March Voice 2019

ON THE ROAD AGAIN WITH FREEWAY ROCKFORD, INC. THE VOICE IS ONLINE AT ROCKFORDCHAMBER.COM

RETHINKING EDUCATION

ADDRESSING SAFETY

PAGE 9

PAGE 13

PAGE 3

RADON TESTING CONTEST

of the Rockford Business Community

march 2019 | Volume 32 | No. 3

THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER Key strategy for long-term workforce development The City of Rockford, Rock Valley College, and the Rockford Local Development Corporation have embarked on a public-private partnership to redevelop the former Barber-Colman factory campus located at 1200 Rock Street in southwest Rockford. The factory campus is a historic landmark registered in the National Register of Historic Places for its impact on the nation’s manufacturing heritage.

The anchor of this 22-acre mixeduse development will be the creation of a state-of-the-art, 82,000 sq.ft. Advanced Technology Center (ATC) operated by Rock Valley College.

The preliminary budget is estimated at $32.3 million. Financing will come from a multitude of supportive partners, including the City of Rockford, County

The former Barber-Colman factory campus is in the planning stages for redevelopment. of Winnebago, Rock Valley College, Rock River Water Reclamation, U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Treasury (New Market Tax Credits), U.S. Treasury (Federal New Market Tax Credits), U.S. National Park Service (Federal Historic Tax Credits), and State of Illinois (IEPA, State Historic Tax Credits).

The new Advanced Technology Center will house current RVC training

and educational programs including the Business & Professional Institute, Techworks, welding, as well as the Coldforming Training Center located at 424 Buckbee Street in Rockford. It is the goal to enhance and expand the college’s program offerings at the new ATC with the following training programs: ■ Multi-skilled Industrial Maintenance (Mechatronics/Automation) Continued on page 15

By Barbara Connors, The VOICE

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

Thanks to a donation by Eleanor Saunders Towns, an important piece of Rockford history has been digitized and made accessible through the Rockford Public Library’s website.

Towns, the daughter of Joseph Scott Saunders, Jr., donated $2,500 to have a bound collection of her father’s weekly newspaper, The Crusader, immortalized.

Saunders, Jr., was the creator, publisher, ad-man, bookkeeper, layout guy, typist, reporter, columnist, circulation manager, deliverer, editor, receptionist, writer and photographer of The Crusader. He intended to give a voice to African-Americans in Rockford in the early 1950s.

Rockford at the time supported three daily papers, the Rockford Morning Star, the Rockford Register Republic and The Rockford Labor News. In this environment, Saunders, Jr., published a

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Celebration of Manufacturing EXPO & DINNER

April 11 • Cliffbreakers For more info, see page 23 SPONSORED BY

GRANTS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS

Newspaper tells stories of the AfricanAmerican experience Glimpse into the history of Rockford in mid-century

In an effort to increase the number of homes in the community tested for radon, the Winnebago County Health Department is holding a Radon Testing Contest. One Winnebago County home with high radon levels from among the first 100 Winnebago County residents who purchase and test using a radon test kit from the WCHD by April 15 will win a radon system (up to $2,000 value) to disperse the radon gas and reduce exposure.

The geology in Winnebago County increases the risk for high levels of radon gas in homes, and long-term exposure to high levels can lead to lung cancer, said Dr. Sandra Martell, WCHD public health administrator. Radon test kits are $10. For questions call Ryan Kerchat, 815-720-4347.

Joseph Scott Saunders, Jr. weekly newspaper that drew a substantial enough readership and advertising to continue for the better part of a decade.

“The genesis of this paper, like so many ‘community’ and regional newspapers, fulfilled my dad’s goal to disseminate positive news about and of interest to, in this case, Rockford area African-Americans,” Towns wrote in a letter on the RPL website. This was at a time, she said, when African-Americans’ names were likely followed by the identifier, “Negro.”

“My father was determined to bring balance to ‘our’ story,” she wrote.

Grass Roots Reporting Similar to the many ‘newsrooms’ of today; which broadcast from homes through countless computers and smart phones, Saunders, Jr.’s newsroom was in half the unfinished basement of his home at 1319 Blake Street,” according Continued on page 4

NW HomeStart and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois are accepting applications through April 1 to fund projects by neighborhoodbased groups and nonprofits in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.

The Neighborhood Grants Program funds up to $2,500 towards beautification, crime prevention, surveys, clean ups, newsletters, organizing, reforestation and resident-focused education. Last year’s recipients included Edgewater Neighborhood Association, Galapagos Rockford Charter School, Haight Village National Register Historic District, Natural Land Institute, North End Square, North Highland Square Neighborhood Association, ORCHiD—Third Union College Neighborhood Watch, River District Association, Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity, Rockford Park District, Rolling Green Association, Tabor Lutheran Church and Youth Services Network.

Awards will be announced in May 2019. Apply at cfnil. spectrumportal.net. To learn more visit cfnil.org/grants/neighborhood.

2

| march 2019

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

positionChairman’s Perspective A LETTER FROM THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE ROCKFORD CHAMBER

A new year, a new voice Hello Chamber membership, I am excited to be writing my first article as Chairman of the Board of Directors of this fantastic organization.

What is so fantastic about us? Let me tell you: ■ The Rockford Chamber serves about 1,200 members in our region. We are 1 of 5 Chambers of Commerce in Illinois with over 1,000 members.

■ We are the seventh oldest Chamber in Illinois having been founded in 1910 (going on 109 years strong!).

■ We have graduated 1,810 individuals from Leadership Rockford, with 50 participants currently enrolled in the program.

■ Within the Rockford Leadership Alliance, known as RLA, we have trained 611 people on crucial leadership skills — trust, organizational health and accountability — since its inception in 2016. Over 250 of these graduates completed 360 degree reviews (many for the first time in their careers). All of these people went back to their jobs,

networks and families better equipped than before.

■ We have a successful IGNITE young professional group with over 900 members wreaking havoc in our community (just kidding) … socializing, volunteering (more than 450 hours in 2018), joining non-profit boards, running for political office, and engaging where they work, live and play.

■ We have six Councils: Business Women’s, Government Affairs, Public Safety, Business Education (Breakfast Buzz), Manufacturers, Education & Workforce Development and groups such as Small Business Task Force, Ambassadors, Lead 360, Twenty People You Should Know, 40 Leaders under Forty, and IGNITE that are proactively working to advance our region.

■ We have a staff of 12 and a Board of Directors made up of 31 business people, who are advocating and advancing our business culture to be one that is both very competitive and welcoming to employers and employees.

■ We have committed sponsors and

advertisers, which in turn allows us to produce a Community Priority Luncheon Series, an annual Manufacturing event, Business Expo and Golf outing among other events, all for our members.

I don’t think people realize how much the Rockford Chamber does for business and the region. I challenge you to ENGAGE — TELL this story as an advocate for the Chamber and our community but also watch how effective our work is. Please provide us with feedback on what works and help us in the areas we need to improve. Remember, change is inevitable, but, progress is optional — your engagement will help us to continually improve and progress.

I’m proud to be serving the Rockford Chamber membership and our community. If I sound like a cheerleader, then I’ve succeeded… Be a cheerleader for Rockford’s revitalization and comeback.

Shop at our local businesses, fly out of our airport, eat at our restaurants, be entertained at our excellent venues, museums, parks and events. Promote the progress we are making, especially

in education Michele Petrie (pre-K all the Rockford Chamber Board Chairman way through graduate programs). Promote your employer, especially if they treat you well or provide a good wage/benefit. Find ways to update your home or clean up your neighborhood.

If you notice things we can be doing better, be slow to complain but fast to give us your ideas and solutions. If you see others complaining, try to direct that complaint into a solution or help.

An example of some advocating I did personally for Rockford is taking the Chicago Tribune article on Rockford’s comeback and having it published in my company’s weekly employee newsletter which reaches about 4,500 employees (most located in Illinois). My most recent visitor ate at the Prairie Street Brewing Co. and shopped/walked around our “really cool” downtown. It was a simple action that had a ripple affect … all of us can find some simple ways to promote the community we love. I challenge you to be a cheerleader for this region too!

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

march 2019

|

3

PROFILE Member Profile 50-YEAR ROAD TO SUCCESS

By Paul Anthony Arco Scott Sommers has spent his entire life with Freeway Rockford, Inc., a metal stamping company headquartered in Cleveland. His grandfather, John, Sr., was the company’s third employee in the 1940s. And his father, John, Jr., worked at the Cleveland location, before moving to Rockford to start the local facility in 1968.

Sommers got his start with the company at an early age, working his way throughout the building. His dad brought him in to mow the grass as a teenager. In his 20s, Sommers went to work in the Tool Room before moving on to run the presses and then take on the Quality Department. When his father retired in 1993, Sommers was given the chance to take over the facility. “I was ready for the challenge,” said Sommers, the company’s vice president/general manager.

Freeway Corporation, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, specializes in high quality washers as well as specialty stampings and assemblies. Freeway Corporation has four locations, including two in Cleveland (Freeway Corporation and Triangle Machine Products), Mississauga, Canada (Freeway LTD) and the one in Rockford that manufactures washers for the fastener industry.

Freeway Rockford, Inc.

About 85 percent of the washers produced in the Rockford plant are made for the automotive market. “We cater to automotive fastener manufacturers, both foreign and domestic here in the United States,” said Sommers, who serves on the board of directors for Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association, an organization for Rockford manufacturers.

Freeway Rockford ships an average of 4.2 million washers every day to fastener houses across the country. “Fasteners are everywhere,” said Sommers. “You don’t think about it, but they are an integral part of every finished piece of product.

Open the hood of a car, for example, and look at all the fasteners with washers.

Look in the trunk, engine, drive train or brake assembly.”

Explosive Growth Freeway Rockford employs 37 people, many who have worked for the company 10 or more years. “Without employees we wouldn’t be a company,” said Sommers. “We try to instill the belief in our employees that we don’t sign your paycheck, our customers do. They take quality seriously. Our employees are the backbone of the organization.”

Last year, Freeway Rockford reached

50 years in business. The company celebrated with banners, pizza and t-shirts and coffee cups for employees. It was a token of appreciation for members of a company that have seen plenty of changes over the past five decades.

“Nothing we do today is the same.

Any milestone, whether it’s 5, 10 or 50 is huge,” Sommers said. “It’s a massive landmark when you think of how many companies didn’t make it through the recessions. Were we hurt? Yes, but it made us stronger. We survived each and every one of them. That says a lot about our organization as a whole.”

In 2014 Freeway Rockford underwent a major expansion. Its manufacturing center near the Chicago Rockford Airport grew 12,000 square feet to what is now a 36,000-square-foot facility.

“We are always looking for future additional movement,” Sommers said.

“We saw explosive growth for seven years, and now we’ve been stable for the past 12 to 18 months. What we need to do now, is regroup.”

John, Jr., passed away seven years ago.

He would be proud of what the Rockford plant has become today, according to his son. “He’s smiling from above thanks to what’s transpired in this plant over the

As Freeway Rockford’s Scott Sommers puts it, the humble washer is everywhere in machinery, and the company ships an average of 4.2 million washers every day. past 25 years, like the expansion project,” said Sommers. “I’m still doing some of the things the same way that he taught me.

My father was a phenomenal mentor and father. I’m proud to carry on the tradition.”

FREEWAY CORPORATION Scott Sommers, vice president of manufacturing/general manager 4701 Boeing Dr. www.freewaycorp.com 815-397-6425

4

| march 2019

theVoice

The Crusader

(continued from front page) to Towns. His two-fingered “hunt-andpeck” method for typing out stories on his Underwood typewriter might sound familiar to the modern thumb-texters of today. Yet unlike today, Saunders, Jr., laid out his weekly paper with rubber cement and a wooden T-square and took his pictures by Polaroid.

According to Towns, “His efforts garnered the attention of publishers of the dailies, partly because he was a damned good writer and, I presume, partly because he showed there was a potential market of readers and advertisers the dailies hadn’t targeted.

He told me they offered to hire him as a reporter provided he assumed a nom de plume; I don’t know if they conditioned the offer on his giving up The Crusader, but he refused to hide his ethnicity or risk losing his editorial independence, advertisers, and subscribers in exchange for such a plum job for an AfricanAmerican man in the ’50’s.”

Saunders, Jr., stopped publishing The Crusader with his marriage and move to Dayton, Ohio., but before then, bound the issues he published.

“Why should African Americans or anyone care about publication of a small newspaper serving subscribers in Northern Illinois and Southern

Issues of The Crusader are accessible at the Rockford Public Library website.

Wisconsin?” Towns wrote. “It matters because newspapers such as The Crusader, The Negro Voice, and the larger Chicago Defender and Pittsburgh

Courier

documented

otherwise unrecorded bits of American history.” theVoice Access The Crusader and more of Towns’ letter detailing Saunders, Jr.’s story at www. rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history.

Barbara Connors is editor of The Voice.

Minimum wage in Illinois set to increase to $15 by 2025 The new Illinois Minimum Wage law passed with the support of newly elected governor J.B. Pritzker; mandating a minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025.

Graduated Increase ■ $8.25 per hour to $9.25 per hour on Jan. 1, 2020.

■ $9.25 per hour to $10 per hour on July 1, 2020.

■ $10 per hour to $11 per hour on Jan. 1, 2021.

■ $11 per hour to $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2022.

■ $12 per hour to $13 per hour on Jan. 1, 2023.

■ $13 per hour to $14 per hour on Jan. 1, 2024.

■ $14 per hour to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025.

Tips Count Towards Minimum Wage. Restaurants and other employers with tipped workers count gratuities towards wages.

Tip Tax Credit For Employers. Tax credit to help businesses with 50 or fewer employees to offset some of the cost of the wage increases.

Workers Younger Than 18. If they work fewer than 650 hours in a year, the current $7.25 per hour would increase on Jan. 1, 2020 to $8 per hour and peak at $13 per hour in 2025.

Layers of Laws Minimum wage laws can be monumentally confusing. The usual principle is supremacy of federal law. The federal law calls for a $7.25 minimum wage. However, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act has a specific provision that more employee-friendly laws by state or local governments will trump federal law. That is why such a confusing patchwork has been created.

U.S. Law: $ 7.25 per hour. Bills are routinely pending in Congress to increase this, but with the current administration, no changes appear likely.

Illinois Law: $8.25 per hour. The new law will gradually hike it to $15.

City of Chicago: $12 per hour. The City of Chicago ordinance automatically increases to $13 per hour on July 1, 2019.

Cook County: $11 per hour. This increases to $12 per hour July 1, 2019.

The Cook County ordinance provides that municipalities can opt out, and most have. The reality, however, is that where there is a high minimum wage law in geographic proximity to an employer’s place of business, wages will be dramatically impacted. Employers will find hiring of new employees to be difficult, if not impossible, if they are paying lower than a minimum wage law in that particular area, even though that law doesn’t apply to them.

Source: Anthony J. Caruso, Jr., Wessels Sherman

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

march 2019

|

5

Guest Perspective insight

Think Local. Give Local. Helping those you see in your community Think Local. This is a mantra we hear often. Eat Local and Shop Local invite us to visit locally owned restaurants and stores and wisely spend our money there. But what about Give Local? Have you ever thought about how important your philanthropy is to folks locally?

It seems as though the media

Many of us have an affinity for our hometown and the things that mean a lot to us.

We take pride in the assets that exist where we live, work and play.

have an affinity for our hometown

back in the

and the things that mean a lot to us.

community.

We take pride in the assets that exist

It’s a win-win.

where we live, work and play. When you give to local nonprofit agencies you are giving to organizations that make your region better by providing services to those in need.

Last

Linda Sandquist United Way

December, Forbes named United Way as the top U.S. charity. This year United Way of Rock River Valley will be celebrating

4. Giving locally allows you to

and our financial support tend to be

its 100th anniversary. Over the years,

create a relationship with a local

attracted to “big” events – hurricanes

we have worked with tens of thousands

organization that goes beyond just the

of donors, individual and corporate,

in the South, forest fires in California.

Or we’re attracted to very specific

to see who and what your donation is benefitting.

needs we find on Facebook, Go Fund

2. When you give local, you know

Me, Crowdrise. I believe that because

exactly who you’re working with.

we see needs right in front of us, we miss the

Giving locally allows you to get to

needs right in front of us.

know nonprofit agencies firsthand.

When you give locally, you gain

You have the opportunity to chat with

more than you give. When you give

the executive director, take a tour of a

local, at least five things happen.

facility, see the programs up close.

money. Local organizations need your volunteer hours in addition to your financial support.

helping them support the place they love. I invite you to join us. Give Local.

5. Giving locally means you’re

Linda Sandquist is vice president of United

helping to employ local people. Most

Way of Rock River Valley and has nearly

nonprofit

20 years of nonprofit experience in the

organizations

employ

people you know -- the people you see

community.

at the bank, in local restaurants, the moms from your kid’s soccer team, the

The views expressed are those of Sandquist’s

1. You know how your money is

3. When you give local, you help

dads from church. And those people

and do not necessarily represent those of the

being used. Giving local allows you

your own community. Many of us

spend their hard-earned money right

Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Farmers invited to test land for productivity in research trial University of Illinois seeks farmers interested in research on their farm using Data Intensive Farm Management, a new protocol designed to help producers run sophisticated trials; assessing fertilizer and seeding rates in corn and soybean production systems.

Using GPS-guided precision agriculture technology, researchers and farmers conduct large-scale, on-farm “checkerboard” field trials for higher quality data than can be attained through either of the more traditional field trial methods. Contact palberti@illinois. edu, 815-235-4125 or Twitter (@ NorthernILCrops).

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

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

6

| march 2019

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

legislative Issues to Watch

New Illinois Laws for 2019 This year, 253 new laws took effect in Illinois. For more details on any of the following, visit www.ilga.gov.

EDUCATION (PREK-12) Dual Credit Access SB 2838/PA 100-1049 Seeks to improve access to dual credit coursework for Illinois students.

Requires community colleges to enter into a dual credit agreement if a high school district within their boundaries requests it, and other changes.

Pre-K Chronic Absence SB 3536/PA 100-0822 Requires any preschool that receives funding via the preschool for all programs to collect and review its chronic absence data.

Transportation of IEP Students HB 2040/PA 100-0667 Adds Soaring Eagle Academy in Lombard to the list of special education facilities that can transport students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) to curriculum-related activities as part of their IEP through the use of multi-function school activity buses.

Dual Credits SB 2527/PA 100-0792 Provides that qualified students can do the following: enroll in an unlimited amount of dual credit courses and earn an unlimited amount of academic credits from dual credit courses so long as the course is taught by an Illinois instructor as provided under the Dual Credit Quality Act. Mental Health Awareness HB 4658/PA 100-0903 Requires licensed school personnel and administrators who work with students in grades K-12 to be trained, once every two years, to identify the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth and be taught appropriate intervention and referral techniques.

IMSA Tuition/Board Requirements SB 2939/PA 100-0937 States that with regard to the Illinois Math and Science Academy, students may be admitted who are not Illinois residents, but tuition, fees and board charged to non-residents must be enough to ensure no state appropriations are used to fund the students’ associated costs.

Additionally, no more than 25 percent of the student body may be non-Illinoi residents, and requires IMSA to demonstrate that no state funding was used or will be bused to fund the cost of non-Illinois residents.

Safety Drills SB 2350/PA 100-0996 Requires active shooter/threat school safety drills to be conducted within 90 days of the start of the school year.

Requires the drills to be conducted on days and times when students are present in the building. Requires participation from all school personnel and students present. Requires law enforcement to observe the drill.

Schools Instructing Manufacturing Grants HB 4858/PA 100-0679 Allows local school districts and community colleges to apply for and receive grants for acquiring land, construction of facilities and purchasing equipment, dedicated solely to the instruction of occupations in manufacturing.

Asthma Medication SB 3015/PA 100-0726 Allows schools to keep undesignated asthma medication on-hand for authorized, trained personnel to administer it if/when someone is experiencing respiratory distress. Adds protections for those administering the medications.

More education-related laws can be found at www.ilga.gov.

Source: Illinois Senate Republicans

Young Professionals ignite

Take time out to enjoy our four seasons This winter has been one of the worst we’ve seen in years. I’m not basing that on any actual data, but I’ve lived in the Midwest my entire life, and this certainly seems like the worst. We had more than one day where the HIGH was in the negatives, the city seemed to turn into a giant ice rink for a week or so, and the schools were closed for so many days that they may have to extend classes halfway into summer. This is the time of year that people often ask, “why do I live here?”

Hopefully, we have made it through the worst of it, and we will all be rewarded with a beautiful spring. But, just in case Mother Nature decides to defy that psychic groundhog (or just to keep in your back pocket for next year), here are some tips on getting through these wonderful Midwest winters.

Embrace the Winter I know that winter is the time people like to hibernate and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist, but, there really are a lot of great things that happen in winter that you would miss out on if you lived somewhere where it never got cold. As long as you have a good coat (and if you’re living with Rockford, you really should invest in a good coat), you can still brave the outdoors, even if only for the time it takes you to run from your house to your car.

But, where to go once you make it to your car (and hopefully get it to start)? You could watch the next great hockey star lead the IceHogs to victory, head to Alpine Hills Adventure Park for some tubing or snowboarding, or if you’re really brave, take a day trip to Chestnut Mountain or Devil’s Head for some skiing.

Not into winter sports? Visit one of our great museums, try out one of the delicious new restaurants in town or visit an old favorite. If you’re not up for venturing out of your house at all, invite some friends over for dinner or a game night. That way you get to socialize with other humans

while staying safely in the Kimberly Thielbar warmth of your IGNITE own home! No matter what appeals to you most, the important thing is to not let the cold weather make you miserable; get out and find the joy in the winter season.

Fantasize About All the Great Things You’ll Do This Summer If the idea of braving the outdoors still doesn’t appeal to you, try to pass the winter by planning for all the great things Rockford has to offer once the snow melts.

Start training to run the 5K at Meltfest, which will be here before you know it.

Start designing your raft for the Anything That Floats race or figure out when your favorite local musicians are playing at Anderson Gardens, Dinner on the Dock or Sinnissippi Park. Plot out your favorite hiking trails at Rock Cut. For the young professionals out there, start gathering the best possible competitors for your Ignite Cup team. By the time you plan out everything you want to do this summer, it’ll be time to start enjoying it!

Remember Most Warm Places Aren’t Always So Great Either If none of that convinces you, and you’re still thinking of running off to live somewhere that never snows, just keep in mind that California has earthquakes, Florida has alligators and the average temperature in Arizona in July is between 104 and 107 degrees. Just remember, you can always put on more layers to keep warm, but there are only so many layers you can take off!

Kimberly Thielbar is Reach Committee co-chair and an attorney at Prairie State Legal Services.

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

theVoice

march 2019

 Destination

|

7

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

The trumpet line forms here

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Digital trumpets, I should say

With the help of our friends at Transform Rockford, RACVB has launched a new program called 815 Ambassadors, and, with your help, this effort can spread the good word about our region -- one “share” at a time. The Ambassadors program is a grassroots effort that uses local thought leaders like you – online influencers with large social networks – to disperse news and information that presents our region in a positive light.

For too long, Rockford has allowed itself to be defined by how we’re ranked and rated by others.

There’s plenty of reason to toot our own horn these days. And besides, it’s not bragging; it’s merely presenting evidence to our many far-flung networks of friends and acquaintances of what we already know to be true – that the Rockford region is a great place to live, work and grow. For too long, Rockford has allowed itself to be defined by how we’re ranked and rated by others. We must take every opportunity to convey the real story. The positive voice needs to be louder than the negative.

It’s easy to become an 815 Ambassador, and it’s fun, too.

Here’s How it Works Go to 815ambassadors.com. Follow the link to sign up. It takes less than a minute to set up your Ambassador account. With that, you’ve earned your trumpet.

Then, we’ll share positive news and information with you via email. You choose which of your digital platforms on which to post, i.e., Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. All the content we give you is ready to post, and you may add your own thoughts and experiences, as well.

As an example, in early February, we shared a story with ambassadors from the Chicago Tribune titled, “Best of the Midwest: 9 must-see destinations worth a visit in 2019.” The story highlighted Rockford, “a city on the rise,” as an essential stop on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail because of the presence of the Laurent House.

“While you’re in town,” the story continued, “get some coffee at Rockford Roasting, food at Social Urban Bar & Restaurant and beer at Prairie Street Brewing Co., on the banks of the Rock River.”

Ambassadors who shared that story

earned points toward winning prizes.

Ambassadors can check their points on a dashboard. With every “share” on a digital platform, Ambassadors widen the circle of people who may be positively influenced about what’s going on in our city.

Join Our Team Oh, one other thing. As an 815 Ambassador, you’ll be among the first to know about some of the latest exciting developments, activities and events that are happening in our region. You’ll be the one “in the know,” so to speak.

By leveraging your widespread connections, you’ll play an important role in raising our national profile in a positive way. From the Rock River, new sports facilities, professional sports, diverse restaurants, festivals, live music, museums, symphony, theater and dance, there’s no shortage of offerings in the Rockford region.

Global companies choose to do business in Rockford, reinvest millions into the local economy and partner with local educational institutions to train the hard-working talent these companies need. The region’s economic future is bright.

As an 815 Ambassador, you’ll be a key resource to support the work we do at RACVB, as well as our charter Ambassadors group, which includes Transform Rockford, City of Rockford and RAEDC. We hope you will join our team as an 815 Ambassador. As connected, engaged and socially active professionals, your varied digital networks can be of immeasurable value to raise the profile and enhance the reputation of our region.

We’re asking for your help because we know you are as passionate as we are about this region. The 815 Ambassador program makes it easy to “share” the love.

John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The mission of the RACVB is to drive quality of life and economic growth for our citizens through tourism marketing and destination development. www.gorockford.com The views expressed are Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

rockfordchamber.com • theVoice • march 2019

paths to life readiness | education showcase

PERSPECTIVE

A FEW WORDS FROM RPS 205 SUPERINTENDENT

Rockford University

Shaping curriculum for future careers

Rethinking education: Liberal arts at work Combining ‘soft’ skills with real-world experience

Nearly every recent survey of employers in the United States reveals that among the most important skills or characteristics they seek in employees includes things like communication, teamwork, analytical skills, leadership and problem solving.

They want employees at any level to think critically and broadly and make decisions based upon a wide ranges of impacts and ideas that affect the future of their organization.

Students – and especially parents – too often assume the purpose of higher education is to declare a major, graduate and get a job in that field.

So why the apparent disconnect between the concept of a liberal arts education and career preparation?

And how do schools like Rockford University address the needs of students to learn and think broadly while still preparing graduates for a career in a way that employers value?

Students – and especially parents – too often assume the purpose of higher education is to declare a major, graduate and get a job in that field. And for many years, academics believed that learning for the sake of identifying and examining a broad range of subjects was sufficient to prepare students to be “lifelong learners.”

It turns out that neither is correct in isolation of the other. And, perhaps the best way to prepare our students to be both successful citizens and employees is to partner with employers to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the workplace with the skills and knowledge to be successful communicators, listeners, planners, team members and problem solvers.

Educational Pipeline Rockford University is actively engaged in developing partnerships with employers that goes beyond job shadowing and summer internships; the latter often considered the best way to get noticed as a student looking for a job, and for the employer, to “grow their own” workforce. Today, by partnering with employers throughout a student’s

9

David Hawsey Rockford University

time in high school and college, Rockford University is discovering what the workforce’s immediate and long-term staffing needs are, and through the use of focus groups and visits to the workplace, our staff and faculty can tailor our curriculum to provide both the breadth and depth of subjects studied (the true definition of liberal arts) and the specific skills and knowledge necessary to be effective as soon as graduation ends and the first day on the job arrives.

But Rockford University also understands that to help maximize the experience our students have in college, we have also expanded our partnerships with regional high schools to include getting high school students actively engaged with current university students and faculty. And, by partnering with existing organizations like Alignment Rockford, Upward Bound, the Rockford Association for Minority Management, Rockford Area Aerospace Network, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce, our local community colleges and countless other organizations, we open up a pipeline of professional training for any student in any high school to move seamlessly through secondary school to higher education, getting hands-on exposure to a variety of career paths and hopefully joining a company or non-profit organization right here in Rockford once they graduate. We all have a stake in the success of students throughout the educational pipeline.

The liberal arts, which neither means “liberal” nor specifically denotes the “arts,” really is a time-tested approach to providing students with the skills and knowledge employers consistently say are critical to their organizations’ success. And by partnering with employers, curriculums can be shaped to make sure students benefit from the effective power of a broad-based curriculum, coupled with a focus on career preparation, to ensure they are ready for the future. And that is, in its optimal form, the liberal arts at work.

David Hawsey, MBA, is interim vice president for enrollment management at Rockford University.

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

Pathway program pairs businesses with interested students Quietly and consistently, organizations and industry partners in Rockford have helped prepare students in our high school academies for college, career and life. We’re immensely grateful to our Rockford Public Schools partners.

We’re on the verge of ramping up those opportunities, with the goal of benefiting students and strengthening the connection between education and local employers.

Beginning in the 2019-20 school year, local businesses will be able to sponsor Pathways in our high school academies. At varying levels of financial commitment (from $2,500 to $10,000), businesses will be able to shape curriculum with pathway educators, have access to students with interest in their industry and pathway, and receive recognition for their contributions.

The highest level of commitment — the Pathway Promise Sponsorship at $25,000 — offers the above opportunities and includes recognition as a Rock Valley College Named Scholar donor.

These pathway sponsorships are being offered through Alignment Rockford, which since 2009 has operated a collaborative framework to align community resources behind the strategic goals of the public schools.

You may be most familiar with the work of Alignment because of the annual Academy Expo. That’s the event at which more than 100 companies or organizations sponsor booths to familiarize RPS 205 freshmen with various careers so they can choose a high school academy in their sophomore year.

Combined with sophomore site visits to local businesses, job-shadow experiences for high school juniors and a Capstone project or internship for seniors, it’s all part of the RPS 205 work-based learning and career development continuum for students.

That’s where employer connections and student career interests intersect.

We believe these experiences are so important, we are holding our high schools accountable for providing them to students on the new district School Scorecard. And the students, in turn, are required to have an individualized learning plan to help plan, track and assess their work-based learning experiences.

Ultimately the district goal by 2022 is to achieve Model Status from the National Career Academy Coalition,

Dr. Ehren Jarrett Superintendent RPS 205

the gold standard in accreditation of high school academies.

We cannot do it alone. We believe the only way to build a strong talent pipeline in Rockford is to build a solid structure for employer engagement. We believe high school academy sponsorships offer such a structure — a guaranteed commitment to provide the college and career readiness experiences that students need and deserve.

We believe these sponsorships provide collaborative ownership of industry pathways in our high school academies.

Partnerships Formed These sponsorships take to the next level the already-strong relationships that exist between RPS 205 and nonprofit and industry partners. For example: The City of Rockford has been “all in” on helping develop our public safety pathway to prepare students for jobs in public service.

Companies like Collins Aerospace support the schools by lending their employees for service on our Academy Support Teams, which meet regularly throughout the school year.

Companies like Estwing, 425 Manufacturing and Circle Boring support the Tools for Teens program, which provides toolboxes for students as incentives for academic success. (Several years ago, Circle Boring lent a big tool — a CNC milling machine — to Jefferson.)

Guilford High School has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes and offer real-world experiences to students to introduce them to the construction industry.

At all five of our high schools, we have built a solid foundation of engagement between civic and industry partners and high school academies.

Now, Alignment Rockford, our district and especially our students are ready for more. We’re ready for an opportunity that marries our greatest asset — our students — with companies having access to that talent.

If you’re interested in sponsoring an RPS 205 high school academy, contact Anisha Grimmett of Alignment Rockford at 779-774-4389.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

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

10

| paths to life readiness | education showcase

march 2019 • theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

Is someone slowing down your team?

The line was: “What is the story you are telling yourself about this situation?”

This question was followed by a flurry of whispers and note taking. That was when I realized that I had touched on the heart of the issue.

I was meeting with a group of leaders who were wrestling with the reality of

introducing an important cultural change to their organization. And the question arose about how to deal with that one person who created “drag” for the whole team that was otherwise invested in positive change. Almost every team has one.

My response was, “You don’t deal with it in a group setting like this. You pull them

aside and have a conversation.” Then I pulled up a chair next to her and embarked on an improvisational role-play. And to her credit, this leader jumped right in to the “real”-play and described in the words of this disgruntled team member how he/she felt left behind and disregarded.

That was the moment when I asked, “What is the story you are telling yourself about this situation.” My role-play partner thought hard, and the room bustled a bit as other leaders reached a moment of clarity.

Each person is telling a story about the facts whether they realize it or not. Pausing to recognize the story we are telling and asking others what story they are telling was a skill this team realized could bring a whole new dimension to any situation. It is a way of getting down to what is really going on while showing empathy even for those who are hindering a process and acting poorly.

The Power of Storytelling This year, through the Rockford Leadership Alliance, hundreds of leaders from the Rockford region have been learning how to create effective accountability in difficult situations. Joseph Grenny, one of the authors of the book Crucial Accountability, visited Rockford back in September 2018 to share an overview of his work in accountability and provide the content from which we are learning.

Grenny and his coauthors remind us that when we experience (see/hear) things, it is the story we tell about that content that directs the feelings and actions that follow.

It is one thing for us to become introspective regarding why we are acting or feeling a certain way. We have the ability to gain direct access to the stories we are telling about something we saw or heard.

But we get in trouble when we start reflecting on the story others are telling themselves without asking them. As humans, we make all sorts of assumptions that may be

right or may be wrong; then we take action as if they are true. I call leaders on this all the time.

Glen Williamson Leader: The Anser Group “They did x because y; therefore, I am going to z.”

Me: “Wait. That’s an assumption.”

Leader: “But I know it’s true.”

Me: “It may be true or may be false.

You can’t see inside that person. The story you are telling about the facts makes it true for you, but you may be missing something. Why don’t you verify whether your assumption is correct?”

It is perfectly acceptable to ask a person, “I have been making an assumption about something. Is it OK if I check on that assumption?” And then tentatively share the assumption, asking, “What am I missing?”

But the context of this question is crucial.

Does the other person feel interrogated, like you are trying to catch them being wrong? Or have you communicated your positive intent that creates mutual respect and mutual purpose? As Grenny has said, “If you can create safety, you can talk with almost anyone about almost anything.”

The stories we tell about others and ourselves either propel us to or hold us back from the best. So start with your own story. What story are you telling about the situation? Then ask the other person(s) what story they are telling about the situation in order to come to the best resolution. Who knows … maybe your stories will both have happy endings.

Glen Williamson is managing partner & leadership coach with The Anser Group.

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

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

march 2019

|

11

How QRM enables high-mix, low-volume manufacturers to take advantage of IIoT

By Meaghan Ziemba, MakingChips One of the biggest challenges U.S. companies face today is the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs to low-cost countries such as China, India, Vietnam and Bangladesh. As one strategy to create a competitive advantage over low-cost countries, some businesses have invested in and implemented connected networks known as the Industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT, in an attempt to provide more value and serve customers more effectively.

These advanced technology systems provide manufacturers with real-time, end-to-end operational information that enable quick response times and adaptability to changing market conditions. However, most companies are unable to respond quickly to the real-time data because they are structured around traditional mass production techniques.

Mass Production to Mass Customization Customers have access to a plethora of information on the products and services they need because of connected networks and mobile devices. As a result, they are demanding top quality, customengineered products at faster delivery rates and lower costs.

An MPI Group Internet of Things studyi found that manufacturers who have already adopted IIoT, or are considering adopting IIoT, want to improve their product quality, speed of operations, machine maintenance and uptime, and information for business analytics while decreasing their manufacturing costs so they can quickly respond to today’s customer requirements.

According to Rajan Suriii, professor and director of the Center for Quick Response Manufacturing at the University of Wisconsin-Madisoniii, companies require more than just the implementation of IIoT to maintain a competitive advantage over low-cost countries that produce high-quality products. They need to shift their strategic thinking away

from mass production towards “mass customization”— providing individually tailored products with short lead times.

“Implementing Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) is a critical prerequisite for mass customization and the journey towards IIoT technologies,” said Suri. QRM is “a company-wide strategy aimed to reduce lead times to enable quick response, improve quality, and reduce costs for manufacturers of low-volume, high-variety or customized products.”

Realizing the Power of Time Traditionally, manufacturers have focused on scale and cost management strategies based on the division of specialized labor and hierarchical department structures.

“When you make the same thing at high volumes, it is best to have specialized workers do that one job to increase efficiency,” said Suri. “There is also topdown control so that the people meant to do the work can focus on the work and somebody higher up, such as managers and supervisors, can make the business decisions.”

However, hierarchical structures lengthen lead times, and long lead times contribute to various overhead and indirect costs including excessive forecasting, planning, expediting, warehousing, lost sales, obsolescence, work in progress (WIP), finished goods, research and development, raw materials, purchased parts, etc. -- lowering an organization’s overall competitiveness.

As IIoT systems track evolving market changes, companies that do not consider QRM lack the flexibility and agility to serve the customer as changes are observed through the data coming in.

Quick decisions are delayed as they pass through the various levels of the hierarchy and lead time continues to increase.

Rethinking Organization Structure When it comes to traditional structures, Suri questions where the data goes and who is responsible for making the final

decisions on what to do with it. “If [data] goes to all the different departments simultaneously, are the people in each department going to be making decisions independently without talking to each other and creating uncoordinated (and possibly incoherent) responses? Or conversely, will they wait for information to go up the hierarchy and across and down, back-and-forth, and hence create long delays?”

QRM enables businesses to rethink their organizational structure across the entire enterprise. It transforms traditional functional departments into “QRM cells.”

Each cell is designed around a Focused Target Market Segment (FTMS) and includes workers that are cross-trained in different areas and disciplines.

“Having employees who are crosstrained in five different areas as opposed to five different departments being involved provides manufacturers the flexibility needed to deal with various issues that span across the traditional boundaries of mass production,” said Suri. “QRM teams are more efficient in managing all of the data from IIoT and holistically decide what purpose and value it offers customers.”

a little more labor or equipment, the shorter lead times result in lower Meaghan Ziemba MakingChips system-wide “waste” and the reduction in these costs outweigh the cost of additional resources.

Implementing a Unified Strategy Enterprise-Wide As manufacturers continue to look towards IIoT to provide visibility for all of their processes and enable them to be more responsive to market conditions, they need to consider QRM to take full advantage of IIoT benefits.

“If we don’t have the structure in place to enable people to take advantage of these technologies, how are we going to use it to get back to the customer with something useful and valuable to them?” asked Suri.

Each company needs to figure out how to deal with the data based on their organization, their customers’ needs, the products and services they provide and the markets they serve.

Meaghan Ziemba works in marketing at MakingChips.

Understanding and Exploiting System Dynamics For QRM cells to be successful, manufacturers need to shift their efficiency and utilization goals to response-time goals.

“With mass production you have economies of scale, placing emphasis on increased efficiency and the highest utilization of people and machines to minimize costs. However, when manufacturers focus on efficiency and utilization, they lose track of time. As resources get busier, wait times for certain projects increase, preventing companies to quickly respond to changes,” said Suri.

Manufacturers of high-variety, low-volume production should strategically invest in spare capacity. In his book, It’s About Timeiv, Suri explains that while it may cost more to operate an area with

To learn more about Quick Response Manufacturing, please register for the upcoming WOTM workshop in Rockford, Illinois: “It’s About Time!

Increasing Your Competitive Advantage Through Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM),” presented by Rajan Suri, emeritus professor of industrial engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Visit http:// www.wotm-rockford.com/events for registration details. i http://mpi-group.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/01/IoTSummary2016.pd ii http://rajansuri.com iii http://qrm.engr.wisc.edu/ iv http://rajansuri.com/books

Sponsored by Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.

12

| march 2019

R O C K F O R D

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Entrepreneur invests in the region for future business growth Setting up headquarters in downtown Rockton

By Sherry Pritz Enderle, NIU EIGERlab AnnDee Nimmer, CEO of RoomTagz™, draws inspiration from her surroundings. As an entrepreneur, she has committed to future growth of her company and her community with the purchase of a 1700-sq.-ft. building just outside downtown Rockton.

“In this beautiful setting, just a stone’s throw from the Rock River, I can envision most of my phone calls and employee strategizing sessions being held outside,” Nimmer shared.

In her previous career as a teacher, Nimmer observed that a lack of clear and consistent signage was leading to confusion and wasted time in school hallways. Her company’s signature invention, RoomTagz™, is an innovative solution to wayfinding in schools.

Early in her entrepreneurial journey, Nimmer took advantage of local small business development resources. Thus far, she’s competed in two of NIU EIGERlab’s FastPitch Competitions and was one of the top winners in 2018.

She has worked with representatives from both NIU EIGERlab’s Center for

Product Development and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which assist entrepreneurs and small businesses with both the startup and expansion essentials.

The culmination of these meetings has resulted in Nimmer being able to share her ideas in a cohesive manner and put together an action plan for the development of her business.

“The SBDC really emphasizes the importance of customer feedback,” she said. “With the ability to connect with hundreds of my current customers, that was an easy task, and the results were enlightening. I was also referred to Bridgeway, a company that assists businesses with a variety of tasks including fulfillment, which allowed me more time to manage the business.”

Sustainability during business development is key to future success.

With the support of NIU EIGERlab, SBDC and others, AnnDee was able to refine her profit margins to improve the sustainability of the company. She was also introduced to local lenders, whose goals are to assist new or expanding small businesses.

Nimmer first competed in the

AnnDee Nimmer hopes to expand her reach to schools all over the world.

FastPitch Competition in 2013 and wasn’t satisfied with her performance.

She challenged herself to improve by attending the training classes and put in additional practice on the side.

“I feel that the biggest difference between competing in 2013, and winning third place five years later, was having some experience under my belt, which gave me more confidence. I’ve been quite fortunate that the demand for my product has doubled year after year, with an unprecedented 60 to 65 percent growth curve. These results prove that I’m on the right track, and felt sure I had a chance at one of the prizes. I’ve already recommended FastPitch to others,” Nimmer shared.

in my business,” Nimmer shared. Once

The possibilities

reality-TV-related ring — a school

The purchase of her new building will make an impact on AnnDee’s ability to hire key individuals to assist with expansion and move forward with new product lines that she’s envisioned.

“When you’re a solopreneur wearing all of the hats, there is little time for executing next steps or creative thinking. I will finally be able to work on my business versus always working

the building is fully renovated, her plans include earning additional revenues by renting the space out for meetings, and other entrepreneurial-based activities, which will further enhance Rockton’s entrepreneurial culture.

“I have an endless flow of ideas and love bouncing them off of customers and partners. My business is all about creating a more welcoming, positive and safer school environment,” Nimmer said.

As she adds staff, she will be able to grow the business strategically and improve marketing efforts. One of Nimmer’s many ideas has a certain makeover giveaway.

To learn more about RoomTagz™, visit www.roomtagz.com. To learn more about how NIU EIGERlab can assist with business development, visit www. eigerlab.org or call 815-753-2192.

Sherry Pritz Enderle is marketing & events coordinator/business development at NIU EIGERlab Innovation Network.

theVoice

march 2019

|

13

Guest Perspective insight

Progress and more work ahead to make Rockford safer Community cooperation and trust are keys to crime prevention Rockford is an incredible city.

With 147,000 people, we have the advantages of a larger community, yet many opportunities for residents to get involved and make a difference at any level. We also have the challenges that come with a bigger city — and that includes crime.

Daily headlines, viral social media posts, online rankings and news stories grab attention, drive perception and make people feel unsafe. All this noise, especially when lacking context or detail, can breed confusion, making residents ask, “What is REALLY happening?”

Statistics tell the true story of any community’s progress with public safety.

We announced at a news conference in February that violent crime is trending downward, with a drop of 11 percent in 2018 and a 17 percent decrease since 2016. Property crime, while seeing a slight 2 percent increase in 2018, also is down 5 percent since 2016.

In Rockford, your leaders are accessible. If you have questions or need more information, reach out to me directly.

Community cooperation and trust is critical to both preventing crime and arresting the perpetrators. Under the leadership of Chief Dan O’Shea and his command staff, our officers are strengthening relationships with residents, leading to increased communication and information when crimes do occur. The police department cannot solve crimes on its own. We need involvement from bystanders and victims to help bring perpetrators to justice.

Tom McNamara Mayor of Rockford

Focus on Reducing Violent Crime Our mission to drive down crime by targeting the most violent offenders and repeat offenders — focused deterrence — is seeing results as well. Nearly all the gun violence in Rockford is attributed directly or indirectly to a small number of people in our city. Taking these individuals, and their guns, off the streets is a top priority.

Preventing and responding to domestic violence — responsible for 35 percent of our violent crime — is another part of our strategy. Opening the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking Prevention in early 2018 was a key first step. Increases in arrests for domestic violence show our work to raise awareness is paying off.

However, we also must stop the pipeline of domestic violence that turns young people down the wrong path. More than 75 percent of juveniles arrested in 2016 and 2017 were victims of or witnessed domestic violence in their homes. Establishing a Family Justice Center will give survivors the resources they need to recover and also provide stability and services to children.

Clearly, we have more work to do, and we need your help. Relying on rumor and questionable social media posts when you have questions about public safety is short-sighted and damaging to the community. In Rockford, your leaders are accessible. If you have questions or need more information, reach out to me directly.

I speak frequently with neighborhood groups, businesses and organizations throughout the community and welcome the opportunity to share our strategies and results. Working together, we know Rockford will become a safer and more prosperous community.

Tom McNamara is Mayor of Rockford.

Thomas.McNamara@rockfordil.gov.

ANDERSON GARDENS TO REPAIR DAMAGED PATHWAYS Recent heavy rains have washed away sections of stone pathways, leaving it difficult for guests who use wheelchairs, walkers and strollers to enjoy Anderson Japanese Gardens. Prior to the garden opening this spring, it will undergo a capital improvement project to convert washout-prone sections of pathway to consistent concrete walkways to ensure accessibility for all.

Anderson Japanese Gardens received a $5,000 grant to improve garden access for guests with limited mobility from The Kjellstrom Family Foundation.

Overall, it has secured more than $70,000 in contributions from individuals and foundations towards the total project cost of $167,000. The balance of the project will be completed in phases as funding is received.

14

| march 2019

RAEDC is included in phase two of DoD grant through U of I at Chicago The University of Illinois at Chicago has received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment to support economic research and resiliency in Illinois’ military-connected communities.

The 18-month grant, led by UIC’s Nathalie P. Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement, will back the development and use of an online tool for regional partners and economic development organizations in the Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria and Chicago.

The grant marks phase two of the State of Illinois Defense Industry Adjustment Program, also known as the Illinois DIA program, a data-driven initiative to assist communities linked to the defense industry adapt to changes in federal military spending.

The second phase incorporates additional partners to help translate the insights gained from the initial phase into meaningful opportunities for companies, local organizations and economic development stakeholders that support them.

“This grant enables the Voorhees Center, in partnership with regional economic development organizations in defense-intensive regions in Illinois, to provide relevant insights and information, and to facilitate support and services to defense-connected manufacturers

and businesses in the state,” said Yittayih Zelalem, co-director of the UIC Voorhees Center.

Supply Chain Mapping Tool Phase one partners, the University of Illinois System and Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, have been joined in phase two by the Chicago Metro Metal Consortium, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.

Partners will have access to the Supply Chain Mapping Tool, an online platform created by the Voorhees Center, which will provide users with real-time data for an informed perspective of the federal military’s manufacturing and supply chain in this part of the country and help quantify the effect of Department of Defense changes, expansions and cutbacks in these regions.

“The Supply Chain Mapping Tool, which is the first of its kind for Illinois manufacturing, will open the door to many possibilities for growth and opportunities for firms and communities in this state to be even more competitive,” said Janet Smith, co-director of the Voorhees Center.

To learn more about the Supply Chain Mapping Tool contact Anna Garrison at AGarrison@RockfordIL.com.

SAVE THE DATE

Spring Soiree, an investor event

The RAEDC is hosting our Spring Soiree on Tuesday, May 14, 5 to 7 p.m. This investor event welcomes current as well as future investors. Learn about the impact of the RAEDC and how collaboration between economic development partners, the community and the education system make our region, Your Opportunity Region.

For more information visit RockfordIL.com/ events.

theVoicE • rockfordchamber.com

RAAN celebrating fourth-annual Aerospace Symposium The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) is excited to present the 2019 Aerospace Symposium in Rockford on Tuesday, April 23. This symposium provides information about the innovation taking place in the aerospace industry.

The expansion into a full-day event allows for breakout sessions as well as time to connect with exhibitors without missing the keynote speaker.

Topics include industrial automation, supplier development, application of augmented reality, workforce development, as well as vision systems for assembly.

For additional information about the RAAN Aerospace Symposium, visit RockfordAerospace.com or contact Anna Garrison at AGarrison@RockfordIL. com or 815-969-4261.

Key Economic Indicators

New/Retained Jobs 5,412 54% to goal

Capital Investment $911.7 million 99% to goal

New/Renovated Space 4 million square feet 50% to goal

KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS During the annual meeting, the RAEDC provided an update on the region’s progress towards the economic indicators outlined in the Rockforward20/20 strategic plan, which spans from Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2020. The figures above represent Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2018.

rockfordchamber.com • theVoice • march 2019

Barber-Colman (continued from front page)

■ Critical Core Manufacturing Skills ■ Industry 4.0 (Integrated Systems Technology) – electrical, mechanical, fabrication, hydraulics/pneumatics, PLCs, etc.

■ CNC/Precision Machining/CADCAM-CIM Integrated Advanced Manufacturing and Computerized Machining ■ Quality Control, Metrology, and Lean Six Sigma ■ 3D Digital Design/Rapid Technologies/Advance Materials/ Additive Manufacturing ■ Process Control Technologies ■ Supply Chain/Logistics Management ■ Electrical/Microprocessors Our region’s future depends on a skilled workforce. If you or your business wants to help, consider supporting with: ■ funding and donations for capital equipment for ATC programs.

■ funding for expanded programming and sustainability.

■ time and talent (full-time faculty & adjunct professors, feedback on programs).

■ internship opportunities.

■ investing in your employees by utilizing the new ATC training offerings to improve and strengthen your company, and our region’s workforce.

For any questions you may have, please contact the RVC Foundation staff at (815) 921-4500 or email RVC-Foundation@ rockvalleycollege.edu. theVoice

form & function | architecture & engineering

15

Guest Perspective insight

Collaboration in engineering

Working together to bring more solutions to the table Most engineers, by nature, are wired to put their heads down and work. Many of us think we do our best work independently and tend to possess introverted tendencies.

So, for a long time, that’s just what we did and how things got done.

In today’s world, that’s not the only way to get work done.

The next generation of engineers values a collaborative work environment. We’ve each been working professionally for about five years, and while it’s important to sometimes hunker down and work independently, we both value a collaborative culture.

There are many reasons why collaboration works at our engineering and environmental firm (and why it can work in any workplace). We like to collaborate with others who complement our skills. (Let’s face it, it’s hard to be good at everything.)

Some are better at client management, while others excel at the technical work.

One engineer might specialize in designing structures, while the other is an expert on wastewater treatment.

It’s important to collaborate with those who will make you better. You each pick up what the other does well – and sometimes not so well – and often you learn from each other.

Building Blocks of Trust What collaboration is not, is pushing your responsibilities onto Chad Clauson Seth Gronewold Fehr Graham Fehr Graham others. It is important to try to figure things out before you bring in your colleagues. Think of it like on your emotional intelligence. It’s really getting your car stuck in the snow. You spin that simple. your wheels until you get traction.

This doesn’t mean we are collaborating What we’re trying to say is you need all the time. There needs to be a healthy to think your way through problems balance. Our colleagues can help us get and potential solutions before you hit up someone on the team for help. If you happen projects further along, but we still at times to find the answer before you ask for help, will need to put our heads down to get the it’s still a good idea to bounce your plan off work done. The key is looking up every so a colleague to make sure the approach is often to bounce ideas off your colleagues. solid before you get too far down the road. Together, we achieve more. In our business, But before you can truly collaborate that also means our clients get the best with another person, team or company, we can offer because we collaborated and you must build a foundation of trust. The brought more solutions to the table. more time you spend with your colleagues Chad Clauson and Seth Gronewold are staff will help build that trust, of course. Because after all, working together builds trust, and engineers at Fehr Graham, an engineering and trust builds teams. Also, you must do what environmental firm with an office in Rockford you say you will do, and you must deliver. and nine others in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Often you need to go above and beyond. Contact them at cclauson@fehr-graham.com and Over communicate, be transparent, be sgronewold@fehr-graham.com. responsive and, most importantly, be cognizant of the work that’s on your The views expressed are those of Clauson’s and colleagues’ plates so you don’t inadvertently Gronewold’s and do not necessarily represent those overwhelm them. Be self-aware and work of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

16

| march 2019

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

business

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

Business Briefs

The Salvation Army of Winnebago County raised $332,624 from its Red Kettle Campaign, falling short about 17 percent of its $400,000 goal. It was part of a larger Christmas Campaign goal of $1 million from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31; one-third of the annual organizational budget.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants

Woodward, Inc., announced that its board declared a cash dividend of $0.1625 per share for the quarter, an increase of 14 percent; made payable on March 5, 2019, for stockholders of record as of Feb. 19, 2019.

Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center is open every Saturday year-round from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for free self-guided hikes at 334-acre Seth B. Atwood Park. It includes a view of the resident birds of prey feeding time at 1 p.m.

Rockford Roasting Company is showcasing Rockford artist, Ena Powers, at its downtown location in an exhibit of oil and acrylic paintings.

SwedishAmerican opened its employer-sponsored Partners Health Center on Jan. 2 in the same building as its North Main Clinic at 2601 N. Main St. It offers participating health plan members primary care needs from a single location. Six participating companies are offering this to their employees and/or dependents for their primary care benefit under either Quartz or Employer’s Coalition on Health plans: Integrated HomeCare Services, Sheet Metal Workers Local 219, Forest City Gear Co., Rockford Fastener Inc., Spider Company Inc., and KB Chiropractic.

Tomato production, agroforestry, industrial hemp production, soil health and digital marketing are some of the topics for this year’s Small Farms Winter Webinar Series by the University of Illinois Extension, held each Thursday, noon to 1 p.m., through April 4. Visit go.aces.illinois.edu/ SmallFarmWinterWebinar, contact 815-986-4357 or gmccarty@illinois.edu.

Rockford Park District presents its annual In Full Bloom Orchid Display at Nicholas Conservatory through March 17 with hundreds of tropical orchids.

Illinois Bank & Trust employees logged more than 4,000 volunteer hours at community non-profit organizations in 2018.

Rockford Park District earned a perfect score of 50 points and accepted the Illinois Park and Recreation Exceptional Workplace Award at a conference in Chicago in February.

OSF HealthCare donated to two area charities: The Mayor’s Office of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention’s Family Justice Center, and Milestone, Inc., as a part of its sponsorship of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce annual dinner at Giovanni’s.

(left to right): Yumoni Alexander, Dylan Brown, Colleen Dannenburg, Erica Glover, Yu San, Mayla Sanders, Christian Sommers and Chester Woods are honored on Feb. 8. The fourth class of Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois’ GoodGRADS Program completed GED level classes with some help in overcoming barriers such as testing fees and lack of transportation.

MPOWR®, the technology division of SupplyCore Inc., brought its new cloud-based MPOWR EnvisionSM strategy execution tool to market, with visualization tools and real-time visibility to help management and teams achieve their strategic goals and outcomes.

An OSF HealthCare campaign among five hospitals diverted 3,000 pounds of broken Christmas lights from the waste stream, including 925 pounds collected at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

The initial goal was 500 pounds.

J.L. Clark’s Legacy Foundation presented grant checks in December to Rockford area charitable organizations: Discovery Center Museum of Rockford, RAMP, Rock House Kids, Children’s Theatre Project, YMCA of Rock River Valley, Rockford Rescue Mission Ministries, Rock River Valley Pantry, Center for Sight & Hearing, Carpenter’s Place and The Literacy Council.

Rosecrance Health Network executed the affiliation agreement with Jackson Recovery Centers in January, which expands addiction treatment and integrated behavioral health services in the Siouxland region.

Rosecrance now operates nearly 60 locations throughout the Midwest, with total revenue of more than $100 million and 1,400 staff.

Rockford Park District announced the winning teams for the 33rd annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition in February at Sinnissippi Park. The Windy City Snowmen team of Kim McCombs (captain), Mike Dillon and Juan Zelaya won with, “Lincoln” and advanced to the 2020 U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wis. Six state teams, 15 high school teams and one exhibition team (winner of last year’s local competition) participated.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the 2019 Illinois High School Association Girls

Bowling State Finals on Feb. 15 to 16; drew 215 bowlers to Cherry Bowl in Rockford and filled approximately 500 room nights with visitors for an estimated $103,500 in spending.

Digital Hive Mind was contracted by Rockford Specialties to overhaul the organization’s website.

Synergy Production Group hired KMK Media Group to assist with public relations efforts for three large area events: Empowering Athletes for Life at UW Sports Factory in April, the first-annual Vibe Expo at the Rockford Rivets Stadium in May and the third-annual Rockford Battle at the Rivets Stadium in July for community non-profits.

Per Mar Security Services acquired All Channel Electronics, Madison, Wis., with the retirement of owners Rich and Pat Gmeinder. The employees will be joining Per Mar. Per Mar Security Services also received the Honeywell Circle of Excellence award in 2018 for commitment to Honeywell Intrusion, Video, Access and Fire, the authorized dealer program, and total year-overyear growth.

Peterson Meadows celebrated five years as a part of the Wesley Willows community with a party on Feb. 1.

Chartwell Agency completed its work on a brand redesign, website and brochure for Rockford Promise, a non-profit scholarship program that offers full-tuition scholarships to deserving graduates of Rockford Public Schools.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Fleet Feet Rockford announced that the 2018 Dasher Dash 5K exceeded expectations with a 35 percent increase in participation with 1,292 runners; 44 percent from Rockford. Net proceeds of $28,374 were donated to RACVB’s Charitable Foundation.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois debuted its Cookie Business Challenge to the 16-county area. Businesses are

Barbara Olson Center of Hope received a $9,839 grant by the Bengt & Mary Kuller Endowment Fund for its project, “Greater Impact and Effectiveness through Technology.” Funds will go towards iPads, equipped with educational apps, to help participants living with autism and related disabilities overcome communication challenges and for training and lesson plan development by direct support staff.

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence received a $37,510 grant by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund towards “Planning for a Children’s Mental Health System of Care,” which will analyze the current system of mental healthcare for youth, including identifying gaps and strengths in service provision, in order to create a new coordinated, collaborative system of care.

Stateline Youth for Christ received a $15,000 grant by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund for “Juvenile Justice Ministry Aftercare Services,” to help juvenile offenders develop a new way of living through mentoring, educational success tracks and life skills training.

Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc., received a $5,000 grant from the Dr. Louis and Violet Rubin Fund towards the installation of a new privacy fence at its North Main Street Group Home.

The Music Academy in Rockford received an $8,598 grant in collaboration with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra from the Arts and Humanity Fund for two winter workshops, one for piano and one for strings; focused on baroque music and Western European art music from 1600 to 1750. encouraged to purchase one case (12 boxes) of cookies for every Girl Scout troop in their area that visits in uniform.

Businesses are encouraged to promote this through social media and provide tours and career information to the girl scouts. Girl scouts also will be selling cookies at area locations through March 17. Visit www. girlscoutcookies.org or download the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, free on iOS and Android devices.

Continued on page 17

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

march 2019

on digital

Ceremonial ribbon donated by SERVPRO of Rockford.

Cherryvale Place, Senior Living held a ribbon cutting and Business After Hours on Feb. 7 at 1545 Temple Lane, Rockford.

First National Bank and First Insurance Group held ribbon cuttings on February 28th at 839 North Perryville Road, Suite 101, Rockford.

business

Business Briefs

(continued from page 16)

Mercyhealth Development Foundation received $3,763 from the Loves Park Police Department’s “No-Shave November” fundraiser for the rooftop healing garden at Mercyhealth’s newly opened Javon Bea Hospital and Physician Clinic– Riverside.

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners approved the 2019 budget, using communityidentified priorities to eliminate an $800,000 deficit. This included continued suspension of operations for the Forest City Queen and Trolley Car 36 (except for City Market, All Aglow and private rentals) along with seeking privatization, keeping Sand

Park Pool closed for another season due to IEPA-mandated remediation, closing Alpine Hills golf course, and implementing modest fee and membership increases in golf operations. Other actions included Six Flags leasing and operating Magic Waters Waterpark for 10 years, with three 10-year options to renew; reallocation of $250,000 of Reclaiming First hotel tax funding to help reduce tax subsidy at UW Health Sports Factory, and non-tax revenue generators such as expanded food and beverage operations, video gaming at select facilities and increased sponsorships. This is the fifth year it elected not to increase tax dollars.

17

Membership Renewals

Members Caught on Digital

Center for Sight & Hearing hosted a Wall Breaking Ceremony on Feb. 1 for the expansion of its Vision Clinic to 2,200 square feet. The clinic has experienced an average 20 percent growth in patient visits each year.

|

Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in January, 2019 2HB Human Resources & Benefits Solutions A-1 Lapping & Machine Co. Inc. AAA Rockford Above and Beyond Associates Addante & Associates, Ltd. Advantage Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Willwood Burial Park Aerotek, Inc. APEXteriors, Inc. Artale Wine Co. Athletico Physical Therapy Bachrodt on State Barnes International, Inc. Best Events Hospitality Group BMO Harris Bank Center Butitta Brothers Automotive Byron Forest Preserve/PrairieView Golf Club C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. Campos Construction, Inc. Chick-fil-A Rockford City Fire Fighters Union IAFF Local 413 Collins Aerospace Comcast Business Cord Construction Company Custom Concrete Ltd. Dickey Staffing Solutions Employers’ Coalition on Health (ECOH) EverSmart Insurance Agency Farm & Fleet of Rockford First Benefits Group Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Ltd. - South Mulford Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Ltd. - North Rockton Galapagos Rockford Charter School gift it! Rockford Giovanni’s, Inc. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Global Spiritual Organization Golden Apple Foundation Jason’s Deli Knopp Construction Inc. Laser Quest Lou Bachrodt AutoMall M2 Landscaping LLC

Morgan Stanley - The Custer/ Meisch Group Northern Illinois Health Plan Northern Illinois Vein Clinic Oliver Close, LLC Orput Companies Inc. Pizza Hut (Rockford Pizza Inc.) West Lane Road Pizza Hut - South Alpine Pizza Hut - Perryville Road Pizza Hut - North Main Pizza Hut - 11th Street R.R. Floody Company, Inc. Rally Appraisal, LLC Resort Release Rock Valley Credit Union Shogun Japanese Restaurant Izakaya 88 Talecris Plasma Resources The Carriage Homes of Park Hills VI The Olympic Tavern theFranaGroup U-Haul Moving & Storage of Loves Park University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford University of Illinois College of Nursing - Rockford Campus University of Illinois -Chicago College of Pharmacy at Rockford University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County Urbane Design Studio, Ltd. V2 Marketing Communications West Rock Wake Park Winnebago County Board Office Winnebago County Health Department Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Woodman’s Food Market, Inc. #30 YMCA of Rock River Valley YMCA - Camp Winnebago YMCA – Children’s Learning Center YMCA - Northeast Family YMCA YMCA - Puri Family YMCA YMCA - SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA YMCA - Youth Achievement YMCA Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP

March 2019 Member Anniversaries Thank you to our members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

55-YEAR MEMBER

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Akerman Shoes

Next Rockford NFP, Inc. Restoration Café

30-YEAR MEMBER Al Grace Appliance & TV

20-YEAR MEMBERS Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Crash 1 Collision Center Stifel

15-YEAR MEMBERS Charter Agency Paper Recovery Services Corp.

5-YEAR MEMBERS First National Bank Nicholson Hardware Plastic Parts International, Inc. Rocket Industrial, Inc. Weldstar Co. Wood CPA’s Ltd.

18

| march 2019

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

in the news

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

Members in the News

1. Daniel A. Huntley

2. Dana Northcott

3. Jakob Loescher

4. Jacob T. Fitzgerald

5. Dr. Susan B. Johnson

6. Kelley Peterson

7. Scott Meyers

8. Dr. Gregory M. Richards

9. Dr. Todd C. Daniello

10. Dr. Fateema Turay Rose

11. Angi Calkins

12. Matthew Dunbar

13. Dr. Saad Tariq

14. Jared Blecha

15. Helen Bordenaro

16. Nikolas Maffioli

17. Frank Tarara

18. Stephanie Jennings

19. E. William Wight

20. Eric Magnuson

21. Mike Reynolds

22. Lauren Taylor

23. Andrew Schlupp

24. Julie Whetsel

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Daniel A. Huntley (1), attorney, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, was appointed president of the Severson Dells Nature Center board.

Richard Campbell, ABS Global, joined The Alliance board.

Dana Northcott (2), deputy director of program & funding development and director of the economic development district, Region 1 Planning Council, was appointed to the Grant Professionals Certification Institute board.

Jakob Loescher (3), financial advisor, Savant Capital Management, was named vice president of the Severson Dells Nature Center board.

Jacob T. Fitzgerald (4), CFP®, APMA®, financial advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., was named to Shelter Care Ministries’ board.

Vanessa Stanton, senior personal banker and loan specialist, Illinois Bank & Trust, joined the HomeStart board.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS Family Counseling Services named Dr. Susan B. Johnson (5), LCSW, its new executive director.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope promoted Kelley Peterson (6) to director of participant services.

Illinois Bank & Trust hired Julie A. Enloe, J.D., CPA, as a wealth advisor.

Mercyhealth welcomed Scott Meyers (7) as business manager of prehospital and emergency services, including Mercyhealth REACT air transport services in both Wisconsin and Illinois; Gregory M. Richards (8), M.D., to Mercyhealth Cancer Center– Rockford; and Todd C. Daniello (9), M.D., FACEP, emergency medical services, and Fateema Turay Rose (10), M.D., pediatric gastroenterologist, to Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital– Riverside and Rockton.

Mercyhealth promoted Ryan Boatman to director of biomedical services.

OrthoIllinois welcomed rheumatologist Saad Tariq (13), M.D., to the practice.

Rj Link International Inc., promoted Michael Moss to president & CEO. Rodney Link, owner, will continue as chairman of the board; overseeing future business strategy.

J.L. Clark welcomed Joshua Nilles as electrical engineer and Mhariel Pastrana as design engineer.

PCI Pharma Services appointed Angi Calkins (11) as senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

Midland States Bank hired Matthew Dunbar (12) as director of mortgage.

U.S. Cellular named Jared Blecha (14) as director of sales, corporate owned channel for Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Illinois Bank & Trust promoted Dennis Roop to executive vice president.

Wesley Willows named Helen Bordenaro (15) as director of nursing.

Rockford Area Arts Council named Caitlyn Baylor its new executive director.

Nikolas Maffioli (16), estimator/ project manager, became partner at Wilson Electric Co. Frank Tarara (17) was promoted to estimator/project manager/safety officer.

Blackhawk Bank hired Stephanie Jennings (18) as vice president compliance.

Specialty Screw Corporation hired E. William Wight (19) as chief operating officer.

Illinois Bank & Trust hired Eric Magnuson (20) as vice president in commercial banking.

Rosecrance hired Mike Reynolds (21) as community relations coordinator for the Siouxlandregion, served by Rosecrance affiliate, Jackson Recovery Centers.

PrairieView Golf Club welcomed Lauren Taylor (22) as assistant general manager and Andrew Schlupp (23) as PGA head golf professional. Julie Whetsel (24) was promoted to food service manager and Trent Snodgrass (25) as assistant superintendent of maintenance.

Woodward, Inc., appointed Thomas G. Cromwell to vice chairman and chief operating officer.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Forbes magazine named David M. Cyrs (26), CFP®, CRC®, AIF®, president, Cyrs Wealth Advisors, to its list of Five Star Wealth Managers.

Blackhawk Bank named Brian Mertens (27) as the 2019 Blackhawk Bank Spirit Award winner.

Ian Linnabary (28), president, Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners, received the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award.

Sen. Dave Syverson, deputy Republican leader, received the

Continued on page 19

theVoice

march 2019

|

19

Members in the News

25. Trent Snodgrass

26. David M. Cyrs

29. Annamaria Altamore

27. Brian Mertens

30. Theresa Kmiec

32. Carla Roth

28. Ian Linnabary

31. Samuel J. Castree, Jr.

33. Steven C. Preston

(continued from page 18) 2018 Excellence in Telehealth Leadership Award from the American Telemedicine Association.

Wesley Willows named Shirley Thompson as 2018 employee of the year. Peterson Meadows named David Peterson as 2018 employee of the year. Annamaria Altamore (19) celebrated one year as dining services manager.

Meridian named Theresa Kmiec (30) its Employee of the Month.

Rockford Area Arts Council announced the recipients of its 2019 awards: Margaret Raether, individual artist; Gabriel Roethle, young artist; Band Grandpa Program by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Public Schools, community impact, and Fairy Festival by Womanspace, creative cultural event.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Samuel J. Castree, Jr. (31), senior vice president & general counsel, Staff Management, Inc., was the

featured speaker on “Sexual Harassment Issues in the Workplace” at the winter meeting of the Wire Fabricators Association in San Antonio, Texas in January.

Carla Roth (32), recreational therapist, Rosecrance, keynoted at the Illinois Inter-Agency Athletic Association’s conference in Bloomington in January.

Steven C. Preston (33), president and CEO, Goodwill Industries International, made a stop at Goodwill Northern Illinois, as a part of his national tour; visiting the warehouse, an outlet store, ecommerce operations, a Rockford retail store and The Workforce Connection, its partner in operating Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act adult and youth grants.

Mike Mastroianni, author and president, MDM Consulting, conducted a session for Lifescape Community Services to develop a three- to five-year plan for growth.

Are you a Member with News to Share?

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 DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION

20

| march 2019

theVoice

National Indicators theRegional, economy U.S. Indicators January 2019



Consumer Price Index Unemployment Rate

0.1 percent 4.0 percent

      

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

304,000 $0.03 0.1 percent 0.7 percent (fourth quarter, 2018) 2.2 percent (fourth quarter, 2018) 0.5 percent 0.6 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates Region / State / Nation Oct 2018

Nov 2018

Dec 2018

Jan 2019

Rockford

5.2

9.3

6.3

---

Chicago

3.9

3.6

3.6

---

Illinois

4.2

4.2

4.3

---

United States

3.7

3.7

3.9

4.0

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Illinois Ranked 15th Most Educated State With U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing a correlation between higher education levels, higher income and lower unemployment rates, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2019’s Most & Least Educated States in America.

Illinois ranked 15th overall in a comparison of the 50 states across 20 key metrics, including share of adults aged 25 and older with at least a high school diploma to average university quality to gender gap in educational attainment.

How Educated is Illinois?

30th

Percentage of High-School Diploma Holders

21st

Percentage of Associate’s Degree Holders or College-Experienced Adults

12th

Percentage of Bachelor’s Degree Holders

11th

Percentage of Graduate- or Professional-Degree Holders

10th

Percentage Average University Quality

1st

Gender Gap in Educational Attainment

(1=Most; 25=Avg.)

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

march 2019

|

21

New Chamber Members AFFORDABLE DENTURES AND IMPLANTS Dental office offering full and partial dentures, extractions, repairs, new denture wearer package, consults, x-rays, implants, crowns.

7318 Argus Dr., 61107 Nina Clark 815-227-5481 www.affordabledentures.com/office/ rockford/

THE BMO HARRIS BANK CENTER: ROCKFORD ICEHOGS PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY The Rockford IceHogs are a community-focused organization striving to provide premiere family entertainment for fans of all ages.

300 Elm St., 61101 Julie McIntyre 815-489-8230 www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com

CHIRO ONE WELLNESS CENTER OF ROCKFORD Providing the people of this community with the gold member standard in professional chiropractic and wellness-based services.

6000 E. State St., Ste. 201, 61108 Stephanie Schroeder, DC 815-828-6007 www.chiroone.net

CRIMSON POINTE Our community is designed for senior adults who need some support with activities of daily living.

7130 Crimson Ridge Road, 61107 Bob Blasinkski 815-398-7792 www.lifeatcrimsonpointe.com

EDWARD JONES NICK KLOSTER, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

EDWARD JONES MAREN SANDERS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Contact me today to help develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you.

1641 N. Alpine Road, Ste. 200, 61107 Nick Kloster 815-395-8456 www.edwardjones.com

Contact me today to help develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you.

2715 N. Main St., 61103 Maren Sanders 815-218-7038 www.edwardjones.com

EDWARD JONES BRYAN G. ORVIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON ROCKFORD & THE ROCKFORD CONFERENCE CENTER

Contact me today to help develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you.

4059 N. Perryville Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Bryan Orvis 815-654-1463 www.edwardjones.com

EDWARD JONES JENNY REDINGTON, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Providing personalized service and investment strategies that have proven themselves over the long-term.

4021 N. Mulford Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Jenny Redington 815-637-1668 www.edwardjones.com/jennyredington

Opening April 1, 2020. Email info@ esrockford.com for group reservations or to host your meeting or event.

416 S. Main St., 61101 Bethany Bohn 815-904-4153 www.esrockford.com

FISH WINDOW CLEANING Cleaning company specializing in cleaning windows and exterior building cleaning 1517 Huebbe Pkwy Ste. C Beloit, WI 53511 Donna Spude 815-904-7045 www.fishwindowcleaning.com/30640

HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON A more affordable, all-suite extendedstay hotel featuring contemporary accommodations and customizeable guest room design. Scheduled to open October 2019.

4150 N. Bell School Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Joshua Sanders www.home2suites3.hilton.com/en/ hotels/illinois/home2-suites-by-hiltonloves-park-rockford-RFDHTHT/ accommodations/index.html

MEDICARE 411 CO. Independent Individual Health Insurance Agency working primarily with Medicare eligible individuals.

5192 Harrison Ave. LL, 61108 Tracey Fults 815-329-6937 www.medicare411co.com

MOTOR PARTS & EQUIPMENT CORPORATION (MPEC) - NAPA AUTO PARTS Specializes in the distribution of auto parts and other complementary products 1696 Northrock Ct., 61103 815-963-7609 5350 E. State St., 61108 815-226-4600 1200 Old Beloit Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 815-544-9885 Joseph Hansberry www.mpeconline.com

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF ROCKFORD Residential and Commercial Garage Doors & Openers 5012 28th Ave., 61109 Dave Willmes 815-229-3667 www.overheaddoorrockford.com

WONDERLAND SWEETS Handcrafted Cakes & Confections Ashley Boykin 815-978-7874 ashleysweeteats.wixsite.com/ wonderlandsweets

22

| march 2019

community

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

Community Events

MARCH 2019

Saturday, March 2

University of Illinois Extension presents the annual Gardening for Food, Flowers and Fun, 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., at the NIU Conference Center, 8500 E. State St., Rockford.

Keynote speaker, three breakout sessions, lunch, a silent auction and materials. Register at go.illinois.edu/ jsw or 815-986-4357.

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, presents Sock Monkey Madness Festival: Around the World, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets at 815-397-9112. Visit www. midwayvillage.com.

Sunday, March 3

Ethnic Heritage Museum Irish Gallery hosts a celebration honoring Sue Lewandowski as Woman of the Year, 2 to 4 p.m., at 1129 S. Main St., Rockford. Presentation at 2:30 p.m. She’s spent a decade as president of the museum board. Call 815-962-7402 or www. ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

Monday, March 4

YWCA Northwestern Illinois presents its Leader Luncheon XXXIX: Women of Achievement, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Giovanni’s Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Features Smita N. Shah, founder and CEO of SPAAN Tech, Inc., and the presentation of the Women of Achievement Awards. Visit www. ywcanwil.org/ywca-leader-luncheon.

Tuesday March 5

AAA Travel invites you to Experience River Cruising visiting ports of call in Europe and Asia, 6 p.m., at Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford. Space is limited.

RSVP online at AAA.com/events or call 815-636-9050.

Wednesday, March 6 OSF Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center hosts a Caregiver Support Group, 1 to 2:30 p.m., on March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10 at 5668 E. State St., Suite 2700, Rockford. Free but must register at 815-977-4123 or Amy.E.Mullen@ osfhealthcare.org.

Friday, March 8

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence with support from the United Way of Rock River Valley present Stand for Your Mission: Creating Positive Change Through Advocacy, 1 to 5 p.m., on NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St., Rockford. Speakers include Mayor Tom McNamara and Frank Martinelli.

Visit nicne-stand-for-your-mission. eventbrite.com.

Saturday, March 9

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden hosts a Bus Trip to Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show in Glencoe, Ill. Bus departs from Klehm at 8 a.m.; returns at 4 p.m. Purchase your tickets at 815-965-8146 or klehm.org.

Rockford Park District presents an Orchids for Beginners workshop, 1 p.m., with resident orchid enthusiast Dave Picken. Visit www. nicholasconservatory.com.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra and guest vocal artists Sean MacLaughlin and Sarah Pfisterer perform Broadway’s most iconic hits in Behind the Mask, 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 711 N. Main St. Hits from Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Chicago, Les Misérables and Jersey Boys. Call 815-965-0049 or visit www. rockfordsymphony.com.

Granite City Brewery presents Irish Fest. Dine to donate: Noon to 5 p.m.

Proceeds will be dontated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Sunday, March 10

Midway Village Museum presents Impacts on Manufacturing at Ingersoll featuring Roger Beck, 2 p.m., at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Part of its 2019 Connecting With History Series.

Call 815-397-9112 or visit www. midwayvillage.com.

Tuesday, March 12

Rockford Area Economic Development Council presents Credits & Incentives, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 7675 Walton St., Rockford. Learn about tax credits and incentives available to businesses with Baker Tilly and The Business Valued Advisor Fund*, FirstPathway Community Development, and Southside Community Optimal Redevelopment Enterprises. Register by March 4 at rockfordil.com/events.

Wesley Willows hosts Delicious Evenings events on March 12 and 14, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Castle Town Center. Call Cahlee Denny, 815-316-6001, for questions.

Thursday, March 14

Rockford Public Library and Prairie State Legal Services of Illinois presents Free Legal Help, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. Schedule ahead of time at 815-965-2902 or walk in; first come, first served.

Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter presents Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research, noon to 1

p.m., at Clarendale of Algonquin, 2001 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, Ill. Call 815-484-1300.

First Northern Credit Union presents Women & Money, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 104 N. Show Place Dr., Rockford. Register at www.fncu.org/ seminars. For questions contact Zachary Taylor, 815-701-6111 or ztaylor@fncu.org.

Saturday, March 23 Rockford Park District hosts the Elite Girls Basketball Camp, ages 8 to 17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St. Special guest instructor Cappie Pondexter, Indiana Fever, WNBA All-Star. Register by March 16 at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/ youthsports.

Center for Sight & Hearing hosts its seventh-annual Dining in the Dark – “Rockford’s upscale blind date,” 5 to 9 p.m., at Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road. Tickets at www. eventbrite.com. Email Bobby, breitsch@cshni.org, for dietary restrictions after making your reservation.

Students in Medicine for the ARTS invites you to the sixth-annual Brave Beauties, a free event for breast cancer survivors and fighters, 1 to 4 p.m., at the UIC Health Sciences Campus-Rockford. Massages, crafts, makeovers and food. RSVP to BraveBeautiesinRockford@gmail. com.

Friday, March 15

Monday, March 25

Deadline is today for area high school students, 16 and older, to apply for a two-month paid Summer Science Internship Program on biomedical sciences at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave. Goes from June 10 to Aug. 2.

Students will work with scientists conducting cutting-edge research.

Visit go.uic.edu/highschoolprograms or e-mail jlss@uic.edu.

Sunday, March 17

Midway Village Museum presents So What Does It All Mean?

Lessons From The Experiences of Rockford Business in the New Economy featuring Professor Robert Evans, 2 p.m., at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Part of its 2019 Connecting With History Series. Call 815-397-9112 or visit www.midwayvillage.com.

Wednesday, March 20

Rockford Systems, LLC hosts a Machine Safeguarding Seminar, March 20 to 22, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the first two days, and 8 to 10:30 a.m., the third day. Visit www. rockfordsystems.com/seminars.

The City of Rockford, Rock Valley College and Winnebago County host a Government Purchasing Event, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rock Valley College Stenstrom Center, 4151 Samuelson Road, Rockford.

Distribution of capital spending plans, networking sessions with vendor booths and breakout sessions with companies/agencies on purchasing/procurement opportunities. Free to participate or exhibit. For questions contact Erin Violette, 708-709-3791 or eviolette@ prairiestate.edu.

Thursday, March 21

Peterson Meadows hosts The Upside of Downsizing, 11 a.m. Call Melissa Wright, 815-316-6901.

Manpower, The Workforce Connection and Rock Valley College offer 14-day, fully funded training to eligible candidates to earn a nationally recognized National Institute for Metalworking Skills credential for Measurement Materials & Safety.

Starts on March 25 at 8 a.m.

Register at ManpowerNorthernIllinois.com.

Tuesday, March 26

SCORE Fox Valley Chapter 289 presents Three Email Marketing Trends for 2019, NIU-Rockford Education Center, 8500 E. State St., Rockford. Call 630-692-1162 for questions.

Wednesday, March 27 Rockford Art Museum presents its 2019 Pop-Up Restaurant Series featuring chefs Brian Jason and Ashley Garza, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Reservations required. For tickets visit rockfordartmuseum.org or call 815-968-2787.

Friday, March 29 Heartland Hospice and the mayors of Loves Park and Machesney Park present a National Vietnam War Veterans Day event, 2 p.m., at Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd. Free. For questions call 815-397-3691.

APRIL, 2019 Tuesday, April 2 Dale Carnegie Training presents the Dale Carnegie Course, eight Tuesday evenings from April 2 to May 28, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at the NIU Outreach Center, 8500 E. State St., Rockford. Register at www. dalecarnegie.com or call 309-6916808. For group or on-site training, call Steve Garland at 309-224-8405.

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

march 2019

chamber

Upcoming Chamber Events

MARCH, 2019 Tuesday, March 5

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Panelists Lori Gummow, Winnebago County Clerk, and Jean Crosby, Winnebago County board member, touch on equal representation in elected office.

Sponsored by Associated Bank.

Friday, March 8

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Hear from eight of the 16 candidates running for Rock Valley College Trustee. The first eight were heard during the February meeting.

Wednesday, March 13

Breakfast Buzz - Culture is Key, 7:30 to 9 a.m., 5050 E. State St., Puri School of Business, room 124, Rockford. Andrea Gibbs, strategy execution executive, MPOWR, presents “Lessons in Execution from a Strategic Planner.” Sponsored by RSM US LLP.

APRIL, 2019 Tuesday, April 9 Ribbon Cutting & Open House, 4 to 7 p.m., Upper Cervical Care Center, 4350 Morsay Drive, Rockford.

Wednesday, April 10

Breakfast Buzz - Culture is Key, 7:30 to 9 a.m., 5050 E. State St., Puri School of Business, room 124, Rockford. Mike Mastroianni, President of MDM Consulting presents “Picking The Right People.”

Sponsored by RSM US LLP.

To make a reservation for an event, please register at rockfordchamber.com.

Celebration of

Manufacturing EXPO & DINNER

Expo, 4 to 6 p.m.; dinner and program, 6 to 8 p.m. Keynote speaker John Cruickshank, consul general of Canada in Chicago, United States, presents “Freeing Trade: Canada and Illinois.” Includes the announcement of the Individual Business Catalyst of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year awards.

Sponsored by QPS Employment Group (presenting), Rockford Bank & Trust and WIPFLI LLP (gold), United Way of Rock River Valley (manufacturing awards) and Thayer Lighting, Inc. (silver).

Friday, April 12

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

Thursday, April 25

State of the County Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Winnebago Chairman Frank Haney will deliver his State of the County address.

Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank (presenting) and Comcast Business (silver).

Let your Voice be heard

MEMBERS:

Do you have news to share?

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

DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION

23

Advertisers Index advertisers Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Arc Design Resources, Inc. . . . . . . . .15

Thursday, April 11 4 - 8 pm Cliffbreakers 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford

|

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Rockford Bank & Trust Co. . . . . . . . . .7

Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . .19

Rockford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Construction Business Development Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Rockford Chamber of

Illinois Small Business Development Center . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Schmeling Construction Co. . . . . . . .15

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Commerce . . . . . . . . .2, 13, 20, 21, 24

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Midland States Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Streamline Architects PLC . . . . . . . .15

MPOWR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

of the Rockford Business Community

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ...............................................Direct Line Cori Currey, Membership Development Executive ................................815-316-4336 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO .......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer .................................... 815-316-4312 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep..........815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology ................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment .................... 815-316-4317 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations...................................................815-316-4315 Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development ....................815-316-4337 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller ............................... 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ......................... 815-316-4320 Small Business Development Center .....................................................815-987-8100

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Chair of the Board Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Chair-Elect Dan Ross Gallagher

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP Jan Bowman TLC Construction LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management

Vice Chair Jean Crosby Paula Carynski Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Starck Real Estate Medical Center Treasurer Samuel J. Castree Amy Ott Staff Management, Boylan Catholic Inc. High School Immediate Past Chair Richard Zumwalt Z Resource

Doug Curry Stenstrom Companies

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Karl Swanson Rockford Bank & Trust Co

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Sue Schrieber Don Daniels Mercyhealth SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health John Schuster Rosecrance Health Rebecca Epperson Network Chartwell Agency Teri Sharp Ira Grimmett American Precision Collins Aerospace Supply, Inc.

Udaya Talwar Woodward Jon Thompson Butitta Brothers Automotive

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

APRIL VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS For sponsorship of any Chamber event, please contact Lynette Jacques, VP, Member Investment at

815-316-4317

Moving Business Forward (professional services to grow your business)

Attracting Talent (employment & staffing) For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100