March Voice 2015

MUSIC ACADEMY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

FORTY UNDER 40: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

NONPROFITS CAN REMAIN SALES-TAX FREE ON E-PURCHASES March 2015 | Volume 28 | No. 3

SERVPRO of Rockford named Small Business of the Year

By Paul Anthony Arco

The work that SERVPRO of Rockford performs every day is far from glamorous. But it’s demanding work.

The small business specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO also mitigates mold and mildew from homes and businesses.

On Feb. 19, SERVPRO’s hard work paid off when it was named the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year. SERVPRO was honored during a luncheon at Franchesco’s Ristorante, in front of a crowd of 170.

“It’s humbling,” said co-owner Mary Jo, who was named 2010 Woman Business Owner of the Year. “There are many small businesses out there. I don’t consider our business to be outstanding.

But we try hard.”

Ted and Doris Isaacson founded SERVPRO in 1967 first as a painting business in Sacramento, Calif., before turning it into a cleanup and restoration specialty company. Today, SERVPRO has nearly 1,700 individually owned and operated franchises across the country.

Mary Jo and her husband Charles acquired the Rockford business 10 years ago. Over the past decade, the company, with a staff of 12, has seen both financial growth and an increase of the market share in the Rockford region.

“To me, there are a lot of opportunities within our business,” said Mary Jo. “There’s an opportunity to help people through a difficult time in their lives.

There’s also an opportunity to help our employees feel successful and engaged.

What we do is a skilled trade. For those who are willing to accept the physical challenges and long hours, this is a worthwhile trade.”

Giving back to the community is also an important part of SERVPRO’s overall mission. Various members of

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Manufacturing EXPO & DINNER

PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Mary Jo and Charlie Hare were presented with their Small Business of the Year award. the business lend support to many local charitable organizations such as the Ethnic Heritage Museum, Family Counseling Services, and Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. “There are many organizations doing good work in our community,” Mary Jo said. “We’re happy to do our part.”

“I see Mary Jo everywhere,” said Heather Kelley, principal of V2 Marketing.

“Wherever help is needed, she’s there.

SERVPRO has a great reputation and name recognition. This award is well deserved.”

Relationship Building Trumps Skills The luncheon’s keynote speaker was motivational speaker and author Patricia Continued on page 3

ROCPAC endorses Kelley, Trojan, Fanara for RVC Trustee positions Visit us online at: rockfordchamber.com ■ online registration ■ keynote speaker video clips ■ event photos ■ list of Chamber events Questions? 815-987-8100

Join the Chamber’s LinkedIn Group www.linkedin.com/e/gis/2544

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (ROCPAC) has issued an endorsement for Kathy Kelley, Robert Trojan, and Joseph Fanara, who are all seeking office as a Rock Valley College Trustee. The endorsement comes after ROCPAC completed reviewing candidate responses to a questionnaire and their participating in interviews with the ROCPAC Committee.

All eight candidates completed questionnaires and were interviewed.

There are two people running for a two year position, one of which is Kathy Kelley, and six people running for two

As of Feb. 1, Amazon.com and other e-commerce merchants in Illinois are required to collect a 6.25 percent sales tax on purchases under a state “e-fairness” law that went into effect on Jan. 1.

Nonprofits, however, can set up a business account and provide Amazon with a tax-exempt declaration letter from the State of Illinois to make sales-tax exempt purchases. Search “Amazon for Business” online to apply.

available six year positions, of which Trojan and Fanara received the endorsement. ROCPAC members were pleased and inspired with the high quality of all candidates for these positions; their final endorsement reflected who they felt demonstrated interests consistent with the business community. ROCPAC is a political action committee affiliated with the Chamber and organized to support candidates, committees, and issues at the local and/or state level that support a healthy economy, favorable business climate, high quality of life and progressive future for Rockford. theVoice

March 25 Cliffbreakers Resort

SPONSORED BY

For more info, see page 30

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS TO HELP WEATHERIZE 65 AREA HOMES Comprehensive Community Solutions will receive $1,000,000 to fund energy efficiency upgrades to about 65 area homes per year for two years under the Urban Weatherization Initiative. UWI is the nation’s first state-funded weatherization program. Funding comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Office of Urban Assistance.

Weatherization activities include repair/replacement of inefficient heating or cooling units, addressing air infiltration issues (weather stripping, caulking, window/door replacement), pipe, duct insulation and repair/replacement of water heaters. Recipients may receive a maximum benefit of up to $6,500.

For eligible households, the program can be coupled with the $6,500 maximum benefit through the existing Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program for a benefit of up to $13,000 per unit.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of this important green initiative,” said Kerry Knodle, executive director/CEO of CCS. She said the CCS program has helped to generate four new jobs. Call 815963-6236.

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March 2015

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

Marketing challenges facing small businesses Marketing. For many business owners, it’s a frightening topic. Let’s face it: it’s a complicated world out there and marketing is getting more and more complex by the minute. So what are the biggest marketing challenges facing business owners today and what can you do about them?

Knowing What Marketing Is And Why It Matters Many business owners have heard of marketing and many know what it means.

However, marketing challenges often start at the beginning: there are just as many business owners and executives who don’t know what marketing is, don’t know why it matters, and thus, aren’t willing to invest in it. Marketing is, in essence, a big toolbox that brings clients and customers to your doorstep. It’s how you tell people what you do, who you do it for, how you do it, and what sets you apart from similar businesses.

Justifying The Expenditure On Marketing It’s tough for small businesses to justify the expenditure on marketing when they don’t fully appreciate the value marketing

can bring. Further, when there are so many options out there and so many consultants, it can be a daunting task to know what will actually be of benefit to your business. Focus on the value that marketing can bring. If you know that marketing can be effective and impactful for your business, then you’ll be more open to accepting that investing in marketing is a good idea.

Knowing Who You’re Actually Trying To Reach It’s best to start by knowing who you’re actually trying to reach. Many small business owners simply don’t know who their target market is. If you can’t picture who your client is with absolute clarity, you need to work on your target market definition. Start working on the details – who is the ideal buyer for your products or services? What does this person look like? Where do they spend their time and how do they spend it? What do they like, not like, and most importantly, where do they look for businesses like yours?

Gaining clarity with your target market definition is key to creating a clear path for your business.

Understanding Just What Marketing Tasks Are Important Today, it’s almost impossible for anyone to keep up with marketing, especially if you’re trying to do it all. A one-person marketing team (worse, a one-person business) will almost always struggle, simply because there are way too many things to do for anyone to do it all.

If you know who your target market is, then you should know them well enough to know where they spend time and where they’re looking for products and services like yours. So that should help you to narrow down your marketing choices. You don’t have to be on every social media platform, for example. You just have to be where your prospective clients and customers are most likely to be.

Planning How To Spend Marketing Dollars And Time Once you’ve decided to actually invest in marketing, how do you know where to spend that time and money? There are so many tools and strategies out there, how do you know how to come up with a winning combination? Sometimes the biggest marketing challenge businesses

face is just knowing how to Einar K. Forsman develop a sound Rockford Chamber marketing of Commerce campaign.

Starting out with strategies that are known to be reliable in a particular industry is a good start. After getting those strategies under your belts and systematized, you may be ready to move on to more advanced or experimental techniques.

If you don’t know where to start with any of these things, though, it may make sense to bring in a trusted marketing expert as a resource to provide wisdom and guidance (and possibly training) in terms of planning out your marketing dollars so that you do get the most bang for your buck. Sometimes bringing in the right consultant can make all the difference between spending too much and getting little in return and spending a reasonable amount and getting a huge return.

Source: Susan Baroncini-Moe, author of Business in Blue Jeans: How to Have a Successful Business on Your Own Terms, in Your Own Style

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March 2015

Small Business (continued from front page)

Clason, who spoke on the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace.

According to Clason emotional intelligence, a term coined in the 1980s, is the ability to use emotions effectively.

Between 65 and 90 percent of all business success comes from emotional intelligence. The five key areas are knowledge of one’s own emotions; ability to manage one’s own emotions; ability to self motivate; ability to recognize emotions in others and the ability to handle relationships.

“Emotional intelligence is the key to effective leadership,” said Clason.

“Relationships trump skills. If you can’t connect with people, you won’t get the best of your employees. Engaged workers are more creative, loyal and successful.”

“We wanted to have a presentation that would make small business owners think differently,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “When you’re a small business, the impact you can have

on your employees and their motivation is significant. You can hide in a larger organization, but you can’t hide in a small business. We’re in a shifting business environment. It’s important to be adaptable.”

The Small Business Luncheon was presented by BMO Harris Bank and sponsored by Humana. theVoice

FIVE KEY AREAS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Let your Voice be heard The Rockford Chamber of Commerce ­ elcomes and encourages submissions for The w VOICE of the Rockford Business Community.

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding ­publication. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100.

The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101.

Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

1. Knowledge of one’s own emotions 2. Ability to manage one’s own emotions 3. Ability to self motivate 4. Ability to recognize emotions in others 5. Ability to handle relationships

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Board Profile PROFILE

Helping improve Rockford’s business climate What do you want to contribute as part of the Chamber board?

As a business owner in Rockford, I hope to add my perspective to already great services provided by the chamber.

Why do you think the Chamber is important to business and the community?

The success or failure of businesses in Rockford is inextricably linked to the overall success of the community, and the chamber plays a key role in improving the business climate in Rockford.

What is the name/current purpose of your business/ organization?

I am president of Williams-Manny Insurance Group, a 119-year-old independent insurance agency in Rockford, serving the insurance needs of more than 10,000 customers.

What is your business background/responsibilities?

I have a background in finance and accounting in a variety of financial service areas, including time spent with the Federal Reserve Bank, Discover Card and Deloitte and Touche. I am responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategy of WilliamsManny.

What trend is most strongly impacting your industry?

Instability in the political arena regarding health insurance has a major impact. Additionally, the loss of

Dan Ross Williams-Manny

locally owned or controlled businesses in our community greatly affects our customer base.

What advice would you give to those coming up in your field?

Focus in on the customer first … the rest will come easily.

What in your career has had the greatest impact on you?

Working in a variety of fields has, I believe, made me more flexible and adaptable to a changing environment.

What book, movie would you recommend right now and why?

With two younger kids, my movie selections are limited, but I loved Big Hero 6.

What’s your favorite thing to do for fun?

Anything that involves spending time with my family … but especially camping.

What recent technology innovation has had the greatest impact on your life?

I don’t know how recent it is, but the smart phone has certainly had a major impact. It is debatable as to whether it is a positive or negative impact.

If you could be or do anything else - what?

I would work off the coast of Maine as a lobsterman.

What are you most thankful for?

My family.

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March 2015

Member Profile PROFILE

The Music Academy in Rockford celebrates 30 years

By Paul Anthony Arco

development. It easily transfers to anything else they decide to do in life.”

When Marti Frantz was 10, her parents took her to Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago for training to learn to play the cello. “There was no formal instruction in Rockford,” said Frantz, who began performing with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra by the age of 12. “Traveling outside the city was the only option we had.”

These days, that’s no longer the case thanks to The Music Academy in Rockford, a nonprofit community school of music that provides instruction and performance opportunities for students of any age or ability. The Music Academy, founded in 1985, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. In that time, the Academy has worked with more than 35,000 students, many of whom have gone on to pursue long and successful careers in music as well as many other professions.

“Our goal as a school is not only to help students achieve their musical potential but their greatest personal potential,” said Frantz, executive director of The Music Academy. “It doesn’t matter if the student ever plays their musical instrument once he or she leaves here. It’s about character

New Location Since 2011 The academy was founded by Eleanor Stanlis, who came from Texas with her husband, Peter, a professor at Rockford University. In the 1960s, Stanlis traveled to Japan, where she trained with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, who created the Suzuki method of teaching, whose philosophy is that all people are capable of learning from their environment. Stanlis, who became one of the first accredited Suzuki Method music teachers in the United States, started teaching music to 3- to 5-year-old children of a few close friends. Eventually, Stanlis and Frantz approached Rockford University, who agreed to sponsor and serve as the home of the new academy.

The Music Academy outgrew its space at Rockford University after 24 years, and in 2011 moved its operation to downtown Rockford, in a building owned by First Lutheran Church, which remodeled it to reflect a European-style choir school. The building features 20 teaching studios, an 80-seat choral rehearsal room and a 200seat auditorium. “It’s been really good for

This student uses a Suzuki flute with a curved head joint, which compensates for a young person’s shorter arms. us and for the city to have our students downtown,” Frantz said.

The academy offers programs for participants from pre-school to adults.

Individual instruction ranges from piano to voice, as well as ensembles, group classes and summer camps. Many students stay with the academy for 14 to 16 years before graduating. The academy has several community partnerships such as City of Rockford Head Start, the Ryan Jury Learning Center at SwedishAmerican Health System and Montessori Private Academy. The faculty consists of 29 instructors, many with extensive solo and ensemble experience and Suzuki Talent Education training.

The Music Academy belongs to the National Guild for Community Arts Education, an organization that provides networking, professional development, grants and advocacy opportunities for its member organizations. In addition, the

Candy Lovan works with her Prelude class at The Music Academy. academy has a foundation, which raises about $15,000 a year to assist the financial needs of its students.

The academy holds many special events throughout the year, including a recent appearance by Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen. It hosts Performing Cultural Tours, a program that’s given the students opportunities to visit places such as Japan and San Antonio, Texas. The group is planning a trip to Alaska in 2016.

“We see some remarkable things take place every day,” Frantz said. “We’re leaving a legacy here.”

THE MUSIC ACADEMY IN ROCKFORD Marti Frantz, executive director 226 S. Second St. 815-986-0037 musicacademyinrockford.com

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Why the RAEDC matters: What we do

By Mark Podemski, RAEDC The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) is a public/private partnership, non-profit organization that works with many partners to enhance wealth creation by retaining and creating quality jobs.

What Does that Mean?

We market the Rockford Region throughout the Midwest and the nation as well as worldwide, influencing companies to locate or expand here. This includes trade shows, business development with site selectors and other business decisionmakers, and targeted story/ad placement in trade publications.

We provide and connect companies to resources for workforce development, available buildings, supply chain partners, incentives, imports/exports, operational efficiencies and more. We are a “one-stop shop” with a solutionoriented staff. Did you know that we have surveyed almost 1,000 companies in the past decade to stay in touch with the needs of our local businesses? Our Voice of the Customer program won a Mid-American Economic Development Council award for excellence in 2014.

We promote growth and collaboration within targeted industries. Examples include aerospace, health care, metals manufacturing, logistics and food processing. This could mean supply

chain matchmaking, responding to data requests or pitching viable locations for new businesses.

1. The results of our work for the greater good of our community can sometimes be difficult to show.

2. We often work behind the scenes due to the confidential nature of business projects.

3. Big deals take time: The average time from start to completion on the more than 20 announced project wins in 2014 was 665 days.

Economic development is complicated.

It takes a variety of tools and partners.

And it is not one single thing; it can involve other initiatives like community development, retail development and

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Mark Podemski is vice president for development at the RAEDC.

RAEDC Board Chairman Sagar Patel thanks Paul Callighan, ComEd, during the board meeting on Jan. 29 for years of commitment to the RAEDC. Callighan retires in March after 30 years at ComEd. “Pardon my phrasing, but there is a real energy being created by this organization on the economic development front, and I want to thank you for letting me be a part of it,” he said.

Sagar Patel, the new RAEDC chairman of

the board, is energized to lead at a time of

great momentum in the Rockford Region. Read what he says about our region’s strengths and

opportunities ahead, as “we have not settled for business as usual, and we cannot settle moving

forward. We have more work to do.” Go to www.

Sagar Patel, RAEDC Chairman

downtown development.

The RAEDC’s energetic staff of professionals works closely with more than 200 investors, government officials, business leaders and community partners to boost the Rockford Region’s cuttingedge competitiveness.

It is our job to engage everyone in the daily work of economic development.

We strive to be transparent through our website, new monthly president’s newsletters and other communications so that the community can better understand what we do and see the positive news all around us. It’s an exciting time to be in the Rockford Region!

rockfordil.com, then click on About RAEDC, Meet Our Chairman.

RAEDC’s Terrance Hall to lead region’s International Trade Center

By Jennie Broecker, RAEDC

our businesses through the ITC to enhance our region’s competitiveness and wealth.”

Contact him at thall@ rockfordil.com or 815987-8118.

Terrance Hall of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council has been designated by the state to serve as local director of the Illinois SBDC International Jennie Broecker is Trade Center. communications and The International Trade Terrance Hall marketing coordinator at the Center helps local companies RAEDC. export products and services, a valuable sector for the Rockford Region: ITC EVENT, MARCH 27 Exports rose a record 32 percent for the What: Due Diligence in Exporting: Rockford MSA in 2013, valued at a total Preventing Scams, Fraud and of $2.53 billion.

Deceit in Your International In his new role, Hall will manage Business the ITC as the “go-to” entity for local When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., companies that want to start or boost March 27 exports.

Where: Northern Illinois “Global companies are more University – Rockford, 8600 E. State St., Rockford profitable and sustainable,” stated Hall.

Cost: Free. Register with Bea “For the Rockford Region to grow, our Miller, Bmiller@rockfordil.com or international exports must also continue 815-969-4255. to grow. I look forward to working with

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March 2015

Driving organizational excellence

By Amy Fitzgerald, IMEC In today’s business climate it is increasingly difficult for organizations to differentiate themselves by implementing continuous improvement efforts alone.

It is no longer good enough to merely identify incremental areas where change is needed. And how do you prioritize the change? What sets your organization’s improvement efforts apart from your competition down the street, or across town?

It must now be about the big picture — the holistic approach to striving for excellence and achieving more. By focusing on the key aspects of your business — the people, process and products — you can build an overarching system of improvement, optimizing individual areas while focusing on the complete vision.

Ask yourself the three critical questions for leaders who seek excellence in their organizations: ■ What is important to the success of your organization?

■ What do you want to do to drive success and how do you do it?

■ After you have taken action, were you successful? Are you getting any better?

Are you any good?

Manufacturing, healthcare, education, non-profits, small businesses and many others have the ability to improve the strategy upon which they strive for excellence. Through the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, companies can drive process excellence by: ■ Improving leader effectiveness ■ Aligning work at all levels of the organization ■ Optimizing organization performance and productivity ■ Promoting sustainability in a competitive market ■ Focusing on improvement efforts ■ Strengthening worker performance The criteria are designed to help organizations use an integrated approach to organizational performance management that results in delivery of ever-improving value to customers and stakeholders, contributing to organizational sustainability improvement, and developing capabilities

Embrace the framework that will guide your organization’s continuous improvement

for organizational and personal learning.

Criteria for Performance Excellence

■ Performance refers to outputs and their outcomes obtained from processes, products and customers that permit evaluation and comparison relative to goals, standards, past results and other organizations.

Performance can be expressed in financial and nonfinancial terms.

Illinois Performance Excellence (ILPEx) partners with Illinois leaders to build organizational knowledge and capability to achieve performance excellence and contribute to the economic vitality of their community. The journey requires a process-centered discipline, designed for learning and integration in order to continually achieve exceptional results. The framework of the Criteria for Performance Excellence allows an organization to go at its own pace and to understand the steps toward mature processes. Through the method of approach, deployment, learning and integration, processes become repeatable and regularly evaluated for change and improvement in collaboration with other affected units.

By working with Illinois Performance Excellence and the Criteria, you will:

■ Value refers to the perceived worth of a product, process, asset or function relative to cost and to possible alternatives.

Organizations frequently use value considerations to determine the benefits of various options relative to their costs, such as the value of various product combinations to customers.

■ Organizational learning includes both continuous improvement of existing approaches and adaptation to change, leading to innovation, new goals and new approaches. It can result in reducing errors, defects, waste and related costs; increasing productivity and effectiveness in the use of all your resources; and enhancing your organization’s performance in fulfilling its societal responsibilities.

■ Personal learning is achieved through education, training and developmental opportunities that further individual growth and can result in (1) more engaged, satisfied, and versatile employees who stay with the organization; (2) organizational cross-functional learning, and (3) an improved environment for innovation.

These values and concepts are embedded beliefs and behaviors found in high-performing organizations. They are the foundation for integrating key performance and operational requirements within a results-oriented framework that creates a basis for action and feedback.

■ Discover your current performance management strengths and weaknesses.

■ Identify specific improvement.

requirements

for

(ILPEx) supports organizations as the Illinois affiliate for the U.S. Department of

Commerce

Baldrige

Performance

Excellence Program. Effective Jan. 1, 2015, ILPEx merged with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), bringing

together

two

organizations

focused on the competitiveness and process optimization of Illinois companies.

Six types of organizational performance are

addressed

in

the

Criteria

for

Performance Excellence: 1. product outcomes 2. customer-focused outcomes 3. financial and market outcomes 4. workforce-focused outcomes 5. process effectiveness outcomes 6. leadership outcomes.

The Education and Health Care Criteria focus on parallel sector-related results, with a primary focus on student learning and health care outcomes, respectively. To learn more, please visit www.nist.gov/baldrige.

Since 1994, ILPEx has evaluated

■ Determine your readiness to achieve identified incremental steps.

260 applicants, utilizing the industry

■ Document your achievements.

1650

■ Applaud your ongoing success.

330,000 hours of work — all to provide

■ Share your learning, action and results with Illinois organizations that will learn from your experience, commitment and achievement.

To learn more about Illinois Performance Excellence (ILPEx) or to get started on your journey to excellence, please visit www.ilpex.org.

About ILPEx Founded in 1994 as a non-for-profit 501(c)(3), Illinois Performance Excellence

knowledge and strength of approximately examiners,

representing

nearly

improvement feedback to make Illinois organizations more competitive, ultimately saving jobs, improving communities and the lives of Illinois citizens.

Amy Fitzgerald is marketing manager for the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC).

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

Manufacturing News is sponsored by IMEC

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March 2015

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Business Shorts

HOW DOES YOUR COMPANY UNIQUELY SERVE THE COMMUNITY/ YOUR CLIENTS?

YMCA of Rock River Valley With more than 155 years of service to this community, the YMCA is committed to remaining a responsive, modern organization throughout all operations. How does that Y do that? Simple.

By being there for the single parent, who knows that his or her children are safe and happy when they are at the Y. The Y is there for the person who struggles to get to know their neighbor. The Y is there for the wounded veteran who needs help with rehabilitation.

The YMCA has always been a place the community turns to when they are in need.

ANY INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOUR COMPANY THAT PEOPLE WOULD NOT GENERALLY KNOW?

Alignment Rockford Since its inception in 2010, Alignment Rockford’s accomplishments have included creating a dramatic rise in community awareness about the challenges and opportunities facing Rockford Public Schools. The value of incremental tangible goods and services provided through Alignment Rockford solutions to support Rockford Public Schools is conservatively estimated to exceed $2 million.

Alignment Rockford provides a centralized infrastructure, a dedicated staff, and structured process, to partnership with the Rockford Public Schools. We work with organizations and businesses across the region to align resources in support of the public school system’s greatest strategic needs.

theFranaGroup theFranaGroup is a national health care consulting firm in Rockford, specializing in assisting with grant applications and helping healthcare facilities earn Federally Qualified Health Center status. Over the past 16 years, more than 100 organizations and 200 clinical sites across the nation have benefitted. As of 2015, theFranaGroup has helped clients earn more than $1 billion in direct funding or enhanced billing capabilities. In 2013 alone, theFranaGroup client clinics saw more than 450,000 unduplicated patients. As a result, these healthcare facilities better served their communities and improved the overall access and quality of health services provided to the most at-risk populations.

Put Your Business on Center Stage Would you like to submit a business short for an upcoming issue of The Voice? Please contact editor@rockfordchamber.com, and we’ll send you a questions or two to answer about your business.

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March 2015

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Leadership is the deciding factor in nonprofit success Successful nonprofits have a strong leader at the top of the organization.

Nonprofit leaders must demonstrate competencies in a variety of areas, while managing a corporation and balancing the relationships that make the sector unique.

Nonprofit leaders must remain focused on the mission of the organization while ensuring long-term sustainability. They face ever-increasing changes in public policy, shifting demographics, donor demands to measure impact, increased competition for funding, and a blurring line between for-profit and nonprofit corporations competing for grants and government contracts. This host of current and emerging challenges requires nonprofits leaders to master specific competencies, possess certain personality traits and acquire knowledge and sectorspecific expertise.

In her research published in Ivey Business Journal for the article “Profiling the NonProfit Leader of Tomorrow,” Jean Crawford delineates 15 must-have attributes of nonprofit leaders. They include: Competencies: Strategic thinker, relationship builder, collaborative decision-maker, entrepreneurial achiever, effective communicator, change leader and inspiring motivator.

Personality Traits: High integrity, adaptable/agile, perseverant, interpersonal sensitivity and passionate about the mission.

Knowledge/Expertise: Financial acumen, deep sector-specific knowledge and understanding and valuing diversity.

This balance of management and leadership is the role that nonprofit leaders have to play, especially given the resource constraints and size of the majority of organizations. It would not be uncommon in one day for a nonprofit executive to face news of government funding cuts or delayed payments, attend a meeting on program collaboration, assess program evaluation data to determine impact on mission, and meet with staff to discuss recruitment strategies for replacing a talented member of the team.

Crawford grouped the challenges faced by nonprofits into four clusters: 1. The financial challenge 2. The competition challenge 3. The operational effectiveness challenge 4. The talent challenge For our local nonprofits, the financial challenge is not new, but the state budget deficit will cause new and deeper cutbacks.

Previous levels of funding cannot be expected and nonprofit leaders must

pursue new sustainability approaches.

The competitive challenge requires leaders to explain their unique selling proposition above for-profit corporations vying for the same customers. Research reports that nonprofit service providers are more effective, efficient and deliver more compassionate care, but the general public is not always aware of the tax status of each provider.

The operational effectiveness challenge requires collaboration and a common agenda among multiple players to collect data and measure results consistently across all participants. This requires nonprofit leaders to work with people from other sectors, and balance agendas and local politics. New, more flexible structures, models and service delivery must be discussed to support more people with fewer resources while ensuring the dignity of the people being served.

Lastly is our local talent challenge.

Guidestar reported a few years ago a “leadership gap” as nonprofit CEOs retire. “70-plus percent of nonprofit executives could retire in the next 10 years.” This is very relevant in our community. We have seen three waves of three to six executives retire over the past few years. More are planned.

The Gap How do we Pam Clark address this Reidenbach NICNE gap?

Future generations are smaller than boomers, and nonprofits do not have the bench strength to groom new leaders or the resources to invest in succession planning. We also see young leaders uninterested in long hours that prevent good work-life balance. Nonprofit leaders must build a pipeline to connect with diverse leaders of the future and convey the favorable aspects of mission-based work.

These are only a few local examples of the critical challenges leaders face in nonprofit success. Nonprofit boards must recognize the critical role the leader plays in the organization and in the community, support their professional development and seek individuals that possess the attributes and accept the challenges the sector demands. Building leadership capacity is a good investment, not only for the organization but also for the community.

Pam Clark Reidenbach is director of NICNE. The views expressed are those of Clark Reidenbach’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

Fiscal future of the state If you work for an organization, you realize how hard it can be to have revenues outpace expenses. Many organizations run deficits in “lean times” and then work to address these deficits as the situation improves. It is difficult to do this in a way that makes everyone connected to the organization happy.

What if the organization you head is the state of Illinois?

Gov. Bruce Rauner entered office under a budget that assumed a November victory for Pat Quinn and an extension of the unpopular income tax increase.

Gov. Rauner ran on a platform that included letting the increase expire. This puts Illinois in line for a 26th consecutive annual deficit. Worse, it means Illinois could face a potential increase in the deficit of $3 billion, from the current $6.5 billion, by 2016 according to the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (Source: www. cbtaonline.org).

The current budget assumed an extension of the tax that will now wind down to zero by 2016, according to the Tax Accountability and Budget Stabilization Act of 2011. This leaves a number of approaching budget shortfalls. For example, the daycare subsidy program will run out of money soon and the Department of Corrections payroll by March. The governor

Bring Back Blueprint: More details to come

has asked for special budgeting powers to allow him to reallocate revenue from specific fee funds; revenues collected to fund a specific project. These powers would allow Gov. Rauner to reallocate those dollars and prioritize immediate budgetary needs.

Similar powers were given to Pat Quinn when he came into office. However, it was this kind of inter-fund borrowing that resulted in a severely underfunded pension program. The governor has implied he would like to eliminate special funds entirely, and pool resources, allowing him to borrow from those funds without the promise to pay them back with interest in 18 months.

Will Reforms Increase Tax Base?

The governor’s long-run fiscal plan was roughly outlined in his Bring Back Blueprint and State of the State address, and more details are due soon. In addition to the expiration of the income tax hike, the plan entails freezing property taxes and extending the sales tax to select services.

The expansion of the sales tax to services represents an important modernization of the state’s tax code. The service industry is the largest and fastest growing in Illinois. The proposed tax extension excludes healthcare services, an important component of the stateline economy.

The Blueprint relies on some optimistic assumptions. It implies tax reforms will increase population growth in the state by creating an attractive environment for individuals and businesses. The plan estimates a $4,484 increase in tax receipts for each new person in the state. If population growth matched the national average, Illinois could bring in an additional $748 million in annual tax revenue. However, the state has a history of declining population growth rates, falling to 3.3 percent over the 2000s from 8.6 percent in the 1990s (Source: census.gov). Further, there is little empirical support that lower taxes produce net in-migration.

The Blueprint assumes tax revenue from job growth that may result from tax reform. If state unemployment declined to the national average, there would be a potential increase in annual revenue of $412 million. However, there is significant empirical evidence that reducing income taxes does not result in job growth.

Wait and See Given the assumed gains outlined above, there still will be significant growth in the state deficit if the income tax hike expires.

Significant cuts in spending or increases in taxes beyond what we currently know will be needed to reduce the deficit.

Gov. Rauner has pledged to stop education Dr. Caleb Lewis cuts and to increase Rockford University spending on the largest part of the general fund. Yet, it will be difficult to close the budget gap with cuts to the remainder of the general fund. The governor accurately defends the service tax as a broadening of the tax base. However, while politically unpopular, an income tax rests on the broadest base possible. Further, sales taxes change the relative costs of goods and services, which create incentives for consumers to seek alternate options. This is a particular concern in the stateline, where consumers can “import” services; spending their money elsewhere. This change in consumption often leaves the consumer worse-off than a tax that collects the same revenue without altering the relative expensiveness of services.

How the governor addresses this fiscal situation is important to stateline organizations. We will just have to wait and see how he accomplishes this difficult task.

Caleb Lewis, Ph.D., is assistant professor at Puri School of Business, Rockford University.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

March 2015

Teaching skills for a lifetime

Getting students ready for a career of their dreams Our bottom line is we want kids to be ready to pursue their dreams after high school with the necessary life experiences and skills they need to thrive in the workplace. Because everybody wants a career.

Nobody wants a job.

In the Rockford Public Schools, we call it College and Career Readiness for a reason.

In Rockford — as in many communities — there is a false debate.

Will we emphasize college readiness at the expense of career readiness?

The answer to the question is not “or.” It’s “and.”

Critical thinking, problemsolving, working collaboratively and communicating effectively: These are skills all people need to develop, regardless of what work they choose or when they choose it.

Whether you go to college or straight to a career – to vocational training then a career -- it’s always about developing a career.

Helping students develop the fundamental skills for a career is behind everything we do in RPS 205, from early childhood education right through to our high school academies.

I could tell you about how we do this, but I’d rather show you. I’d rather introduce you to three students in our district who are taking their own path to their futures, guided by a staff committed to readiness:

chance for employment after graduation at the Hoffman House. Stephen has continually stretched himself, whether through the Explorer program with the Rockford Police Department or volunteering at Severson Dells Nature Center. He plans on interning this spring at a local bakery.

■■ Nadia Bender is only a sophomore at Jefferson, yet she already has been an emcee for a news conference. She helped kick off the RPS 205 “Our Kids Rock” campaign last month, showing a professional demeanor, confidence and articulation that belied her age. She credits the confidence her principal, Don Rundall, has in her, along with the skills taught by her drama teacher, Sarah Verona, and her work on the school newspaper with Allyson Utech, who taught her to “dig deep” to get the answer.

Offering Life Experiences I hope Demetrius continues to create art throughout his life. Regardless, I’ll bet the skills he’s developed at art will pay dividends with any future employer.

The same for Nadia’s ability to lead a news conference with video cameras running and camera bulbs flashing, and Stephen’s preparations to serve 400 people at a local fundraiser.

Our bottom line is we want kids to be ready to pursue their dreams after high school with the necessary life experiences and skills they need to thrive in the workplace. We do this for all of our students, whether they will go straight to a career, to vocational training then a career, or to college then

■■ Demetrius Markham, a junior at Jefferson High School, displayed his artwork in the All-City Art Exhibit.

Although his art teacher, Lynn Stockton, has nurtured and encouraged his gifts, she knows the discipline and creativity demanded in art could just as easily translate into another field. And that’s good, because Demetrius is in the EMITT (Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial and Trades Technology) academy. He’s hoping to become a mechanical engineer. He already has several excellent engineering schools in his sights.

a career. Because everybody wants a

■■ Stephen Jardeen, a senior at Auburn High School, is a second-year student trainee in RPS 205’s Culinary Arts program at the Hoffman House restaurant. Patty Oliveri, his culinary arts teacher, said he is working hard for a

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford

career. Nobody wants a job.

Readiness is reaching benchmarks in literacy and numeracy, yes, but it’s not just that. It’s getting the requisite life experiences. And we offer students those in the Rockford Public Schools, too.

I can’t wait to see the professionals that Demetrius, Stephen and Nadia will become. I’m confident that the emphasis on college and career readiness will serve them -- and all the students in RPS 205 -- well.

Public Schools.

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

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March 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Healthy Living

New Illinois Laws for 2015

Here are some laws related to health and human services that have taken affect this year. For specific language of the laws, visit www.ilga.gov.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE broadens use by minors by allowing DPH to adopt rules authorizing “other” minors with medical conditions covered by current law to become registered users.

Breast Cancer HB 3765/PA 98-0886

Clinical Lab Testing Guidelines HB 2544/PA 98-0708 Requires every accountable care organization providing diagnosis and treatment for patients in this state to establish an advisory board to consider and recommend guidelines or protocols for clinical laboratory testing.

Requires the Illinois Department of Public Health’s written summary regarding the early detection and treatment of breast cancer to also inform individuals, in layman’s terms, of potential recommended follow-up tests or studies concerning dense breast tissue.

Blood Specimen Examination SB 3077/PA 98-0767

Nurse Certification SB 2998/PA 98-0837

Allows advanced practice nurses and physician assistants greater flexibility when dealing with collaborative agreements or written supervision agreements with hospitals or hospital affiliates for blood specimen examination.

Therapist Endorsements SB 3115/PA 98-0768 Allows a licensed physical therapist to use testimonials of superior quality of care to entice the public.

Marijuana and Epilepsy SB 2636/PA 98-0775 Adds seizures (including those characteristic of epilepsy) to the list of “debilitating medical conditions” that medical marijuana may be used to treat. Also allows the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) to adopt rules authorizing “other” minors with medical conditions covered by current law to become registered users. The stated purpose of this legislation was to authorize the use of CBD oil for children with epilepsy or conditions that cause seizures. Limits cannabis use by minors (with parental consent) to only infused forms. However, it also

Requires advanced practice nurses to maintain a current national certification from the appropriate national certifying body as determined by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for nurse midwifes, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Clinical Psychologist Licensure SB 3406/PA 98-0849 States that clinical psychologists must be a graduate of a doctoral program accredited or approved by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, American Psychological Association or the Council for the National Register of Health Providers in Psychology, or other national board recognized by the Clinical Psychologists Licensing and Disciplinary Board.

Coroner Access to Records HB 4694/PA 98-0908 Allows coroners access to all mental health records of patients when conducting a preliminary investigation of the patient’s death.

Removes requirements that records must be limited to those relating to the factual circumstances of the incident being investigated.

Mental Health Exams SB 3532/PA 98-0853 Clarifies the procedure to obtain an independent mental health evaluation during an involuntary admission, discharge hearing or during a proceeding seeking to administer psychotropic medications or electroconvulsive therapy.

Cancer Research HB 4035/PA 98-0891 Authorizes the Department of Public Health to collect and maintain health data on the connection between the long-term effects of childhood cancer and the original cancer diagnosis and treatment.

ID Badges HB 4033/PA 98-0890 Exempts Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled and Community Integrated Living Arrangements from the requirement that identification badges be worn by employees and volunteers of health care facilities.

Long Term Care Ombudsman SB 798/PA 98-0989 Changes the law governing the Illinois Long Term Care Ombudsman.

The ombudsman investigates and seeks to resolve complaints made by or for residents of nursing or longterm care programs and participants in home or community-based care programs. This measure would revise definitions, increase the ombudsman’s ability to access participants, alters the violationreporting mandate, and permits the establishment of regional multidisciplinary teams to assist the ombudsman.

Stroke Treatment HB 5742/PA 98-1001 Creates a state designation for Comprehensive Stroke Centers; re-designates Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals as Acute StrokeReady Hospitals; provides for state-designation fees for Primary Stroke Centers, Comprehensive

Stroke Centers, and Acute StrokeReady Hospitals; creates the Stroke Data Collection Fund; provides for more rigorous stroke-data collection requirements; modifies the membership of the State Stroke Advisory Subcommittee; modifies the membership of Regional Stroke Advisory Subcommittees; and makes other changes.

Telehealth SB 647/PA 98-1091 Establishes guidelines that individual or group health and accident insurance policies must comply with if they provide coverage for “telehealth” services. Telehealth is defined as the use of a telecommunication system to provide medical services between places of lesser and greater medical capability or expertise, for the purpose of evaluation and treatment.

Power of Attorney for Healthcare SB 3228/PA 98-1113 Re-writes the Health Care Power of Attorney form to make it more user friendly. With these changes the reading level for the form will be a high school rather than a college reading level. Includes a savings clause to ensure that previously executed health care powers of attorney and actions thereunder are valid.

Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center SB 3465/PA 98-1123 Amends the definition of “ambulatory surgical treatment center” to include any place that meets and complies with the definition of an ambulatory surgical treatment center under the rules adopted by the Department of Public Health. An ambulatory surgical treatment center that elects to have an agreement with federal CMS must also meet certain Medicare conditions as an ambulatory surgical center and have an active agreement with CMS to participate in Medicare as an ambulatory surgical center provider in Illinois.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Healthy Living

March 2015

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Technology in medicine

By Barbara Connors Advances in medical technology focus on creating products to deliver cheaper, faster and more efficient patient care. Some of these advances are theoretical, some controversial, some already in commercialization. Below from www.wikipedia.org are some of these emerging technologies in medical and neuroscience, as well as what they might replace and how they might be used.

MEDICAL Artificial Uterus

Status: hypothetical, research

Could replace: incubator, in vivo pregnancy, including host motherhood

Potential Applications: space travel, extracorporeal pregnancy, selected and genetically modify embryos, same-sex procreation Body Implants, Prosthesis Status: trials, from animal (brain implants) to human clinical (insulin pump implant), to commercial production (pacemaker, joint replacement, cochlear implant) Could Replace: various fields of medicine, warfare Potential Applications: brain implant, retinal implant Personalized Medicine, Full Genome Sequencing Status: research, experiments Could Replace: non-personalized medical procedures, including aesthetic medicine Potential Applications: personalized medical procedures, genome sequencing during drug trials Cryonics Status: hypothetical, research, commercialization (Cryonics Institute) Potential Applications: life extension Genetic Engineering of Organisms and Viruses Status: research, development, commercialization Could Replace: other medical procedures (aesthetic medicine and contraception), traditional warfare (genetically modified soldiers, ethnic bioweapon), traditional animal husbandry and plant and fungus breeding, tattoo artism and fitness clubs and cosmetics and nutrition (new genes for humans to change on demand their look), gardening (new genes for no need to nurture plants), species-saving efforts (new genes to adapt to new environments), traditional fuel production Potential Applications: creating and modifying species (improving physical and mental capabilities), bio-machines, eliminating genetic disorders (gene therapy), new materials production, healthier and cheaper food, creating drugs and vaccines, bioremediation, detecting arsenic

Hibernation/Suspended Animation Status: research, development, animal trials Could Replace: surgical anesthesia Potential Applications: organ transplantation, space travel, prolonged surgery, emergency care Life Extension, Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence Status: research, experiments, animal testing Could Replace: existing treatments for age-related diseases Potential Applications: increased life spans Male Contraception/100%-Effective Birth Control Status: research and development Could Replace: other birth control methods Plantibody What is it? an antibody produced by plants that’s genetically engineered with animal DNA for large-scale production of antibodies for human immunotherapy Status: clinical trials De-Extinction Status: research, development, trials Potential Applications: animal husbandry, pets, zoos Regenerative Medicine Status: some laboratory trials Potential Applications: life extension

Potential Applications: creating infinitely scalable production processes based on programmable species of bacteria and other life forms Oncolytic Virus Status: human trials, commercialization Potential Applications: cancer therapy, imaging Tricorder What is it? medical tricorder is a handheld portable scanning device for consumers to self-diagnose medical conditions within seconds and take basic vital measurements Status: research and development Could Replace: medical examinations Potential Applications: diagnosing medical conditions Vitrification/Cryoprotectant Status: hypothetical, some experiments Could Replace: ischemic damages Potential Applications: organ transplantation, cryonics

NEUROSCIENCE Ampakine Potential Applications: enhance attention span and alertness, and facilitate learning and memory

Brain-Computer Interface Robotic Surgery Status: research and commercialization Status: research, diffusion Could Replace: video games, television, movies and Could Replace: surgeons untrained in robotic surgery current communication devices Potential Applications: faster communication and Stem Cell Treatments learning and “more real” entertainment. Controlling Status: research, experiments, phase I human trial emotions in mentally ill spinal cord injury treatment (GERON), cultured cornea transplants Brain-Reading, Neuroinformatics Potential Applications: treatment for a wide range of Status: research diseases and injuries Potential Applications: mind uploading, enabling Tissue Engineering Status: research, diffusion Potential Applications: organ printing, tooth regeneration

Synthetic Biology, Synthetic Genomics Potential Applications: research, development, first synthetic bacteria created May, 2010 Could Replace: chemical industry, petroleum industry, process manufacturing

individuals with brain damage to communicate

Electroencephalography Status: research, diffusion Could Replace: keyboards and other interfaces Potential Applications: controlling electronic devices via brain waves Neuroprosthetics Potential Applications: visual prosthesis, brain implant, exocortex, retinal implant

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March 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Healthy Living

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Two dispensaries to receive licenses

Bringing medical marijuana to Rockford

Marijuana currently is the second most lucrative crop in the United States, trailing only the production of corn.

Medical marijuana currently is a hot topic of conversation. The need and the demand are both high, but patients suffering from close to three dozen illnesses are now waiting for the supply.

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently issued licenses to cultivate and dispense medical marijuana in Illinois. This comes as good news to patients waiting for a potentially beneficial medication, and could provide a needed economic boost to struggling communities throughout Illinois.

As an advocate for people with epilepsy, we strongly fought for this medication to be legalized, and to have epilepsy added to the list of approved diagnoses that can be legally treated with canaboid oil. Now that we have cleared the initial hurdle of legalization, we now need to work with patients, doctors, families, hospital administrators, dispensers and the local community to ensure this pilot program’s success. This will require patience by everyone involved. I would encourage the same patience for those looking for an immediate economic boost.

According to Forbes magazine contributor Kelly Phillips Erb, “States that have moved to legalize marijuana for medical reasons have done so for quite logical reasons: legalizing the drug (like nicotine and alcohol) means that it can be regulated. Regulations mean control. And control is directly linked to the almighty dollar.”

Second Most Lucrative Crop Marijuana currently is the second most lucrative crop in the United States, trailing only the production of corn. If federally legalized, marijuana stands to gain an estimated $10 billion in added tax revenue at both the federal and state level. The majority of this added revenue would come from recreational use, but medical marijuana should prove to have short-term benefits for states that legalize, and the local communities participating in the program.

With two dispensaries, MedMar Rockford LLC and Mapleglen Care Center LLC, receiving licenses in

Benjamin Slack Epilepsy Foundation

Winnebago County, and a cultivation license being issued to In Grown Farms in Stephenson County, the local area now stands to benefit from a growing industry.

The opening of these new businesses will mean the creation of new jobs in the area. Jobs that can be filled by young professions looking to break into a new field. “This industry is only going to grow,” said Barb Verni-Lau, medical marijuana advocate. “The passage of medical marijuana is going to lead to job creation in a number of different arenas. Construction, production, cultivation, bakers to create edibles, and retail jobs should all grow in the near future. Additionally, advocates and educators like me will be needed to guide patients through a pretty complex system.”

Regulations for Use Illinois has input strict regulations for its medical marijuana pilot program.

Patients will need to go through a rigorous process in order to have access to the medication. Regulations require the need of a signed and completed application form, physician certification from two physicians, a photograph, and a fingerprint consent form. It is important to note that the physician’s certification needs to come from physicians that patients have a preexisting relationship with.

“This is going to be a process,” Verni-Lau said. “It is important that individuals and their families interested in using medical marijuana continue to work with their physicians and other healthcare organizations. We need to make sure this process is done properly in order to make sure the pilot program is a success.”

The medical marijuana pilot program is Illinois’s first step into an industry that has netted Colorado close to $184 million in added tax revenue in its first 18 months since legalization. If regulated properly, patients will be able to access a beneficial medication, jobs will be created in the local communities, and the state stands to benefit from added tax income.

Benjamin Slack is executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of North/Central IL, IA, NE. The views expressed are those of Slack’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Healthy Living

March 2015

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

New employer obligations for pregnancy accommodations Effective Jan. 1, 2015, the Illinois Human Rights Act was amended to require all employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees. The amendment adds pregnancy to the list of classes protected against discrimination.

Pregnancy is defined as “pregnancy, childbirth or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.”

The duty to accommodate women affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions imposed by the new amendment applies to Illinois employers of all sizes and applies to all full-time, part-time and probationary employees.

The amendment requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees and job applicants for any medical or common condition related to pregnancy or childbirth and makes it unlawful to fail to hire or otherwise retaliate against an employee or applicant for requesting such accommodations.

If an employer demonstrates that the accommodation would impose an “undue hardship” on the “ordinary operation of the business of the employer,” however, the employer does not need to provide the requested accommodation. “Undue hardship” includes actions that are “prohibitively expensive or disruptive.”

Employers should keep in mind that if a similar accommodation would be granted to a non-pregnant employee, the denial of such an accommodation to a pregnant employee is now a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act. The amendments provide a non-exhaustive list of reasonable accommodation examples to include the following: ■■ More frequent or longer bathroom breaks ■■ Breaks for increased water intake and periodic rest ■■ Seating ■■ Assistance with manual labor ■■ Light duty ■■ Temporary transfer to a less strenuous or non-hazardous position ■■ Acquisition or modification of equipment

More Requirements

Laura D. Mruk WilliamsMcCarthyLLP

It is important to note that the amendment does not specify the length of time an employee can be out on leave for a pregnancy or childbirth condition.

An employer is not required to create additional employment opportunities for women affected by pregnancy or childbirth conditions, discharge or transfer another employee, or promote an unqualified employee unless the employer does so for other employees who request accommodations.

The amendment also requires employers to reinstate an employee affected by pregnancy or childbirth conditions to her original job or an equivalent position following leave unless the employer can demonstrate that doing so would pose an undue hardship.

An employer may request documentation from the employee’s health care provider concerning the need for the requested accommodation. Items the employer may request are limited to the following: (1) the medical justification for the requested accommodation(s); (2) a description of the reasonable accommodation(s) that are medically advisable; (3) the date the reasonable accommodation(s) became medically advisable, and (4) the probable duration of the reasonable accommodation(s).

The amendment requires employers to post a notice of employee rights in a conspicuous location. The required notice can be found on the Illinois Department of Human Rights’ webpage at http://www2. illinois.gov/dhr/Publications/Documents/ Pregnancy_Posting-lgl-ENG14.pdf.

Additionally, employers who maintain handbooks must include information about employee rights with respect to pregnancy accommodation in handbooks.

These amendments pose different and arguably greater obligations on employers than under related federal laws such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accordingly, it is prudent for employers to consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with this amendment.

■■ Job restructuring

■■ Reassignment to a vacant position

Laura D. Mruk is an associate, employment law, appellate law, contested trusts and estates, creditors’ rights law at WilliamsMcCarthyLLP.

■■ Time off to recover from childbirth and leave required by the employee’s pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions.

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

■■ Part-time or modified work schedules

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March 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Healthy Living

HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DO YOU NEED? Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving. You need to do two types of physical activity each week to improve your health — aerobic and muscle-strengthening.

Aerobic: 150 minutes moderateintensity activity (brisk walking) every week or 75 minutes vigorous-intensity activity (jogging or running) every week.

Weight Training: musclestrengthening activities on two or more days a week, working all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

10 Minutes a Time is Fine 150 minutes each week sounds like a lot.

Consider breaking up activity into smaller chunks throughout the day for at least 10 minutes at a time.

What Counts as Aerobic?

Aerobic activity gets you breathing harder and your heart beating faster.

All types of activities count as long as they are moderate or vigorous for at least 10 minutes at a time.

What Counts as MuscleStrengthening? These activities work all the major muscle groups of your body and should be done to the point where it’s hard to do another repetition without help. A repetition is one complete movement of an activity. Try to do eight to 12 reps per activity for a set and two or three sets.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Help for parents of children with special needs

If you provide care for a person with special needs or wish to create a substantial gift, a special needs trust can be of tremendous help.

If you’re a parent of a special needs child, you’re probably well aware of how complicated and expensive it can be to make sure your child has the proper care. And often times this is a lifelong commitment.

From housing to healthcare, to even the most basic everyday needs — all these expenses add up. And while it may be tough to meet these obligations now, imagine how hard it would be without your income.

That’s where a special needs trust can help.

If your child receives benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, it’s important to remember that any income or assets in their name can affect their eligibility.

A special needs trust may provide a way to protect those assets, making sure your child has the resources he or

she may need without risking the loss of valuable government benefits.

More importantly, if something happens to you, a special needs trust may help provide the necessary means for your loved one’s continued care, basic necessities, and additional expenses — even those that may not be federally subsidized, like specialized medical therapies, education and transportation.

You will need to work with an attorney to create the trust. Once it’s been created, you can fund it in a variety of ways. In fact, you may want to explore the benefits of funding a special needs trust with a permanent whole life or universal life insurance policy. Both provide death benefit protection, allow tax-deferred cash value accumulation, and can be made to suit your specific needs and budget. Your life insurance

agent can help you determine how money

Chad DeMarre New York Life Insurance Company

much you

need in the trust, and discuss affordable options that are best for you.

If you provide care for a person with special needs or wish to create a substantial gift, a special needs trust can be of tremendous help.

Plus, it’s one of the few estateplanning strategies that can protect your loved one’s eligibility for federal assistance. And, when funded by life insurance, a special needs trust may provide an affordable solution that can last for years to come.

Chad DeMarre is an agent with New York Life Insurance Company. Contact him at 815-312-4360.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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March 2015

Pablo Korona works in his studio.

Gallup most and least satisfied communities In 2012 and 2013, Gallup asked residents in 189 metropolitan areas whether they were satisfied with the city or area they lived in. The results were released in April, 2014. Source: gallup.com The 10 cities where residents were MOST satisfied?

The 10 cities where residents were LEAST satisfied?

% Satisfied

Community

% Satisfied

Fort Collins-Loveland, Colo.

94.9%

Rockford, Ill.

72.8%

San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif.

94.1%

Stockton, Calif.

73.3%

Bakersfield, Calif.

74.0%

Holland-Grand Haven, Mich.

93.4%

Flint, Mich.

74.2%

Jackson, Miss.

74.4%

Billings, Mont.

93.1%

Binghamton, N.Y.

74.6%

Boulder, Colo.

92.8%

74.9%

Barnstable Town, Mass.

92.3%

Scranton-WikesBarre, Penn.

Provo-Orem, Utah

92.3%

76.6%

Des Moines, Iowa

92.2%

Columbus, Georgia/Ala.

Madison, Wis.

91.9%

Trenton-Ewing, N.J.

76.9%

Honolulu, Hi.

91.7%

Fayetteville, N.C.

77.1%

Community

Gallup: Cautious but positive 2015 picture Gallup, the national polling company, released a series of results in February that paint a picture of a continued economic expansion in 2015.

According to its latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, released on Feb. 5, small-business owners are the most optimistic they have been since 2008.

Gallup asks small business owners quarterly how they rate their current business situation and their expectations for the next 12 months based on revenue, cash flow, capital spending, job creation and the ease of obtaining credit. The weighted score of +71 based on 12 metrics was the highest for this measurement since it was +83 in January, 2008.

The key points from the survey showed that small-business owners expect to see growing revenues, more hiring and have ample access to credit.

Despite the solid economic numbers that have been dominating the news the past few months, Americans remain cautious.

On Feb. 12, Gallup released its monthly results about how Americans feel about their finances.

Just 49 percent of respondents feel “pretty good” about the amount of money they have to spend. Still, that’s higher than the 45 percent who felt “pretty good” in January, 2014 and the 47 percent who felt that way in January, 2013.

TRANSFORM ROCKFORD CALENDAR A list of events in March where you can learn about efforts and progress.

Thursday, March 5 Rockford Cosmopolitan Club, Transform Rockford Executive Director Mike Schablaske to speak. Event begins at noon. Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. http://www.rfdcosmo.org/.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey’s State of the City address, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. You must register to attend. Email stateofthecity@rockfordil.gov for more information.

Tuesday, March 10 Peace & Non-Violence Meeting at Fairgrounds Valley, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 1015 W. Jefferson St., Rockford.

Wednesday, March 11 100th Anniversary Belvidere Chamber Dinner, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Radisson Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Tickets cost $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. http://www.belviderechamber.com/ Friday, March 13 SwedishAmerican Presents Paint the (Down)town, 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Tickets are $65 each. www.gorockford.com/green.

Characters of Rockford lost in larger story

By Alex Gary

Rockford finished at the bottom of the ranking, with just 72.8 percent of the

Pablo Korona was in the midst of a successful career at a local advertising firm, but he felt an emptiness he couldn’t quite fill.

“The work I was doing was just something I wasn’t proud of,” Korona said. He said some organizations were doing “some cool stuff. I just felt the Rockford I knew wasn’t being disseminated.”

“I wanted to do it with stories.”

So in 2011, Korona, a 34-year-old 1998 Rockford Boylan graduate, launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the beginnings of “Our City, Our Story,” an effort to produce stories highlighting the Rockford area in a positive way.

The initial funding came through in March, 2012, and Korona has produced 19 different videos about the Rockford area (http://ourcityourstory.com/), ranging from a story about a man who runs a boxing gym to give kids with a chip on their shoulder a positive outlet to a beloved, low-key Loves Park breakfast diner to the World War II reenactors who come to Midway Village each summer.

Korona built on the success of those projects to open CNVR (Conveyer) on Jefferson Street in downtown Rockford.

There, Korona holds classes on how to make movies; renting out a recording studio for families who want to come in and record their own stories and holding storytelling nights once a month. These nights allow others to come in and share their own experiences to an audience.

Each night has a theme, such as “promises” in January and “love stinks” in February.

respondents saying they were satisfied

Changing Attitudes

the collective – the administration, the

For Korona, it’s all a part of highlighting the people of Rockford, which he says gets lost in the larger narrative of the boomtown gone bust.

The best statistical example of Rockford’s views of itself was highlighted by a Gallup poll in 2014. In April, the national polling firm released the results of a poll where it asked residents in 189 metropolitan areas in 2012 and 2013 if they were satisfied in the city in which they lived.

get frustrated. But then I remember the

with the area. According to Gallup, people living in places such as Jackson, Miss., and Flint, Mich., were more satisfied with their cities.

Ironically, the metro area at the top of the list was Loveland-Fort Collins, Colo., where 94.9 said they were satisfied.

Fort Collins is where Woodward Inc., the company that got the Transform Rockford ball rolling, is headquartered.

Transform Rockford recognizes that attitude is a part of Rockford’s issues; creating a team to work on “reframing” the community.

“The most damaging statements on Rockford are blanket statements,” Korona said. “I’ll hear ‘I don’t like this place,’ or ‘it’s too dangerous.’”

“It is easy to break down blanket statements,” Korona added. “If you had a single point, like a knife in a blanket, you can start ripping those blanket statements apart. And if you have multiple points about the goodness around, the more things that are positive, the more you counter a lot of those statements. Stories are the best way to get those points across.”

Of course, Transform Rockford was created because the area has multiple issues to deal with, ranging from stagnant economic growth, an undereducated workforce, tax rates that rank among the highest in the nation, and crime.

“You can’t ignore the bad things around here,” Korona said. “I look at way people look at each other -- and I characters here.

“There are a number of remarkable characters here, and this effort truly keeps me going” Korona added. “There’s this weird kind of distortion field where people feel like they can’t succeed here.

And that’s not true. If you want to make a difference you can do that in Rockford, you just have to stop and decide that you want to make a difference.”

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40

forty y leaders un unde derr In 2008, The Rockford Chamber launched the 40 Leaders Under 40 awards program to honor those movers, shakers and up-and-comers who make things happen. More than 110 submitted their applications, which we reluctantly reduced to 40 honorees. Here’s a look at what some of them are doing now!

Emily Hartzog

WHERE

are they NOW

relationships with other honorees has created a powerful network upon which I have had the opportunity to draw or offer support.

What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry? Cultivate relationships at every opportunity, especially with professionals you admire.

Any key turning points in your career or family?

The addition of my kids – Patton (4) and Evie (2) – dramatically changed my world. They are smart, funny and more entertaining than cable television

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?

Any key turning points in your career or family? I moved to Largo in May, 2013. I am the director of mission advancement for a local animal rescue organization. It is my dream job in a dream location by the sea.

Melissa S. Leuzinger

Luan Dean

In 2008, Melissa S. Miller was commercial broker-associate at Century 21 Country North and now goes by her maiden name, Leuzinger. “I learned that while my work contributions are important; being a humanitarian and contributing to the community is equally as important.”

Emily Hartzog in 2008 was community relations officer at the Rockford Public Library. “Being a part of the inaugural class was a tremendous honor, as well as a call to action.”

Where are you now? Today, I am proud to be a part of the amazing and dynamic team at Chartwell Agency, where I am director. I love how closely we work with our clients, the variety of projects, and the creative energy we have as a company. I’m still on the board of the Discovery Center Museum and active with Transform Rockford.

What did you take away by becoming an honoree?

Having the opportunity to meet other honorees and learn about their amazing work provided perspective about the collective power we have to influence our community. That group set a high standard and encouraged me to raise the bar for myself.

What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? I learned how interconnected we all are. Meeting and developing

Luan Dean in 2008 was owner of Lula’s Vintage Boutique in downtown Rockford. “In 2008, I was just doing what I loved; having a store in downtown Rockford that sold cool vintage items. I miss it a lot!”

Where are you now? I am living in Largo, Florida ... and love it!

What did you take away by becoming an honoree?

I was honored to be recognized among my peers in the Rockford community.

What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? To never give up hope.

What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry? That vintage will always be cool. :) Create your own look and inspire others to do the same.

A FEW QUESTIONS FROM 2008 WE ASKED AGAIN …

Name the adjective that best describes you.

What did I say in 2008? I’m going with “enthusiastic.” Emily Hartzog Free spirit. Luan Dean Energetic. Melissa Leuzinger

What do you like to do “off the clock”?

I’m still teaching and performing hula. In fact, the Aloha Hula Girls will celebrate our 10th anniversary this year! Emily Hartzog I am loving exploring Florida! I have learned to kayak, have even kayaked by dolphins in the ocean, and am looking forward to swimming with manatees when it gets warmer. Luan Dean

I enjoy spending time with my dogs, running, shopping and volunteering for Children’s Home + Aid, Girl Scouts of America and the boards I sit on in 2015. Melissa Leuzinger

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what job would you want?

I would have a little beachfront bar with a little boutique beside it! Luan Dean I have one dream and one dream only. I would like to be the executive director of my own animal shelter that would be a new and progressive way of nurturing abused and abandoned dogs and cats. Melissa Leuzinger

Where are you now? I am in the financial services sector, and I am a business loan officer providing services and products to 11 counties.

What did you take away by becoming an honoree?

I would love to leave behind a memory and a legacy of kindness. I believe that if we all serve others, it all adds up.

What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? Surround myself with GREAT people.

What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry? Be confident, competitive and aggressive, but never lose your integrity or humanity. The latter will save you when you experience failure. I also believe in the power of great kindness towards others. It is the “secret” ingredient.

Who is your role model and why? My role model is my mother. I am continually amazed at how smart she is and a really hard working person. I watched her weather tough times in her life; a tough marriage, my brother’s death and many other adversities and always to rebound with a smile on her face and never-ending faith in God. Any key turning points in your career or family?

I am still single, but I foster a dachshund puppy named Ziggy. The little guy won my heart over when he showed up at my house one day. He is the greatest dog of my lifetime and my best friend.

COMING IN APRIL We have more honorees to appear in upcoming issues of The Voice. Were you honored as a 40 Leader Under 40 in 2008 (our inaugural class) and would like to participate in Where They Are Now? Contact bconnors@rockfordchamber.com.

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March 2015

Help your employees take the next step to financial health Money Smart Week of Northern Illinois

By M. Paula Olson, Money Smart Week® 2015 Good money skills help individuals and families manage financial stress, work towards meeting their goals, and assist in securing their financial wellbeing. Yet while many consumers – including your employees – would like to improve their financial situation, they don’t always know how to get started.

Money Smart Week® 2015 can help.

Join us and the more than 2,000 other organizations around the country dedicated to leveraging their resources and providing free learning opportunities to help individuals and families in their communities to better manage their personal finances. Research shows that being financially literate improves quality of life, opportunities we can pursue, our sense of security, and the overall economic health of our society.

When consumers save, spend and invest wisely, they improve their long-term financial well-being and contribute positively to the overall economy.

And the workplace is a great place to learn about financial literacy because it’s where we are all faced with financial decisions about how to manage our pay, retirement savings and other benefits.

Through seminars, discussion panels and other activities, Money Smart Week® is a great opportunity to help give your employees’ finances a kick start.

Financial Programs at Your Workplace There is no cost to schedule programs for your organization. The At the Workplace Initiative brings useful financial information to your employees, in your workplace, and leverages the resources of Money Smart Week® to your organization’s benefit. You can participate in a couple ways: Promote Money Smart Week® 2015 (April 18 to 25) and the hundreds of free educational seminars that will take place in nine counties around northern Illinois. We can provide language for an email blast, flyers, posters and event calendar booklets to distribute to your employees and/or clients. You can search for events in our area by visiting www. moneysmartweek.org.

Simply offer a financial education seminar or activity for your employees during the scheduled week at your workplace. We encourage you to use

existing relationships with financial providers your organization already has or leverage the Money Smart Week® of Northern Illinois partnerships through the Events Committee to schedule programming and demonstrate to your employees your commitment to their financial health. The Events Committee will help you plan and set up as many or as few financial education events as you want, at no cost to you for the speakers or the event planning.

Topics to Choose From Money Smart Week® speakers are professional from a wide range of organizations – nonprofits, private companies, major institutions and government organizations. You choose who you would like to speak from our list of approved and available speakers. All programs are void of any sales pitches or marketing promotions. The types of classes are available in multiple time increments (30 to 60 minutes are typical) and cover a wide spectrum of personal financial education. Topics include: ■■ Rebuilding Credit – Understanding Your Credit Score and How To Increase It ■■ Retirement Management – When Should I Elect Social Security and Secrets to Maximize Benefits ■■ Money Management – Top Technology Tools To Manage Money ■■ Elderly Adults – Eldercare Costs and How To Pay For It ■■ Life Events – Managing Finances During Difficult Times ■■ Recordkeeping – Identity Theft and Scams ■■ Trendy Topics – Money Smart Gardening Helping your employees take the next step in their financial health is a win for everyone. Money Smart Week® can show your employees that they can take simple steps to make a big difference in their finances. For more information, email moneysmartweekrockford@gmail.com.

M. Paula Olson is a senior personal banker with Illinois Bank & Trust and events committee chair of Money Smart Week® 2015 Northern Illinois.

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

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March 2015

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the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Melissa Leuzinger

2. Tamika Jones

3. Diane Roberts

4. Karen Naramore

5. Dr. Maria Castillo-Clavijo

6. Dr. Maria Lozano Vazquez

7. Phillip Lehmann

8. Tony Villarreal

9. Tom Raine

10. Andy Gramer

11. Susan Vierck

12. Claudia Rodriguez

13. George Hausermann

14. Gabriel Chappell

15. Patti DeWane

16. Julie O’Rourke

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

YWCA Rockford welcomed Dawna Menke, SwedishAmerican Medical Center, Belvidere, as chairwoman of its board of directors.

Shelter Care Ministries elected its board officers for one-year terms: Elizabeth Holmertz, president; Mark Bonne, 1st vice president; Belinda Wholeben, 2nd vice president; Sandy Trotter, treasurer, and Pamela Hillenbrand, secretary.

Rockford Health System welcomed new members to its board for three-year terms: Neysa Alicea, United Technologies Aerospace Systems; Michael J. Fumo, M.D., Rockford Urological Associates; Mark L. Goelzer, M.D., Mercy Health System; John J. Morrissey, Morrissey Family Businesses, and Larry E. Squire, Johnson Bank.

Children’s Home + Aid welcomed two new members to the Northern Regional Advisory Board in January: Melissa Leuzinger (1), Cornerstone Credit Union, and Tamika Jones (2), Specialty Screw Corporation.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Diane Roberts (3) and Karen Naramore (4) joined the CoyleVarland Insurance Agency as commercial lines customer service representatives; bringing 25 years of insurance experience.

Illinois Bank & Trust promoted Kay Wadsworth to vice president of private banking, Kyle Logan to vice president of commercial banking and Megan Wiley to treasury support specialist.

Bulin as a member of the construction department.

The Rockford Aviators signed rookie first baseman, Devon Rodriguez, from University of California, Berkeley; right-handed pitcher, Patrick Dolan, and lefthanded pitcher Roberto Padilla from the California Winter League.

Gloria Lundin, president and first paid employee of Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, will retire on Sept. 30, to be replaced by Jon Bates, executive vice president.

Dr. Maria Castillo-Clavijo (5) joined the pediatric practice at Crusader Community Health, Belvidere, and Dr. Maria Lozano Vazquez (6) the internal medicine practice at Crusader Community Health on West State Street, Rockford.

Phillip Lehmann (7) was named The Harvard State Bank’s eighth president and CEO. The bank promoted Tony Villarreal (8) to vice president, sr. lender, and Tom Raine (9) to vice president, director of mortgage lending.

Byron Forest Preserve District hired Byron native Andy Gramer (10) as PrairieView Golf Course’s new head golf professional.

Susan Vierck (11) joined Dickerson & Nieman Realtors’ Rockford office as a real estate professional.

First Midwest Group hired Tad

Diane Roberts and Karen Naramore joined the Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency as commercial lines customer service representatives. Claudia Rodriguez (12) obtained her Property & Casualty and Life & Health insurance licenses.

17. Michele Lind

19. Phillip Jansen

18. Jerald Carpenter

20. Horace Hostetler

George Hausermann (13) joined First National Bank and Trust Company as senior vice president, senior technology officer.

Gabriel Chappell (14) joined Associated Bank as vice president, relationship manager in the Commercial Banking Group.

SwedishAmerican Health System promoted Patti DeWane (15) to vice president, finance & treasurer; responsible for all finance functions of the health system.

Alpine Bank promoted Julie O’Rourke (16), CFA, CFP®, to executive vice president and senior trust & investment officer, and Michele Lind (17), CFP®, to assistant vice president & investment officer.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company hired Jerald Carpenter (18) as senior office claim representative, Phillip Jansen (19) as agri business and farm mutual underwriter, and Horace Hostetler (20) as field claim representative. It promoted Patrick Kennedy (21) to director of claims & internal counsel and Ann Kriens (22) to assistant claims manager.

The Broadmoor Agency promoted John Canova to vice president.

Pro Com Systems Division of Ballard Companies, Inc., hired Tom Hartman (23), project manager; Kim LaCrosse (24), project coordinator; Jayke Vallette (25), outside sales representative, and James Moore (26), material expeditor.

JPMorgan Chase Bank promoted Kyle J. York (27) as relationship

21. Patrick Kennedy

22. Ann Kriens

manager; adding him to its business banking team in Rockford.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Rockford Park District named Mark Smith, project manager, its 2014 Employee of the Year.

Herlinda Guzman (28), John Kuehnel (29) and Mary Humphrey (30), caregivers with Comfort Keepers of Northwest Illinois representing Rockford, Freeport and Sycamore, earned Comfort Keeper® of the Year awards at a special recognition dinner in February. Samantha Cavanaugh (31), Loves Park, was named Comfort Keeper of the Month for January. John Fischbach (32), Freeport, waited five hours in a recent snowstorm before the Village of Shannon Fire Department could rescue him on his way to serve an elder client.

Heartland Hospice named Deb Strait, RN case manager, as its 2014 Champion of Caring – Employee of the Year.

Dr. Christopher Sliva (33) and Dr. Marie Walker (34), Rockford Spine Center, were inducted into the Castle Connolly Top Doctors list, thanks to nominations by peers and review by a doctor-directed research team. All four Rockford Spine Center’s doctors now are on the list.

Jared Fewell (35), Margie Nowak (36) and Greg Lundquist (37), mortgage loan originators, Blackhawk Bank, were recognized for outstanding closed loan volume during 2014; Fewell with more than $24 million, Nowak with $15.7 million and Lundquist with $12 million in sales.

Continued on page 21

23. Tom Hartman

24. Kim LaCrosse

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March 2015

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

25. Jayke Vallette

26. James Moore

27. Kyle J. York

28. Herlinda Guzman

29. John Kuehnel

30. Mary Humphrey

31. Samantha Cavanaugh

32. John Fischbach

33. Dr. Christopher Sliva

34. Dr. Marie Walker

35. Jared Fewell

36. Margie Nowak

37. Greg Lundquist

38. Rose Rainer

39. Dan Slouka

40. Max Adolphson

(Continued from page 20) Rockford Health System named Rose Rainer (38), RN, Visiting Nurses Association Hospice, as the 2014 Employee of the Year.

Dan Slouka (39), Rockford Mutual Insurance Company, earned the Associate in Claims designation from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.

Rockford Park District announced that the Kilted Snow Weasels team

of George Harnish, Grant Rundblade, Randy Tackett (captain), Rockford, won the 29th annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition with, “Shot of Whiskey … Leave the Bottle.” In the high school division, Byron High School won first place with “A Hot Encounter” by Brian Hardeman, Erin Hays, Miles Lindholtz, Kjia Welte and Kathy Driscoll (advisor).

OF GENERAL INTEREST

Rock Valley College student Max Adolphson (40) had findings from his research projects last summer

published in The Minor Planet Bulletin. He was one of only eight U.S. community college students to participate in Research Experiences for Undergraduates, a 10-week NSF-funded research training opportunity at Texas A&M University.

“Screening Pregnant Women for Overt Thyroid Disease,” written by Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, dean and professor of medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, and medical education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, will be published as a Viewpoint article in the

Feb. 10 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Shirley Geiser, Jennifer Halvorsen, Bruce Graham, Brandon Latino, Nancy Salsbury, Maria Salinas and Karina Sanchez, Spectrum Insurance Agency Inc., attended the Pekin Insurance Tri-Annual Agents Meeting at Nunzios restaurant in January.

Jason Smith, system specialist, Pro Com Systems Division of Ballard Companies, Inc., attended ASCOM sales training in Philadelphia. theVoice

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March 2015

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

Memorial Development Foundation; its largest investment in a single project, and five patients have begun treatment.

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

Rockford Toolcraft, Inc., in 2014 earned recognition for the fourth time as a Partner-Level Supplier in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program; its highest supplier rating.

Feld Entertainment retained for the fourth year Chartwell Agency to oversee publicity and promotion of its upcoming Monster Jam event with three performances on April 10 and April 11 at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is taking reservations for its 27 shelterhouses for 2015 on a first come-first served basis at 5500 Northrock Dr., 815877-6100 or info@winnebagoforest. org. Visit www.winnebagoforest.org for photos or more information.

Rock Valley College kicked off a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary with a special event on Jan. 23. The college revealed its 50th anniversary logo and plans for its celebration throughout the year.

The college was created by districtwide referendum on Oct. 10, 1964, after a two-year study established the need for a community college.

Woodward, Inc., reported financial results for first quarter of fiscal year 2015, ending Dec. 31, 2014, with net sales increased 13.7 percent to $487.6 million, compared to $429.0 million in the first quarter of last year.

Financial-services firm Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in a recent evaluation of brokerage client statements, as a part of DALBAR’s 17th annual 2014 Trends and Best Practices in Investor Statements report.

US Bank will sponsor the third of three $1,500 Bright Future Scholarships to be awarded to high school senior girls at the YWCA Leader Luncheon on March 2.

Discovery Center Museum had record public attendance, welcoming 110,458 visitors in 2014; a 4.4 percent increase over last year and its highest number in history.

The museum served almost 21,000 students, a 20 percent increase from 2013, in its Discovery on Wheels outreach program of hands-on classes, assembly programs, Family Fun programs and portable planetarium.

The international humor organization, Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, retained V2 Marketing to manage membership activities and finances, and plan and manage its annual conference.

Employee Fiduciary, an Alabamabased 401k plan provider, retained V2 for inbound marketing services.

For the third year in a row, Comfort Keepers®, northwest Illinois, received two awards from Home Care Pulse®: the 2015 Best of Home Care Provider of Choice and the 2015 Best of Home care Employer of Choice.

Illinois Bank & Trust, formerly Riverside Community Bank, completed its merger with Galena

V2 Marketing recently completed an employee intranet website for Winnebago County Health Department. The new intranet site facilitates communication and information sharing among health department staff and volunteers at their office computer or in the field via mobile devices.

OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care held a traditional topping-off ceremony on Jan. 22, with a beam blessed and signed by patients, employees and construction workers, then raised to the highest level of the building under construction. The $8.5 million renovation project is projected to be completed in August.

State Bank, and will encompass 11 locations and assets nearing $800 million in northwestern and central Illinois.

SVA Consulting LLC launched a website, www.svaconsulting.com, with business technology content for company owners and C-level executives to assist in helping them drive results using technology as a business tool.

Beggin Tipp Lamm LLC, Freeport, finalized its merger with Weinberg & Co., Rockford. The firm operates out of two offices, has expanded its tax services and increased its client base to more than 1,100 in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Rockford Health System celebrated the first phase of a collaborative pilot program. Eleven public housing residents graduated from a three-week job training course at the hospital through the Economic Empowerment Initiative: Improving Lives through Community Collaboration, which provides training, jobs and housing to eligible candidates. Some will receive jobs at the health system.

Colorwave Graphics, LLC designed and produced set backdrops and podium graphics for the Stateline Quiz Bowl, a locally produced, half-hour show on WTVO and FOX 39 with students from 22 local high schools in a 21-week, tournament-style contest for scholarships to Northern Illinois University. Watch at www.mystateline. com/statelinequizbowl.

Rockford Park District received the 2014 Exceptional Workplace award for its employee wellness program at the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Annual Conference Awards Luncheon, and marketing awards such as first place for Overall Agency Showcase and its

Sapora Playworld marketing campaign.

Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners awarded a contract to Custom Playgrounds of $94,280 to complete playground work and to Sjostrom & Sons, Inc., of $95,900 for restroom building work at Sinnissippi Park. The board approved a joint facility use agreement with Rockford Public Schools to offer more opportunities for youth and cost savings to taxpayers through the Teaming Up for Youth initiative.

Greater Rockford Airport Authority received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 16th consecutive year.

OSF HealthCare is part of the Health Care Transformation Task Force to provide better care and lower costs for patients over the next five years. Sickest patients are enrolled in care management for fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits, more physician visits and preventive care measures, and better medication compliance. OSF Medical Group embedded a behavioral health consultant at primary care sites to address anxiety and depression, pain and stress management and weight loss.

SwedishAmerican Hospital earned the 2015 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care; one of only 353 in the United States to qualify for the evidence-based designation.

Rockford Health System held a ribbon cutting on Feb. 3 to unveil the newest generation TrueBEAM ™ linear accelerator for faster, safer, more effective and more convenient cancer care through precise beams of radiation. The $7 million project was funded by the Rockford

RAMP is training individuals with disabilities on how to use public transportation; specifically Rockford Mass Transit District’s fixed route system in Winnebago and Boone counties, and applying for paratransit services if needed.

Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center now is open on Saturdays year-round, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for free self-guided hikes at 334-acre Seth B. Atwood Park, which includes viewing of feeding time for the resident birds at the Birds of Prey live exhibit.

Senior Helpers for the seventh year received the Best of Home Care Provider of Choice Award in 2015 from Home Care Pulse based on client satisfaction scores.

Rock River Temporary Services, Inc., dba Manpower, received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Development Center-Chicago, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Field, a global distributor of fasteners, was chosen as one of the People’s Picks: 15 Great Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production by Great Place to Work®’s Great Rated!™, based on evaluations of nearly 34,000 employees using the Trust Index©, Great Place to Work®’s employee assessment survey.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau took home the top prize, Best in Show, for Stroll on State at the 2015 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism. The event attracted more than 60,000 and generated $750,000 in economic impact.

C&E Group, Inc., held a press conference on Feb. 9 to break ground on a new 16,000-sq.-ft. indoor sports training facility in Loves Park, the main training facility for Bison Baseball, an Illinois traveling youth baseball team. The facility also will be open to the public.

Continued on page 23

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March 2015

Business Briefs BUSINESS

(Continued from page 22) The YWCA Bright Future Scholarship committee of the YWCA Rockford received almost 60 applications from high school senior girls from Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties for the scholarship to be awarded at the Leader Luncheon: Women of Achievement Awards event. This was almost a 100 percent increase over 2014.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing announced that 95 percent of its graduates in 2014 passed the nursing licensure exam, compared to the Illinois state pass rate of 84 percent and national pass rate of 82 percent.

Fehr Graham received an Illinois Engineering Excellence Merit award at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois – 2015 Engineering Excellence Awards for its Scout Camp Road project; repositioning a 74-year old bridge over the Apple River in Jo Daviess County. Fehr Graham also won an Illinois Engineering Excellence Honor Award for Transportation for the I-90 Rebuilding and Widening, Western Segment project.

In its 2014 annual report, the Rockford Park District, in partnership with private operators, expanded the region’s recreational inventory with the West Rock Wake Park, wakeboard cable park at Levings Lake. At Alpine Hills Adventure Park, it opened the Zip Rockford zip line canopy tours, Gateway Parks’ snowboard, skiing and tubing, and five golf course holes in the new junior golf outreach center with First Tee of Greater Rockford. With Friends of Lockwood and a Native American heritage group, it opened a new Native American village exhibit, garden and waterway.

In February, Dr. Hannah Orem and staff at 1st Step Upper Cervical Care Center – Rockford hosted

Girls Night Out with almost 40 women, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, massages and reflexology.

Rockford Housing Authority donated five single-family homes to Comprehensive Community Solutions, to be deconstructed or rehabilitated and sold to eligible low-income families. Students in the YouthBuild and Face Forward programs will help rehabilitate them using green building techniques and energy-efficient materials.

Rockford University will host Rural Health Careers Camp, June 22 to 25, for rural high school students with an interest in the health professions. The camp is a partnership between the National Center for Rural Health Professions at the University of Illinois Rockford, Rockford University, Rock Valley College and the Area Health Education Center of Northwest Illinois. Apply at www. ncrhp.uic.edu by May 1 or call 815 395-5854.

Colorwave Graphics wrapped a Rockford Mass Transit District bus for MacCloskey Kesler & Associates, LLP, covering the entire surface with nearly 1,000 square feet of digitally printed 3M vinyl and perforated window film.

Rockford University joins 361 U.S. colleges and universities, and only 11 in Illinois, to receive the 2015 Community Engagement Classification from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a classification it’s retained from its original 2006 review process.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois received a $7,200 donation for BandWagon 2 from Forest City Swing, a local group that teaches and hosts swing dancing events. Overall, it’s raised $70,000 of the $100,000 for the public portion of the campaign. Community Foundation awarded $2,500 from the Karen & Duke Levis Fund to RAMP’s Youth Services curriculum programs.

Gov. Bruce Rauner delivers his budget address to the general assembly.

Photo from AP Press

Illinois Policy Institute statement on Rauner budget address Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman released the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget address, delivered today: “In November, Gov. Bruce Rauner was elected on a mandate of change.

The budget address he issued today is encouraging, and signals he is willing to heed that call and make tough decisions for the state. For the first time in many years, this budget places the interests of family budgets on an equal footing with those who directly benefit from state spending.

“There is no shortage of politicians in Springfield who think the solution to Illinois’ perpetual budget crises is to continue raising taxes. The best evidence for why higher taxes won’t solve Illinois’ problems are the past four years: When Democrats raised the state income tax in 2011, they said the additional tax money would ‘pay down Illinois’ backlog of bills, stabilize the state’s pension crisis and strengthen its economy.’ Back in 2011, the state’s backlog of bills was $8.5 billion. But after collecting more than $31 billion in higher taxes, Illinois still has approximately $5 billion in unpaid bills, more than $111 billion in pension debt and the weakest economy in the nation. The evidence is clear: More taxes are not the solution to Illinois’ financial problems.

“Critics will cite the spending cuts, but this budget focuses spending on the most essential services the state should provide and thus protects massive cuts to taxpayer budgets at home due to higher taxes. As taxpayers, we give our government a portion of our hard-earned money in hopes of politicians using it to make Illinois a better place to live. This year, government needs to do the best it can with the resources it has – this budget does that.

“Illinois taxpayers elected Gov. Rauner because they were tired of politicians raiding their wallets to pay for government’s financial recklessness. They were tired of not having a job to go to, and paying the second-highest property taxes in the nation while not having good schools to show for it. They selected Gov. Rauner because they sought a dramatic shift in the way Illinois government had been run.

“The spending reform proposed in this budget is the necessary step Illinois must take in order to become a better place for all. All facets of government in Illinois must tighten their belts in order to secure a brighter future for all Illinoisans.”

The Illinois Policy Institute is an independent research and education organization generating public policy solutions aimed at promoting personal freedom and prosperity in Illinois.

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

March 2015

Community Events COMMUNITY

Tuesday, March 3

Rockford Park District presents Golf Indoors at Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park.

Indoor range is open, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March 31. Visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org or call 815-987-8890.

Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, hosts its free First Tuesday Lecture, 6 p.m., at the student center atrium with Brian Wagner, instructor of philosophy, on “Post-Modernism: What Is It And Where Is It Going?” Open to the public. Call Kathy McCarty at 815921-4009 for questions.

Thursday, March 5

Judson University’s School of Education will host its semiannual A Day at Judson seminar, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Lindner Campus Commons, 1151 N. State St., Elgin.

Dr. Steven Layne will present, “In Defense of Read-Aloud K-12.” Visit www.judsonu.edu/ADayAtJudson.

Rockford Public Library presents Three Weeks to Knitting, noon to 1 p.m., March 5, 12, 19, Rockton Centre branch, program room, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. Knit a super-stretchy girlfriend farmer bag. Beginning knitters welcome, but must know how to knit and purl and bring required tools. Call 815-965-7606.

Entré Computer Solutions presents Entré NetMonitor Breakfast, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at 8900 N. Second St., Machesney Park. Speaker is Chris Soutar, director of Managed Services.

Complimentary breakfast. Space is

Business Impact awards. Register at 779-500-0800 or www. ymcacommunitydinner.org.

Saturday, March 21

Monday, March 2 YWCA Rockford presents the 35th annual YWCA Leader Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Giovanni’s Conference Center, 610 N. Bell School Road. The event includes keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti on the role of women in leadership, a panel of Women of Achievement Award winners from the last four decades and discussion facilitator Linda Grist Cunningham.

Tickets at www.ywca.org/rockford/ leader-luncheon.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Rockford Public Library presents Fresh and Local-Chef’s Surprise, 2 to 4 p.m., east branch, Friends Community Room, 6685 E. State St. Meet with a local food expert for tips and tricks. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

New at Midway Village Museum’s Sock Monkey Madness festival, visitors can make fairytale costumes for their sock monkeys with themed-accessory packets for purchase. limited. Register at 815-399-5664, ext. 245, or seminars@entrerock.com.

Saturday, March 7

Sock Monkey Madness Festival: “Fairy Tales & Red Heels,” 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 7 and 8, at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Visit www. midwayvillage.com for events and workshops.

Burpee Museum of Natural History hosts a Project Workshop Day for 4-H youth, ages 9 to 13. Register by March 4 at web.extension.illinois.edu/ jsw or call 815-986-4357. For more information contact Elliott Lawrence at edlawre@illinois.edu or 815-2354125.

University of Illinois Extension presents Gardening for Food, Flowers & Fun, 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., at the Northern Illinois UniversityRockford campus, 8500 E. State St. Includes lunch, keynote presentation with horticulture instructor, Dianne Noland, and choice of three education classes. Register at web. extension.illinois.edu/jsw or 815-9864357.

Thursday, March 12

Rockford Public Library presents Finding Grants for a Non-Profit Organization, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Main Library, second floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Rock Valley College Board of Trustees invites residents to attend A Community Conversation, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Community Building, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere. Participants

will get a college update and give feedback in small-group breakout discussions. For questions call 815-921-4517.

Saturday, March 14

Rock Valley Regional Science Olympiad Competition takes place with teams of students from 16 area high schools and 21 middle schools competing in 23 different science competition events, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Awards ceremony to follow at Rock Valley College P.E. Center and Jacobs Center for Science and Math. Contact djfk7@aol.com or 815-979-4877.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, presents Pi Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., focused on the irrational number (3.14159…); the result when dividing the circumference of a circle by its diameter. Play with circles, shapes, puzzles and games. Visit discoverycentermuseum.org.

Tuesday, March 17

Gordon Lightfoot performs, 8 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford.

Tickets at CoronadoPAC.org, the box office or 815-968-5222.

Thursday, March 19

The YMCA of Rock River Valley presents its third-annual YMCA Community Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at Giovanni’s Conference Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Event includes guest speaker Stedman Graham on social responsibility and the announcement of the Teen Leadership, YMCA Distinguished Leader of the Year and Outstanding

GiGi’s Playhouse/Rockford Down Syndrome Achievement Center presents the 2015 “i have a Voice” Gala,” 6 p.m., at Giovanni’s Conference Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. For tickets visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/ rockford/gala or contact Stacey Bonetti, 815-654-7529 or rockford@ gigisplayhouse.org.

Tuesday, March 24

Judson University’s 11th annual Imago Film Festival takes place at 7 p.m., March 24 to 28 in Thulin Performance Hall in the Thompson Center, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. Red carpet celebration on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., with a masquerade ball and keynote presentation with actor Doug Jones from “The Fantastic Four,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and “Hellboy.” Visit imagofilmfestival.com.

Saturday, March 28

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, presents Nano Day, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Explore the incredible infinitesimal world of nano science with scientists, get information on future applications and hands-on projects. Visit discoverycentermuseum.org.

Monday, March 30

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, presents Spring into Science, March 30 to April 3.

Engage in fun art activities and enjoy live science demonstrations. Visit discoverycentermuseum.org.

Tuesday, March 31

Lucianne Walkowicz, Ph.D., presents What is the Nature of Life in the Universe? 7 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, as a part of its Spring 2015 Forum Series.

Tickets at the box office, 815-2264100 or boxoffice@rockford.edu.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

25

March 2015

IGNITE

Young Professionals

The Millennials: not just for twentysomethings any more Lately my Facebook newsfeed has been filled with momentous occasions – babies, weddings, engagements, sold signs and graduate degrees. Gone are the days of Sunday Funday waffles at 2 p.m., and dance floor pictures at 2 a.m.

Stories highlighting how to make 20 different recipes of ramen noodles have been replaced by 20 different homemade salad dressing recipes using only natural ingredients.

Ladies and gentleman, we’re growing up.

The older Millennials are celebrating birthdays in their early 30s. We’re getting married, starting families, buying homes and making big decisions every day. We are consumers with wants and needs unique to our generation. We are employees moving up in the ranks, taking hold of management positions and making business decisions. We are community members engaged in what’s happening around us and fighting for issues we believe in. And yet, it amazes me how often we are ignored, put down, or, frankly, made to feel like we should still be sitting at the kids’ table.

The Influence of Millennials The Millennials generation is one that has been talked about, studied and discussed for years now, and yet, there still seems to be a feeling of resistance to coming around to the Millennial ways of doing things. But the thing is, Millennials aren’t going anywhere. In fact, you may notice Millennials are starting to resemble Starbucks – they’re everywhere.

Millennials are currently the largest generation; even larger than the Baby Boomers.

Millennials are running businesses – some of which we’ve started and some of which we’ve earned through hard work and dedication. Millennials are taking over more and more key decision-making roles; sitting on boards; advocating for their wants and needs in the community; running in (and winning) elections. We are your target market for hundreds upon thousands of products and services. And we have ways we like to do things that may be different from yours.

As Millennials continue to move up in the workforce, the way organizations do things will continue to change.

Companies will focus more on the work and less on the micromanaging of people doing the work. Office hours will be more fluid, and work will be down outside of four cubical walls. Collaboration will continue to be king and communication

Caitlin Ludwig IGNITE Rockford

will be expected to come quickly and in multiple forms of media. The world won’t look exactly as it does today, but when you really stop to think about it, does today’s world look that much like yesterday’s?

Incorporating Millennial Perspective Nothing I’m saying is new or even that unique. The Millennials are a generation that will one day grow old, and a new clan with their own unique wants and needs will take our place.

We will talk about how things were in the good old days and complain about these darn kids these days. But what I hope as a generation is that we understand that change happens and fighting it doesn’t do anyone any good. I hope we realize that the more we fight a generation’s wants and needs, the more we lose out. Generations won’t change because you force a certain way upon them. They will rebel and find a way to make what they want work. After all, our generational make-up comes from years of experiences, learning, life events and imprints from culture – just as yours did.

We are who we are for a lot of reasons – and wishing that we’d text less and use the phone to call more won’t make it happen.

We are all different. We all have value and something to add. But, we might do it in very different ways. But if you shut us out, it will be your organization or community or brand that loses out.

But we are here, and we are eager to participate! But let us do it in our own way, with our own voice. And perhaps, you can talk to us in a language we understand about topics that resonate with us. I think you’ll be amazed at the results if you stop fighting us and start collaborating with us.

As we blow out the candles on our 30th birthday cake, I hope it gains us some sort of newfound understanding as a generation. Our ideas may be different and our values aligned to different priorities; but, please, let us sit with our cake at the adult table. After all, we both may learn something and even share a piece of our cake if you do.

Caitlin Ludwig is REACH co-chair of IGNITE Rockford and a marketing specialist with Blackhawk Bank.

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

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March 2015

Thank you, Ambassadors!

With appreciation, the Rockford Chamber would like to recognize the following Ambassadors for their years of service.

Barb Berman is the Rockford Chamber’s longest-running Ambassador with 32 years of service.

Ambassador Years of Service Barb Berman . . . . . . . . . . 32 Jan Hagenlocher . . . . . . . 18 Bea Ricotta . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Pat Cassaza . . . . . . . . . . 13 Karen Tilly . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Adrianna Krauss . . . . . . . 8 Libby Sims . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jean Lopez . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Mary Jo Hare. . . . . . . . . . 7 Mary Ann Gaunt . . . . . . . 7 Sue Boyer . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Stacy Wallace . . . . . . . . . 6 Kay King . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2013 Health Trends, Illinois Patients

The following statistics are for patients of HRSA-supported health centers in Illinois, which for 45 years have provided comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations.

Total Patients

2011

2012

2013

2011-2013 % Change

1,098,483

1,142,381

1,153,336

5.0%

Age (% of total patients)

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY U.S. Indicators January 2015 Consumer Price Index



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

0.4 percent 5.7 percent

      

257,000 $0.12 0.8 percent 0.6 percent (fourth quarter, 2014) 1.8 percent (fourth quarter, 2014) 2.8 percent 2.0 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Population Clock

Children (< 18 years old)

37.7%

37.7%

37.6%

-0.4%

Adult (18 to 64)

57.5%

57.3%

57.3%

-0.3%

Older Adults (age 65+)

4.8%

5.0%

5.1%

7.0%

As of Feb. 25, 2015

U.S. 320,409,605

World 7,226,745,203

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. Snapshot

Medical Conditions (% patients) Hypertension 3

18.6%

17.9%

20.9%

12.6%

Median Household Income $53,046

Diabetes 4

10.3%

10.1%

11.5%

11.3%

Asthma

2.9%

5.2%

5.4%

86.2%

Individuals Below Poverty Level 15.4%

HIV

0.5%

0.6%

0.6%

19.3%

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Education: High School Grad or Higher 86% Health Insurance / Uninsured 14.9% Total Housing Units 132,057,804 Number of Companies 27,092,908 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

More Use RFD in 2014 The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) released its December, 2014 and annual traffic statistics with Allegiant Air for 2014. RFD has served more than 1.9 million passengers since the return of air service in 2003.

PASSENGERS PER MONTH

December, 2013. . . . . . . 16,760 December, 2014. . . . . . . 18,141 PASSENGERS YEAR-TO-DATE

January to December, 2013. . . . 217,850 January to December, 2014. . . . 210,016 Increase in 2014 . . . . . . 7.8%

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March 2015

Local manufacturers inspired to re-think old norms Quick-Response Manufacturing leading to greater profitability

On Feb. 3, Blackhawk Bank reduce lead times can cut brought Dr. Rajan Suri to the costs by up to 25 percent, Radisson Hotel and Conferoutweighing the labor cost ence Center in Rockford to differential with China and present his transformative other low-wage countries. manufacturing strategy to nearAttendees learned that ly 200 regional manufacturers, only seven percent of the CPAs, attorneys, bankers and price of a product made leaders of economic developin the United States is due ment. to direct labor (people Dr. Rajan Suri Dr. Suri developed an who actually work on the innovative program, quickfabrication or assembly). response manufacturing (QRM), with The remaining 93 percent comes from strategies that have helped more than how the enterprise is organized, including 200 U.S. manufacturers reduce their lead the supply chain, planning, scheduling, times by as much as 80 to 90 percent; manufacturing, warehousing, material reducing costs by 15 to 20 percent. He handling, order processing, engineering, founded the Center for Quick Response R&D, administration, marketing, sales Manufacturing at UW-Madison in 1993. and distribution.

Core Concepts QRM transforms productivity by reducing internal and external lead times throughout an organization; allowing an organization to rapidly design and manufacture products for specific customer needs. “The internal aspect focuses on reducing lead times for all tasks within the enterprise, such as the time to approve an engineering change or the time to issue a purchase order to a supplier,” Suri said. “Reducing both internal and external lead times results not only in quick response, but also improved quality and lower cost. Using QRM, companies with high-variety and custom products have reduced lead times by up to 90%.”

Four Core Concepts of QRM Realizing the power of time. Managers need to realize that long lead times create organizational costs that are four to five times greater than labor costs.

Rethinking organization structure.

QRM transforms traditional functional departments into a network of highly flexible and responsive QRM cells applied across the company.

Exploiting system dynamics. QRM enables managers to make improved decisions that result in shorter lead times by getting them to understand the effect of capacity, batch sizes and other factors.

Implementing a unified strategy enterprise-wide. QRM is not just for the shop floor; it is applied throughout the enterprise, including material planning and control, purchasing and supply chain, estimating and quoting, order entry, engineering and new product development.

Time Based, Not Cost Based Traditional (cost-based) management methods rely on economies of scale that result in long lead times in the supply chain and factory. This adds costs to planning, forecasting, re-scheduling, expediting, warehousing, work-in-process and other cost centers. Using QRM to

Using QRM to reduce lead times can cut costs by up to 25 percent, outweighing the labor cost differential with China and other low-wage countries.

“Engineers are focused on the ‘hard’ technologies, like finding ways to speed up a machine or an operation,” Suri said.

“Yet, for most manufacturing enterprises, ‘touch time’— the time that a person or a machine is actually working on a product — accounts for less than five percent of the total lead time for that product. So speeding up the touch time has little impact on lead time, considering how much lead time impacts cost. Engineers are often overly concerned with the hardware/controls and are not aware of the huge impact of these other factors.

Being aware of this can help them look at the ‘bigger picture’ and rethink their focus when needed.”

“In addition, by using time-based thinking instead of cost-based thinking, companies can make low-volume, customized products in shorter lead times,” Suri said. “This enables U.S. companies to compete effectively against low-wage countries in domestic and global markets and will be the key to success for American manufacturing in the future.”

Suri added that 95 percent of lead time is “white space”— the down-times between something actually happening with manufacturing the product. Companies that have implemented QRM have seen production that previously took 35 days reduced to two.

In 2010 Suri published his second book on QRM, It’s About Time: The Competitive Advantage of Quick Response Manufacturing. As a result of these and other contributions to the field of manufacturing, Suri was inducted into Industry Week’s Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2010.

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28

March 2015

CEANCI seeks input from businesses Career Education Associates of North Central Illinois (CEANCI) invites businesses to participate in discussions with career and technical high school teachers at a Family and Consumer Science Round Table. CEANCI seeks information on specific occupation skill sets (essential, foundation and soft skills), emerging industry trends, occupations in high demand, industry-recognized credentials and career ladder information.

The Family and Consumer Science Round Table takes place on Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon, at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. The round table, with a particular focus on culinary arts and early childhood education, will lead to the creation of a curriculum framework for high school career and technical programs that develop a workforce with skill sets that align with local industry needs.

CEANCI supports career and technical education programs that serve students in 15 high schools. To participate in the Family and Consumer Science Round Table, contact Beth Mead, 815-921-1650 or b.mead@ rockvalleycollege.edu.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Members Caught on Digital ON DIGITAL Ceremonial ribbon donated by SERVPRO of Rockford.

Auburn High School’s BAMIT Academy Entrepreneur Class held a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Jan. 27 for Virtual Enterprises International, an in-school entrepreneurship program in which the students create and manage a virtual, Internet-based business.

Goodwill Donation Express held a ribbon cutting on Feb. 10 at 3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford.

In 2015, various tax benefits increase due to inflation adjustments For tax year 2015, the Internal Revenue Service announced annual inflation adjustments for more than 40 tax provisions, including the tax rate schedules and other tax changes.

The tax items for tax year 2015 of greatest interest to most taxpayers include: ■■ The tax rate of 39.6 percent affects singles whose income exceeds $413,200 ($464,850 for married taxpayers filing a joint return), up from $406,750 and $457,600, respectively.

■■ The standard deduction rises to $6,300 for singles and married persons filing separate returns, and $12,600 for married couples filing jointly, up from $6,200 and $12,400, respectively, for tax year 2014. The standard deduction for heads of household rises to $9,250, up from $9,100.

■■ The limitation for itemized deductions to be claimed on tax year 2015 returns of individuals begins with incomes of $258,250 or more ($309,900 for married couples filing jointly).

■■ The personal exemption for tax year 2015 rises to $4,000, up from the 2014 exemption of $3,950. However, the exemption is subject to a phase-out that begins with adjusted gross incomes of $258,250 ($309,900 for married couples filing jointly). It phases out completely at $380,750 ($432,400 for married couples filing jointly.)

■■ The Alternative Minimum Tax exemption amount for tax year 2015 is

$53,600 ($83,400, for married couples filing jointly). The 2014 exemption amount was $52,800 ($82,100 for married couples filing jointly).

■■ The 2015 maximum Earned Income Credit amount is $6,242 for taxpayers filing jointly who have three or more qualifying children, up from a total of $6,143 for tax year 2014.

■■ Estates of decedents who die during 2015 have a basic exclusion amount of $5,430,000, up from a total of $5,340,000 for estates of decedents who died in 2014.

■■ For 2015, the exclusion from tax on a gift to a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen is $147,000, up from $145,000 for 2014.

■■ For 2015, the foreign earned income exclusion breaks the six-figure mark, rising to $100,800, up from $99,200 for 2014.

■■ The annual exclusion for gifts remains at $14,000 for 2015.

■■ The

annual

dollar

limit

on

employee contributions to employersponsored healthcare flexible spending arrangements (FSA) rises to $2,550, up $50 dollars from 2014.

■■ Under the small business health care tax credit, the maximum credit is phased out based on the employer’s number of full-time equivalent employees in excess of 10 and the employer’s average annual wages in excess of $25,800 for tax year 2015, up from $25,400 for 2014.

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in January, 2015.

Advantage Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Willwood Burial Park

Maxim Healthcare Services

A-Sign Designs

Midwest Building Management

Barron Metal Finishing, LLC

Miller Eye Center

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc.

Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance

Merrill Lynch

Allen Heating & Cooling Inc.

Metropolitan Title Agency

Barnes International, Inc.

Midwest Stitch

Business Advisors Group, LLC

Natural Choice Corporation

Carpenter’s Place

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network/M. Beth Thacker

Christofferson Moving & Storage Cincinnati Tool Steel Company City Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 413

Custom Gear & Machine, Inc. CWT Clinic

Delta Dental of Illinois DeSoto House Hotel Fifth Third Bank

Forest Hills Country Club

Forest Vale Estates Condominiums/ Meadow Association Granite City Food & Brewery

Hanson Professional Services Inc. Hicksgas Belvidere

Holmertz-Parsons, CPA’s

Insurance Pro Agencies - Russell Kilker J & M Plating, Inc.

Orput Companies Inc. Pelion Actuarial Services Pizza Hut - Machesney Park Pizza Hut - South Alpine Pizza Hut - North Main Pizza Hut - 11th Street Premier Technologies Prorok Law Office, P.C. R.R. Floody Company, Inc. Ray King REALTOR Richard L. Johnson Associates, Inc. Rockford Broach, Inc. Rockford Manufacturing Group Rockford Rotary Club Saint Anthony College of Nursing Sandvik Coromat Co,

Keith Country Day School

Sugarjones Inc. Riverside Boulevard

Kitchens by Diane

Super Shredders

Legacy Plastics - HM

The Olympic Tavern

Lincoln Rent-All & Sales, Inc.

Veolia Environmental Services

Kilbuck Creek

Sugarjones Inc. - Rural Street

Landshark Solutions

The Observer

Legacy Plastics Inc.

Trinity Day Care

LOESCHER & Associates, Ltd.

Youth Services Network

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IRS’s 2015

‘Dirty Dozen’ Tax Scams

The Internal Revenue Service wrapped up the 2015 “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams with a warning about aggressive telephone scams continuing coastto-coast during the early weeks of this year’s filing season. The IRS urged taxpayers not give out money or personal financial information as a result of these phone calls or from emails claiming to be from the IRS.

1. Phone Scams

The IRS has seen a surge of phone scams in recent months of criminals impersonating IRS agents, who threaten police arrest, deportation and license revocation.

2. Phishing

Taxpayers should be on guard against fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. The IRS will not send an email about a bill or refund out of the blue, so don’t click on one claiming to be from the IRS that takes you by surprise.

3. Identity Theft

The IRS is pursuing criminals who file fraudulent returns using someone else’s Social Security number.

4. Return Preparer Fraud

Taxpayers need to be on the lookout for unscrupulous return preparers, although the vast majority of tax professionals provide honest highquality service. About 60 percent of taxpayers use tax professionals to prepare their returns.

5. Offshore Tax Avoidance

The IRS is watching for financial organizations that hide money and income offshore. The IRS offers the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) to help people get their taxes in order.

6. Inflated Refund Claims

Taxpayers should watch for anyone promising inflated refunds before looking at their records, who charges fees based on a percentage of the refund or who asks them to sign a blank return.

7. Fake Charities

Taxpayers should be on guard against groups masquerading as charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting contributors. Visit IRS.gov for tools taxpayers can use to check out the status of charitable organizations.

8. Hiding Income with Fake Documents

Taxpayers should always avoid hiding taxable income by filing false Form 1099s or other fake documents.

9. Abusive Tax Shelters

Taxpayers should avoid using complex tax avoidance schemes.

When in doubt, they should seek an independent opinion regarding complex products they are offered.

10. Falsifying Income to Claim Credits

Taxpayers should avoid inventing income to erroneously claim tax credits.

11. Excessive Claims for Fuel Tax Credits

The fuel tax credit generally is limited to off-highway business use, including use in farming.

12. Frivolous Tax Arguments

Taxpayers should avoid using frivolous tax arguments to avoid paying their taxes.

More information can be found at http:// www.youtube.com/irsvideos and http:// internalrevenueservice.tumblr.com.

March 2015 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in March, 2015.

35-YEAR MEMBER

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Butitta Brothers Automotive

Al’s Carpet Flooring & Design Center

30-YEAR MEMBERS Cord Construction Company University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County

25-YEAR MEMBER

Barbara Olson Center of Hope Macktown, A Living History Education Center Rockford First

Mutual Management Services

5-YEAR MEMBERS

20-YEAR MEMBERS

General Mitchell International Airport

Klaas Financial, inc., Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC, Registered Investment Advisor, A Registered Investment Advisory Firm

15-YEAR MEMBERS Blackhawk Propane Company, Inc. McGladrey LLP

29

March 2015

GinestraWatson Co. Greater Rockford Airport Authority DBA Chicago Rockford International Airport Oliver Close, LLC Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Membership: 101 101 MEMBERSHIP

What does the chamber do for business?

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce delivers benefit to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing service and educational opportunities that help our members grow.

■ We are the leading advocate for business in the community/region; ■ We actively engage our members and the community to drive growth in our regional economy; ■ We are an innovative and indispensable resource and find solutions to help members grow their business; and, ■ We are a leader in fostering regional collaboration and planning.

What are the major benefits of membership?

Networking & Education: We help members grow their business through valuable networking and educational opportunities. Events are carefully planned and produced so that chamber members can meet the right people to grow their business.

Access & Information: We provide easy access to elected officials and community leaders who provide relevant information to help members grow their business and engage in community issues. They come to our events knowing they’ll get questions and opinions from members.

Advocacy: We’re the business community’s public policy voice. Opinions and priorities of our members are advanced to local, state and national legislators.

The message will be heard by the proper elected officials, and the message will be delivered effectively.

Value: We offer programs and services that add dollars to your bottom line. Discounts and other chamber programs help you save money; referrals and sales opportunities bring customers to your door, and targeted, effective, and affordable advertising opportunities deliver results.

Contact Diane Navickis at dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com to find out more about member programs and opportunities!

30

March 2015

New Chamber Members MEMBERS

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events

ILLINOIS COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

TAPCO CUTTING TOOLS, INC.

MARCH, 2015

A member-owned, non-profit financial institution.

508 W. State St. Sycamore, IL 60178 Jennifer Smith 815-895-4541 www.ilcomcu.org

Manufacturer of special taps, standard taps, gages, dies.

5605 Pike Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Terry Brewster 815-877-4039 www.tapcotaps.com

NORTH AMERICAN CORPORATION

U-HAUL MOVING & STORAGE OF LOVES PARK

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Penelope M. Lechtenberg, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, presents “The Kids Are Alright: How to Manage Millennials and Help Them (And You) Succeed.” Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Marketing supply chain services: Sales collateral, point-of-purchase displays, promotional products and technology solutions.

2101 Claire Court Glenview, IL 60025 Hank Ritts 847-832-4000 www.na.com

Do-it-yourself moving & storage.

6320 Forest Hills Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Thomas Hodel 815-282-5504 www.uhaul.com

PEARL BISTRO A fun, inviting brick oven pizza bar featuring great food and drink in a casual yet sharp atmosphere.

6876 Spring Creek Road, 61114 Rick Lewis 815-654-3400 www.pearl-bistro.com

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY 1601 Parkview Ave., 61107 Kenneth Smith 815-395-0600 www.uic.edu/pharmacy

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Tuesday, March 3

Tuesday, March 3

Ribbon Cutting, Northern Illinois Food Bank-Rockford Branch, 10 to 11 a.m., 765 Research Pkwy., Rockford.

Wednesday, March 4

Manufacturers’ Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Rock Valley Packaging, 6207 Material Ave., Loves Park. Focus on the Info/ Communication Committee.

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Karen Brown, vice president & COO, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, will present.

Tuesday, March 10 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Radisson Hotel & Conference Center 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford

The Elements of

Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) Workshop Bill Ritchie, president and founder of Tempus Institute, will present a strategy to increase market share and achieve better financial performance using the four key elements of QRM. Sponsored by Blackhawk Bank.

Tuesday, March 10

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Donna George, workplace staffing, 815-961-0600 or Donna@ workplacestaffing.com.

Wednesday, March 11 7:30 – 9:00 am Rock Valley College Woodward Tech Center, 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Breakfast

BUZZ

Topic will be “Community Engagement.”

Sponsored by McGladrey.

Wednesday, March 11 Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@ rockfordcc.com.

Thursday, March 12

IGNITE After 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lucha Cantina, Inc., 1641 N. Alpine Road, Ste. 212, Rockford.

Friday, March 13

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. For more information on how to join, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Wednesday, March 18

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Thomas Muldowney, principal, Savant Capital Management, will present.

Ribbon Cutting, Academy Mortgage Corporation, 4 to 5 p.m., 420 Financial Court, Ste. 110, Rockford.

Tuesday, March 24

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Donna George, workplace staffing, 815-961-0600 or Donna@ workplacestaffing.com.

Wednesday, March 25 4:00 - 8:00 pm Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford

Celebration of

Manufacturing Expo and Dinner Keynote speaker is Gregory W. Baise, president and CEO, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA).

Sponsored by QPS Employment Group (presenting), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl., Rockford Bank & Trust Co., and Wipfli LLP (gold), and Thayer Lighting, Inc. (silver).

Wednesday, March 25

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@ rockfordcc.com.

APRIL, 2015 Wednesday, April 1

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Daniel Saavedra, president, Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects, will present.

Continued on page 31

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events (cont.)

(Continued from page 30) Manufacturers’ Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Rock Valley College Stenstrom Center, 4151 Samuelson Road, Rockford. Focus on the Education Committee.

Tuesday, April 7

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. KMK Media Group’s CEO Pam Maher talks about corporate and reputational branding. Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Donna George, workplace staffing, 815-961-0600 or Donna@ workplacestaffing.com.

Wednesday, April 8 8:30 am - Noon Forest Hills Country Club 5135 Forest Hills Rd., Rockford

How to Manage

Problem Employees

Speaker is Glenn Shepard. Fourth person registered from a company attends free.

To register a fourth person, call Stacy Mullins, 815-316-4302.

Wednesday, April 8

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@ rockfordcc.com.

Friday, April 10

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. For more information on how to join, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Tuesday, April 14

Good Morning Rockford! at Rosecrance Ware Center, 7:30 to 9 a.m., 2704 N. Main St., Rockford.

Wednesday, April 15

31

March 2015

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Kevin Polky, owner, KP Counseling LTD, will present.

Thursday, April 16 11:30 am – 4:30 pm Clock Tower Resort 7801 E. State St., Rockford

State of the County LUNCHEON

Winnebago County Chairman Scott Christiansen will touch on creating a safer community, stimulating economic growth, protecting our green spaces and promoting tourism.

Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank (presenting); AT&T, Humana and SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW (gold).

Thursday, April 16

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Donna George, workplace staffing, 815-961-0600 or Donna@ workplacestaffing.com.

Tuesday, April 21 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Radisson Hotel & Conference Center 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Quick Response Manufacturing:

MCT/Q-ROC Workshop

Bill Ritchie, president and founder of Tempus Institute, will present a strategy to increase market share and achieve better financial performance using the four key elements of QRM.

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS

1st Family Home Healthcare, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Alpine Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . 19

Rockford Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . 2

Rockford Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . 21, 23-27

Rockford Health System. . . . . . 5, 10

Broadmoor Agency, Inc.. . . . . . . . . 8

Rockford Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. . . . . . . . . . . 14

Fridh Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Sikich LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

IMEC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Comcast Business. . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Rock River Valley Blood Center. . 30

Illinois Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Klaas Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 McGladrey LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Orthopedic and Sports Therapy Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Thayer Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 UIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Van Galder Bus Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 YMCA of Rock River Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 14

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100.............................................. Direct Line

Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO.......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Executive Assistant to the President.................... 815-316-4312

Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment.. .................. 815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events.. ........ 815-316-4337 Crystal Larson, Financial Assistant/Administrative Support.. ............ 815-987-8100 Joy Moriarty, Vice President, Finance........................................ 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events.. ............................................ 815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Member Relations Manager.. .............................. 815-316-4315 Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager.............. 815-316-4336 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator......................... 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers

Sponsored by Blackhawk Bank.

Wednesday, April 22 Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@ rockfordcc.com.

Wednesday, April 29 PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Sarah Wolf, executive director, Discovery Center Museum, will present.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt Saint Anthony Medical Center Vice Chair Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Richard Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Darlene Furst FurstStaffing Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems Dr. Robert Head Rockford University Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Mike Mastroianni Rock Valley College Paul McCann Stanley Steemer of Rockford Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank Amy Ott Chicago Rockford International Airport Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Tim Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy

Henry Seybold Rockford Health System Patrick Shaw McGladrey LLP Laura Pigatti Williamson Rockford Park District

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

Dan Ross Williams-Manny Insurance Group

April 2015 Special Sections:

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