CHAIRMAN'S PERSPECTIVE - March 2023

Looking ahead, never behind

What it means to be “Chamber strong”

At the Chamber, our main priorities are three-fold. First, we need to be business strong, generating a consistent work environment for businesses in Rockford to prosper. Next, we need to be community strong, upholding excellence in our neighborhoods, education systems and community. Finally, we need to be Chamber strong, a vibrant and sustainable Chamber that is the lifeblood of small and large businesses. Our Chamber also partners with industries, corporations and other enterprises that have selected Rockford as their chosen place of business.

The Rockford Chamber needs to be a place of collaboration, the bringing together of business, industries, non-profit, educational institutions, municipalities and elected officials to work together to advance common goals. A strong economic environment necessitates a strong Chamber. We work to improve the quality of life for our members, volunteers and sponsors.

Economic development of the Rockford area helps our members across all industries. A robust economic community maintains prosperity in all sectors of business. The Rockford Chamber is pleased to announce that the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and the Chamber now share the same footprint and are under the same roof. Both entities are devoted to building smart economic growth to enable advancement in our business community.

The Chamber seeks to build and expand governmental relations to create a greater focus on shared ambitions. These relationships serve as a clearinghouse for new ideas and collective efforts by providing centralized initiatives that benefit the entire community. The Chamber will be mission driven and service orientated.

The business community, RAEDC, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and our elected government officials are the architects of our future. As architects, we are entrusted with creating a better tomorrow. We have accepted the mission with unwavering dedication to build a better region.

Moving forward, the Chamber will provide members and stakeholders with a report card update on the activities of the board of directors, standing committee collaborations and the status of partnerships throughout the Rockford area. After all, Rockford is the economic engine for all of Winnebago County.

At the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, our door is always open. Your questions and suggestions are always welcome. In this endeavor, we are looking ahead and never behind.

3 Ways To Get More From Your Membership

Being a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce isn’t a community obligation—it’s a vital partnership that comes loaded with benefits to help make your business more successful. And if you aren’t an active participant in this partnership, you’re missing out. Here are just a few benefits you can take advantage of today:

1. Utilize our FREE job board at www.rockfordchamber.mcjobboard.net. Post your company’s job openings (and board positions) on our easy-to-use system. All positions are simultaneously posted to the Rockford Chamber Facebook page to broaden your job posting’s reach.

2. Show off your expertise. Companies and individuals are encouraged to highlight their areas of expertise or interest by writing a non-advertorial guest column for The VOICE. While members are technically eligible to submit two a year, we are always looking to grow our library with great content.

3. Promote yourself through our social media. We want to tell your story on our social media outlets. Send us your press releases, good news, upcoming events, people moves, etc. and we’ll share it with the world. And when you’re posting on social media yourself, remember to tag @rockfordchamber.