March Voice 2020 by Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

the

KAYAK YOUR STRESS AWAY

2019 BEST STUFF

PAGE 7

March 2020 | Volume 33 | No. 3

of the rockford business community

FAMILY PEACE CENTER

APPLY NOW FOR NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Uniting and unifying the community against violence At present, there are 20+ agencies, scattered

throughout the city, providing assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. To avail all of these services, survivors need to crisscross the city, re-registering at each site and re-telling their painful story.

PAGE 13

By Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green, U of I College of Medicine at Rockford By July 1, 2020 the City of Rockford will officially open the Family Peace Center (FPC) at 313 N. Main Street after more than 18 months of planning.

What is the Center’s Purpose? The FPC is a site which will unite under one roof multiple agencies, both governmental and not-for profit, that will provide services to adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence in our community. At present, there are 20+ agencies, scattered throughout the city, providing assistance to survivors of

domestic and sexual violence. To avail all of these services, survivors need to crisscross the city, re-registering at each site and re-telling their painful story. Most agencies work independently of the other, leaving it to the survivor to patch together a comprehensive set of services. Consequently, most victims are not receiving the support services needed. We think Rockford can, should, and will do better than this hodgepodge of services.

Addressing Violence in Our Community To appreciate the importance of an FPC, we need to understand the magnitude of the problem of domestic Continued on page 3

NW HomeStart and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois seeks applicants by April 1 for the Neighborhood Grants Program; available to neighborhood-based groups and nonprofit organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. Examples of project proposals include beautification, crime prevention, surveys, clean ups, newsletters, organizing, reforestation and resident-focused education. Maximum grants are $2,500. Awards will be announced in May. Visit cfnil.spectrumportal.net. HomeStart also will offer the chance for a team to attend the NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute this fall; geared toward citizens seeking to learn about neighborhood improvement strategies to put into practice in their own communities. Visit nwhomestart.org.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! BEHIND THE BADGE:

The State of Public Safety

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 TEBALA EVENT CENTER

Regional coalition kicks oﬀ U.S. Census 2020 community count Funding, business growth, legislative representation up for grabs By Barbara Connors, The VOICE editor

THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY

Join the Chamber on Social Media

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

Significant funding for programs as well as legislative representation is at stake for the region with the outcome of the U.S. Census. Business decisions on where to open locations, where to expand operations, where to recruit employees, and which products and services to offer also is up for grabs, as new census data reveals population trends and growth projections. In response, a coalition of organizations from the five counties of Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and DeKalb kicked off an initiative in January to ensure everyone in the region is counted. “Data collected from the census will be used to determine representation and funding levels for so many local programs,” said Wester Wuori, City

Did you know the Census Bureau already began counting the population in remote Alaska in January? of Rockford chief of staff and chair of the #815Counts Regional Complete Count Committee. “Every person not counted in our community represents a potential loss of $1,535 per year -- a total of $15,350 in federal funding over 10 years.” More than $675 billion in federal funds is allocated annually to local communities to fund programs for schools, hospitals, fire and police departments, roads and bridges, people with disabilities, the elderly, rural residents and other community service providers. Continued on page 5

For more information, see page 23 SPONSORED BY

APPLICATIONS FOR 2020 ROCKFORD CITY MARKET OUTDOOR SEASON AVAILABLE Vending applications, rules and guidelines are available for the 2020 Rockford City Market outdoor season at www.rockfordcitymarket. com. The 2020 season takes place Fridays, May 15 to Sept. 25. Deadline to apply is April 3 to be on time for opening day on May 15.

ROCKFORD MIDTOWN MARKET OPENS MAY 23 Rockford Midtown Market, a partnership of Katie’s Cup and Midtown District, announced its dates for 2020: May 23 to Oct. 3 in the Rockford Public Schools parking lot. Cars & Coﬀee will return the ﬁrst Saturdays of the month, Midtown Movement and Health the second Saturdays, a new Midtown Flea Market the third Saturdays, and Midtown Mosaic emphasizing cultural diversity the fourth Saturdays.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

PHIL EATON Rosecrance

Let’s provide infrastructure for a stronger, healthier community

I want to thank the editorial board of the Rockford Register Star for their insightful piece about the need to support mental health funding in Winnebago County. The enlightened communication of support of this important initiative is significant in educating the community of the importance of an adequate infrastructure of services for those who struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. Rosecrance is the largest provider of mental health services in the region. I have seen our community resources for mental health diminish dramatically over time, and our local mental health providers work hard to provide needed services with very limited funding. As you consider the ½ cent sales tax referendum, please keep in mind the following: The need for services is great. Winnebago County ranks in the lowest 17 percent of Illinois counties in health outcomes and health factors. Without sufficient behavioral health services, there will be progressive destabilization of the community: decreased quality of

life for the person and family, decreased life span, increased homelessness, increased addictive behaviors including substance abuse, and increased use of emergency services, including healthcare and first responders. Establishing an adequate community-based behavioral health infrastructure will provide a safety net that makes Winnebago County safer, more vibrant, and improves the quality of life of those who struggle…our neighbors, “the least of these.” Those with the softest voices can then be heard. Winnebago County needs more mental health funding. Our county is the only urban area in Illinois with no local funding support for mental health services. The state has cut $4 million in basic services for mental health and substance abuse treatment funding over the past six years, resulting in a significant increase in higher-cost emergency room visits for people in behavioral health crisis. This puts more pressure on Winnebago and other counties to raise funds to meet community needs.

The ½ cent sales tax will increase mental health services in Winnebago County. Most Illinois counties fund additional behavioral health services through property taxes. In Winnebago County, a small sales tax would meet community needs — rather than increasing property taxes. The proposed ½ cent tax would equate to two pennies on a $4 latte, and raise an estimated $12$13 million to be exclusively targeted for community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment services in Winnebago County. There are no other challenges in our community that suffer from such a disparity in services and care as mental health. Individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis need and deserve immediate, compassionate, professional services. Without this funding, how will they be served? Will our emergency and law enforcement personnel continue to be pulled from other important work? All residents of Winnebago County will benefit from a system that supports those struggling with mental illness.

Let’s help those individuals, and help our community, by supporting the ½ cent sales tax referendum on March 17. Philip W. Eaton is Chief Executive Officer of Rosecrance Health Network

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.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

FAMILY PEACE Continued from front page

violence in Rockford. Decreasing the incidence of crime in our city has been and remains a top priority for all citizens. For Rockford to continue to grow and thrive the rate of violent crime must decrease. On a positive note, violent crime has decreased by 17% between 2018-2019. Nevertheless, there were still 18 homicides and Rockford Police responded to over 3,500 incidents of domestic violence. Remedies Renewing Lives (a domestic violence program & shelter) served 1,575 adult and 468 child victims of domestic violence in calendar year 2019. Furthermore, the Winnebago County Courthouse heard 2726 requests for Orders of Protection in 2019. Overall, domestic violence made up 37.7% of all violent crime in Rockford in 2019. The conclusion is, that despite recent successes, the rate of violence in Rockford will remain unacceptably high until we drastically decrease the rate of domestic violence.

Making a Concept a Reality Can a Family Peace Center decrease violent crime in a community? The first Family Justice Center, of which our local Family Peace Center is modeled after, was initially developed in 2002 in San Diego, CA and serves the dual purpose of supporting victims of domestic violence

March 2020

Over 120 volunteers on ﬁve committees and fourteen agencies have committed to work together at the FPC to provide support to victims and work to decrease the rate of domestic violence. and decreasing the rate of domestic violence. The San Diego community attributes their drop in domestic violence, and domestic violence homicides, to the work of the Family Justice Center. Presently, over 110 Family Justice Centers exist throughout the United States and another 25+ internationally. Through the leadership of numerous individuals in our community, including Mayor Tom McNamara, Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Retired Judge Rosemary Collins, and countless others, the concept of a Family Peace Center in Rockford is becoming a reality. The city has collaborated with the Alliance for Hope International in creating the FPC. The mission of the Alliance is, “to create pathways to hope for women, children, and men who are victims of domestic violence and related sexual assault through collaborative, integrated multi-disciplinary centers, teams, and initiatives in order to break the generational cycle of violence…”. A strategic planning event was held in Rockford in May 2019 consisting of

225 community members whose input served to cast the vision for our Family Peace Center. Fast forward to today and we are five months from opening the FPC. Ten agencies have committed to working within the FPC. Initial funding from a Federal grant, State grant, and the generosity of local businesses and community members have been integral to proving the funding needed to move forward. Over 120 volunteers on five committees and fourteen agencies have committed to work together at the FPC to provide support to victims and work to decrease the rate of domestic violence. The Family Peace Center envisions a thriving community where all people have hope and are safe and free from violence. Led by the voices of survivors, the Family Peace Center’s mission is to create pathways to self-empowerment for adult and child survivors of domestic and sexual violence through integrated, longterm services provided with kindness, dignity, and inclusivity, while driving transformation through education and community collaboration.

The Work Has Just Begun As a community, we should be extremely proud of this initiative. However, the work has truly just begun. A successful FPC requires a sustained collaborative effort between city and county officials, the police and sheriff’s office, the State’s Attorney Office,

multiple civic minded organizations, business leaders, philanthropists, and volunteers. It also requires winning the trust of the survivors, so that they believe that the FPC will provide comprehensive, non-judgmental, and substantive help during one of the worst times in their lives. We are pleased to share that the FPC has the full support of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, and already two organizations have organically arisen to raise funds for the FPC, 100 Men Who Give a Damn and 815 Women with a Mission. Through a concerted and sustained effort, we are confident that Rockford will provide the support needed by survivors, decrease domestic and sexual violence, and improve the quality of life for our community! v Alex

Stagnaro-

Green, MHPE,

MD, MHA

is Regional Dean and Professor of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Medical Education DR. ALEX STAGNARO-GREEN U OF I COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT ROCKFORD

at the University of Illinois College of

Medicine

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Developing yourself and your future KYLE J. YORK IGNITE Rockford

What. Who. When. It’s what you know.

people do this through networking

Regardless of our situation: employed, self-employed or unemployed, one of the

groups, some through Chamber events, some through common interest groups, etc. Over the last eight years in banking,

best things you can do for

I am still amazed at the importance

yourself is to actively seek

of how “who you know” will get you

ways to learn new things. Early on in my career, I would often seek out advice from peers and mentors. Consistent advice that I received was to continually develop your skills and continually learn new things. This advice is not just for people in a sales role, but is for all people who want to learn more and develop themselves. From one’s youngest days of learning how to balance and sit up, to learning how to crawl and then walk, to the “traditional” school path of high school and college, to apprenticeship programs of the trades – it is what we learn and what we know that helps us develop ourselves, develop our skills and allow us to expand our knowledge. Regardless of our situation: employed, self-employed or unemployed, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to actively seek ways to learn new things. It can be simple things like picking up a new hobby or more advanced things like pursuing that next level degree. Maybe it’s adding to your repertoire of degrees, certifications, skills, licenses, etc. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort level to increase your knowledge in an area that you may not have the most knowledge in or may not have most interest in learning. Challenge yourself to learn something new every month or every year depending on the goal. With the resources and technology available to most, learning is easier than ever. I encourage you to challenge yourself and continue to grow and develop.

It’s Who You Know In addition to the things you learn and the skills you develop, it is the people you connect with and develop relationships with that will help develop yourself and help shape your future. In my first year of banking, one of my early mentors would always tell me that being a “connector” of people is huge in the banking industry. He would tell me that it is important to attend events, network with the right people and be able to always have someone to connect to a person’s needs or requests. Some

farther in some situations than “what you know.” Connecting with people teaches you things about other people that expands your knowledge. It teaches you things about yourself that you may or may not have known you had in you or sheds light on areas you need to improve, or even areas where you shine. Connecting with people leads to new opportunities, whether it be promotions within your current company or new job opportunities elsewhere. When you are a connector of people, the opportunities are endless.

It’s When You Know For

young

professionals,

professionals who are new to their job/ industry, connecting people may seem like an endless task with no results. It is in time that what you know and who you know will start to pay dividends. It is different for everyone, as everyone has different definitions of success. Being a “successful people connector” could mean that you know who to refer people to for any situation. For some it may be that being a “successful people connector” means that you are often sought out for solutions or referrals. It could be a combination of both. Being a connector of people is a process and does not happen overnight. Start small and stay persistent. Build authentic

relationships

with

the

people you are looking to connect and prioritize your relationships. Invest in your long-term development by pushing yourself to increase your level of “What You Know” and “Who You Know.” Kyle J. York is VP, sales area manager, Illinois Bank & Trust, and member of IGNITE Rockford and IGNITE’s Business Networking Group. The views expressed are those of York’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

CENSUS

The Region 1 Planning Council, which coordinates multi-jurisdictional and longterm projects and planning, has received $920,000 to reinvest in northern Illinois to ensure a complete and accurate 2020 Census count. It awarded 12 sub grants to entities to reach the historically undercounted populations throughout the five-county region.

The Timeline Beginning on March 12, the U.S. Census will begin mailing instructions to every household on how to complete the census. The online version of the survey will be accessible beginning March 26. Final counts will take place by August 2020. For more information visit, www.2020Census.gov. v

RFD grows in its role as Midwest hub for e-commerce freight

Continued from front page

Outreach for Hard-to-Count Areas in the Region

March 2020

Important Dates January 2020. The Census Bureau began counting the population in remote Alaska.

Mid-March 2020. Most households will receive their initial invitations to respond, followed by three additional mailings. People can choose to respond online, by phone or by mail. April 1, 2020. Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, most homes will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Respond based on where you live and sleep most of the time as of April 1, 2020.

May 2020. Census takers begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to make sure everyone is counted. “Nonresponse Followup” will last through July. Self-responses still will be accepted.

December 2020. The Census Bureau delivers apportionment counts to the U.S. President and Congress, as required by law. March 31, 2021. By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.

Landed cargo weight tripled in ﬁve years; thousands of jobs added The Chicago Rockford International Airport’s cargo growth and passenger numbers have set new records, according to an announcement on Feb. 12. In 2019, cargo numbers grew almost 11 percent over 2018, with more than 2.3 billion pounds traveling through the airport. This is in addition to a 55 percent increase in 2018. In September 2019, Airports Council International named RFD as the fastest-growing cargo airport in the world for 2018 for airports that handled more than 250,000 metric tons of air cargo. As the second largest UPS hub in North America, it has continued to increase daily cargo ﬂights,

thanks to UPS, Amazon Prime, other Amazon carriers, ABX Air, ATI and Atlas Air. Nearly 2,000 jobs were created last year, including permanent and seasonal positions with new and existing tenants and construction-related jobs. The airport expects to see 1,000 more jobs added throughout 2020. Last year also saw a more than 7.5 percent increase in total passengers with almost 250,000 travelers on Allegiant Air and Apple Vacations ﬂights passing through the doors, the largest number ever recorded at RFD.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

The following is a summary by Barbara Connors, The VOICE, of an article that appeared in ProfitWise News and Views, No. 1, 2020 by Taz George, Susan Longworth and Mark O’Dell.

Does everyone beneﬁt when an economy does well? Growth in the U.S. economy in the past decade admittedly has benefitted some locations and demographic groups more than others. With the idea that growth alone does not address underlying challenges of equity and opportunity, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held focus groups between September 2017 and January 2018 of roughly 200 key stakeholders in 13 industrial, Midwestern cities, including Rockford. The emphasis was on smaller cities (less than 250,000 population), although Milwaukee was included. Commonalities included a manufacturing legacy and unique history as destinations for blacks during the Great Migration (roughly 1910 to 1970). Some cities represented were home to universities that played a significant role in their economies. Some questions that were posed: ■ Have community and economic development practitioners identified economic inclusion as a priority? ■ If so, how are they defining the problem and addressing barriers to economic growth for lower-income places and people? ■ What strategies are these stakeholders pursuing to ensure economic growth opportunities reach more residents?

A Deﬁcit of Skilled Workers Local labor market conditions were often at the center of the focus group conversations regarding economic inclusion. In some cities, low unemployment and a ‘tight’ labor market were driving practices of inclusion. Those communities with high unemployment wrestled with persistent barriers created by an economy experiencing little to no growth. Establishing a baseline of overall economic growth and prosperity often took precedent over the goal of expanding opportunity to communities with the greatest challenges. A deficit of potential workers, especially those qualified for skilled trades, was a common topic for discussion. “The private sector will say they can’t find qualified labor. There are people that are looking for a job that can’t find (one). There are programs offered at the community college and at the high schools that have low enrollment. It is as much a function of access, as a function of awareness, communication, connecting,

and alignment.” Participants said that the process of training workers for jobs, and the timeframe in which those employees are needed, was out of sync. Identifying viable candidates and then training them takes time. But employers had ‘just-intime’ employment expectations and often were under-informed on resources available in the community to meet their needs for workers. “The programs they offer are not always what people are hiring (for) because it changes so quickly. For a while, they were offering all these welding programs. And now they don’t need welders.” Some participants reflected that a workforce with low education and skill attainment levels was a barrier to implementing growth strategies, as it limited employers that might otherwise consider such a community. The result was a catch-22 of low paying jobs going unfilled because they do not offer a livable wage, but the workforce not being developed to the point where higher paying employers could be attracted. “If a community is only bringing in minimum wage service jobs, then the disparity is going to continue to grow.”

A Coordinating Entity Focus group participants spoke frequently of the need for greater alignment and collaboration among community and economic developers. They stressed the importance of bringing together a wide range of stakeholders and including leaders in state government with access to policy levers. “There are a lot of conversations; they’re not connected.” Many participants expressed desire for a coordinating entity to improve communication, develop a collective vision and mission, establish common metrics and share resources. Therefore, tensions between places within regions, such as central cities vs. surrounding suburbs could perhaps be mitigated. The caution was against defaulting to a local anchor institution. In some cases, that might be appropriate. In others, a new organization should be considered.

More Diversity at the Table Participants described barriers to economic inclusion, with divisions along racial lines among the most prominent barriers; Continued on page 12

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

Relief located right outside your door Get mental focus, immune boost; build memorable experiences Engaging in outdoor recreation goes beyond just physical benefits for your body. It’s good for your mind, body and soul! Urban revitalization is creating an abundance of activity in the city’s downtown district and promoting an active outdoor lifestyle. We know that work- and home-life are your main priorities. But whether it’s by kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, hiking or biking, skiing or snowshoeing, we want people to consider outdoor activity as an essential part of work-life balance. Outdoor recreation creates repeatable, memorable experiences. I can guarantee that my children – ages 11, 10, and 7 – will not remember certain toys or video games when they get older. They will remember us paddling, skiing or camping together. A shared sense of accomplishment, such as completing a paddling or hiking trip together, has a positive effect on interpersonal relationships, whether they are between family, friends or coworkers. Why heed the call of the Great Outdoors? For starters, it is a lot more enjoyable than walking around your office.

Tangible Beneﬁts to Getting Outside 1. It can ease depression. According to a study from the University of Michigan, group nature walks are linked to enhanced mental health and positivity, as well as significantly lower levels of depression and feelings of stress. 2. It can improve your outlook. A study from Glasgow University showed that people who walked, biked or ran in nature had a lower risk of poor mental health than people who worked out indoors. 3. It can improve your focus. According to a study published in Psychological Science, interacting with nature gives your brain a break from everyday overstimulation, which

can have a restorative effect on your attention levels. 4. It can strengthen your immunity. Researchers at Tokyo’s Nippon Medical School found that women who spent six hours in the woods over the course of two days had an increase in virus- and tumor-fighting white blood cells, and the boost lasted at least seven days afterwards. For those of you who are parents, the benefits of getting outside are too great to ignore. A connection to the natural world can help your child develop their body, mind and spirit. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, spending time outside raises levels of vitamin D; helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues. Think clearer focus is for adults only? Studies have shown that exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. Even though we all long for the lazy days of summer from our childhood, the fact is being a child, especially in today’s connected society, can be stressful. There is evidence from a national study that demonstrates children’s stress levels fall within minutes of being out in open, green spaces. We are lucky in this community to have great stewards of our outdoor facilities in the Rockford Park District, the Winnebago County Forest Preserve and other organizations dedicated to providing healthy outdoor activities. Please join me in embracing the abundant outdoor recreation assets we have in our area, because the more we utilize our local resources, the more opportunities we’ll have in the future. I hope to see you on the water or trail! Kevin Versino is general manager of Rocktown Adventures. The views expressed are those of Versino’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

SPECIAL SECTION: Building Talent Pipeline

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

Building the talent pipeline DR. LISA M. BLY-JONES The Workforce Connection

Part of our upcoming regional workforce plan

The Workforce Connection (TWC) has developed a comprehensive regional and local workforce development strategic plan for July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024. The plan was developed in collaboration with many regional partners for the Northern Stateline Economic Development Region, which includes Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties, to recognize economic and social linkages and to foster regional collaboration by aligning workforce development programs and economic development strategies. Employers were also part of the planning process to ensure that investments into training programs met the demand of employers in our region. The leading industries in our region across the four-county area include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and transportation and warehousing. Emerging industries are leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and construction. The Workforce Connection has used the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) model as a strategy in workforce since 2015. It’s a proven strategy that has also been adopted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Employment and Training; the entity that funds our efforts in this region. It’s a simple approach that requires coordinated collaboration with lots of communication. The framework is ideal because it’s flexible enough to be used with new initiatives, or it can be used to enhance existing initiatives.

A Plan Including Everyone Early on in his administration, Governor Pritzker issued an executive order to strengthen the state’s commitment to workforce development and job creation. As a local workforce board, TWC is required to address the three action areas called out in the governor’s executive order and include them as part of our regional plan. 1. Unite workforce development partners around regional cluster strategies. 2. Prepare Illinois workers for a career, not just their next job. 3. Connect career seekers with employers. By applying principles of the TPM Model, we engage employers in demand planning, communicate competency and credential requirements and analyze talent flows. In an economy where the national unemployment rate was 3.4% in

The lessons we learned is that this work requires ongoing engagement. As we continue to provide the facilitation of TPM strategies for industries, our most active is in healthcare. December 2019, the unemployment rate for Rockford sits at 5.8%. If we want to increase economic development for our region, considerations must be made to create an economy that works for everyone by increasing the skills of the workforce, including those with barriers to employment. At TWC, we implemented the TPM strategy in manufacturing and in healthcare. The lessons we learned is that this work requires ongoing engagement. As we continue to provide the facilitation of TPM strategies for industries, our most active is in healthcare. Our staff provides critical labor market information, convenes business partners and serves as a liaison for service providers to be responsive to the businesses. Additional resources are sought after and leveraged based on projects we select to implement. In addition to a regional plan that covers the counties that make up our Economic Development Region, we are also required to develop a four-year action plan for Boone, Stephenson and Winnebago, which makes up our local workforce area. The local plan sets forth strategies to direct investments in economic, education and workforce training programs to provide relevant education and training to make certain that individuals, including youth and individuals with barriers to employment, have the skills to compete in the global market and employers have a ready supply of skilled workers. The regional workforce plan for the four counties that make up our economic development region is a great foundation to build upon by leveraging existing resources. If we are intentional about linking with the regional assets, we can save time and resources, lessen confusion and expand collaboration. Dr. Lisa M. Bly-Jones is board executive director of The Workforce Connection. The views expressed are those of Dr. Bly-Jones’ and do not necessarily represent the views of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

DR. EHREN JARRETT Superintendent RPS 205

Two schools achieved model status

Students earn valuable certiﬁcations; a high percentage graduate Since we began our College and Career Academies in the Rockford Public Schools, the goal has been to transform the high school experience and create a deep connection between the school district and the community. I am pleased to share an important validation of our progress. Two of our academies have achieved model status, the highest level of proficiency set by the National Career Academy Coalition. The organization notified the district that the Health Academy at Guilford and the Production Academy at Jefferson achieved model status. Model status signifies the academies met the coalition’s 10 National Standards of Practice, which are research-based, best-practice benchmarks for preparing students for postsecondary education and careers. The standards are in categories such as academy design, teaching and learning, governance and leadership, community involvement and sustainability. Reviewers from the career academy coalition were on site at Guilford and Jefferson for interviews and evaluation late last year. It was the culmination of a rigorous review process. Because the process is intensive, we are submitting only two of our high school academies for accreditation at a time. People often ask, “Are the academies working?” Model status says they are. It recognizes academies succeed in improving outcomes for students when the academy model is carried out with fidelity.

100 Percent Graduate A sample of the data submitted for model status illustrates the value for students. Both academies have high graduation rates, as measured over the three years students are in their chosen academies. (Students don’t choose an academy until their sophomore year.) The 376 students in Guilford’s Health Academy had a 100 percent graduation rate for school year 2018-19. The 385 students in Jefferson’s Production Academy had a 96 percent graduation rate for school year 2018-19. Both academies offer career certifications. Students in Jefferson’s Production Academy can receive certification from the National Institute

Model status is a milestone on the way to a community where students want to stay because there are so many opportunities, and companies want to stay because there is so much talent. of Metalworking Skills (NIMS); the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) and OSHA 10, a standard job-site training in manufacturing. Students in Guilford’s Health Academy who complete the pre-med/nursing pathway sequence can graduate with a CPR certification, dual credit and a CNA license. In addition, both academies have achieved thresholds for an important concept called purity. Purity means teachers and students in the same academy are highly likely to be together for their core classes and academythemed projects and lessons. These things sound simple, but I assure you they are not. They require extraordinary coordination and collaboration, not just at the school level but with external business and civic partners. And, of course, the students themselves deserve much of the credit for their commitment and focus. I’ve said before that a great school system is not just a place where you get a diploma. It’s a place where student achievement coexists with a deep community connection. Model status is a milestone on the way to a community where students want to stay because there are so many opportunities, and companies want to stay because there is so much talent. Congratulations to the academies that have earned the recognition and those that are on their way. 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.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

First graduating class of Career Online High School A solution to Rockford’s sizable high school dropout epidemic

In February, the program celebrated its ﬁrst class of adult graduates who successfully earned their high school diplomas and gained career skills in one of 10 employment ﬁelds. Career Online High School, a nationally accredited program located at Rockford Public Library’s Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford, aims to be one of the solutions to Rockford’s more than 12,000 residents, ages 25 to 65, who have not completed high school, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures. The program combines online tutoring and in-person support at the library as needed, and accepts credits already earned by students in high school and previous GED attempts. In February, the program celebrated its first class of adult graduates who successfully earned their high school diplomas and gained career skills in one of 10 employment fields. Bolstered by this success, community supporters have launched a fundraising program to finance 50 scholarships to the online high school in 2020, and 150 scholarships in 2021 and 2022. Fifteen scholarships already have been funded. Based on local graduation rates, the program estimates that nearly 300 adults are added each year to the balance of those without high school diplomas.

SPECIAL SECTION: Building Talent Pipeline

March 2020

“We think if we appropriately grow the program, we’ll be able to cut that number in half; taking a big bite out of the annual deficit we are accumulating,” said Peter Provenzano, CEO of SupplyCore. He, along with his wife Heather, recently donated to the program in the name of their new boutique hotel, Hotel Kate, and with the hopes that others will follow their lead. “We see RPL’s Career Online High School program as an exciting low-friction way for adult-learners, particularly working single mothers, to attain their high school diplomas,” Provenzano said.

Fundraising Campaign Underway The cost to educate each student is $1,500. The library’s fixed budget funds a cohort of five students each year. The private fundraising group has an initial goal to raise $75,000 to educate 50 students starting this year. Eventually the group wants to raise enough funds to educate 150 students a year. Raising money is not the only thing the fundraising group wants to accomplish. According to LoRayne Logan, founder/president of workplace and a program donor, “in addition to raising funds through private donors, RPL hopes to raise awareness and recruit volunteers to serve as in-person support for the RPL COHS students.” Email COHS@rockfordpubliclibrary. org or visit www.rockfordpubliclibrary. org/careeronlinehighschool.

STEM Workers in Fierce Demand According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis, STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — professions are expected to grow 8.8 percent between 2018 and 2028, compared to just 5.0 percent for all other occupations. The median annual STEM wage is $84,880, compared to $37,020 for all non-STEM occupations. Software developers can expect the most job growth, with 241,500 new jobs between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS. Computer and information systems managers the highest median wage at $142,530. WalletHub compared the 100 largest metro areas across 21 key metrics, from per-capita job openings for STEM graduates to annual median wage growth for STEM jobs.

BEST CITIES FOR STEM JOBS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 18.

Seattle Boston Austin, Texas Atlanta Pittsburgh San Francisco Raleigh, N.C. Madison, Wis. Minneapolis San Diego Chicago

Professional Opportunities Rank 1 7 5 6 13 3 4 21 26 27 52

How do STEM graduates perform in the labor market relative to graduates from other ﬁelds? The lack of adequately trained professionals with degrees in computer science and data science means that employers are struggling to ﬁll positions, resulting in more STEM career options for nondegree holders who are self-trained through massive online open courses (MOOCs) and other online tutorials. How can local authorities make their cities more appealing to STEM graduates and technology companies? STEM jobs tend to be located in major cities, but many opportunities are being created in

STEM Friendliness Rank 8 1 20 22 14 3 16 18 19 31 17

Quality of Life Rank 19 64 14 13 11 63 38 17 23 7 24

rural communities, and many STEM professionals work remotely. To make locations more appealing to technology companies, educational pathways in local districts should provide plenty of optimally trained STEM graduates. Lack of STEM professionals can prevent businesses from investing in communities. The local infrastructure must also be well suited to expanding businesses. This includes making reasonably priced local housing and reliable public transportation available. Lynnette Michaluk, research assistant professor, West Virginia University for WalletHub.com

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

R O C K F O R D

CENTER FOR

C H A M B E R

C O M M E R C E

Leadership Development

Let’s Take a Nap CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber

According to a 2018 survey performed by staﬃng agency Accountemps, 74% of professionals report working tired somewhat or very tired often. I’m tired. Now please realize, I’m writing this in February. You’re reading this sometime in the future – more than likely March. Maybe it sits on your desk until April. Maybe you’re reading this in your office while “participating in a webinar,” while taking a break from the endless amount of emails in your inbox, or on a Saturday morning with a hot cup of coffee before the rest of the house wakes up. It doesn’t quite matter when you’re reading this. I guarantee you – right now, whenever now is, I’m tired. According to a 2018 survey

O F

performed by staffing agency Accountemps, 74% of professionals report working tired somewhat or very tired often. Another article I found calls Millennials the Tired Generation (one of the nicer terms I’ve heard about Millennials in awhile!). The American Psychological Association points to the Millennial Generation as the most stressed out generation. My own personal experience would point to the same. We are all tired. My texts are often filled with friends desperately trying to figure out how to balance everything on their plate. They are constantly feeling bad for

We need to stop. All the things. Just stop. We need a break from the noise. We need to go on a walk with friends or be comfortable sitting in the quiet of the car with nothing but our thoughts and the open road. We need to figure out a way for employees to recharge and reenergize before they fade and burnout. I would guess that we’re missing untapped potential that’s being stolen away by coffee and creamer. We need to re-evaluate boundaries and learn how to manage our time not to fit one more thing into a cramped day, but to allow for moments of whitespace, void of all the noise. I’m terrible at this. I’m working to force myself to slow down, take a breath and learn to say no a bit more. I’m guarding my time without excuses or guilt. I’ve sat down and asked myself what in my life deserves a “yes” and, by default, everything else gets a no. It isn’t easy. And most days I don’t do it as well as I would like. But every now and then I get a day that’s full of energy. And that feeling is one worth fighting for. After my nap, that is.

shortchanging some part of their life – be it career, family, their health, their community. Someone is always getting the short end of the stick, and someone else is always feeling guilty about it. We’re constantly hustling for the next big thing. We’re told that the only way to succeed is to hustle. The world is constantly demanding our attention with ads and articles and videos and billboards and more. We’re living in a world of information overload and our brains are just worn out. There are days that I feel my brain is made of mush. It takes me so much longer to do tasks when I feel drained and depleted. I have gotten into a bad habit of reaching for the coffee pot when my brain is misfiring. Or I take a break and scroll through my newsfeed. Caitlin Pusateri is vice president, leadership Both of these leave me jittery and more development at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. anxious than I was before.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise The case for support of small business MIKE MASTROIANNI SBDC

We need to continue to grow our own

Small businesses are the backbone of any local economy, and support for those that assist small businesses is very important if the businesses are to remain solvent and grow. Often, the services of those that support small businesses are taken for granted, yet funding must come from somewhere if those services are to continue to be provided. Why should people support small business? According to “start-up facts: small business trends,” 99 percent of America’s 28.7 million firms are small businesses, and small businesses employ 53 percent of U.S. workers. Interestingly, 70 percent of businesses are formed by an entrepreneur with less than $200,000 who needs to take out loans or get the money from other sources. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Service Corps of

Retired Executives (SCORE), many independent businesses, human resources and financial consultants provide services to the entrepreneur. For start-ups, SCORE and the SBDC offer initial services at no cost to the entrepreneur; getting them ready for further help from independent consultants, if needed, or for growing their company. The Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C., provides federal dollars as a pass-through to the state’s SBDC and SCORE chapters. The SBDC dollars require cash-match funding, and the host organization provides those match and inkind dollars to offset expenses. Support from local banks and industries can help offset the expenses. In the SBDC, a large number of clients are women- and minorityowned businesses. Loans given to these underserved populations can sometimes

be counted towards a bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements; the institution’s record for promoting the economic development of the community in which it’s chartered, and providing community services towards low- and moderate-income individuals.

Why Do Small Businesses Fail? There are several reasons. ■ The leadership of the organization has issues. ■ The company is not meeting client’s needs. ■ There is not a good business plan and financial plan to help the company stay solvent and grow. ■ Growth comes too quickly, and the company cannot keep up with the expansion. ■ The company has poor financial management. The SBDC advises clients so that they can avoid the pitfalls listed. By providing business planning, social media, website development, marketing and basic HR assistance, a company has a better chance of succeeding. The local Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber is grateful for the

banks that have come through with supporting dollars, as well as the Small Business Administration, the city, the county, and of course, the generosity of the chamber.

Supporting Those That Support Small Businesses Without the assistance that the SBDC provides, many of the businesses we mentioned would never get off the ground or never grow. Many of the SBDC clients are “repeat” customers; they come in for multiple advising sessions at all stages of their growth, from start-up to selling the company. We are proud of their success stories, and the companies have persevered and grown into profitable small- to mid-size businesses; employing people and helping to stabilize our region. As a community, we can’t afford to wait for the next Woodward to locate in Rockford. We have to grow our own. Support for the SBDC is critical in incubating businesses in our region. We look forward to strategic partnerships and support dollars so that we can continue the work we do in creating wealth in the region. Mike Mastroianni is director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

SPECIAL SECTION: Architecture & Engineering

March 2020

Gov. Pritzker announces $500 million towards Illinois Innovation Network

RMTD adds diesel hybrid electric buses to ﬂeet

UIC Health Sciences Campus-Rockford to be a hub site

Big reduction in carbon emissions

The UIC Health Sciences CampusRockford was named a hub site for a massive economic development undertaking built on state-of-the-art technology, higher education and private partnerships. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on Feb. 11 the release of $500 million in capital funding for the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) and Discovery Partners Institute (DPI). “We are investing in workforce development, innovation and R&D all across our state,” Gov. Pritzker said, naming 15 hubs across the state, from Chicago to Rockford to Peoria to Edwardsville. Led by the University of Illinois System, the Rockford campus will be the site for the Illinois Rural Hub of the IIN. The campus has distinguished itself as a center for rural medicine education since 1992. Estimated impact statewide, according to Boston Consulting Group, is $19 billion and 48,000 new-economy jobs over the next decade.

to begin architectural design work,

Rockford: Home of the Illinois Rural Hub

to the $500 million in state funding.

IIN and DPI are focused on preparing students and workers to step into lucrative, high-tech jobs, and increasing funding for the applied research and development that will create more of them. It also will aim to increase the diversity of the state’s neweconomy workforce. Funding committed by Gov. Pritzker will allow hubs across the state

Another $224 million in non-state

while attracting more private funding from both corporate partnerships and philanthropy. The university has raised roughly $230 million to date from private donors. “We

are

looking

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

forward

expanding our role in rural health professions education as we develop the Illinois Rural Hub at the UIC Health Sciences Campus-Rockford as part of the Illinois Innovation Network,” said Alex Stagnaro-Green, M.D., regional dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. He said he expects about $3 million in allocations.

The region’s air will be that much cleaner, thanks to the purchase and arrival of ﬁve, 35-foot diesel hybrid electric buses to Rockford Mass Transit District’s 520 Mulberry Street facility. The $719,167 price tag per bus to Gillig Corporation was funded by state and federal money. No local funds were used. The new buses replace ﬁve existing buses and use Series-ER electric hybrid technology from BAE Systems, a combination of a smaller diesel engine and an energy storage system. It’s estimated this will result in up to a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and close to a 90 percent overall reduction in emissions from the buses they are replacing. When running in electric mode, there are zero emissions coming from the bus, and its diesel engine goes into electric mode when stopped. The bus also can be programmed into electric mode in designated areas such as schools, medical facilities or other densely populated areas. The buses are less expensive to maintain with less fuel expenses and need for fewer brake changes and engine component replacements. The district plans to continue replacing the remaining 14 vehicles with funds obtained through a combination of federal competitive grant programs, federal formula funds and new state capital program funds.

In developing the Illinois Rural Hub, Stagnaro-Green hopes to attract other health professions programs in addition to medicine, pharmacy and nursing. The University System has pledged to secure $500 million in corporate and philanthropic funding to add So far, $230 million has been raised. funding has been secured through its universities in Urbana-Champaign and Chicago, as well as Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Health Sciences campus in Rockford and Eastern Illinois University.

ECONOMY

Continued from page 6

compounded by geographic segregation and exacerbated by concentrations of wealth, resources and political power. Many cities and regions failed to incorporate racial diversity reflective of the general population into leadership across public and private sectors. Those struggling the most with economic inclusion often lacked representation in important policy conversations. “Often we will see the same set of people at the table representing the particular group. There are more people that ought to be at the table. We need to broaden that conversation to make it deeper.” Participants highlighted the risks of speaking or acting, intentionally or unintentionally, on behalf of affected populations or communities without their input, with faulty assumptions about their needs undermining potentially effective interventions. “I’m on several boards where it’s a bunch of folks in the room making rules for nobody that’s in the room.” Race was not the only factor acting as a barrier to economic participation and as source of fragmentation. Poverty, age, English fluency and immigration status also were mentioned. “You typically lean toward people that you feel more comfortable with … a lot of times people don’t recognize their own biases.”

Importance of Trust Another frequently reported sentiment was that the business community should be actively involved in supporting inclusion. It was mentioned that businesses often were disinclined to help develop a talent pipeline that is years away from directly benefiting their access to workers. Another key barrier was distrust across geographies, racial groups and other lines. Conversations around (lack of) trust were most frequently heard in places experiencing periods of prolonged economic distress.

Making It Intentional One recurring message: Policies designed for groups not adequately represented in the policymaking process could have significant unintended consequences. Unless policies and programs had an expressly stated inclusion mandate, participants felt inclusion would not happen. Explicitly identifying race as a barrier was crucial. Community development leaders should be cognizant of the ways racial barriers manifest across institutions and systems. The bottom line among many focus group participants: Change will only occur with intentional, explicit interventions. The article in full can be found at www. chicagofed.org/publications/profitwise-newsand-views/2020/inclusive-economies-focusgroups.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

SPECIAL SECTION: Architecture & Engineering

March 2020

Popular Science’s

100 BEST

product innovations of 2019 Breakthroughs in medicine, home, recreation, transportation Last December, Popular Science magazine named its 2019 “Best of What’s New” award winners. Editors reviewed thousands of products in search of breakthrough products and technologies that represent a significant advancement.

2019 Grand Award Winners 1. Aerospace. The LightSail 2 by Planetary Society 2. Auto. Car2x vehicle-to-anything communication by Volkswagen 3. Engineering. Impossible Burger 2.0 by Impossible Foods 4. Entertainment. Stadia by Google 5. Gadgets. 5G Networks 6. Health. Zulresso by Sage Therapeutics (innovation of the year) 7. Home. Free P-series by Leatherman 8. Personal Care. AirWrap by Dyson 9. Recreation. 4D Mag googles by Smith 10. Security. Black Hornet personalreconnaissance system by FLIR Systems

Sampling from a Few Categories Health Zulresso by Sage Therapeutics. First FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression. Administered by a 60-hour intravenous infusion. A pill form currently is in clinical trials. Vaxelis by Sanofi and Merck. First shot that protects against six different transmissible diseases: Haemophilus influenzae type b, poliovirus, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Given in three doses when infants are 2, 4 and 6 months old. HeartGuide by Omron. First FDAapproved smartwatch that tracks blood pressure with an inflatable strap that

functions like a blood pressure cuff. Aemcolo by Cosmo Technologies Ltd. An antibiotic pill approved in the United States for the most common noninvasive strains of E. coli; the most frequent causes of traveler’s diarrhea. Sickle cell treatment by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics. A gene-editing tool used on the DNA of an American woman with sickle cell anemia. Total SF by Colgate. Contains stannous fluoride, a far more potent version of dental flouride, which up until now, has stained teeth yellow and dark brown. Spravato by Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. An FDA-approved drug, currently a nasal spray, for treatment-resistant depression. A derivative of the powerful anesthetic ketamine. SoToxa by Abbott. A handheld diagnostic tool that officers can use to test saliva for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamines and benzodiazepines in the field. Results in about five minutes. Palforzia by Aimmune Therapeutics. For people with severe peanut allergy, a daily pill that contains small doses of the peanut protein. Personal Care Mirror. A 52-inch-tall reflective surface becomes a screen for live and recorded group classes in dance, strength training and Pilates. A built-in camera allows customers to connect with private instructors. Shimmershade by Supergoop. The first eyeshadow with SPF 30 protection. Somnox Sleep Robot by Somnox. A kidney-shaped “robot” that soothes to sleep with its mechanical breathing. Accelerometers and CO2 sensors help it automatically match respiration rate,

then gradually slow down to coax into a similar speed — and a state of relaxation. Home Lightcycle by Dyson. Desk and floor lamps channel heat away from their LED bulbs; extends their life to 60 years. The Connect the Dyson Link app controls the lamp to mimic the movement of the sun in a location, with warmer beams in the mornings and afternoons and cooler ones later in the day. V11 vacuum by Dyson. Sensors in the cordless stick vacuum’s brush bar measure tension and determine whether it’s moving over a smooth hardwood floor or thick carpet, adjusting battery power accordingly. Power Clean faucet attachments by Moen. Three snap-on attachments for kitchen faucets to help clean the toughest gunk and hardest-to-reach spots cooking gear has to offer. E-Priam stroller by Cybex. Batteryoperated stroller with sensors in the handlebar that detect how hard you’re working, and then power the wheels to make the job less strenuous. Recreation Bio-White Gas by Foothill Fuel. The company collects veggie oil from restaurants; refining it into a greener, renewable alternative: Bio-White Gas. Active Spine Technology by Mammut. Backpack with flexible aluminum and fiberglass frame to move with your body instead of against it, reducing fatigue and increasing comfort. ANGi by Specialized. A device on your helmet that pairs with a phone. The accelerometer and gyroscope detects an impact or spill, sounds an alarm if the wearer fails to respond within 90 seconds and sends the location to an emergency contact.

Recool by Igloo. Disposable cooler made of economically friendly, recycled wood pulp and paraffin wax. Engineering Impossible Burger 2.0 by Impossible Foods. Yeast cells produce large quantities of Heme molecules, a large part of what gives meat its meaty flavor. Galaxy’s Edge theme park by Disney. Disneyland’s new 14-acre stretch in Anaheim, Calif. Star Wars fans journey on the planet of Batuu with animatronic droids and whizzing lasers and pilot the Millennium Falcon. A metal forest by Silicon Kingdom Holdings. A forest of 1,200 mechanical “trees” pull more carbon dioxide out of the air than any human-made endeavor before it. BLUE by UC Berkeley. A robotic arm less than the cost of a couple of laptops. Can be trained to fold laundry, clean the bathroom or unload a dishwasher. Still in UC Berkeley labs, it’s projected to ship to households in the next few years. Project SVAN by Kongsberg. Allowed 80 passengers to ride a ferry with no crew between two islands in a Finnish archipelago in December 2018. Tights by Sheertex. Made from featherweight polymer with tensile strength rivaling that of steel. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The longest sea crossing, a bridge from China to Hong Kong that can withstand 125-mile-per-hour winds and magnitude 8 earthquake tremors. Mjøsa Tower by Voll Arkitekter. The world’s tallest wooden building. Its 18 stories are made entirely of fire-resistant laminated timber. Details on all 100 innovations can be found at www.popsci.com/story/technology/best-ofwhats-new-2019.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

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C O M M E R C E

economic development IMTS and the Rockford Region Economic development eﬀorts are focused around touchpoints. The more companies, decision-makers and individuals the organization connects with, the better the chance to provide assistance for expansion, increased opportunities for recruiting businesses to locate in the region, resources necessary to sustain or grow, B2B connections, and strengthened existing supply chains. Through trade shows, conferences and exhibitions, the RAEDC cultivates opportunities for primary job growth that increases the economic well-being of our region. We are already starting to gear up for the IMTS show on Sept. 14 to 19, 2020 at McCormick Place in Chicago. If your company is attending or exhibiting, we would like to know. This allows us to push your company’s participation through our network and helps promote your business at no cost to you. Contact Anna Garrison, manager, projects & events, at AGarrison@ RockfordIL.com or 815-969-4261.

Quality of place: The Rockford Region The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) continues to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic wellbeing of our region and propel us to be a Top 25 community. That is the mission of the RAEDC. The daily work of economic development is the work of creating and tending to connections between our region and site selectors, brokers, companies and elected officials. We share the work everyone in this community does to develop customized education-to-workforce pipelines; buildto-suit, speed-to-market strategies, and an open-arms philosophy of welcoming

all people into the region. All of this has taken years to develop and will continue to make the Rockford Region a place -- not only to live, work and play -- but as a place to make your mark. “Quality of Place” simply means our region is an opportunity region, a place that supports the growth of a business, an individual, a family, a dream. The Rockforward2020 numbers illustrate that the efforts of our community are paying off. Economic impact indicators are measured from Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2019 as part of the five-year Rockforward2020 strategy.

Key Economic Indicators

New/Retained Jobs 7,376 74% to goal of 10,000

Capital Investment $1.230,433,738 133% to goal of $925M

New/Renovated Space 5,345,568 sq.ft. 67% to goal of 8 mil.sq.ft.

Key Economic Indicators The RAEDC provides quarterly updates 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.

U.S. retail trade sector hits nearly $5,270 billion in sales for 2018 U.S. retail trade sales increased for the entire retail trade sector by 4.3 percent, from more than $5,053 billion in 2017 to nearly $5,270 billion in 2018, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 Annual Retail Trade Survey. Not surprisingly, one of the big winners was electronic shopping and mailorder houses.

Some Highlights ■ Motor vehicle and parts dealers had sales of more than $1,191 billion, representing an increase of 1.6 percent over the previous year. ■ Sales for grocery stores increased to more than $665 billion in 2018, or 2.7 percent from almost $648 billion in 2017. ■ Electronic shopping and mail-order houses had sales of almost $612 billion in 2018, up 11 percent from more than $551 billion in 2017. ■ Sales for gasoline stations increased to almost $504 billion in 2018, or 9.7 percent from $459.5 billion in 2017. The U.S. Census Bureau has been conducting the survey since 1952. For more information, visit Annual Retail Trade Survey (ARTS) at www.census.gov.

More property tax relief coming for Harlem schools Harlem Unit District 122 has received the Illinois State Board of Education Property Tax Relief Grant. The grant gives school districts with high tax rates an opportunity to lower taxes on local property owners, with the state replacing the lost tax revenue. Harlem’s grant amount will be determined in future District 122 calculations. More information on the grant and a listing of each eligible school district can be found at www.ISBE.net/proptaxrelief.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

 Destination

GUEST COLUMNIST ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Raising our national proﬁle — in a good way

A year ago, in this space, we asked you to pick up digital trumpets to share the good news about our region with your social media networks by becoming 815 Ambassadors. Today, we want to say THANK YOU (and invite additional ambassadors to join the team)! Thanks to more than 350 active Ambassadors, a dozen positive stories featuring the Rockford region as a great place to live, work and visit have been trumpeted across multiple online platforms for a reach of more than 400,000 people. We launched the program in February 2019 in partnership with our friends at Transform Rockford, the City of Rockford and RAEDC. Here’s how it works: At least once monthly, we email friends who sign up as Ambassadors, asking them to post stories about our region on their various digital platforms including Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. The circle of influence widens with each share and repost among social media users in the Ambassadors’ networks. Our intent is to leverage your standing as regional thought leaders to reach your far-flung and influential networks of friends and business contacts. Gone are the days when Rockford allowed itself to be defined — too often in negative terms — by others. We needed to be more aggressive in telling our own story. For the past few years, with the help of our PR team, we’ve been promoting and securing placement of positive news stories nationally about the region. By sharing these stories, Ambassadors play a vital role in raising our national profile in a way that benefits the local economy. This positive news highlights to outside investors that Rockford has the assets they need to flourish here. When we launched this program, we were pretty sure you would be eager to share information that persuades you daily that you’re living in the right place at the right time. You didn’t disappoint.

We have evidence that the program is working as we envisioned. Here are subjects of our top posts, along with the publication or online site where the stories initially appeared and the number of impressions for each post.

Top Posts We’ve Shared 1. Best of the Midwest: 9 must-see destinations worth a visit in 2019, Chicago Tribune, 8,489 impressions 2. Rockford Art Museum feature story Chicago Tribune, 6,897 impressions 3. Rockford Airport adding 500 jobs, Chicago Tribune, 6,121 impressions 4. Rockford’s Pride for NBA Champion Fred VanVleet, Forbes, 3,888 impressions 5. 12 Regional Water Parks with Tickets Under $30, Sherman’s Travel, 2,455 impressions 6. Rockford, Illinois has a plan to stop homelessness by the end of the year, Fast Company, 1,768 impressions 7. On the Wings of Innovation in the Rockford Region, Machine Design, 1,014 impressions 8. Penny Marshall Remembered at Play Ball event, www.mlb.com, 923 impressions For all the stories we’ve pushed out to our Ambassadors, we’ve amassed 524 shares, 3,263 clicks, 70,507 impressions and $14,441 in earned media value. Again, thanks to you! We’re pleased with how the program is working, and we invite anyone who hasn’t already signed up to do so. It takes just a minute. Go to www.gorockford.com/ media/815-ambassadors/. Your trumpet awaits. John Groh is president/CEO of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. www. gorockford.com The views expressed are Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

CHRIS PONTERI SVA Trust Company/ Wealth Management

The SECURE Act is here! Now what?

Five things you can do to stay on top of the new law

Late last year Congress passed a bill, which President Trump signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019. The bill made sweeping changes to retirement account rules. The law – called the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act – took effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Much has been written about the act and how it could have a favorable impact for some, but not for others.

Changes with Biggest Impact for Most ■ The age limit for contributions to traditional IRAs, which was 70½, has been eliminated. Now those who are working and have earned income can continue to contribute to a traditional IRA, regardless of their age. ■ The age that you must begin taking distributions (also known as Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs) from your IRA has been raised from 70½ to 72.

contribute to an IRA. Remember there is no longer an age limitation! 2. Find your IRA paperwork and review your beneficiaries. If you have a trust and have named it the beneficiary of your IRA, you might want to reconsider this. If you named your grandchildren as beneficiaries because of the stretch payout, you might also want to reconsider that. 3. If you have a traditional IRA, consider converting it to a Roth IRA. Current tax rates are low and your beneficiaries may be in their prime earning years when they inherit your IRA, so it could be a good strategy to do a Roth conversion. You will incur taxes upon the conversion, but your beneficiaries won’t when they receive their distribution upon your death. 4. Consider creating an irrevocable trust and naming it the beneficiary of your IRA. A charitable remainder

■ The so-called “Stretch IRA” has been eliminated in favor of a 10-year rule. This means that, in most cases, the beneficiaries of a decedent’s IRA will have to receive all of the funds within the 10th anniversary year following the IRA account holder’s death, rather than stretching it out over their life expectancy. There are some exceptions to this rule including minor children, beneficiaries with disabilities, surviving spouses and beneficiaries who are not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner.

unitrust (CRUT) or irrevocable life

Five Things You Can Do Now

Chris Ponteri is trust officer, SVA Trust

Here are five things you can do now to ensure that you are taking full advantage of these new rules. 1. If you are still working after age 70, make sure you continue to

Management.

insurance trust (ILIT) are two examples of trusts that could help you accomplish your goals. 5. If you are planning to give to a charity in your estate plan, consider doing it through your IRA. The SECURE Act could have a substantial impact on retirement and estate planning. You should make it a priority to review your plans to ensure they are still viable.

Company, and wealth manager, SVA Wealth

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

March 2020

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

legislative

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

More than 250 new laws for Illinois

More than 250 laws took eﬀect on Jan. 1, 2020 for Illinois residents. Here are some related to health and human services.

MATERNAL BLOOD PRESSURE EQUIPMENT

HB 2433/PA 101-0091 Requires every hospital to ensure that it has the proper instruments available for taking a pregnant woman’s blood pressure.

Illinois residents’ genetic testing results will be protected, thanks to a new Illinois law eﬀective Jan. 1, 2020. Companies that provide direct-to-consumer commercial genetic testing, such as ancestry.com and 23andMe, no longer can share test results with health or life insurance companies without the consumer’s consent. The number of people who have had their DNA analyzed with directto-consumer genetic genealogy tests more than doubled during 2017 and exceeded 12 million in 2018. Last year, an estimated 1 in 25 American adults now have access to personal genetic data. Source: Sen. Steve Stadelman’s Weekly Bulletin, Dec. 20, 2019

New laws ensure privacy, protect personal information

SENIOR FACILITY CLOSED CAPTIONING TVS

HB 3468/PA 101-0116 Provides that most senior living facilities, mental health facilities or medical facilities, such as a hospital, must make reasonable eﬀorts to enable closed captioning on televisions in common areas and patient rooms. If there is no television that has closed captioning options, then all new televisions must have a closed captioning feature.

SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF PANCREATIC ENZYME THERAPY

SB 1250/PA 101-0205 Requires school districts to allow any student with an asthma action plan, an Individual Health Care Action Plan, an Illinois Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan and Treatment Authorization Form, a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program to self-administer any medication required under those plans if the student’s parent or guardian provides written permission for selfadministration and written authorization from the student’s doctor. Requires school districts to adopt an emergency action plan for students who self-administer medication. Provides that a school district and its employees and agents shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by a student under this subsection, and requires the student’s parent/guardian to sign a statement to this eﬀect.

CARDIOPULMONARY MONITOR MANDATE

Illinois law protects DNA test results

Protecting individuals’ personal information is the intent behind several new laws taking eﬀect Jan. 1, 2020. House Bill 2408/PA 101-0385 prohibits a person from posting private compromising images of another person online. It also provides for a process for a person to obtain a “take-down” order to have the images removed. Under Senate Bill 1624/PA 101-0343, data breaches impacting more than 500 Illinois residents as a result of a single breach must be reported in the most expedient time possible to the Attorney General. Source: Sen. Dave Syverson’s Senate Week in Review: New Laws Edition, Part II

Governor signs bill to cap insulin copayments

In January, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation to cap out-of-pocket expenses for prescription insulin at $100 per month. Illinois is only the second state to limit insulin copayments. State Sen. Steve Stadelman, who has a diabetic teenage son, co-sponsored the bill; arguing that capping costs to make insulin affordable will save money in the long run as diabetics won’t be inclined to ration insulin. Senate Bill 667 doesn’t go into effect until January 2021 to give insurance plans a sufficient amount of time to adjust their rates. The cap will apply only to state-regulated commercial insurance plans. Source: Sen. Steve Stadelman’s Weekly Bulletin, Jan. 24, 2020

Comptroller puts brakes on red-light camera debt

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced that her office will no longer assist municipalities in collecting fines for violations caught by red-light cameras. In 2012, the General Assembly authorized municipalities and other local governments to use the Office of the Comptroller to help collect debts resulting from unpaid traffic tickets. Outstanding debts were collected from violators by withholding state income tax refunds or other payments. The red-light camera industry and contracts with local municipalities and political officials have recently come under scrutiny as federal investigations continue. The comptroller’s assistance with unpaid traffic tickets from red-light cameras came to an end on Feb. 6, 2020. Source: Sen. Dave Syverson’s Senate Week in Review: Jan. 6 to 10, 2020

HB 3471/PA 101-0218 Mandates the coverage of cardiopulmonary monitors for children who have had a cardiopulmonary event.

CHILD EPINEPHRINE INJECTOR COVERAGE

HB 3435/PA 101-0281 Mandates insurance coverage for children’s epinephrine injectors when deemed medically necessary.

PHARMACISTS ADMINISTER INJECTIONS SB 1715/PA 101-0349 Provides that the “practice of pharmacy” includes the administration of injections of long-term antipsychotic medications pursuant to a valid prescription by a physician.

MEDICAL CANNABIS ADMINISTRATION IN SCHOOLS SB 455/PA 101-0370 Requires all schools (public, charter, private) to allow a school nurse or administrator to administer medical cannabis to students who are registered, qualifying patients while on school premises, a schoolsponsored activity or before or after normal school activities. Authorizes all schools to allow self-administration of medical cannabis if it takes place under the direct supervision of a school nurse or administrator. Requires parent/guardian written authorization which is eﬀective for the school year in which it is granted and must be renewed each subsequent school year. Requires the product to be stored with the school nurse at all times and only accessible to themselves or the administrator. Requires the State Board, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, to develop a training program for school nurses and administrators that they must complete annually before administering medical cannabis. Schools must keep records of who has completed the training. Source: Illinois Senate Republicans

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

MARCH 2020

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Rockford University’s Puri School of Business presents a Business Brieﬁng on bachelor’s degree completion, 5:30 to 7 p.m., in Puri School of Business, 5050 E. State St. No cost but register at 815-2264040 or www.rockford.edu/ bsmsinfo.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Rockford University presents a Breakfast Briefing, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., in Puri School of Business, 5050 E. State St. Assistant Professor Jeff Karlberg, Ph.D., presents “No Tears, No Fears: Removing Emotion from Negotiation.” Free but register at www.rockford.edu/briefing. YMCA of Rock River Valley hosts its 2020 YMCA Community Dinner featuring America’s Got Talent singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey, 5 to 9 p.m., at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Tickets at www.rockriverymca.org/ communitydinner. RAMP’s E3 Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder: Preparing for Success, 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., at Kishwaukee Community College, 21193 Malta Road, Malta. Register at give.classy.org/E3Conference.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 PaleoFest 2020 takes place March 6 to 8 at Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford. Visit burpee.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Discovery Center Museum presents Ag All Around Us, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www.discoverycentermuseum.org. University of Illinois Extension presents Gardening for Food, Flowers and Fun, its annual horticulture workshop, at the NIU Conference Center, 8500 E. State St., Rockford. Register at extension. illinois.edu/jsw or 815-986-4357. Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents Women Rock, 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. Special guest vocalists will perform classic rock songs honoring female singers and songwriters who changed rock ‘n’ roll. One winner among regional high school students also will perform. Tickets at 815-965-0049 or www.rockfordsymphony.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 9 Dale Carnegie Training of Greater Illinois presents a free Dale Carnegie Courses Preview Night, 6 to 8 p.m., at 4919 Blackhawk Road, Rockford. RSVP at 309-224-8082.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

2HB HR & Beneﬁts presents its Spring 2020 Seminar, 8 a.m. to noon, at Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford. Overview of current legal and legislative human resources and beneﬁts topics. Three CEUs have been applied for. Register by March 6 at 815-977-3496, ext. 211, or email wduval@2HBSolutions.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 RAMP presents Special Education & Disability Services 101, 10 a.m. to noon, on March 11 and April 22 at RAMP at Mercyhealth Rockton Clinic, 2300 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford. For parents struggling with getting needed educational services. Visit tinyurl.com/ parenttrainings.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Dancing with the Stars – Live Tour 2020 featuring Sailor Brinkley-Cook at Coronado Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m., 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at Coronado PAC and BMO Harris Bank Center box oﬃces, 815-968-5222 or www.Ticketmaster. com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” 8 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets at Coronado or BMO Harris Bank Center box oﬃces, 815-968-5222 or bit.ly/ColinBradRockford. Use code COMEDY for discount.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 OrthoIllinois hosts a Rehab Explorer Program for high school students interested in physical therapy, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 5875 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Tickets at Eventbrite.com or 815-398-9491. Rockford Art Museum hosts a free public opening and awards ceremony for the 79th Young Artist Show: High School Division, 1 to 3 p.m., at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. Exhibition open through April 11.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Upper Cervical Care CenterRockford presents Migraines and other Headaches: Is there a Solution? 10 to 11 a.m., at 4350 Morsay Dr., Rockford. Free. Register at 815-398-4500 or www. myrockfordchiropractor.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 Center for Sight & Hearing hosts its eight-annual Dining in the Dark, 5:30 p.m., at Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Tickets at www.cshni.org or 815-332-6834. SCORE presents Shape Up Your Social Media, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at NIU Rockford, 8500 State St., Rockford.

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

Virginia Weiskopf, Weiskopf Consulting, presents an overview of various social media platforms. Register at FoxValley.Score.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 University of Illinois Extension presents its second-annual Industrial Hemp Production Workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Highland Community College student conference center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. Register at go.illinois.edu/jsw or 815-2354125.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 Mercyhealth hosts a free Cardiac Support Group, 6 to 7 p.m., at Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton, Funderburg auditorium, 2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford. Last Wednesday of each month. Register at 888-39-MERCY. Call 815-9711670 for questions.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 [usual] Suspects Into the Woods, 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, March 27 to April 11 at Keith Country Day School, 1 Jacoby Place, Rockford. Tickets at www.usualsuspectspresents.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 30 Heartland Hospice presents the free, second-annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans-A Time to Heal in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, 1 to 4 p.m., at Loves Park City Hall, 100 Heart Blvd. Ceremony at 2 p.m. Call 815-3973691 for questions.

APRIL 2020 FRIDAY, APRIL 3 United Way of Rock River Valley presents its Centennial Gala, 5:30 p.m., at Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel and Rockford Conference Center, 416 S. Main St. Features cocktails, dinner and ﬁreworks show. Email info@ unitedwayrrv.org for details and ticket information. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, presents Sam Lewis, part of its Americana Music Series, 8 p.m. Tickets at the box oﬃce, 815-968-5222 or www. Ticketmaster.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 6 Dale Carnegie Training of Greater Illinois presents Dale Carnegie Skills for Success, eight weekly classes, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at 4919 Blackhawk Road, Rockford. RSVP at 309-224-8082. Stillman Bank presents Are You Prepared? Retirement Planning Seminar, April 6 from 6 to 7 p.m., at Rockford Public Library, 6685 E. State St., and April 8 from 6 to 7 p.m., at Byron Museum Theatre, 110 N. Union St. RSVP at 815-332-8100 or marketing@stillmanbank.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 Earth Day 50! Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Awards Banquet takes place at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Keynote by former Mayor Doug Scott, Great Plains Institute. Visit www.knib.org, 815-637-1343. Illinois SBDC at Rockford Chamber of Commerce presents a 2020 SBA Lender Forum, 9 a.m. to noon, NIU-Rockford, room 100, 8500 E. State St., Rockford. Contact 815-316-4301 or SBDC@ rockfordchamber.com for questions.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Discovery Center Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History host an Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www. discoverycentermuseum.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 Dale Carnegie Training of Greater Illinois presents Dale Carnegie Develop Your Leadership Potential, a three-day course, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 4919 Blackhawk Road, Rockford. RSVP at 309-224-8082.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 WWE LIVE, 7 p.m., at BMO Harris Bank Center. Tickets at the box oﬃce or www.ticketmaster.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts the Great American Cleanup, 9 a.m. to noon. Teams or individual volunteers will clean various locations in Winnebago County. Sign up at www.knib.org or 815-637-1343. Discovery Center Museum of Rockford and Rasmussen College School of Nursing host Future Nurse Academy, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www. discoverycentermuseum.org. Alzheimer’s Association hosts the 17th annual Unforgettable Art Event at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford. Visit www. unforgettableart.org or contact Rebecca Peters, rapeters@alz.org or 815-484-1300.

MONDAY, APRIL 27 Rosecrance Foundation presents its 2020 Beneﬁt, 6:30 p.m., at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Features singer/ songwriter and pianist, Emily Bear, and stories of inspiration and recovery. Tickets at rosecrance.org/ rockfordbeneﬁt or elipinsky@ rosecrance.org.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Northern Illinois University launched a new, weekly program, The Northern Almanac, in honor of its 125th anniversary. Hosted by Clint Cargile every Monday in 2020 at 12:31 p.m., it focuses on events that shape the entire region.

SupplyCore received a maximum $300,000,000 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operationstailored logistics support in the Central Command Area of Responsibility by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support last October. It’s a three-year base contract with two one-year option periods. WATT Global Media hosted three live events and showcased its digital publications and products, and events scheduled for 2020, at the International Production & Processing Expo in January in Atlanta. The Circle of Change received a $10,000 grant for its Veterans Dog Program by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program. Community Foundation of Northern Illinois approved a $6,204 Arts and Humanities Grant, supported by the Glenn E. Thiel Memorial Fund to The Music Academy in Rockford for Candlemas Eve at First Lutheran Church. U.S. News & World Report for the fifth year ranked Health Management Resources, offered by OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, as the No. 1 Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet for 2020.

quarterly dividend of $0.1625 per share. [usual] Suspects, a theatrical production company in the Rockford area since 2015, will now hold its performances at Keith Country Day School. In 2020, there will be four plays and musicals, along with the Second Stage series of performances. Chartwell Agency oversaw marketing and public relations eﬀorts for Beloit Health System’s 50th anniversary event.

Buisch and Hogin by the Donald V. and Britta A. Peterson Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program. The exhibit is on view Feb. 7 to May 25. Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, which represented more than 340 children in Juvenile Abuse and Neglect Court in 2019, received a $12,300 grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced eight tourism University of Illinois College of events in 2020 and 2021; slated to Medicine Rockford received a deliver $12,643,430 in tourism two-year, $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Northern economic impact. Locations include Illinois Dr. Louis and Violet Rubin Fund Mercyhealth Sportscore One, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two and its to continue research detecting lung cancer in earlier, more treatable stages. onsite Indoor Sports Center, Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & In Winnebago County, 2,076 Rockford Conference Center, individuals were screened, with 17 Cliﬀbreakers Events & Riverview Inn & early-stage lung cancer cases Suites, Don Carter Lanes, The Cherry detected. The goal is to expand to Boone, Ogle and Stephenson counties. Bowl and Park Lanes. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara announced that the phase 1 location of the Family Peace Center will be located at the city-owned space at 313 N. Main St., in downtown Rockford; currently occupied by the Region 1 Planning Council. Set to open in early June, it will be at this location for two years while the city looks to purchase and renovate a permanent location. KMK Media Group developed a series of message on hold digital marketing ﬁles for Zund America, Inc., Milwaukee.

Collins Aerospace Systems gave Discovery Center Museum $75,000 to purchase a Mobile STEM Lab for an afterschool program for students in Rockford Public Schools. Nearly University of Illinois at Chicago’s 1,000 children in eight at-risk Health Sciences Campus-Rockford elementary schools and four middle received an $18,000 grant from the Dr. schools will interact through hands-on, Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the interactive STEM activities with Community Foundation of Northern Discovery Center educators and Collins Illinois’ Community Grants Program Aerospace volunteers. towards the Health Careers Pathway Initiative. Four one-day seminars offer Midway Village Museum received a contribution from Woodward hands-on experiences to area Charitable Trust to fund a new roof on students interested in health and the iconic Millhouse. The Rotary Club science careers. of Rockford East/Cherry Valley gave a Hub Printing, a sheetfed and digital grant for the successful Civil War printer, merged with Thrift-Remsen Hands-On History education program. Printers, a sheetfed, digital and direct Last year more than 7,000 students mail firm. The combined, family-owned attended. company, which operates out of Hub Forest City Gear added its second Printing’s facility in Rochelle, now is KAPP VUS 55P Form Grinding called Hub-Remsen Print Group. Machine, which expands its capacity Rockford Park District received the for very high precision finish grinding of Government Finance Officers external, internal, straight and helical Association award for Outstanding gears and special profiles. Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting and the Certificate Mercyhealth is promoting safe sleep by gifting every newborn delivered at of Achievement for Excellence in Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside with a Financial Reporting. free Halo SleepSack Swaddle. Woodward, Inc., declared a cash Woodward, Inc., reported financial dividend of $0.28 per share for the results for its first quarter of fiscal year quarter, payable on March 3, 2020 for 2020 ending Dec. 31, 2019. Net sales stockholders of record as of Feb. 18, were $720 million, compared to $653 2020. It originally was announced as million; an increase of 10 percent. part of the merger transaction with Hexcel Corporation and represents a Rockford Art Museum received a $2,500 grant for Sonic Disruptions: 72 percent increase over the previous

Illinois Bank & Trust completed acquisition of Rockford Bank & Trust. Now former Rockford Bank & Trust customers can access the six Rockford locations and four Stockton, Elizabeth and Galena banking centers, as well as the 60 ATMs, surcharge free. Rockford IceHogs’ 22nd season tickets for 2020-21 now are on sale. With the Lucky 7’s promotion, new full-season ticket holders will receive a free ticket to the ﬁnal seven regular season home games of 2019-20, while new 20-game holders will receive the

final three regular season home games of 2019-20 for free. More than 20 local officials from the five-county region attended an hourlong Census Training Session in February; hosted by the Regional Complete Count Committee to educate elected officials on the 2020 U.S. Census. Comprehensive Community Solutions received an $115,094 operating grant from the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition, Inc. In 2019, the Illinois General Assembly approved a grant of $2.5 million for new, existing and restarting programs around the state; administered through the Illinois State Board of Education. Womanspace seeks applications by April 15 from senior high school students in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle County with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 for a $1,000 college scholarship. The chosen academic field must be fine art, writing or women’s studies. Visit www.womanspace-rockford.org. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center received reaccreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine through July 2024. YWCA Northwestern Illinois received an Access to Justice Program grant to expand communitybased legal services to vulnerable populations, such as immigrant communities, and train community navigators to conduct mass knowyour-rights education and outreach.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

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

1. Leslie West

2. Brent Johnson

3. Kerry Leigh

4. Connie Kelly

5. Ron Allen

6. Julie Altenbernd

7. Paul Arco

8. Michael Randone

9. Dave Marshick

10. Stephanie Lawton

11. Scott Bordwell

12. Jessica Hernandez

13. Laura Kockner

14. Victoria Ulman

15. Danielle Mirabal

16. Dave Zegunis

17. Kristen Paul

18. Nick Povalitis

19. Kristi Amenda

20. Steve Schou

21. Colleen Fry

22. Marc Smith

23. Gabrielle Torina

24. Dr. Altaf Dawood

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Leslie West (1), State Farm Insurance & Financial Services, was appointed to the Greater Rockford Airport Authority Board of Commissioners by Mayor Tom McNamara; replacing Pastor K. Edward Copeland who retired in December 2019. Steve Summers, morning host for 95.3 the Bull, joined the GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford board. Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association elected board oﬃcers: Brent Johnson (2), Ringland-Johnson Construction, president; Steve Schmeling, Schmeling Construction Co., chairman, and Joel Sjostrom, Sjostrom & Sons, Inc., treasurer. Kerry Leigh (3), executive director, Natural Land Institute, was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources advisory board through January, 2025. Connie Kelly (4), Century 21; Ron Allen (5), retired pharmacist, and Julie Altenbernd (6), Rock River Disposal, joined the Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful board. Winnebago County Medical Society elected new board members: Tiﬀanie S. Ferry, M.D., president; W. Stephen Minore, M.D., president-elect; Jennifer Lane, D.O., secretary; Mitchell S. King, M.D., treasurer. Directors: H. Trent Barnhart, M.D.; Douglas P. Roegner, M.D., and Christopher M. Whelan, M.D.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS Paul Arco (7) was named media relations coordinator for OSF

HealthCare’s Northern Region. Mike Robinson retired after 12 years in the role.

National Bank and Trust’s wealth management team as a trust & investments oﬃcer.

infection preventionist certiﬁcation. Candice Hamilton (28) was named 2019 Employee of The Year.

Per Mar Security Services hired Michael Randone (8) as key account manager.

Colleen Fry (21) was named Rosecrance’s director of alumni relations.

Rosecrance hired Molly Reid as community relations coordinator.

Fehr Graham promoted Marc Smith (22) to senior engineering technician in Rockford.

Specialty Screw Corporation gave its President’s Award to Lance Owen (29) in December for outstanding service.

SwedishAmerican welcomed Jessica Skinner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, as a float nurse in family medicine. First National Bank and Trust promoted Dave Marshick (9) to senior vice president commercial banking manager, Kyle Lamb to vice president & commercial banking team leader in Walworth County, Stephanie Lawton (10) to vice president small business portfolio manager, Scott Bordwell (11) to SVP commercial banking manager, Jessica Hernandez (12) to vice president and branch manager, Laura Klockner (13) to bank secrecy act officer, Victoria Ulman (14) to loan operations manager and officer, and Danielle Mirabal (15) to loan operations manager and officer. Dave Zegunis (16) joined as residential loan originator. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promoted Kristen Paul (17) to director of destination development and Nick Povalitis (18) to vice president of marketing & sports development. David Byrnes, executive director, Midway Village Museum, announced his retirement in December 2020. The search for a new executive director is underway. Kristi Amenda (19) joined Blackhawk Bank as a mortgage planner in the Beloit market. Steve Schou (20) joined First

Michael Eickman and Loraine Miatke, owners of Eickman’s Processing Company, have retired. Tom and Katie Eickman now are the owners. Transform Rockford hired Gabrielle Torina (23) as engagement and communications manager. Mercyhealth welcomed Dr. Altaf Dawood (24), gastroenterology, to Mercyhealth Physician Clinic– Riverside. Emily Tams (25) was named the new communication strategist at V2 Marketing Communications. Betty Waits was named the new manager of the Rockford Midtown Market, a partnership of Katie’s Cup and Midtown District. Thayer Lighting, Inc., welcomed Jacob Gracia (26) as solar energy advisor. Former Rockford IceHogs head coach Jeremy Colliton and assistant coach Sheldon Brookbank now serve behind the bench for Chicago Blackhawks. To date, 119 skaters have graduated to the NHL after playing with Rockford, including 89 with the Blackhawks.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Nanette Maher (27), nurse manager, Wesley Willows, completed her

Dr. Raymond Garcia (30), medical director, Rosecrance Harrison campus, completed the process to maintain psychiatry credentials with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. Paul Green, managing director – investment oﬃcer, Wells Fargo Advisors, was recognized on the Best in State Advisors list by Forbes. Entré Computer Solutions named Shelley Turecek (31), executive account manager, as its 2019 Employee of the Year. The Cave People from Space team of Joseph Goral (captain), Brian Hierstein and Kelly Madison won the Rockford Park District’s Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition with “Player Piano.” They advanced to the 2021 U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wis. Nine state teams, 17 high school teams and one exhibition team competed. Keith Country Day School ninth grader Saketh Dontaraju (32) won the Southwestern Illinois National History Bee and National History Bowl tournaments as a one-person team. He competed against teams of two to ﬁve players and older high school students. Lori Wallace (33), project manager, KMK Media Group, served as a judge for the American Advertising Federation’s annual ADDY District 9 creative awards competition in Dubuque, IA.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Organizations announce leadership succession plans 25. Emily Tams

26. Jacob Gracia

27. Nanette Maher

28. Candice Hamilton Dr. David Gomel

Philip Eaton

David Byrnes

Dr. David Gomel named Rosecrance president & chief operating oﬃcer 29. Lance Owen

30. Dr. Raymond Garcia

31. Shelley Turecek

32. Saketh Dontaraju

33. Lori Wallace

34. Michael Vincent LaLoggia

35. State Sen. Dave Syverson

36. Ned Gillette

David Gomel, Ph.D., was named president and chief operating officer of Rosecrance Health Network effective Feb. 2. It’s the first step in the transition to retirement for current Rosecrance President/ CEO Philip Eaton, the agency’s leader since 1982; who began as a social worker in 1971. While Dr. Gomel is responsible for operations, Eaton will remain as CEO, with a plan for Dr. Gomel to take full responsibility and report directly to the board beginning in January 2021. Dave Gomel started at Rosecrance in 1993 as a counselor in adult substance abuse treatment. Most recently, he’s served as regional president of Rosecrance, Inc. He holds a doctorate of philosophy in public policy and administration with an emphasis in nonprofit administration and has overseen the day-to-day services of the organization’s many sites and expansions for several years.

Midway Village Museum leader David Byrnes to retire

37. Carlos Hernandez-Garcia

38. Clark Colborn

Boylan Catholic High School hosted an Athletic Signing Ceremony on National Letter of Intent Signing Day, Feb. 5: Grace Pidde, girls’ swimming, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and Justin Kerestes, boys’ baseball, Northwood University. A team from Thurgood Marshall middle school, Rockford Public Schools, won the Rockford Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition in February: Ekaterina Dmitrieva, Huan Lin, Xavier Keller, Zach Garner and Carolyn Meingast (coach). The top two individuals were: Sara Koshi and Sally Bradley (coach), Rockford Christian middle school, and Sohm Srimani and Dennis Federico (coach), Keith Country Day School. Michael Vincent LaLoggia (34), managing director – investment oﬃcer, LaLoggia Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, was named to 2020 Forbes Best In State Wealth Advisors Ranking for the third year in a row. The recipients of Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ 2020 Blanche Martin Mini Grant awards for early childhood through 12th grade educators in Boone and Winnebago counties are: Aaron Reinold, Belvidere High School; Caitlin Treece, Midway Village Museum; Jennifer Timmer, Winnebago High School; Emily Klonicki, Rockford Public Library;

39. Kerry Schaible

40. Mark Barba

Cynthia Heckman, Stephen Mack Middle School, and Wendy Breit, Riverview Elementary. State Senator Dave Syverson (35) (R-Rockford) received the Cyndy Fogarty Lifetime Achievement Award by the Stateline Chamber of Commerce for a leader within Rockton-Roscoe area who has made a signiﬁcant positive impact. Ned Gillette (36), director and branch manager, Baird, was recognized in Illinois as a FORBES Best In State Wealth Advisor. Per Mar Security Services named Carlos Hernandez-Garcia (37), site supervisor, as its 2019 Security Oﬃcer of the Year. Peterson Meadows named Clark Colborn (38) as 2019 Employee of the Year.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Kerry Schaible (39), ChFC, RICP, CLU, CLTC, ﬁnancial advisor, Northwestern Mutual, attended a webinar, “Creating Financial Security for a loved One with Special Needs.” Mark Barba (40), M.D., OrthoIllinois, co-authored “Wear particles induce a new macrophage phenotype with the potential to accelerate material corrosion within total hip replacement interfaces,” a research paper published online by Elsevier, Ltd.

Following two decades of leading Midway Village Museum, David Byrnes announced his retirement in December 2020. Byrnes is credited with growing World War II Days into one of the largest military re-enactments of its kind in the country and hiring professional staﬀ to completely organize and catalog the collection of more than 150,000 artifacts of Rockford history, including beginning to digitize it. He oversaw the “Many People, One Community” interactive exhibit and created a large rental department for weddings and family and business events. Midway Village is actively searching for a new executive director.

aMBaSSaDOR DOR SPOTLIGHT Marcia Keough

Operations Manager, Two Men and a Truck Rockford Chamber Ambassador for six months I enjoy meeting new people and being involved in the community. I have met so many wonderful people and learned about their businesses that are around and in the city of Rockford

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

March 2020

economy

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

U.S. Indicators January 2020



Consumer Price Index Unemployment Rate

0.1 percent 3.6 percent

      

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

225,000 $0.07 0.5 percent 0.7 percent (fourth quarter, 2019) 1.4 percent (fourth quarter, 2019) 0.3 percent 0.7 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates Region / State / Nation Oct 2019

Nov 2019

Dec 2019

Jan 2020

Rockford

5.0

5.1

5.8

---

Chicago

3.4

3.1

2.8

---

Illinois

3.9

3.8

3.7

---

United States

3.6

3.5

3.6

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in January 2020 AAA Rockford Addante & Associates, Ltd. Advanced Disposal Solid Waste Services Advantage Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Willwood Burial Park American Solutions for Business (Formerly Skyward Promotions) Apex General Contracting A-Sign Designs Barnes International, Inc. BMO Harris Bank Center BMO Harris Bank Center: Rockford IceHogs Professional Hockey Byron Forest Preserve/PrairieView Golf Club Campos Construction, Inc. CIT Trucks Collins Aerospace Comcast Business D.Q. Grill & Chill - Dairy Queen Perryville D.Q. Grill & Chill - Dairy Queen Sandy Hollow Road EverSmart Insurance Agency Exclusive Condominium Management Family Counseling Services of Northern Illinois Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Ltd. - Mulford Road Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Ltd. - Rockton Avenue Forest Hills Country Club Freeway Rockford, Inc., Subsidiary of Freeway Corporation Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Grandview Condominium Association H & R Block Holmertz-Parsons, CPA’s Hughes Media Corp. Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful La Quinta Inn & Suites Rockford Leading Lawyers Lehan’s Medical Equipment LOESCHER & Associates, Ltd. Metropolitan Title Agency Midwest Packaging and Container Midwest Stitch Motor Parts & Equipment Corporation (MPEC) NAPA Auto Parts 1696 Northrock Court

Motor Parts & Equipment Corporation (MPEC) NAPA Auto Parts 5350 East State Street Motor Parts & Equipment Corporation (MPEC) NAPA Auto Parts 1200 Old Beloit Road - Belvidere Northern Illinois Health Plan Orput Companies Inc. Paul Lundeen Merchant Services, Inc. Pierce Laminated Products, Inc. Pizza Hut - 11th Street Pizza Hut - North Main Pizza Hut - Perryville Road Pizza Hut - South Alpine Pizza Hut (Rockford Pizza Inc.) West Lane Road Powertrain Rockford, Inc. Progressive Steel Treating R.R. Floody Company, Inc. Rally Appraisal, LLC Ray King REALTOR Ray Law Oﬃce, P.C. Richard L. Johnson Associates, Inc. Rock Valley Credit Union Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity Inc. Rockford Broach, Inc. Rockford Regional Health Council Rockford Woman’s Club/Rockford Theatre Shogun Japanese Restaurant Izakaya 88 Taylor Company The Carriage Homes of Park Hills VI The Workforce Connection theFranaGroup Thor Computing, Inc. University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Wired Café YMCA - Camp Winnebago YMCA YMCA – Children’s Learning Center YMCA YMCA - Northeast Family YMCA YMCA - Puri Family YMCA YMCA - SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA YMCA of Rock River Valley

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS CARAVEL AUTISM HEALTH Autism Diagnostic and Treatment Services 6565 E. State St., 61108 Jessica Popilek-Ayling 262-442-4308 caravelautism.com

CHECK INTO CASH

Small Personal Loans, Title Loans 3437 N. Main St., 61103 Kristin Gardner 815-282-8282

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY

State Government Department that processes claims for Unemployment Insurance and provides referrals to employment for anyone. 303 N. Main St., Ste. 200, 61101 Ted Duckett 815-395-6645 www.ides.state.il.us

SEDONA OF ROCKFORD

Providing a spectacular environment for truly productive meetings and unforgettable events. 1113 30th St., 61108 Marlene Schoeneck 815-289-5945 www.sedonaofrockford.com

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

chamber

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

MARCH, 2020

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Women’s Business Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Rd., Rockford. Caitlin Pusateri, VP of Leadership Development at the Rockford Chamber presents “Small Steps, Big Changes.” Sponsored by Associated Bank.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 IGNITE Lunch with a Leader, noon to 1 p.m., PURI School of Business, room 124, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. This month, hear from Melissa Pratt with Beef-A-Roo! Sponsored by Wintrust Commercial Banking.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 Breakfast Buzz – Networking 101: The Strategy of Connecting, 7:30 to 9 a.m., PURI School of Business, room 124, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Diane Navickis, president, Custom Training Resources, will share strategies of connecting. Sponsored by RSM.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 Ribbon Cutting, 3 p.m., at Autism Home Support Services, 7177 Crimson Ridge Dr., Ste. 110, Rockford.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Government Aﬀairs Council, 7:30 a.m., at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 IGNITE after 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Mary’s Market, 4431 East State St., Rockford. Join IGNITE for our monthly After 5 event and get to know your local young professionals in a social setting. Sponsored by Wintrust Commercial Banking.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Ribbon Cutting, 10:30 a.m., at Nettie’s Mercantile & Café, 625 West State St., Rockford.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Ribbon Cutting, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., at State Rarm – Danna Krischke, 6735 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Behind the Badge: The State of Public Safety, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford. Presenters Winnebago County Sheriﬀ Gary Caruana and City of Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea will review current public safety data, trends and initiatives. Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank (presenting) and Comcast Business (silver).

BMO Harris Bank . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Brian Thomas Photography . . . 16

Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . 6, 10, 15, 19, 22, 24

Edward Jones – Erna Colborn. . . 6

Rockford Local Development Corp.4

Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Rockford University . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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

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

APRIL, 2020

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . 17

The Workforce Connection . . . . . 9

35-YEAR MEMBERS

Cord Construction Company University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 Breakfast Buzz - Working with Generational Diﬀerences, 7:30 to 9 a.m., PURI School of Business, room 124, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Presenter is Emily Hartzog, vice president, Chartwell Agency. Sponsored by RSM.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Government Aﬀairs Council, 7:30 a.m., at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 IGNITE, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join IGNITE for our monthly After 5 event. Sponsored by Wintrust Commercial Banking.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 Celebration of Manufacturing Expo & Dinner, 4 to 8 p.m., at Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center 416 S Main St., Rockford. Expo, 4 to 6 pm; dinner and program, 6 to 8 pm. Includes the announcement of the Individual Business Catalyst of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year awards. Sponsored by Illinois Bank & Trust (presenting), Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (innovator), Wipﬂi LLP (gold), United Way (awards), QPS Employment Group and Thayer Lighting (silver), MakingChips (centerpiece).

Barbara Olson Center of Hope City First Church Macktown Living History

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC

20-YEAR MEMBER

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Blackhawk Propane Company, Inc.

15-YEAR MEMBERS Al’s Carpet Flooring & Design Center

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

VOICE

IGNITE Lunch with a Leader, noon to 1 p.m., PURI School of Business, room 124, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Sponsored by Wintrust Commercial Banking.

GinestraWatson Co. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Oliver Close, LLC Wells Fargo Advisors

25 YEAR MEMBER

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) . . 11

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Thank you to our members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Butitta Brothers Automotive

ADVERTISERS INDEX Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

MARCH MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 40-YEAR MEMBER

March 2020

Meijer Rockford NIU EIGERlab Center for Product Development

Schmeling Construction Co. . . 12 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ..........................................Direct Line Jeff Bailey, Membership Development Executive ..................................815-316-4336 Carmen Brenz, Program & Event Coordinator ...................................815-316-4302 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO .......................................... 815-987-8100 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 Mike Mastroianni, Executive Director, Small Business Development Center ...................................................815-987-8100

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Chair Elect Dan Ross Fehr Graham

DIRECTORS Brent Bernardi Alph Controls & Services LLC Kimberly Blascoe Wipﬂi LLP LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Vice Chair Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Samuel J. Castree Starck Real Estate Staﬀ Management, Inc. Treasurer Amy Ott Doug Curry Boylan Catholic Stenstrom High School Companies Immediate Don Daniels Past Chair SwedishAmerican, A Richard Zumwalt Division of UW Health Z Resource Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

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

Jeﬀ Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Terry Voskuil Woodward

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Denise Sasse RSM US LLP Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network

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

Teresa Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

APRIL VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS Personal Advisors

(Services that support business growth)

Recruitment & Retention Strategies (Hot compliance issues)

For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100

March Voice 2020

Articles inside

IGNITE March 2020