doing will impact your business’s success and future decisions. Understanding your competitors’ strategies can also help you differentiate your business from other businesses in the market. In an economy where there are thousands of small businesses providing the same products and services, an effective pricing strategy can help you stand out.

A good final stage in your research is speaking with potential customers to get a feel for how they value your brand, product or service. This can give you valuable insight into how to set your pricing. This kind of research can range from casual conversations with friends and family to formal surveys of potential buyers.

While you may have already done some of this legwork when developing your business plan, it’s good to have as much insight and information as possible before you decide what pricing strategy

to adopt.

Pricing strategies to attract customers to your business

There are dozens of ways you can price your products, and you may find that some work better than others, depending on the market you occupy. Consider these seven common strategies that many new businesses use to attract customers.

1. Price skimming

Skimming involves setting high prices when a product is introduced and then gradually lowering the price as more competitors enter the market. This type of pricing is ideal for businesses that are entering emerging markets. It gives companies the opportunity to capitalize on early adopters and then undercut future competitors as they join an already developed market. A successful skimming strategy hinges largely on the market you’re looking to enter.

2. Market penetration pricing

Pricing for market penetration is essentially the opposite of price skimming. Instead of starting high and slowly lowering prices, you take over a market by undercutting your competitors. Once you develop a reliable customer base, you raise prices. Many factors go into deciding on this strategy, like your business’s ability to potentially take losses upfront to establish a strong footing in a market. It’s also crucial to develop a loyal customer base, which can require other marketing and branding strategies.

3. Premium pricing

Premium pricing is for businesses that create high-quality products and market them to high-income individuals. The key with this pricing strategy is developing a product that is high quality and that customers will consider to be high value. You’ll likely need to develop a luxury or lifestyle branding strategy to appeal to the right type of consumer.

4. Economy pricing

An economy pricing strategy involves targeting customers who want to save as much money as possible on whatever good or service they’re purchasing. Big box stores, like Walmart and Costco, are prime examples of economy pricing models. Like premium pricing, adopting an economy pricing model depends on your overhead costs and the overall value of your product.

5. Bundle pricing

When companies pair several products together and sell them for less

money than each would cost individually, it’s known as bundle pricing. Bundle pricing is a good way to move a lot of inventory quickly. A successful bundle pricing strategy involves profits on lowvalue items outweighing losses on highvalue items included in a bundle.

6. Value-based pricing

Value-based pricing is similar to premium pricing. In this model, a company bases its pricing on how much the customer believes the product is worth. This pricing model is best for merchants who offer unique products, rather than commodities.

How do you know what a customer perceives a product to be worth? It’s hard to get an exact price, but you can use certain marketing techniques to understand the customer’s perspective. Ask for customer feedback during the product development phase, or host a focus group. Investing in your brand can also help you add “perceived value” to your product.

7. Dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing allows you to change the price of your items based on the market demand at any given moment. Uber’s surge pricing is a great example of dynamic pricing. During low periods, Uber can be quite an affordable option. But, when a rainstorm hits during the morning rush hour, the price of an Uber

will skyrocket, given that demand is also likely to rise. Smaller merchants can do this too, depending on seasonal demand for your product or service.

Which pricing strategy is right for you?

Each of these seven strategies offers different advantages and downsides. At the very least, you must make sure your pricing strategy covers your costs and includes a margin for profit. Determining your needs upfront can clarify which strategies are ideal for your business.

If you’ve already launched your business, you can experiment with these strategies until you determine what works best for your business. You can also vary strategies between products depending on the market for each good or service.

Focus on finding the right range of costs, rather than pinpointing a specific number. “Don't waste time debating $500 vs. $505, because this doesn't matter as much until you have a stronger foundation beneath you,” wrote Profitwell.

Regardless of which tactic you choose, pricing your inventory properly is essential for continued business success. You may have the best product in the world, an excellent team and a beautiful storefront, but if you can’t price your products effectively, your sales will ultimately struggle. v

SECURE 2.0 ACT of 2022

Significant changes to retirement rules

At the end of 2022, President Biden signed into law the $1.7 trillion spending bill, which included the long-awaited SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. This legislation, designed to improve retirement security for Americans, includes provisions that could affect what you can save. Here are some highlights:

RMD changes

Starting now, the Act delays the first required minimum distribution (RMD) from tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as a traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or employersponsored retirement plans, from age 72 to 73. In 2033, the RMD age increases to 75.

While RMDs are not required for Roth IRAs under current law until the owner of the Roth IRA dies, pre-death distributions are required for Roth money inside an employer’s 401(k) plan. SECURE 2.0, eliminates the pre-death distribution requirement effective for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2023, but does not apply to required distributions from years before Jan. 1, 2024, that are allowed to be paid on or after that date.

As part of the RMD changes, SECURE 2.0 Act, reduces the penalty for failing to take RMDs from 50% to 25%, or 10% if the error is corrected promptly.

Catch-ups

SECURE 2.0 makes it easier for workers who haven’t saved enough for retirement to catch up. In 2025, those aged 60 to 63 will see their maximum employer-sponsored retirement plan contribution limit increase to $10,000 per year or 50% more than the regular catchup amount, whichever is greater.

In 2024, IRA catch-ups will be indexed to inflation. Under current law, they are limited to $1,000 (not indexed) for those aged 50 and over.

Section 603 of the SECURE 2.0 Act indicates that certain retirement plan catch-up contributions will be required to be Roth contributions, with Roth IRA tax treatment. This only applies to people with wages from their current employer greater than $145,000 in the previous year (adjusted for inflation in future years). If you held two jobs in a year and made $110,000 from the first and $90,000 from the second, you would not be subject to the Roth IRA tax treatment, even if the

combined salary total is greater than $145,000. Self-employed individuals would still be able to make pre-tax catchup contributions, even if their income is higher than $145,000 for the previous year.

Matching contributions for student loan payments

To assist people with student loans that hinder their ability to save for retirement, the SECURE 2.0 Act enables employers to make a special matching contribution starting in 2024. Employers can match a percentage of what an employee is paying for student loans and apply the amount to the employee’s retirement plan.

529 to Roth IRA transfers

In 2024, the SECURE 2.0 Act will allow some individuals to move money from their 529 plans directly into a Roth IRA. However, special conditions apply:

■ The 529 plan must have been maintained for at least 15 years.

■ The Roth IRA earmarked to receive the funds must be in the name of the 529 plan beneficiary.

■ Any contributions and earnings on those contributions made within the last five years cannot be moved to a Roth IRA.

■ During an individual’s lifetime, the maximum amount that can be moved from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA is $35,000.

■ Annually, transfers are limited to the difference between the transfer amount minus any regular traditional or Roth IRA contributions for the year.

Several arrangements are included in the Secure 2.0 Act that aim to improve retirement plan security. For example, the act requires plan sponsors to provide

participants with clear and concise plan information and their options for withdrawing funds, and it requires plans to offer in-plan annuities as an investment option. These provisions can help ensure that retirement plan participants have the information and tools they need to make informed decisions about their retirement savings.

The SECURE 2.0 Act is complex and these highlights only scratch the surface—other provisions may also apply to your situation. Your financial advisor can help with issues related to the Act’s implementation and evaluate how it may affect your retirement plan. With careful planning and a sound financial strategy, you can benefit from the SECURE 2.0 Act.

Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”) is an SEC registered investment adviser headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this document serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Savant.

Anne Mank, director of financial planning at Savant Wealth Management, co-hosts the weekly radio show, Money Sense, and is a Certified Integrative Holistic Coach.

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

Becoming wealthy in the coming years

Taking baby steps

By Kristopher Oram, president, HALO Accounting

With inflation rapidly rising, you may be wondering if becoming wealthy is even possible. Becoming wealthy is still possible and it’s never too late to begin building wealth. It’s more important than ever to practice frugal management and consistently look for ways to cut back.

Choosing to become wealthy may start at any age or income level and is highly encouraged. There are changes you can make, starting today, to attribute to your wealth.

Research and evaluate

With the recent pandemic, many people are reevaluating their current job compensation and benefits. Market comparisons can help you determine if you’re receiving the correct compensation for the work you do. As a result of this research, you may find that you need to renegotiate your salary to match the market. Additionally, you may find other

opportunities within the market that align closer to your skills and offer higher compensation and benefits.

Set goals

In our opinion, building wealth requires taking baby steps and setting goals that are specific, measurable and achievable. Attaining these goals will help you stay motivated and build wealth throughout the coming years.

Many wealthy individuals began their journey by implementing basic principles:

1. Make enough money to cover your necessities.

2. Evaluate your current purchases and look for other brands or providers that offer savings—the money you save from switching should be placed in a savings account.

3. When making purchases, only buy necessities, and limit your wants.

4. Writing down your income and expenses will help you identify how your money is being spent and give you a foundation for budget planning.

5. Create and stick to a budget.

6. Create an emergency fund for unexpected events.

Manage and invest

Building wealth takes time and selfdiscipline—baby steps. As you begin to build wealth, you’ll learn to manage your money and discover investment strategies that allow your money to grow even more.

We recommend ongoing money management that evolves as your income chages. We also recommend you continue to look for ways to increase your income and investments while minimizing risk. Investment risk has been a topic of conversation recently due

to the pandemic. Checking in with your financial advisor yearly, at a minimum, is essential.

You’re not alone

If you’re struggling and feel like you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you’re not alone. There are strategies available through tax planning, tax preparation and financial planning that will allow you to legally keep more of your hard earned money to put towards your future of building wealth.

If you’re interested in learning more about building wealth through tax and financial planning or our individual tax preparation services, please reach out to HALO Accounting and speak with Kris or Ginny at 779-888-4256.

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

ANNE MANK director of financial planning, Savant Wealth Management

Women of Today’s Manufacturing

Supporting career pathways for women in local manufacturing

By Peter Cimino, WOTM

Manufacturing has always been and always will be a staple in the Rockford community. Women of Today’s Manufacturing (WOTM) was formed to support the creation and advancement of career pathways for women in local manufacturing.

Mission

We fulfill our mission by:

■ Hosting educational programs targeted to manufacturing leaders and line workers, providing them with practical knowledge that empowers them to be on the cutting edge of their industry.

■ Providing scholarships to individuals seeking to advance their skills in STEM and manufacturing-related fields.

■ Connecting with partners throughout the stateline area to communicate and provide clear career pathways to individuals of all ages that want to pursue a meaningful and fulfilling career in manufacturing.

Scholarships and sponsorships

WOTM has multiple scholarship and sponsorship programs administered by The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. WOTM’s fundraising efforts support:

■ Four $1,000 annual scholarships awarded to students studying manufacturing technologies, which has awarded a combined 37 students upwards of $41,000 in scholarships.

■ One $2,000 annual scholarship awarded to a student attending the NIU Engineering program at Rock Valley College.

■ Annual sponsorships for local robotics and LEGO® teams, including Rockford Robotics, Metalheads, Stateline Robotics, Winnovation and Flaming Monkeys; as well as local robotics events such as the Rock River Robotics Off-season Competition.

■ Reimbursements are awarded to members in good standing, up to $500 per semester, for educational expenses.

Events

WOTM has a number of site tours scheduled with local manufacturers in 2023. These tours are instrumental in driving our mission forward, while providing manufacturing awareness, education and career exploration. Events already on the calendar for 2023 include Fairbanks Morse Defense and IMA

Automation. (Event details can be found at wotmrockford.com/events/.)

Education

WOTM strives to stay connected to the educational community. Our monthly committee meetings are held at local educational institutions—Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University Rockford and Rockford Career College. This provides the faculty and students a chance to learn who we are, helps promote scholarship opportunities and encourages participation from all ages within the community.

Annual scholarship fundraising dinner

WOTM is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, and we are kicking off the exciting year with our annual scholarship fundraising dinner, ‘Steel Toes and Stilettos,’ on February 23, 2023. The annual dinner will feature the OPSisters, Shannon Karels and Kathy Miller, authors of Steel Toes and Stilettos. The book highlights their journey to transform a traditionally run batch operation into a lean enterprise, characterized by authentic leadership, an inclusive culture and excellent business results. Shannon and Kathy will be the keynote speakers for the event.

The theme ‘Steel Toes & Stilettos’ will carry through to our educational series designed to focus on manufacturing operations and leadership. The OPSisters will lead this workshop series and concentrate on relevant topics in manufacturing such as lean manufacturing basics, character strengths and problem solving organizational issues. (Dates and locations will be announced soon on our website.)

We’re currently seeking the support of sponsors for this event. You can learn more at wotmrockford.com/events/. Please email wotmrkfd@gmail.com for ways you can support this major fundraising event and to be added to our mailing list.

Join WOTM for a formal dinner at NIU Rockford’s Atrium and enjoy drinks, networking, education, and fundraising for our mission to support career education for manufacturing.

Learn more about Women of Today’s Manufacturing at wotmrockford.com

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

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce regrets our error in our January Lasting Legacy story. Schmeling Construction Co., was misnamed and incorrect contact information was provided. Below is the Schmeling Construction Co. portion of the story, corrected. Our deepest apologies. We appreciate Schemling Construction’s long-standing commitment to the Chamber and our community. Please read the corrected portion of the story below.

Schmeling Construction Co. 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 the ranks as a project manager and 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.

“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 sixth 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.

Breaking down barriers to collaboration

NICNE’s CollabLab offers fresh

approach to difficult social issues

A laboratory is more than test tubes, microscopes, beakers or Bunsen burners. At the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), it’s a testing ground for ideas called CollabLab, a new set of tools for identifying solutions to the Rock River Valley’s social challenges.

The goal is to break down barriers to collaboration and leverage the collective power of cross-sector partners from nonprofits, business, government, academia and the community at large to solve social problems. NICNE has facilitated several collaborative initiatives in recent years.

“No one individual, organization or sector alone can solve our most complex social issues,” said Pam Clark Reidenbach, NICNE president and CEO. “Committing to work together to accomplish a shared vision is our greatest

Region 1 Planning Council designated Economic Development District

Expands funding opportunities for three-county region

opportunity for lasting results. Focusing on social innovation commits to seeking new solutions to existing entrenched issues.”

CollabLab helps nonprofits identify potential partners, convene stakeholders around innovative solutions to specific social issues, facilitate collaborative initiatives, develop tools and resources, and to take action.

NICNE, founded in 2004, provides capacity building, training, leadership development, technical assistance and resource support to organizations in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Kay Larrick, a longtime nonprofit executive, facilitates CollabLab’s operations. A group of stakeholders has been studying the future of collaborations and the kinds of services that CollabLab might provide.

Several NICNE-supported collaborative initiatives already are underway in the region:

■ Youth Mental Health System of Care is a coalition of healthcare and social services providers, advocates, schools and others that formed in 2018 to create a coordinated, comprehensive system of care for young people challenged by mental illness.

■ Rockford Area Case Management Initiative is a collaboration of human services organizations created in 2016 that provides a community-wide approach to case management. It delivers support services to individuals who face challenges like poverty, mental illness and barriers to literacy to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

■ Sustain Rockford is a collaboration of individuals representing government, businesses, nonprofits and the community at large who have come together to develop environmental sustainability plans for the Rockford region. It focuses on education and advocacy for practices that protect the community’s air, land and water for the benefit of all.

■ Belonging Begins With Us-Rockford is a group of businesses, nonprofits, schools and government agencies working together since 2019 to ensure all Rockford residents experience a sense of belonging, which is linked to better individual health, reduced violence and the overall health of a community.

■ Ready to Learn is a collaborative led by Alignment Rockford consisting of businesses, educators, nonprofits and other organizations whose aim is to ensure that all Rockford children are prepared to succeed once they enter kindergarten.

■ Literacy. United Way of Rock River Valley has assembled a coalition of 24 entities including school districts, libraries, day care providers and the Literacy Council that uses a collective impact process to develop evidence-based solutions to attack Winnebago County’s low childhood literacy rate.

Do you have questions about CollaLab or an idea for a collaborative initiative to address one of the Rockford region’s persistent social challenges? Email Kay Larrick at kflarrick@ gmail.com

Region 1 Planning Council (R1) was designated an Economic Development District (EDD) covering Winnebago, Boone and McHenry Counties by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

R1 staff and board members have worked for 12 years to achieve this critical federal designation, which better positions the three-county region for federal funding to advance its economic development goals and priorities.

“As a hub of agriculture, manufacturing, technology and innovation, Illinois is uniquely prepared for greater investment, including with our international partners, and it’s been one of my top priorities to help share on a global stage why Illinois is ready to help bring our world into the future,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D- IL, who hosted a news conference Friday at Collins Aerospace in Rockford to announce the EDD designation.

“I’m so proud to see the years of hard work from Region 1 Planning Council lead to this designation, but now this is just the beginning of a next phase of investing in and growing these communities,” Duckworth said. “I look forward to continuing to work with everyone here to help bring investments to the region and keep growing the local economy for years to come.”

According to R1 Board Chairman and Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury, the EDD designation creates more funding opportunities for economic development throughout the three-county region and expands R1 programming to support local government.

“R1 has been a great partner to Loves Park as we grow industry and jobs in our community,” Jury said. “I have been proud to serve as R1’s Chairman, building and leading a regional table of elected leaders from both political parties. This federal designation as an Economic Development District would not have happened without our strong track record of regional collaboration.”

R1 is a special-purpose government agency that focuses on transportation and infrastructure planning as a federal Metropolitan Planning Organization for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The EDD designation formalizes R1’s economic development role, allowing the agency to extend its planning expertise

to regional economic development and investment activity in partnership with the EDA. The R1 Board of Directors endorsed the agency’s application for Economic Development District designation, as did the county boards of Winnebago, Boone and McHenry Counties and Gov. JB Pritzker.

As an EDD, R1 will focus its economic development efforts on infrastructure investment and job creation within the region’s three traditional industry clusters —aerospace, automotive production and food processing—while growing the emerging logistics and distribution industry cluster. EDD status will help the three-county region compete for private investment and jobs tied to these industries.

Over the last 12 years, R1 has engaged elected and appointed leaders in local government, education and workforce, and private industry to establish an economic development blueprint for the region called a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Economic development goals within the CEDS are established by elected leadership in partnership with the private sector and then communicated directly to federal and state decision makers. R1 works with federal and state leaders to prioritize public investment in regional road and utility infrastructure, which is necessary to attract private sector capital investment and job creation.

“We are very grateful for Senator Duckworth’s support for our region, and we are honored that she came in person to announce the federal designation she worked hard for Northern Illinois to secure,” said R1 Executive Director Michael Dunn, Jr.

“Our region competes for economic development with all areas of North America,” Dunn said. “We are competing for private industry against those regions that have had funding support for their infrastructure priorities because of their historical relationship with the EDA. We thank the EDA for its recognition of our track record of economic development planning and welcome a stronger partnership with the federal government to bring private investment and jobs to Winnebago, Boone and McHenry Counties.”

For more information, visit http://r1planning.org.

Mark Baldwin facilitates the Professional Services team of the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

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

MARK BALDWIN Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE)

businessBUSINESS BRIEFS

Anderson Japanese Gardens and Meg’s Daily Grind partnered to open Meg’s Pop-Up Coffee Shop in the Anderson Gardens Visitor Center. The pop-up coffee shop is open Thursday through Saturday, 1-4 p.m. It features gourmet coffees, teas and pastries from Meg’s menu of community favorites and live music by local musicians and soloists with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Midland States Bank contributed $20,000 to Think Big, a Rockford nonprofit organization that supports women and minority entrepreneurship and business development.

Family Counseling Services hired V2 Marketing & Management to redesign the company’s corporate website (www. familycounselingrockford.org). The new site features a modern look with easy access to information about the organization’s areas of therapy and clinical staff, as well as other educational information, events and resources.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy has named the Laurent House Foundation the recipient of the 2022 Wright Spirit Award public category for its commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent. The award recognizes owners and stewards of Wright buildings and others who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to preserving and restoring the remaining built works designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Rockford Park District’s 37th Annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition at Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second Street, Rockford, is postponed to February 8-11, 2023, to provide more time to make snow.

Nik’s Wish, the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, is pleased to announce it received a $6,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) through their Community Grants Program. The grant, supported by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund, will help fulfill a wish for a young adult cancer patient within the CFNIL Region of Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and Stephenson Counties.

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence hired V2 Marketing & Management to design a website to support The Belonging Begins with Us: Rockford Initiative (www.belonging-rockford. com). The new site features a clean look with easy access to information about the Belonging Initiative, the task force structure, and other

educational information, events and resources.

The Rockford IceHogs hosted their 12th annual Autism Awareness Night, presented by LawnCare By Walter, Inc. on Saturday, Jan. 21 against the Chicago Wolves. The event theme was Superhero Night featuring custom Autism Awareness Night/Superhero jerseys and jersey auction, autographed mystery pucks, and a premium raffle to support The Autism Program at Easterseals.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope received a $10,400 grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to help fund the center’s Building Bridges to the Future transition program. The program provides student transition services (support, education, resources, etc.) to individuals, their families and professionals in Winnebago County. Barbara Olson Center of Hope also received a $5,000 grant from the Woodward Charitable Trust to purchase a new commercial refrigerator for its training kitchen.

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens welcomes teachers and school staff who show their school ID badge during the weekend of February 4-5, 2023, to receive complimentary admission to the conservatory, plus an NCG swag bag to take home (while supplies last). Teachers and staff can sample portions of Nicholas Conservatory field trips with program staff, try their hand at the plant game, smell spices that come from plants, explore how seeds travel and more. For more information visit www. nicholasconservatory.com or call 815-987-8858.

United Way of Rock River Valley and the Village of Machesney Park announced that the Strong Neighborhood House at 825 Marie Avenue has new occupants. On December 27, three organizations began working out of the house to serve the local neighborhood and entire county. The organizations are Secondary Success and Beyond, the Live R.E.A.L Foundation and the Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation.

As of January 1, 2023, Rockford Orthopedics Associates, Ltd. D/B/A OrthoIllinois practices became independent divisions of a new entity, OrthoMidwest. OrthoIllinois is now called OrthoIllinois, a division of OrthoMidwest. As a division, OrthoIllinois will continue to render services by its same highly skilled providers and at the same existing locations.

OrthoIllinois was named a 2022 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience.

Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton Sub-Acute Unit was named among the “Best Nursing Homes” in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

KMK Media Group launched a new website for Modern Plating Corporation, a Freeport manufacturer of coatings and finishes for major automobile manufacturers. The new, userfriendly site includes a searchable tool to find the correct finish by make and model.

State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) and State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) are encouraging community members, churches, schools, businesses and other groups to lift the spirits of residents of long-term care facilities by making them Valentine’s Day cards. Participants can drop off or mail Valentine’s Day cards to 200 S. Wyman, Suite 302, Rockford, IL 61101; 158 W. State Street, Suite C, Sycamore, IL 60178 or 115 W. Oak Knoll Dr., Route 72, Hampshire, IL 60140. Once the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to residents of the various long-term care facilities in communities across the region.

The annual In Full Bloom Orchid Display returns to Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory February 7 through March 5, 2023. Enjoy a break from winter to see hundreds of tropical orchids creatively displayed in the warm tropical exhibition area.

Burrows Consulting acquired the healthcare consulting services of theFranaGroup, effective January 1, 2023. This acquisition increases the consulting staff of Burrows Consulting and provide more comprehensive consulting services to theFranaGroup clients as theFranaGroup focuses on other consulting activities. John Frana, president of theFranaGroup, will work with Burrows Consulting during the transition.

Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, Saturday, November 26, drew an estimated 70,050 guests to downtown Rockford. Rockford area residents and visitors packed the event that included the city’s tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, Santa, live music, and

opportunities to shop and support local businesses. The Rockford AreaConvention & Visitors Bureau produces the annual event with the support, services and donations of many community partners, volunteers and sponsors.

The Mercyhealth Volunteer Association (formerly Rockford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Following a recent kick-off celebration event, exciting events will continue throughout the year for Mercyhealth volunteers and employees.

Rockford University’s Regents First program, which aims to recruit, support and retain first-generation college students, recently received a $15,000 grant from the Kjellstrom Family Foundation to expand the work of the program. The foundation is named after Rockford native Janet Kjellstrom and contributes annually to local organizations.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will host its 3rd annual Rockford Region Restaurant Week from Tuesday, Jan. 31 through Monday, Feb. 6. During Rockford Region Restaurant Week, establishments will offer their most delicious entrees, craft cocktails, and even creative carry-out, delivery, and to-go packages for patrons of all palate types. These specials include various exclusive menu items, themed take-out options, limited-time promotions and more. Details on special menus and promotions will be regularly added and updated at GoRockford. com.

Mercyhealth will offer a dinner seminar on protecting the health of your heart on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 5:30 pm, at Lino’s, 5611 E. State St., Rockford. The seminar will include three subjects important to maintaining heart health--surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, advancements in stroke prevention for atrial fibrillation, and heart saver skills. Hands-only CPR will be demonstrated and educational materials will be available. The seminar, including dinner, is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is required. Call 888-396-3729 by Feb. 8 to reserve your seat.

Rockford University will host Just Imagine: Gala 2023 on Feb. 18. The gala is an evening to raise funding for university student scholarships and celebrate RU alumni. The event will be in Regents Hall at Rockford University. Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $175 per person.

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

in the newsMEMBERS IN THE NEWS

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Steven M. Eldred, chair of the Board of Directors for Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of First National Bank and Trust (FNBT), and David McCoy, president and CEO of FNBT, announced the election of Hagen Harker (1) to the Board of Directors of the First National Bank and Trust.

Thayer Energy Solutions announced Matt Honson (2) was selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD) as treasurer. NAILD is a national, nonprofit trade association driving lighting innovation through networking and education.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Chartwell Agency, promoted Emily Hartzog (3) to senior vice president and Jason Edlen (4) to vice president, creative services.

(continued from page 16)

On Thursday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, the Rockford Ready initiative is offering a free training session on health literacy, disparities, equity, and cultural humility. The training is focused on understanding and addressing health disparities and fostering health equity, through

Chartwell Agency also welcomed Stephanie Spickler (5) as communication strategist.

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra welcomed Yaniv Attar (6) as music director.

Judson University Athletic Department hired former NFL safety and return specialist Quintin Demps as Judson University Football’s next head coach.

Miller Eye Center welcomed Dr. Marlyn Goldberg (7), a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained physician specializing in the diseases of the retina, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

The Stillman BancCorp N.A. Board of Directors announced the promotion of Thomas R. Hughes (8) to president and chief executive officer.

Charlene Aaron, PhD, RN (9), was named president for Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

Samantha Shepherd (10) was promoted to commercial banking assistant, team lead at Illinois Bank & Trust.

Amy Smith (11) joined Illinois Bank & Trust as a commercial banking assistant.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Financial Advisor Jenny Redington (12) of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Loves Park received the Certified Financial Planner™ certification, granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

Jessica Rhodes (13), claims representative, Rockford Mutual Insurance Company earned her

associate in claims designation from The Institutes.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company announced the following milestones: Dennis Gulling (14), claims representative, 20 years; William Hanby (15), chief information officer, 10 years; Michelle Christiansen (16), assistant manager of internal marketing operations five years; Clare Klenke (17), receptionist, five years; and Lisa Ireton (18), director of human resources, five years.

Rockford Housing Authority Human Services Director Odessa Walker completed the Executive Leadership Program. This program represents a major professional development opportunity for housing authority executives throughout the country.

applying strategies of health literacy and cultural humility. Most suited for community health workers or active members of the community that have direct contact with fellow residents about health and wellness in a non-clinical capacity and/or within community settings. Register

at Rockfordready.org.

V2 Marketing & Management recently completed the integration of the Literacy Council into the YWCA Northwestern Illinois website (www.ywcanwil.org/litcouncil/). The updated site features easy access to

information about the Literacy Council, including free classes for adults, free tutors for adults and ways to become a tutor. As a united organization, it can provide greater access to vital services for the people in our community.

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

1.Hagen Harker2. Matt Honson3. Emily Hartzog4. Jason Edlen5. Stephanie Spickler

6. Yaniv Attar7. Dr. Marlyn Goldberg 8. Thomas Hughes

9. Dr. Charlene Aaron

10. Samantha Shephard

11. Amy Smith12. Jenny Redington

13. Jessica Rhodes

14. Dennis Gulling

15. William Hanby

16. MIchelle Christiansen

17. Clare Klenke18. Lisa Ireton

FEBRUARY 2023

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

The Update, 9 am, NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Business Over Lunch, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Speed Networking, 8:30 am, GRGP Office, 308 W State St, Suite 350, Rockford.

MARCH 2023

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Business Over Lunch, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Speed Networking, 11 am, GRGP Office, 308 W State St, Suite 350, Rockford.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

The Update, 9 am, NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford.

APRIL 2023

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

Business Over Lunch, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Celebration of Leadership, 10 am, Hoffman House, 7550 E State St, Rockford. Presented by Mr. Goodwater.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

Speed Networking, 3 pm, GRGP Office, 308 W State St, Suite 350, Rockford.

MAY 2023

FRIDAY, MAY 12

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

TUESDAY, MAY 16

Business Over Lunch, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.

MONDAY, MAY 22

Rockford Chamber Golf Classic, 11 am, Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St, Rockford.

THURSDAY, MAY 25

Speed Networking, 8:30 am, GRGP Office, 308 W State St, Suite 350, Rockford.

YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Dawna Menke

OSF HealthCare

Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

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

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.