April Voice 2016

LKG INDUSTRIES KEEPS IT ALL IN THE FAMILY PAGE 6

GET YOUR ADVANTAGE PAGE 5 The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

April 2016 | Volume 29 | No. 4

NIU and RVC join forces to engineer Rockford’s future

RVC student Bradley Robison talks with Sagar Patel, president of aircraft turbine systems at Woodward, about his plans to enter NIU Engineering at RVC this fall. Robison and Patel both spoke at a recent launch event for the Engineering our Future campaign. half of their engineering talent will be retiring in the next decade. There are 4,000 engineers in the Rockford area and an additional 1,500 will be needed in the next decade for the region to maintain its leadership position in manufacturing.

To address this increasing demand for engineering talent and ensure the long-term success of the Rockford manufacturing sector, Northern Illinois University and Rock Valley College are joining forces with Rockford area industry leaders to grow the regional workforce.

With the establishment of a communitybased, industry-integrated engineering partnership, Rockford area students

will now be able to earn associate’s degrees from RVC and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the NIU College of Engineering & Engineering Technology – all on the campus of Rock Valley College.

Woodward, UTC Aerospace Systems and other companies will support the students along their educational pathways with experiential learning, internship and employment opportunities.

Program Starts This Fall NIU engineering and engineering technology classes will begin this fall at RVC. Students with associate’s degrees Continued on page 4

National cyber crime expert headlines Chamber luncheon

Visit us online at: rockfordchamber.com ■ online registration ■ keynote speaker video clips ■ event photos ■ list of Chamber events Questions? 815-987-8100

Join the Chamber’s LinkedIn Group

Over time, there’ve been various groups who’ve threatened the welfare of American business. There were hoodlums and then there were mobsters.

These days, it’s hackers who are having an impact on business, big and small.

With 1.5 million annual cyber attacks, online crime is a real threat to anyone on the Internet. In fact, there are more than 4,000 cyberattacks every day, 170 attacks every hour, or nearly three attacks every minute.

“The problem is big and getting bigger,” said Jeff Lanza, a retired

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners approved in March, a $13 million-plus construction contract with Cord Construction Company for the new Mega Sports Center at MercyRockford Sportscore 2 in Loves Park. Final completion of the Mega Sports Center is expected in summer of 2017.

The major addition to the existing Indoor Sports Center (ISC) facility at MercyRockford Sportscore 2 will include a large enclosed soccer field, connector building at the main entrance, renovation of the existing ISC and reconfiguration of site access. The site will be capable of simultaneously hosting up to six soccer games and two softball games. “This facility will allow the district to host sports tournaments year-round, contributing to the Reclaiming First goal of making the Rockford area the number one regional amateur sports city,” said Tim Dimke, executive director of the park district.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Celebration of MANUFACTURING

April 14 • Garden Hotel and Conference Center, South Beloit, Illinois For more info, see page 26

SPONSORED BY

WINNEBAGO COUNTY’S 2016 HEALTH RANKINGS PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Innovation and economic competitiveness are inextricably linked in the global economy. Rockford’s economy was built in large part on the creativity and resourcefulness of local manufacturers.

Manufacturing continues to be an important source of regional growth and innovation today.

As Baby Boomers begin to age out of the workforce, talent development targeted at regional needs is more important than ever. The drivers of the manufacturing sector are engineers. Woodward and UTC Aerospace Systems estimate that

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT APPROVED FOR MEGA SPORTS CENTER

FBI agent, speaker and author who presents to groups on the topic of cyber security. “The cyber criminals target individuals and all size businesses. In many cases however, small to medium sized businesses are main targets because they have fewer controls than large corporations but still have enough money to go after.”

Lanza was the keynote speaker for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce monthly business luncheon on March 24. The event, held at the Radisson Continued on page 3

Despite improvements in the past two years, Winnebago County’s overall health ranking fell this year from 72 to 88 out of 102 Illinois counties, according to the national County Health Rankings report.

Clinical care continues to be a strength, with the county ranking in the top one-third of the state.

Social and economic factors, such as education, employment, poverty, income inequality and crime, continue to drive the overall ranking to the bottom-third.

“Communities around the nation are using the County Health Rankings to drive improvements as they work to build a Culture of Health,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which created the report along with the Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Find it at www. countyhealthrankings.org.

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April 2016

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Chairman’s Perspective VIEWPOINT

Community engagement good for everyone involved In today’s business environment, one of the biggest challenges leaders face is trying to balance a heavy workload.

Whether you’re leading a large staff, managing the company’s finances or in charge of your organization’s marketing efforts, leadership often means wearing many hats at once.

That being said, it’s no surprise that community engagement often takes a backseat to the demands of today’s fast-paced business world. Finding a balance isn’t always easy. It is important to prioritize your time for your faith, family, work, health and giving back to your community.

Over the years, there have been many times that my heart was in the right place, but due to other responsibilities, such as family, business or board responsibilities, I couldn’t do it all. We sometimes tend to overcommit. I’m a firm believer that a person should never take a board position or a committee position if they don’t plan to be involved.

For me, getting involved has never been a problem. I believe in giving it all for the cause, not for the recognition but to truly make a difference. You can spend 30 minutes or you can spend hours. It doesn’t matter. As long as

Great leaders owe it to their employees to help them find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work.

Community engagement can help. you’re doing something. This thought process helped me when I was involved in my church, politics and/or serving on community boards.

And it’s a great way to make new connections with others, both on a personal and professional level. In my mind’s eye, it’s critical to surround ourselves with people of different influences to help keep us balanced.

Balancing Business, Personal Passions The first question is to ask yourself, what’s important to your community?

Are schools struggling? Does the animal shelter need donations? Does your neighborhood park need to be cleaned up?

There are many ways to get involved.

Volunteer to serve your favorite nonprofit, whether it’s the Rockford Rescue Mission, Gigi’s Playhouse, MELD or many other fine organizations.

You can really make a difference.

Volunteer to serve on a task force for a specific cause. Find a way to help children; support better neighborhoods.

Engage in a results-driven process, such as Transform Rockford or Alignment Rockford. Volunteer for a hospital, help at a soup kitchen, work to support our veterans. There is power in giving back.

Still haven’t decided? The Rockford Chamber of Commerce has plenty of opportunities to get involved. There are many types of councils and special initiatives that are always in need of passionate volunteers. The chamber also has nearly 200 not-for-profit organizations in its membership base to connect people to.

There is a reward to volunteering.

Making a difference not only helps you, but can help your business grow and succeed. I’ve found that balancing business goals with the personal passions of my company allows for a wide variety of involvement in our community. This also makes for a well-rounded company

and, more importantly, a strong team of satisfied,

Patti Thayer Rockford Chamber Board Chairman

motivated employees.

A recent Deloitte study revealed that employees who frequently volunteer are more likely to recommend their employer to a friend who is seeking a new professional opportunity. Great leaders owe it to their employees to help them find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work. Community engagement can help.

By finding a cause or community effort that you can truly get behind, you will truly discover the joy and fulfillment of leadership at a new level.

For chamber members, there are many benefits to serving and investing in the Rockford community. Look around; endless opportunities abound.

If you don’t find that right fit, don’t worry. Keep looking, it’s out there.

What’s your passion?

Patti Thayer is the chairman of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

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April 2016

Cyber

(continued from front page) Hotel and Conference Center, drew 125 chamber members.

Internet crime has become a global problem thanks to the sophistication of online criminal techniques. “My message is to prevent cyber crimes before they occur,” said Lanza. “This comes through awareness, employee education and utilizing technological tools on our own computers and those of our financial institutions.”

A Crime Costing Millions Cyber crimes are on the rise for the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). In 2014, the IC3 received 269,422 complaints with an adjusted dollar loss of $800 million. That number is up $485 million in 2011 and $183 million in 2005.

The IC3 receives an average of 22,000 complaints every month.

Local companies were well represented at the chamber luncheon. “(Cyber crime) is a huge problem,” said Keith Feggestad, IT manager at Savant Capital Management. “It’s something that impacts all businesses. I think a lot of businesses are underprepared to protect themselves from it. The best defense is defense indepth -- having multiple layers of protection. You can’t just use antivirus anymore and expect it to keep your systems protected. You need protection at the perimeter as well as within your network, and you have to employ additional next generation security tools and procedures based on known best practices.

“Our biggest concern is protecting our clients’ personally identifiable information,” he added. “The need to protect this information has always been important to businesses but is increasingly important as that information is being targeted more often now by hackers. The tools malicious people are using have changed over time, and as a result, the attacks are often more sophisticated. They’ve gotten smarter in how they attack organizations; they’re researching the organizations and what they can do to gain access to information.”

Advice for Businesses Lanza shared seven tips to help consumers and businesses fight cyber crime.

■■ Don’t download anything that you did not plan on.

■■ Keep your software updated.

■■ Don’t click on links to go to web pages were you enter your username and password.

■■ Don’t click on links or attachments in emails from unknown senders or in ones that don’t make sense.

■■ Keep your computer protected with anti-virus software.

■■ Use strong passwords for all of your accounts.

■■ Keep your smartphone protected with a passcode.

“As the business world continues to grow in scope and size, cyber crime is a real threat to the economy – including here in Rockford,” said Einar Forsman, chamber president and CEO. “Lanza’s comments were spot on; his advice will help business leaders, regardless the size of the company. As the digital world continues to evolve, the threats are only likely to grow.”

“Right now we are going in the wrong direction, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Lanza. “We all need to make cyber crime prevention a priority in our personal lives and at work. A few small changes can help turn the tide.”

The luncheon was sponsored by BMO Harris Bank. theVoice

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

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

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

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

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

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April 2016

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NIU RVC

(continued from front page) in engineering science or qualifying coursework at other four-year institutions will be able to pursue bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and applied manufacturing technology. Working professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree in engineering can earn a master’s degree in industrial & systems engineering.

RVC student Bradley Robison will graduate with his associate’s in engineering science degree in May and is looking forward to entering the NIU bachelor’s program in mechanical engineering this fall. Currently working as an intern at Woodward, Robison is excited about pursuing his goal of becoming an engineer while staying close to his family.

“This program will advance my goals more than I ever could have hoped for,” Robison said. “Without NIU Engineering at RVC, I would have had to leave Rockford to attend school, and I definitely would have racked up significant college loan debts. Now, I can continue working while going to school so I can earn my degree with little or no debt. I believe Rockford is capable of being a world leader in manufacturing, and I look forward to being a part of it.”

Sagar Patel, president of Aircraft Turbine Systems, Woodward, has led the higher education-industry collaborative group that has been planning the engineering program since last summer.

“Woodward is proud to be a partner in this historic and exciting collaboration,” Patel said. “Engineers are vital for innovation and economic competitiveness in America. An engineering program, right here in Rockford, enables creation of world-class products and advanced manufacturing.

This engineering program is essential and will ensure a bright future for our community.”

Bob Guirl, director of strategy and development for UTC Aerospace Systems, has also been a key leader in the collaboration. UTC Aerospace Systems has more than 160 NIU alumni working in its Rockford operation.

“More than 25% of our Electric Systems executive leadership team are NIU alumni,” Guirl noted. “The caliber of students graduating from the engineering school is helping us achieve our talent demands in Rockford. Having the program right here at RVC will streamline the process even more.”

RVC and NIU recently launched the $6 million Engineering our Future campaign to raise funds to support the program. RVC is renovating its Woodward Technology Center to create new classrooms and state-of-theart laboratories to accommodate the program. The Woodward Charitable Trust has generously provided a leadership gift of $2 million and several other donors have made pledges totaling more than $3.5 million to date. The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has also announced a program

to match funds raised for student scholarships.

Rock Valley College President Mike Mastroianni and Northern Illinois University President Doug Baker lauded industry and community representatives for their leadership in making the transformational, collaborative program a reality.

“From their earliest days in school, we want young people in our community to know that there is a clear path for them to achieve a successful career right here in the community,” Mastroianni said.

“The NIU-RVC Engineering program allows students of all ages to make a seamless transition between high school, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, internship and employment. Not only are we helping to address the workforce challenges of local companies, we are providing new opportunities for students and families.”

“We are delighted to make access to degrees from the NIU College of Engineering & Engineering Technology more accessible and affordable to Rockford area students and thank RVC for making a place for us on their beautiful campus,” Baker added. “This program is a great example of collaboration – we are doing something together that none of us can do on our own. We are grateful to all of our partners and donors for their support and look forward to welcoming students this fall.”

In addition to convenience, NIU Engineering @ RVC offers area students great value, with a total price tag of less than $40,000 for two years of RVC and two years of NIU @ RVC. Local companies’ pledges to provide preferential access to students and graduates of the program for internships and employment means that students can pay as they go and emerge with their bachelor’s degree with little to no debt.

Dr. Promod Vohra, dean of the NIU College of Engineering & Engineering Technology, noted that engineering is often the vehicle for innovation, economic development and societal reform.

“I always say that we are changing the world one engineer at a time. With this program, we are going to transform Rockford one engineer at a time,” Vohra said.

For more information about NIU Engineering @ RVC, go to http://www. niu.edu/ceet/NIUatRVC/index.shtml.

Gifts to the Engineering our Future campaign will be welcomed by the RVC Foundation or the NIU Foundation. theVoice

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April 2016

Rockford Chamber Advantage Clubs Developing deeper business connections

By Barbara Connors

“At the end, I always try to give a word of inspiration,” James said. She

For years, one way the Rockford Chamber has helped members develop connections is through Advantage Clubs, self-run groups of business owners, decision makers and sales associates dedicated to networking and referring business to one another.

Members recruit new members, collect dues, gather signed affiliation agreements and applications, and keep their own records and bank accounts.

In order to foster a non-competitive nature within the clubs, one member from each industry is permitted per group. The annual membership fee is $35.

It’s About Building Relationships Diane James, director of business development at MembersAlliance Credit Union, has been involved with Advantage Club Originals for four years after being invited by a friend.

“I was just starting a new job, where networking was going to be a part.” She currently is the club’s chair.

Advantage Club Originals meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at various locations in the Rockford area. The other group, Advantage Power Network Club, also meets the second and

added, “Our group is growing,” and includes a mixture of new members as well as those who have been involved for more than 20 years.

She said the results from her efforts

have

gathered

momentum.

“There’s networking, and then there’s relationship building. I feel I’ve gone past

networking

into

relationship

building and have formed deeper connections to the people in my club.”

A New Advantage Club The Rockford Chamber is currently looking to form another Advantage Club, based on interest expressed

If anything, this has turned into a meeting I enjoy the most.”

— Diane James, MembersAlliance Credit Union

by members. James’ advice for the next group: “We all have limited time, and don’t want to go to just one more meeting. Work on making the

fourth Wednesdays of the month at

“This last year since being chair, I’ve

club an atmosphere where business

Franchesco’s Ristorante, and is chaired

also started sharing some positive

relationships can flourish. If anything,

by Teri Watts.

Rockford news.”

this has turned into a meeting I enjoy

At Advantage Club Originals, time

There’s an opportunity for members

is set aside for casual networking before

to thank other members for the business

the most.”

For more information on joining an

lunch. At lunch, everyone presents his

referrals

they’ve

existing Advantage Club or forming

or her one-minute elevator speech. “I

received. Once a year, each member

a new one, contact Stacy Mullins,

try to talk about my greatest challenge

gets an opportunity to give a 20-minute

director of events at the Rockford

right now in my company and share

craft talk about his or her business, with

Chamber, at 815-316-4302 or smullins@

some chamber news,” James said.

plenty of question-and-answer time.

rockfordchamber.com.

and

connections

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April 2016

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Member Profile PROFILE

LKG Industries’ founder Wayne Timpe named his company after the initials of his three daughters – Gail, Lisa and Kathy.

LKG Industries: All in the family Business firmly planted in Rockford

By Paul Anthony Arco

Leadership Transition

Operating a large family business isn’t easy. But for Kathy Granath, CEO of LKG Industries, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

LKG Industries is a full-line electronic distributor that sells everything from connectors, switches, to cables, wall plates and tools within the audio/video, telephone, home theatre, computers and automotive industries.

“We have 12,000 different part numbers at any given time that customers can buy from us,” says CEO Kathy Granath. “Our customers are electronic distributors and storefronts throughout the United States and Canada.”

LKG was founded by Granath’s father, Wayne Timpe in 1989. At the time, Timpe was the president of GC Electronics in Rockford. But he dreamed of owning a business, so he resigned and purchased Philmore Manufacturing, a New York-based company. On Dec. 26, 1989, Timpe and Granath flew to New York, packed up the business and moved it back to Rockford, under the name LKG Industries, which stands for the initials of his three daughters – Kathy and Gail work at LKG; Gail is an administrator’s assistant, and Lisa is a rehabilitation manager at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

“My dad loathed computers,” said Granath. “My husband, Gary, was a computer major but he already had a job in the field while I was working in the insurance industry. It made sense for me to join my father in the business.” Gary now serves as the IS manager for LKG Industries.

Timpe was also known locally for his passion for sports. A standout basketball player at Rockford University, Timpe played fast pitch softball and later golf.

He was also a longtime owner of the Rockford Lightning, a minor league professional basketball team. “My dad was a huge fan of the team,” said Granath.

“When the Lightning became available, he thought we should buy them. It was a great thing for the community.”

Timpe died in 2004. His wife, Judy, ran the business until her passing in 2015.

Company president Karn Mejudhon recently retired. Now Granath is in charge.

“This transition has made me appreciate the steps that were taken by generations that came before me,” she said. “If I got a computer technology job coming out of college, I don’t know if I would have had the opportunity to learn everything I’ve learned here. I learned from my father the importance of being open, treating people right and surrounding yourself with good employees. I’m fortunate to have my sisters whom I can lean on.”

LKG Industries has 43 employees, ranging from shipping, customer service and administration. “Our strength is our versatility and flexibility,” Granath said.

“We’re never strapped to our catalog. If a customer has a need that’s not in our catalog, we have many other sources we can turn to.”

LKG Industries believes in giving back to the local community. The company is a significant contributor to Boylan High School, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and Rockford University, among others.

Granath is excited about the future for LKG Industries.

“My dad was a Rockford guy,” she said. “He was once approached to build an arena for the Lightning on I-90. He would never move the team out of town.

He was all about Rockford. We’ve always received great support from the local community. Rockford is it for us.

“I feel much better about our business,” she added. “We made it through my dad’s death and through the recession years, which can be tough on any business. It showed how strong we are as a company.”

LKG INDUSTRIES, INC. CEO Kathy Granath 3660 Publishers Dr. 815-874-2301

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April 2016

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Staging your business for a successful sale Creating a multi-year plan

Planning ahead for the future of your business can be a very overwhelming process. There are a number of things to think about including: Passing the business on to family or key employees, selling it to an outside company, including a strategic partner or individual entrepreneur, or selling to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. It can be complicated and hard to navigate, and more importantly; big decisions are not made overnight.

It is extremely important for you to be patient with yourself, your family, your team and the overall process.

Relate it to the way you prepared when selling a personal residence in the past.

Studies show that people who “stage or prepare” their homes for sale realize a higher sales price and a shorter time on the market than those that sell “as-is,” with no staging.

This is very similar to transitioning your business. While you definitely have to juggle multiple considerations at once; establishing your vision for the future and making sure the appropriate people are part of the decision-making process is the right way to start. It should be a collaborative effort to ensure that the transfer or sale of one of your largest assets is handled with careful consideration in order to maximize the value of the business and its viability for continued success upon your exit.

Staging Your Business So, you might be wondering, what can I do to stage or prepare my business for sale?

Start by: Engaging your financial advisors (banker, CPA, lawyer and investment advisor) in a comprehensive discussion. If your advisors are doing their job well, you already are having strategic retirement and financial conversations. With the potential sale of your business, you need to connect all facets of your life in a plan so you know what you need to exit the business.

Make sure the plan is a multi-year plan and gives you enough time to “stage or prepare” your business for sale. A time period of five to seven years is recommended for “staging,” but this can be accomplished in a shorter time period with better execution. Remember, some businesses only need superficial repairs before the sale, while others need a major overhaul before maximum value can be achieved.

Set up a schedule to review your progress to the multi-year plan. Be realistic when measuring your progress.

Unless you have a strategic buyer (a

Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank

business that will buy yours at a premium because it wants a key customer base or industry etc.), markets are efficient, so you won’t usually get more than it’s worth.

Don’t be afraid to periodically tweak the multi-year plan when original assumptions or conditions change.

Make sure your plan includes a way to improve the value of your business as much as possible. Since most businesses sell as a multiple of “free cash flow” (commonly known as Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization – also known as EBITDA), your plan should be focused on improving this free cash flow during your planning time period. Dig into your margins, evaluate vendor relationships and review your current customer list.

Any combination of these efforts could increase the value of your business.

In collaboration with our colleagues, we regularly complete connected, multiyear plans for clients in the Rockford region. We know firsthand how impactful they can be and the relief and excitement our clients feel after our conversations.

Think about how you felt when your home sale closed successfully. You felt confident in the next step of your life.

That successful transaction didn’t happen by accident but came from your careful planning, research and a number of professionals with the same end goal.

A successful business transition can be just as smooth with the proper action steps.

Along with starting early, make sure your conversations with your strategic partners are holistic and aligned with your personal and business goals. Have the proactive conversations with your bank and team of specialized trusted advisors. Use their expertise and resources to leverage ideas that may increase the value of your business or the efficiency of your estate. Reach out to your financial advisors and start the process. Some day you will be happy you did, as it will be time well spent.

Michele Petrie is senior vice president - Rockford team leader, and Taneka Tucker is vice president of business banking transition services at BMO Harris Bank N.A. The views expressed are those of Petrie’s and Tucker’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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April 2016

Rockforward20/20

What is economic development?

How does it impact you?

By Debbie Van Sickle, RAEDC

and

services

available to the Economic development is the collaborative effort of public and private organizations to improve their community members’ quality of life.

This is done through a comprehensive strategy that facilitates the opportunities for capital investments and job creation.

It is through the collaboration of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and the many community partners in the Rockford Region that opportunities for primary job growth are being cultivated. Job creation occurs through the retention or expansion of existing area businesses and entrepreneurs, and by attracting new companies to the area.

The retention and expansion of current employers and entrepreneurs is critical because they account for a majority of a region’s job growth. The challenges companies face are often complex and multifaceted and may involve issues of the ability, productivity, stability and availability of the workforce. RAEDC builds relationships with employers to support their growth opportunities, to identify barriers to expansion plans, and to connect them with resources to attract and train a well-qualified workforce.

Although business attraction contributes to job growth to a lesser extent, it is still important because it increases the diversity of products

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

community.

Debbie Van Sickle RAEDC

To attract new companies, RAEDC

The Rockforward20/20 strategic plan is in full swing, with a vision dedicated to propelling the Rockford Region to a top 25 status by 2020 and a mission to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth to increase the economic well being of our region.

The momentum continues as leaders recommit themselves to the future, with the courage to find the right path – not the path of least resistance, but the one

that makes real impact. Our work will be with passion for excellence, unified in our commitment to one another and to our sustainability. Nothing less than our best will do. Our work is only possible with your help; through the pooling of resources and community collaboration.

To become a partner in this plan, contact Jimsi Kuborn, vice president of investor relations, at JKuborn@ RockfordIL.com or at 815-969-4259.

markets the benefits of doing business in the Rockford Region by promoting the area’s strengths nationally and internationally.

Depending

on

the

product or service it provides, a company will look at location factors, such as the quality of the transportation network, reliability of utilities, availability of land to build on or buildings to purchase, proximity to suppliers and customers, and skilled employees. The Rockford Region’s

strong

highway

system,

rail access and international airport attract companies that rely on efficient shipping. Advanced manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare industry clusters all benefit from the skilled labor pool and strong supply chain existing in the region.

Successful economic development in the Rockford Region requires the collaborative efforts of many community stakeholders to ensure continued growth and resiliency of the region.

Debbie Van Sickle is business attraction coordinator at the RAEDC.

THE PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Each month, RAEDC President Michael Nicholas releases his newsletter, which acts as a data collection on all new capital investment in the area, retained and created jobs and renovated space, upcoming events, metrics from Rockforward20/20, and good news from the region.

Each month features a short letter to the region, which was originally published in the Rockford Register Star. This month, the topic is on the myths about jobs moving north of the border.

Visit RockfordIL.com to read this month’s edition. If you have good news to share or would like to receive the newsletter, contact Erin Marshall, marketing and communications coordinator, at EMarshall@ RockfordIL.com or 815-969-4267.

RAEDC staff speak out Throughout the year, staff members of the RAEDC address various groups and organizations. Frequently these conversations revolve around the economic climate of the region.

Most recently, Jimsi Kuborn spoke to the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Rockford Chapter on “Making an Ask That Lasts.” The RAEDC staff love to share knowledge

Regional aerospace companies aim for the sky Almost 100 members and guests of the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) met on March 9 at the Prairie Street Brewhouse in Rockford to learn more about each other’s products and services. Sponsored by its members, this Supplier Symposium was a great way for the companies to learn of opportunities to partner and further increase the visibility and sustainability of the region as a large aerospace cluster.

Seventeen member companies displayed exhibits and gave short presentations, followed by networking and keynote speaker Greg Dellinger of AAR Corp. Dellinger updated the group on AAR’s sixth MRO facility being built near the Chicago Rockford International Airport and discussed the reasons behind the decision to expand in Rockford. Jeff Kaney, outgoing RAAN chairman, gave closing remarks praising the members for their growth and dedication to excellence.

and experiences relevant to their current responsibilities with the RAEDC, as well as past experiences that have provided unique viewpoints.

If your organization would be interested in having a member of the RAEDC speak at your next luncheon, or as part of a panel, contact Leilani Hillis at LHillis@RockfordIL.com or at 815969-4253.

ABOUT RAAN RAAN is the Rockford region’s aerospace industry cluster development strategy and an RAEDC committee that offers a platform for collaboration among local aerospace companies. All companies in the Rockford Region that supply products or services to aerospace companies are inherently part of our regional aerospace cluster.

Driven by private industry, RAAN meets regularly to discuss collaboration opportunities related to business climate, innovation and technology, and workforce development. Additionally, the committee participates as a group, sharing costs at trade shows and conferences, internationally and domestically, to promote their companies, the local supply chain and the Rockford Region.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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April 2016

Improving the region’s talent pipeline A look at a new workforce model

By Barbara Connors A $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is enabling leaders from Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties to work with the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance and Northern Illinois University to determine if an approach used in other regions of the United States to build a skilled and reliable labor pool is a good fit for the three-county region.

The workforce model being investigated, Talent Pipeline Management (TPM), is a demand-driven approach to closing the skills gap, which builds on the principles of supply chain management. With TPM, employers act as “end-customers” of education and workforce partnerships. Instead of having third-party organizations bring employers to the table, talent pipeline management calls for new partnerships formed by employers for employers.

“The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has identified career pathways in education as a priority,” said Jon Bates, president of CFNIL. “The Workforce Alliance’s Talent Pipeline Management project will engage employers and educators together in

building more and better pathways to success for our region’s students.”

“We need better ways to ensure that students and workers understand what credentials, skills and experience are required for specific careers and to help employers grow and support the talent they need to be competitive,” said June Hazzard, vice president of human resources at Woodward.

The initial focus will be on manufacturing, but other key economic sectors in the region may be considered.

Talent Pipeline Management The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been promoting the TPM model as a promising practice through its foundation and is showcasing a number of TPM projects from across the United States, including a manufacturing initiative in downstate Vermilion County, 95 miles south of Chicago.

Shown are six strategies employers can use to be more effective end-customers of education and workforce partnerships.

They are intended to be coordinated as a systemic supply chain approach. Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Center for Education and Workforce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) launched the new initiative to explore a vision for demand-driven education and workforce systems — one that yields more effective employment transitions for students and a better prepared workforce for all employers,” according to a 2014 white paper on the topic.

Project partner William D. Hansen,

president and CEO, USA Funds, wrote in the foundation’s companion implementation guide, “The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that there are 5.4 million job openings throughout the United States, up from 2.7 million openings in March 2010. Yet many students and workers cannot find steady employment because they lack the skills necessary for success in the workplace.

To build a 21st century economy we need a 21st century workforce, and that means we need 21st century solutions.”

For more information, read the white paper: “Managing the Talent Pipeline: A New Approach to Closing the Skills Gap” and its companion, “Building the Talent Pipeline: An Implementation Guide,” produced by the USCCF’s Center for Education and Workforce at www.

TheTalentSupplyChain.org.

Synergy Learning Systems certifies BPI Team unity by seeing the ‘BigPicture’ The Business and Professional Institute (BPI) has successfully continued to provide its customers with cutting edge curriculums, flexible training deliveries and relevant certifications. Having two Master Black Belts on the training team has allowed BPI to provide Six Sigma Green Belt Certification along with Lean (process improvement) training.

BPI has been assisting customers who are transitioning from ISO 9001:2008 to the new ISO 9001:2015 standard through GAP analysis, implementation, executive overviews and internal audits.

The TechWorks FAST TRACK Program continues to credential participants through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). Upon passing the NIMS exam, participants receive two NIMS Credentials: 1. Measurement, Ma-

terials & Safety and 2. CNC Program, Setup & Operate. OSHA 10-hour and 30hour along with HAZWOPER training also is offered by BPI.

Optimizing Work Teams Last spring, in addition to the technical and safety training that BPI offers, participants received their certification from Personality Resources International, “The Colors People,” in the delivery of its patented Identity Mapping; a key component of its FourWays System. Harold “Bo” Boger, a member of the BPI training team, was certified by Personality Resource International. “Helping our customers optimize the strengths of diverse personality types within their organizations has been extremely successful, especially among work teams,” he said.

Most recently Boger was certified by Synergy Learning Systems, headquartered in Aptos, Calif., in the BigPicture program.

The BigPicture program assists in aligning people in an organization toward a unified strategic intent. It helps address collaboration across teams, the roles of leadership and vision, and the importance of flexible thinking in meeting changing customer expectations and markets.

“Organizations that must strategically unify, teams that must interpret and execute complex and seemingly competing customer requirements are some of the great benefits that the BigPicture training will provide,” Boger said. He is excited to offer this dynamic training program to the community, as he has witnessed how it can add to any company, business or organization’s success.

For more information on how you can implement the BigPicture training program or additional information about BPI’s services, Bernie Luecke RVC BPI please contact Bernie Luecke at 815-921-2067 or B.Luecke@RockValleyCollege.edu.

Bernie Luecke is director of Rock Valley College, Business & Professional Institute.

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

Manufacturing News is sponsored by RVC BPI

10

Consider applying:

Leadership Rockford 2016/2017 Leadership Rockford is a great program for individuals new to the community, newly promoted in their place of business, or just eager to become more involved in the Rockford Region. Members of the class represent a wide range of backgrounds: business, government, social services, the arts, and many others. The diversity of the class forms a dynamic cross-section of personal and professional viewpoints and perspectives.

Leadership Rockford 2016/2017 will kick off on Oct. 13 with an evening reception, followed by an opening full-day retreat on Oct. 14. The full-day retreat covers personality profiles that increase understanding, empathy and communication skills. This kick-off is a great way to set the tone for the eight months ahead.

Class members meet two times per month for eight months, typically on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. Leadership Rockford provides each participant with an in-depth understanding of the local community, including its history, successes and future.

Applications can be found at www.rockfordchamber.com and are due Sept. 1. Email acceptance will be provided by Sept. 15. For more information, please contact Caitlin Ludwig at cludwig@rockfordchamber.com.

April 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Following the leader Working the company vision Perhaps good followers go the extra mile to understand the organization’s vision and mission and ask themselves how exactly they can help further that mission.

By Caitlin Ludwig, Rockford Chamber There seems to be a never-ending selection of books under the “Leadership” title at Barnes & Noble. I can spend hours lounging in comfy chairs brushing up on skills that are sure-fire ways to make me a stronger, better leader. If I’m being honest, I have to admit that I actually enjoy diving into new ideas and theories focused on self-improvement. I enjoy taking apart the “why” behind particular principles, and I enjoy the self-evaluation stage of finding areas in which to improve. But as I’m surrounded by massive amounts of information on how to be a better leader and hone my skills, I can’t help but notice that nagging voice in my head asking “But what about the followers?”

There are always other people surrounding me studying similar theory and new ideas. At networking events, you hear people chat about the newest read and/or their all-time favorite leadership book. Ask for advice and people are quick to send articles and book recommendations focused on ways to make you a better leader. Somehow I have a feeling walking into a networking event and asking for advice on how to be a better follower wouldn’t yield quite as many articles or book recommendations.

What Skills Does it Take?

But what would happen if we start actually working on our “following” skills?

It may be an untapped area of improvement that most of us, if not all of us, ignore. How often do we have the opportunity each and

everyday to help a leader hone their skills by being good followers?

Probably as Caitlin Ludwig many RLA opportunities as we have to lead.

But what does it mean to be a good follower? A quick Amazon search provided a few books that are happy to help focus in on “followship,” most of which were written eight or so years ago.

Somehow, the books don’t seem to outline specific steps to be a better follower, but rather point to the fact that followship is an important marketing tool that when harnessed can make brands soar. While I find that concept interesting; that’s not really my main focus.

I am curious what it means to be a good follower. How can we hone those skills to help improve our organizations and community? Perhaps good followers help leaders by being open to feedback and critical conversations. Perhaps good followers go the extra mile to understand the organization’s vision and mission and ask themselves how exactly they can help further that mission.

Sometimes I think being a good follower is harder than being a good leader.

As a leader, your ideas tend to be the ones that win out. As a follower, you have to put yourself aside and work someone else’s vision. But how much easier would leadership be if we all had great followers?

How many more products would be launched, problems solved, tensions eased if we all put as much thought and time into being a good follower as we do a good leader? Perhaps the next great book won’t be about being a leader at all, but rather, on being an awesome follower.

Caitlin Ludwig is vice president, leadership development, at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD FOLLOWER?

According to a handbook on leadership published online by Rex Campbell, professor of rural sociology at the University of Missouri, you can’t be a good leader without also having the ability to be a good follower. He says some good followers don’t make good leaders, but all good leaders also are good followers.

Characteristics he lists that apply both to good leaders and followers: ■■ An outgoing personality, and the ability to work in a team.

■■ Responsibility and dependability.

■■ The ability to communicate with the leader and other team members.

■■ Dedication and loyalty.

■■ The ability to be persistent and patient; to know when to push, and when to hold back.

■■ Sensitivity to other people’s wants and needs.

■■ Honesty and trustworthiness.

■■ Ability to give others recognition for their contributions.

■■ Preparedness and knowledge of the group’s goals.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

11

April 2016

City of Rockford details five-year Capital Improvement Program

Tours for the Governor, area professionals Students tell the Rockford story As any business owner knows, it is vitally important to tell your story.

Over the last several years, we have built the capacity to tell our story in the Rockford Public Schools. We are delighted people have been listening and taking notice of our improvements — people like Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who toured our academies last month at Guilford High School, and people from communities like Shakopee, Minn., and Kenosha, Wis., who want to learn more about how we became the nation’s third Ford Next Generation Learning community.

As our progress is validated by political leaders, community members and other school districts, we are keenly aware we have significant work to do to be the kind of school system our community wants and deserves.

These are all great things, and I am very proud of them. However, we are working on something equally as important at RPS 205: We are building the capacity of our students to tell our story.

When the governor came to town, Guilford’s student ambassadors were the ones who led tours of the facility improvements at their school. They were the ones who explained how high school academies were transforming learning at their school.

Two weeks before the governor’s tour, the Guilford students joined their counterparts at Auburn High School to lead about 20 realtors and human resources professionals through their respective schools.

Training in Soft Skills Our students didn’t just wing it. Our high school academy coaches, their principals and other staff members spent weeks training them in how to be welcoming, informative and how to practice the “soft skills” so valued by future employers.

After the tours of the two schools, the business professionals who attended filled out satisfaction surveys geared toward improving subsequent tours.

The vast majority of survey respondents rated both tours with a highest rating of 5, meaning they strongly agreed

with statements such as, “I am more likely to recommend RPS 205 to my clients” and “Tour guide was engaging and interactive.” They wrote comments such as, “Great energy and positive attitude; I feel like the kids want to be there to learn,” and “Very interesting as to how our schools are preparing our students for their futures — a much needed advancement in education.”

Gov. Rauner was impressed with the students’ presentation as well; calling the Rockford Public Schools inspirational, well organized and a role model for other school districts in Illinois.

As our progress is validated by political leaders, community members and other school districts, we are keenly aware we have significant work to do to be the kind of school system our community wants and deserves. Just because a few people visited us, we don’t believe we’re done.

Even so, the ability of our students, principals and academy coaches to deliver the message of our journey gives me great hope about where our school system -- and ultimately our community -- is headed.

We intend to schedule student-led tours of our other high schools later this year. If you are contacted, please take us up on our offer to attend these tours.

And please reach out to Angela Lundin in our communications department (lundina@rps205.com) if you would like to be added to the list.

Come see for yourself the dramatic progress we are making in your Rockford Public Schools.

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.

THANK YOU My personal thanks to these students who led the tours: Guilford: Thien Diep, Declan Olson, Gretchen Stark, John Johnson, Margaret Heaslip, Carlos Galvan, Taryn Burress, Julian Haynie, Cierra Polky, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Lauren Bear, Imari Fletcher and Jack Snedegar. Auburn: Angelina Byrd, Ellen Chidley, April Moore, Hershey Ellis II, Nathan Jarrett, Miguel Martinez-Brito, Altemme’ Bjorlie and Antonino Huerta.

Other RPS 205 high schools are training students and will host tours in the near future.

The Rockford City Council voted to approve the 2016 – 2020 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) during the City Council meeting on March 7.

Residents can access the approved CIP book at the city website, which details $144,886,717 in infrastructure investment throughout the city over the next five years, including: ■■ 28 million in neighborhood street repairs; ■■ $34 million in repairs to the city’s arterial and 9 million to rehabilitate or replace aging bridges; ■■ $9 million in improvements to the city’s stormwater system;

■■ $4.5 million to repair or install pedestrian accommodations; and ■■ $38 million in improvements to the city’s water infrastructure.

The CIP book has been designed to be e-friendly and contains hyperlinks throughout the document to ensure easy navigation for citizens. The finalized book can be accessed as a downloadable PDF file linked on the front page at www.rockfordil.gov, or as a free download in iTunes via a search for 2016-2020 City of Rockford Capital Improvement Program.

12

Money Smarts

April 2016

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Will the Presidential election affect investment outlook?

Make smart investment moves in 2016 The presidential election season is in full swing. As a voter, you may be keenly interested in the election process. But as an investor, should you be concerned?

If you take a look back, you might be somewhat encouraged over the prospects of the financial markets this year. In the last 12 presidential election years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been up nine times and down just three.

So, election years must be good for the financial markets, right?

Not necessarily. In every year, the markets are influenced by a variety of factors: interest rates, inflation, corporate profits, geopolitical events, economic growth, even the weather. And it’s safe to say that 2016 will be no different. At this early stage of the year, one could say that some of these factors, such as continued low interest rates and a reasonably strong economy, might bode well for investors.

But there’s a lot of 2016 ahead of us – and it’s notoriously difficult for anybody, even so-called experts, to accurately predict the market’s performance over a relatively short time, such as a year.

Still, the market’s history of pretty good results in presidential election years may not be entirely random. For one thing, the White House is never the only office being contested; elections are also held for every congressional district and many seats in the Senate. Consequently, during these election years, campaigning often takes precedence over legislating.

This legislative inactivity tends to be welcomed by the financial markets, which generally dislike surprises, big changes and new directions.

However, you can’t really count on past trends to provide a certain roadmap for the year ahead, in terms of the performance of the financial markets. As

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

Will Geske Edward Jones

mentioned above, many factors influence this performance, and at this early stage in the year, we just can’t predict which of these factors will take precedence.

In the Meantime …

So, instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on those that you can. For starters, review your investment mix. Does it still properly reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon?

Over time, even if you haven’t made many changes to your portfolio, it can become “unbalanced.” For example, if you own some stocks that have increased greatly in value over the years, these stocks may now be taking up a larger percentage of your holdings than you had intended, bringing with them a higher degree of risk. Consequently, you might want to consider selling off some of these stocks and using the proceeds to fill in other gaps in your portfolio.

On the other hand, if you think your mix of investments is not providing you with the returns you need to help make progress toward your long-term objectives, you may need to add some vehicles that can provide you with more growth potential. After all, it’s 2016 now, so whatever your age, you are another year closer to retirement.

Will this year look like past presidential election years, as far as good returns from the stock market? No one can say for sure.

But if you “vote” for smart investment moves, you won’t be sorry.

Will Geske is a financial advisor at Edward Jones.

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

Tips towards improving your personal financial performance Today’s financial news provides people with different perspectives on the national and international economy.

Some reports are optimistic, others pessimistic, but in the end, the average person has to be ready for good or bad news.

The following is a general overview on these points of view. Also included are tips to improve your personal financial performance. It certainly is true for many people that to be happy and enjoy life, some financial resources are needed.

U.S. and global economic uncertainty may affect everyone, both businesses and people in general. 2016 has been a U.S. Bear Market. The main financial index shows a decline in YTD market performance, for example as of March 9, 2016: Dow Jones is -2.28 percent, S&P500 is -2.59 percent, and the NASDAC is -6.79% percent (Source: Bloomberg 3/9/16).

Also, the expectations of higher interest rates impacted the financial markets; the appreciation of the dollar (stronger currency) makes U.S. products more expensive worldwide.

On the other hand, the current U.S. unemployment rate is very low at 4.9 percent, inflation is low (a good macroeconomic indicator), consumer behavior shows a positive trend, and the U.S. continues to be the biggest economy worldwide with a consolidated financial market (ups and downs are part of a mature financial market).

In comparison, the global economy is experiencing problems. China GDP is slowing down and the Chinese government is trying to implement new financial policies in order to stimulate their economy and retain foreign direct investment. The European Central Bank is expanding stimulus with more QE and lower rates, as well as trying to support its weaker economies: “PIGS” (Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain). Low income in Russian oil is causing financial difficulties for the country, and Japan has just implemented negative interest rates.

What Does This Mean to You? At this particular moment, people need to be very careful about their basic financial strategies. Remember cash, or at least liquid assets, is king.

First, this is the time to save money.

It is good practice to save between five to 10 percent of your income. To do this, you can increase the amount of money in your saving account, or you can buy fixed income securities (CDs, Bonds or T-Bills).

Second, this is the moment to buy stocks or oil contracts, because the

Luis Romero Rockford University

price of those securities is low, and the market is going to correct the current trend to one that is stable or growing. You have to remember that investing in the stock market is for long periods of time. It is not a short-term investment.

Third, you need to create your own budget based on real income and real expenses. Often times, people know how much money they make each month, but are not sure about their actual day-to-day expenses.

Fourth, set specific financial goals.

For example, to save $1,200 per year, you have to save only $100 per month.

Increasing the value of your retirement plan or improving your credit score also are great examples of personal financial goals.

Fifth, protect your assets. Buy additional insurance coverage for future unpredicted events like dental insurance, home insurance and life insurance. This will help you financially when undesired situations arrive.

Sixth, be smart with your credit line.

Credit card promotions can make you buy goods or services you really don’t need. Be very careful with credit offers.

Using your credit card frequently and spending more money than you make can lead to serious financial trouble.

Why is understanding economics from a national and global perspective important to you? Because any decision the Federal Reserve makes is going to affect interest rates and how we live the life we want to live. For example, the European Central Bank could make a new monetary policy that would make travel and exchange rate prices either significantly more expensive or just the opposite, which would affect travel. In other words, every economic event is going to influence your personal finances.

Lastly, and most importantly, not everything in life is about money or economic growth. You have to learn how to enjoy life with the money you have or you are making. Spend time with your family, play with your kids, share good moments with your friends, and do things you are passionate about. You don’t need a lot of money to do these things. You just need to have good health, love and peace.

Luis Romero is an associate professor of economics, business and accounting at Rockford University.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Money Smarts

April 2016

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Retailers voice their views on the new smart-chip credit card

What is your savings strategy?

Tactics regardless what you’re worth Regardless of your income, we are all risk-adverse. In fact, studies show that those in the highest of tax brackets are more frugal and specific with their funds than others. As we become more uncomfortable with the nation’s financial volatility, there are ways in which we can ensure our needs will be met when the time comes to rely on our savings.

Your path to successful savings should include strategies that lead to a sustainable and long-term change in your financial habits, no matter what you’re worth.

Emergency Fund First. Many people today are looking at safety over yield. You should be looking for the best rates on CDs, money market accounts and other FDIC-insured options.

Target to have six months or more of your current net earnings saved and

liquid for emergency needs, such as loss of earnings or other unforeseen circumstances.

Multiple savings accounts at solid financial institutions are the key to liquid returns.

Start early. This bit of truth applies over the ages. The sooner you put your money to work, the sooner it can be working for you. Investing in your company’s 401(k) or IRA can make the difference between retiring early and never retiring at all.

Automate your savings. It is all too easy to be your own worst enemy when it comes to saving. Make it easier by setting up automatic transactions and taking yourself out of the equation. Do it now; you’ll thank yourself later.

Set goals. Get inspired and motivated to be aggressive with your savings plans. Do you have a date you want to retire? Write it down and keep it handy, as those who set quality goals are more likely to achieve them. Share your goals with your financial advisor and revisit them regularly to ensure success.

Diversify. A diversified portfolio helps to take advantage of many

13

sources of

growth

and

protect

against

Brenda Nayonis Rockford Bank & Trust

the

risk of a poor investment. Invest in an asset-allocation fund that is based on your lifestyle, risk tolerance and meeting your future goals.

Your path to successful savings should include strategies that lead to a sustainable and long-term change in your financial habits, no matter what you’re worth. The best way to protect yourself and get a step up on your financial goals is to first invest in a team of financial professionals.

This could mean hiring a qualified and experienced financial adviser, accountant, and in more complex cases, an estate planner.

Brenda Nayonis is SVP – COO & cashier at Rockford Bank & Trust.

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

Visa and MasterCard set an Oct. 1, 2015 deadline for U.S. merchants to upgrade their payment terminals from magnetic-stripe to smart-chip credit cards. As a follow-up, CardHub.com asked retailers and consumers what they thought about the transition and released the results in March.

CardHub surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,000 individuals in the consumer population as well as 50 large chains and five smaller merchants that have experienced a past data breach.

■■ 42 percent of retailers have not updated the terminals in any of their stores.

■■ 43 percent of retailers that have experienced data breaches in the past five years have not updated their pointof-sale terminals.

■■ 56 percent of people don’t care if a retailer’s payment terminal is chipenabled.

■■ 41 percent of people say they don’t have (or don’t know if they have) a smart-chip credit card.

■■ 41 percent of people falsely believe debit cards protect them from fraud better than credit cards.

Merchants that have not implemented EMV-compliant payment terminals now are liable for fraudulent purchases made in their stores, and roughly $8 billion in fraudulent card purchases are made in the United States each year. For more information on the survey, visit www. cardhub.com. — Barbara Connors

14

Money Smarts

April 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Keeping your identity and finances secure Three types of fraudsters

Although “Money Smart” habits begin by learning the proper ways to save, invest and grow your financial stability, it can all be for naught if you don’t also learn the proper ways to protect your identity and finances.

Fraudsters are becoming increasingly prevalent, making it imperative to stay educated as to the most recent tactics of the various fraudsters out there.

Gypsies [jip-sees] n. 1. A group of fraudsters who travel the U.S. breaking into cars and stealing mail for a living, typically following warmer weather.

Jessica Hendon Alpine Bank

need to ask you any questions because they already have all of your information, just like your bank does.

Another company that will never call you is the company that manufactured your

computer.

Fraudsters

have

been doing a great job at convincing computer users that their computers are in need of some type of repair.

The fraudster walks the consumer through the process of giving them remote access. The fraudster then has

As the weather warms, physical theft will increase. Fraudsters enjoy the warmth just as much as the rest of us. Setting up the red flag on your mailbox is a great way to notify these fraudsters there may be an outgoing check. Instead, drop your mail in a blue post office box.

Spring is when we tend to clean things out. Perhaps it’s time to empty that filing cabinet of old documents with sensitive information? Don’t leave those documents at the curb. Instead bring them to one of several free document shred days in the area. There will be one at Alpine Bank’s East State location on May 14.

Don’t leave your purse, wallet or checkbook in the car while you go for a stroll. Your insurance deductible for a new window will be the least of your concerns! Instead leave any items you can’t carry with you at home.

Gypsies steal mail from consumers and businesses, create counterfeit checks and go to banks to cash them. Some will focus on breaking into cars in parking lots at sports recreation areas. Ladies have a high tendency to leave purses locked in cars at places like this. The gypsies steal IDs and go to the victims’ banks to do withdrawals.

free range to all information on the

Vishers [vish-ers] n. 1. A group of criminals who persuade victims to provide personal information over the telephone, often resulting in the transfer of funds.

have the new readers up and running,

Given that it’s tax season, you’ve probably heard at least one story of fraudsters hacking and tricking the IRS or consumer. Although filing early is the best tactic, unfortunately we’re already past that. Try to make it a priority next year. The most important thing to know this year is that the IRS will never call you on the phone. There are too many of us – and not nearly enough of them – to make phone calls every time there is an issue with income taxes. Instead, you would receive notification via the snail mail. And remember, the IRS doesn’t

as you notify your bank immediately

computer.

Skimmers [skim-ers] n. 1. A group of crooks who use small devices to scan and store credit card data from the magnetic strip on the card.

You have more than likely received new debit or credit card with a small metallic square that wasn’t there before and have stood in line at the store not knowing exactly what to do with your card when the “swiper” didn’t work.

Although there certainly is a learning curve for all involved, remain calm and remember that this card is going to keep your finances much safer from these skimmers.

Previously, skimmers were able to steal your information by using a device that could read the magnetic strip on your card, storing data for later use. The chip provides an additional layer of security by creating a “unique authorization” for every transaction.

When the card is “dipped,” the data is stored on an integrated circuit that uses cryptographic algorithms rather than storing the information on a magnetic strip. Although only one in five stores your position as the consumer doesn’t change. You are not liable for fraud losses on in-store transactions as long about unauthorized card activity or missing cards.

Jessica Hendon, CFSSP, is assistant vice president, physical & information security officer at Alpine Bank, with more than 11 years of experience in fraud investigations and loss prevention.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

April 2016

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

How ‘fiscally fit’ is your business?

Step One: Increase your financial IQ, because knowledge is power. By definition, many entrepreneurs and small business owners have an exceptionally diverse skillset – but financial acumen often isn’t among them.

A recent survey by Intuit found that 87 percent of all small business owners manage their business’ finances themselves, and only 35 percent manage their businesses with some help from an accountant or bookkeeper.

Increasing your financial literacy, and gaining the knowledge needed to make effective business decisions, starts with the basics.

Fortunately, Tom Walsh restructuring Northwest Bank of Rockford debt, securing a loan and/ or establishing a line of credit (LOC) — whether to expand your business, launch new products or simply meet the occasional temporary cash crunch — is easily in reach for most business owners. Be proactive, by:

■■ Conducting a thorough “fiscal physical” with your commercial banker. Review your current inventories, cash flow and balance sheet with your banker. He or she will help you analyze your business’ financial performance and develop a financial strategy for resolving challenges and/or ■■ Organize and maintain a complete taking on new opportunities. record of income and expenses. Income and ■■ Paying particular attention to how your expenses are the ‘vital signs’ of every healthy debt is structured. Every business’ financial business. Thanks to inexpensive, easy- condition and objectives are different. to-use and readily available bookkeeping Your commercial banker can give you software tools like QuikBooks®, and an important perspective on the relative others, every small business owner now merits of long-term vs. short-term debt. can competently manage many of their For example, he or she may recommend basic, but important, daily bookkeeping strategies for increasing your monthly cash functions. They can eliminate much of the flow by offering a different loan type or tedious manual data entry of the past by changing your existing loan terms. automating invoicing and bill payments ■■ Taking advantage of all the financial and synching up with your bank and credit resources available to you. While your card transactions. Once the information is banker may caution you about drawing entered, the software then makes it easy on sources of capital such as retirement to generate profit/loss statements, cash accounts and other long-term assets, he or flow projections and other useful financial she will provide guidance with respect to reports. the loan opportunities that exist through ■■ Analyze, and act on, your financial the Small Business Administration statements. Armed with simple financial guaranteed loan programs and other local, statements, you now have the ability to state and federal programs. make smarter business decisions, do straStep Three: Plan for the future—it tegic budgeting and long-term planning will be here before you know it. based on real income and expenses. You The same mentality that makes a can price goods and services at more com- business person successful also can make petitive levels, time purchasing decisions to that person reluctant to plan for the reduce taxes, and more effectively man- inevitable day when a transition should age cash flow to meet payroll, tax obliga- take place. But like it or not, succession tions and other expenses. Understanding planning is an important part of ensuring the “language” of the typical financial a company’s survivability going forward. statement is, of course, a skill that can be The first step is to assemble an advisory acquired with the help of your CPA, com- team with experience in all facets of the mercial banker, a continuing education typical transition process. These advisory course at Rock Valley College or online teams generally are comprised of your at www.sba.gov. banker, CPA, attorney with business and Step Two: Access capital now, estate planning experience, insurance because timing’s everything. Remember agent and certified business appraiser. that hot new French restaurant with the This team can give the business owner cheese Soufflé that was to die for? They an “outside looking in” perspective, and suddenly closed their doors because they help determine the overall objectives for couldn’t make payroll one week. Or that the succession plan. With input from your commercial printer that used to do the team, it will be possible to formulate a best offset lithography in town — but didn’t succession plan that maximizes the value of make the transition to digital? Now they’re your company, ensures workforce stability auctioning their equipment, and their and continuity going forward, and prepares building is for sale. company senior management/leadership If the Great Recession taught us for new roles and responsibilities. anything, it’s that business is cyclical and Tom Walsh is president and CEO of Northwest that bad things can happen even to the Bank of Rockford. best-run companies by the loss of a key customer, the arrival of new competition or The views expressed are those of Walsh’s and do unforeseen forces suddenly at work in the not necessarily represent those of the Rockford marketplace. The only certainty is change. Chamber of Commerce.

Money Smarts

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April 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Public invited to view mural at Rockford Public Library Dedicated to the vision of Transform Rockford

On March 10, the Rockford Public Library unveiled a 12 x 6-foot mural by local artist, Mark J. Adamany; inspired by the vision of Transform Rockford.

Local technology firm, Ticomix, commissioned the piece in 2015 “to raise more awareness and inspire more involvement in the Transform Rockford movement,” according to CEO Tim Ancona.

International award-winning artist Adamany, whose studios are located in downtown Rockford, began his piece “live” at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Business Expo last October, and completed it shortly thereafter. His work has been featured since the 1990s across the United States in a wide range of applications, both indoors and out.

The public can view the mural on the third floor of the downtown library at 215 Wyman St., until the end of May. — Barbara Connors

Income divide in Rockford deeper than most

By Alex Gary For decades, the Rock River has been an actual and symbolic divider of Rockford.

The east side of the Rock River has been generally the more prosperous; a situation that only accelerated once Interstate 90 was built near the Boone County border. Of course, Rockford is hardly alone. The saying “wrong side of the tracks” traces back to the 1800s when railroad tracks typically separated middle- and upper-class homes from factories and tenements.

In February, the Economic Innovation Group, a Washington D.C.based group launched by Silicon Valley inventors in early 2015, released a report showing how income disparities

are increasing and that the economic fortunes of much of America have actually declined during the recovery from the Great Recession.

“The communities taking advantage of the knowledge economy are booming, but the areas where the industrial economy has traditionally held firmest have really suffered,” the report’s authors wrote. “These trends predate the Great Recession, but the recovery has continued to accelerate the fortunes of the most-prosperous areas, and the downturn of the most distressed.”

ZIP Code Divide Not surprisingly, Rockford is a textbook example of the trend.

According to EIG’s figures, in ZIP code

Economic disparities Lowest “distress” ZIP

Score

Rockford

61114

24.8

Boulder, Colo.

80304

Madison, Wis.

City

61114, Rockford’s northeast side, five percent of 14,600 do not have a high school degree, the housing vacancy rate is six percent, the poverty rate is nine percent and the median income is 18 percent above the national rate.

In the 61101 and 61102 ZIP codes on the city’s west side, life is vastly different. The average percentage of people without a high school degree is 25.5 percent, the average vacancy rate is 13.5 percent, the average poverty rate of the two ZIP codes is 35 percent and residents earn about 57 percent of the national median income.

EIG researchers used seven economic factors to create a distress score. Rockford’s 61114 ZIP code has a distress score of 24.8 on a scale of 100, meaning it’s among the top quarter

Highest “distress” ZIP

Score

Difference

61102

98.0

73.2

2.8

80310

81.9

79.1

53718

1.2

53715

56.7

55.5

Berkeley, Calif.

94708

14.1

94704

60.9

46.8

Boise, Idaho

83716

2.2

83704

45.9

43.7

Missoula, Mont.

59803

9.0

59801

52.2

43.2

Arlington, Va.

22207

1.3

22204

29.6

28.3

Santa Clara, Calif.

95054

3.0

95050

26.9

23.9

Rochester, Minn.

55902

7.3

55904

30.4

23.1

Iowa City, Iowa

52245

19.6

52246

40.1

20.5

Palo Alto, Calif.

94301

1.9

94303

21.9

20.0

Source: Economic Innovation Group

of prosperous ZIP codes in America.

The distress scores of 61101 and 61102 were 97.5 and 98, meaning both were among the 1,000 poorest in the nation.

Is it unusual to have such a deep divide between the haves and havenots? It is, if you look at the top cities on the 2016 Livability Best Places to Live list. Among the top 10 cities, which include Madison, Wis.; Rochester, Minn., and Iowa City, Iowa, only one had a wider disparity between its most affluent and least affluent ZIP codes.

And that one deserves an asterisk.

In Boulder, Colo., ZIP code 80304 had a distress score of just 2.8. That area of Boulder has a three percent unemployment rate. In Boulder’s 80310 ZIP code, the poverty rate is 79 percent and the median income is just 26 percent of the national median.

The distress score for that ZIP is 81.9.

That ZIP, though, is mostly home to students from the University of Colorado.

If you throw out that ZIP as an anomaly, none of the top places on Livability’s 2016 list have income disparities near what they are in Rockford.

This past summer, there was a huge community divide over the Rockford Housing Authority’s plans to build affordable housing in more affluent areas of the city. The EIG data shows the focus shouldn’t be on keeping any areas of the city down but instead lifting all areas up.

Alex Gary is president of Alex Gary Communications Inc., and a Transform Rockford volunteer.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

17

April 2016

IGNITE

Young Professionals

Tourism attendance numbers accelerate Plan your own staycation now Recently, I had the chance to review regional activities with our team at the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and we noticed a very encouraging trend — our region is accelerating to new heights!

As we discussed regional trends in the tourism arena, we couldn’t help but notice the great momentum that continues to build and in turn is fueling visitor attendance and spending. Last year, we reported a great increase in numbers from 2014 as visitor spending reached new heights at $340 million (a 6.3 percent increase from 2013) and visitor attendance increased to 7.6 million at sites, attractions and events.

As visitor counts increase, the sites, attractions, restaurants and stores in our region grow. We talk a lot about the increase in development in downtown Rockford as we prepare for the impact of the UW Health Sports Factory opening this June. Downtown Rockford has seen tremendous gains as the community builds its urban core to become an amazing destination for families attending events at the Factory, as well as the continued popularity of the Rockford IceHogs and events at the Coronado Theatre and the Riverfront Museum Campus.

And, we saw attendance numbers go up again in 2015 for many of our events and attractions. The RACVB will release the 2015 attendance numbers for the region in a few weeks during National Travel & Tourism Week in early May. Here is a sneak peak at a few of the increases in 2015: Anderson Japanese Gardens guest attendance increased from 36, 875 in 2014 to 49,272.

Discovery Center Museum guest attendance increased from 169,328 in 2014 to 181,961.

Midtown Ethnic Parade &

IGNITE Cup 2016!

New season, new games John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Festival guest attendance increased from 1,500 in 2014 to 3,000.

Midway Village Museum guest attendance increased from 56,869 in 2014 to 66,812.

Rockford City Market guest attendance increased from 75,500 in 2014 to 101,860.

You can see by these numbers why we are excited to share the attendance numbers from 2015 with the community.

Additionally, we look forward to the numbers the State of Illinois will share with us this summer on the overall economic impact of the 2015 tourism year.

Finally, did you know that according to the U.S. Travel Association, the top three leisure travel activities for U.S. domestic travelers are (1) visiting relatives; (2) shopping; and (3) visiting friends? So, as your friends and family look to plan their summer getaways, encourage them to come visit you in Rockford!

We have a lot going on in our region and our sites and attractions coupled with our Real. Original. events make for lots of fun throughout the year, but especially during our Rockford summers!

As you look for the perfect getaway for your friends and family or just want to create your own staycation, check out our website at www.gorockford.com or stop by our office at 102 N. Main and pick up our Rockford Region Visitor’s Guide to get the scoop on why everything is reaching new heights!

John Groh is president & CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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

Teams and individuals can now sign up! For more information reach out to us at ignitecup@igniterockford.com. As we gear up for our third-annual IGNITE Cup Kickoff party, scheduled for April 21 at Greenfire, I thought it would be a good time to look back at our first two seasons.

In 2014, we had 12 teams and 138 YPs compete in Bowling, Trivia Night, MiniGolf, Scavenger Hunt and Field Day events. Bear vs. Shark vs. Big Foot was the IGNITE Cup champion, led by IGNITE Cup MVP Melissa Patel. Their team was made up of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Rockford class.

In 2015, we had 15 teams and 165 YPs compete in the same events, plus DiscGolf at Rockford University. New Car Smell etched their name on the traveling trophy and was quickly reminded that it will forever be below Bear vs. Shark vs. Big Foot’s name. Because we are millennials and the idea of doing the exact same thing three years in a row sounded awful, we decided to add a few new events.

Spelling Bee: Our first event will be a spelling bee with a few twists. Anticipate a word bank, spelling and a chance to autocorrect (for a fee). Don’t worry if you are a terrible speller, someone on your team has to be less than terrible.

Game Night: Brush Derek Erwin off your oldIGNITE Rockford school gaming skills.

We’re talking Operation; Connect Four; Checkers; Jenga; Hungry, Hungry, Hippo. … You never know what we’re going to pull out of our mom’s basement.

FootGolf: Not sure what FootGolf is?

Think soccer meets golf, and you’ve pretty much figured it out. Since most of us have never played FootGolf, we aren’t really sure what to expect. The waiver we make you sign will likely only say, “None of what happened was IGNITE’s fault.”

This year, we’re keeping our Closing Ceremonies casual and taking advantage of a great Rockford staple – Dinner on the Dock! Come listen to great music, grab a seat on the dock and relax.

We have a lot of opportunities for you, your friends, your coworkers, your employees and your business to be involved with IGNITE Cup. To sign up your team, please visit www.igniterockford.com.

Special thanks to our gold sponsor, SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health.

Derek Erwin is IGNITE REACH co-chair and works at Raymond-James.

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April 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

The socioeconomic burden of migraine

Lost production, work performance Migraine has an enormous impact on both the individual sufferer and society.

The individual’s impact is measured by headache attack frequency and attack severity. Migraine suffers experience both a high level of pain and substantial disability. The societal burden is measured in terms of lost workdays and health care utilization.

Headache is prevalent globally such that 46 percent have an active headache disorder worldwide. Migraine accounts for 11 percent, tension headache 42 percent, and chronic daily headache three percent.

Headache disorders are in the top 10 of the WHO most disabling conditions.

Thirty six million Americans suffer from migraine; about 12 percent of the population. Eighteen percent of American women suffer from migraine. Nearly half of the migraine sufferers never receive the diagnosis of migraine. The prevalence is highest between 25 to 55 years of age -some of the most productive years of life.

The societal impact of migraine can be measured in economic terms. Direct costs are due to primarily health care utilization. Indirect costs include missed work or absenteeism, and decreased productivity at work, or presenteeism. The economic burden of migraine mostly falls on the patients and their employers due to bedridden days and lost production. Third party payers shoulder less than 10 percent of migraine-related economic costs.

The annual direct medical costs of migraine on the U.S. population were calculated in 1999 to be more than $1 billion. Most of the costs were due to office visits to physicians (60 percent) and prescription medications (30 percent).

There are 18 million patient visits per year for headache -- the eighth leading cause for medical visits. Emergency department visits accounted for less than one percent of direct costs.

Headache is the fifth leading cause for emergency department visits. However, most patients do not seek medical care for their headaches. Only four percent consult headache specialists and 10 to 15 percent are seen by neurologists.

Surveys of the U.S. population reveal that, for migraine suffers over a threemonth period, 25 percent missed one day of work or school. Furthermore, 28 percent experienced a decrease in work productivity of 41 percent, corresponding to an average of three days of lost workday equivalents. Migraine suffers spend 3.8 days of bed rest for men and 5.6 days for women in a year. The result is 112 million bedridden days. Migraines cost American employers $13 billion per year due to missed workdays and impaired work function.

Reduced Performance

Dr. Jeffery Royce SwedishAmerican

Pain is a common and disabling condition in the U.S. work force.

Accumulating data indicates that reduced work performance due to pain, not absenteeism, is the predominant cause of lost productive time. Survey data from the American Productivity Audit was used to calculate the pain-related lost production time and associated costs due to headache and other painful conditions (back pain, arthritis pain and other pain) in the U.S. workforce from 2001 to 2002. During the survey period, 13 percent of the workforce experienced lost productive time. Headache was the most common pain condition resulting in lost productive time. Headache accounted for 5.4 percent of the total 13 percent of workforce lost productive time. Back pain accounted for 3.2 percent and arthritis 2.0 percent of painful conditions. The mean lost productive time due to headache was 3.5 hours per week. In males and females, headache-related pain episodes were prevalent at a younger age, peaking at ages 25 to 29 years and then declining thereafter.

The cost of lost productive time in the U.S. workforce due to headache is substantial and is calculated at $19.6 billion dollars per year. Absenteeism accounts for $4.2 billion per year and reduced productivity at work due to headache accounts for $15.4 billion per year.

Thus, the direct costs of diagnosing and treating migraine are much less than the cost of lost productivity due to migraine.

Improving health care for migraine could be cost effective on a societal basis. Many cost-effective and medically effective treatments are available.

References X. Henry Hu, Markson LE,Lipton RB, et al. Burden of Migraine in the United States. Arch Intern Med, 1999;159:813-818.

Lipton RB, Hamelsky SW, Bigal ME. Migraine Epidemiology and Impact. Continuum, American Academy of Neurology, 2006;12,issue 6, headache:17-31.

Stewart WF, Ricci JA, Chee E, et al. Lost productive time and cost due to common pain conditions in the US workforce. JAMA, 2003;290:2443-2454.

Stover LJ, Hagen K, Jensen R, et al. The global burden of headache: a documentation of headache prevalence and disability worldwide. Cephalalgia, 2007;27:193-21.

Dr. Jeffery Royce, M.D., FAAFP, FAHS is a headache specialist at SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

19

April 2016

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY U.S. Indicators

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

February 2016 Consumer Price Index



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

0.2 percent 4.9 percent

      

242,000 $0.03 0.2 percent 0.6 percent (fourth quarter, 2016) 2.2 percent (fourth quarter, 2016) 0.3 percent 0.4 percent

Luna Studio held a ribbon cutting on Jan. 29 at 5906C Elaine Dr., Rockford.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates Region / State / Nation Oct 2015

Nov 20

Dec 2015

Jan 201615

Rockford

6.8

7.5

7.2

8.5

Chicago

5.3

5.4

5.5

6.6

Illinois

5.9

6.0

6.1

6.3

United States

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.9

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

2016 Property Taxes

by State The average American household spends $2,127 on property taxes for their homes each year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and residents of the 27 states with vehicle property taxes shell out another $412.

REAL-ESTATE TAX RANKINGS

Illinois Ranks 50th (out of 51*) Effective Real-Estate Tax Rate 2.25%

Annual Taxes $176K Home $3,959 State Median Home Value

$175,700

Annual Taxes Home Priced at State Median Value $3,959

VEHICLE PROPERTY TAX RANKINGS

Illinois Ties for 1st (out of 51*) Effective Vehicle Tax Rate 0.00%

Annual Taxes on $23K Car* $0 *Includes District of Columbia.

Source: Wallethub.com

Edward Jones held a ribbon cutting on March 15 at 4949 Harrison Ave., Ste. #128, Rockford.

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April 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

Kiwanis Club of Rockford presented a $15,000 check to Rock River Valley Pantry in February to purchase a delivery van. Since 1988, Kiwanis Club of Rockford has awarded more than $1,852,000 to non-profit organizations that support area children.

In February, customers and employees of Illinois Bank & Trust supported St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital’s fight against pediatric cancer by buying $1 paper Q’s provided by Q98.5. The month culminated with a radiothon at Peak Sports Club in Loves Park in March.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomed the 2016 Illinois High School Association Girls Bowling State Finals in February.

Roughly 740 bowlers competed in singles and team games at Cherry Bowl in Rockford, with projected spending of $500,000.

Eickman’s Processing Company earned two gold medals for hickory smoked bone in ham and smoked bacon, and one silver medal for dried beef at the DFV-AAMP Quality Competition for Sausage and Ham in January at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Rockford Housing Authority launched its new, fully redesigned website, Rockfordha.org, with content on its mission and services.

OC Imageworks received a 2016 Platinum AVA Award for its Kishwaukee College CRT – Get Career Ready video and an honorable mention for its TAILS Humane Society Fundraising Video under the video production/fundraiser category at the international AVA Digital Awards.

This year, Entré Computer Solutions, Inc., achieved for the 17th time Microsoft Gold Status for providing customers with a higher level of interaction with Microsoft; based on the expertise of its 20 network engineers and customers surveys conducted by Microsoft.

Savant Capital Management was named the Charles Schwab 2015 Best-in-Business IMPACT Award™ winner with $15,000 given for grants to nonprofit organizations chosen by Savant. Savant matched the contribution to create a $30,000 grant-making fund with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. One non-profit a month will receive a $2,500 grant in 2016, including Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Discovery Center Museum.

Meridian provided new vehicle graphics for an entire fleet of Benson Stone Company, Inc., delivery

vehicles. Using 3M-certified inks and vinyl, it provided everything from partial wrap to a full wrap for several vehicles.

Thayer Lighting Inc., completed parking lot lighting retrofits for Valli Produce’s Rockford and Loves Park locations, for an estimated 80 percent in energy savings.

Midland States Bank entered into a definitive agreement to acquire approximately $400 million in wealth management assets from Sterling National Bank of Yonkers, New York, with an expected transaction closing date in the second or third quarter of 2016.

Illinois Bank & Trust is presenting sponsor of Club Blue Rockford, a grant program that has raised nearly $750,000 for community charities.

Three nonprofits are chosen annually based on their work with children in need. In 2016: Crusader Community Health, Rockford Habitat for Humanity and Shirley’s Place.

KMK Media Group completed a video project that can be viewed at www3.rps205.com highlighting the Montessori program, which includes interviews with students, parents and staff on how the program differs from a conventional school setting.

The National Inclusion Project partnered with the Rockford Park District to provide training, a wide network of inclusion experts and the annual Power of Play Conference. It awarded $7,500 to create an inclusive environment where children with and without disabilities can play, learn and laugh together using the Let’s ALL Play program model.

The Most Reverend David J. Malloy, Bishop of Rockford dedicated and blessed the newly renovated chapel at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in February. The $325,000 project designed by architects Larson and Darby Group and contractor Ringland-Johnson, Inc., brought the chapel up to current codes. It was paid mostly by the OSF Saint Anthony Foundation.

Marco received the 2016 BOLD Award in the middle market category by the Minnesota Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth®, for corporate leaders and teams behind successful mergers and acquisitions, financing and extraordinary strategies that led to sustainability, remarkable performance and/or accelerated growth in 2015. Marco was sold to Norwest Equity Partners in October of last year.

Blackhawk Bank employees donated $5,250 to local non-profit organizations in 2015 through its monthly Jeans Days benefitting: Habitat for Humanity Boone County, Meals on Wheels, Project 16:49, Rockford Habitat for Humanity, Scleroderma Foundation, American

Family Children’s Hospital, the Literacy Council, Walter Lawson Children’s Home, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Rockford Park District’s Lockwood Park and Rock House Kids.

SwedishAmerican is the first Rockford hospital to use a real-time nurse rounding application to enhance patients’ experiences. Nurse managers with tablets assess all aspects of a patient’s hospital stay, including their medical care, nutrition services and the general environment of their room.

Chartwell Agency developed a brand identity standards package for Boylan Catholic High School. It created a six-minute video, “Mythbusters 2016,” for incoming freshman with insights and advice for success for Hononegah Community High School at https://youtu.be/ G7v83Yl0gng. It facilitated a strategic planning retreat for Alignment Rockford’s governing and operating boards. It helped with Stateline Splendor, the region’s premier bridal expo held in January, with a vendor floor plan, fulfillment of vendor contracts, and assistance the day of the event.

V2 Marketing completed an updated brand identity for Mercy Ambulance, including marketing collateral, letterhead and business cards. It redesigned Applied Ecological Services’ corporate website; optimized for use on mobile devices.

It completed a website design for Second First Church, secondfirst. org, with videos of recent sermons and mobile device optimization. It completed a hard cover, 20-page brochure for Renaissance Roofing with a copper plate cover logo, and company services, history and project descriptions.

Remedies Renewing Lives opened its new, 62-bed domestic violence shelter and kitchen with walk-in freezer and cooler funded by Walmart Foundation State Giving Program for nutritious, well balanced meals. The shelter annually houses nearly 500 victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Edward Jones ranked No. 10 on

FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best

Companies to Work For 2016” list; its 17th appearance on the list, with 94 percent of associates saying they have pride in the work they do and 95 percent saying that overall, Edward Jones is a great place to work.

University of Illinois Extension partnered with Northwest Community Center to expand its 4-H Tech Wizards programming.

Funded by National Mentoring Program, it connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-related activities.

Siena on Brendenwood and Lifescape Community Services are bringing an eight-week workshop series, A Matter of Balance, to local seniors who’d like to manage their concerns about falling in their homes on Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m. Free for Siena residents. Visit www. lifescapeservices.org.

First National Bank and Trust offers new, free interactive tools on its website for comparing mortgage rates and retirement savings. Visit www.bankatfirstnational.com/ MyRate for the mortgage comparison tool, and www.bankatfirstnational. com/MyRetirement for the free retirement savings analysis.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation state tournament at the BMO Harris Bank Center, March 10 to 12. It drew roughly 1,000 top wrestlers in Illinois, boys and girls, ages 10 to 14; and generated an estimated $252,000 in economic impact. RACVB orchestrated the opening ceremony and color guard presentation.

V2 Marketing received a Gold ADDY Award for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra 80th Anniversary Book, a Silver for Rockford Lutheran Schools Capital Campaign Materials and a Bronze for the CNADM Dance Workshop Poster.

Associated Bank is presenting sponsor of the Rockford Park District’s annual Simply Spring: The Butterfly Exhibit at the Nicholas Conservatory & Garden through May 15.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons granted three-year accreditation to the cancer program at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center for meeting 34 CoC quality care standards as determined through surveys and delivery of comprehensive patientcentered care.

Work has begun to restore 15 acres of native oak woodland at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, with the first step to remove invasive woody species like honeysuckle and buckthorn. The project is funded by a grant from the Dr. Courtney J. & Margaret Hutchins Hamlin Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

The City of Rockford received the 2016 Stormwater Management Award from the Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management at its annual conference luncheon in March.

Ignition Studio, Inc., provided creative support for Unforgettable Art, an annual fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, by developing the posters, invitations, tickets and programs. It created a brand-building and product innovation campaign

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

21

April 2016

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS with a new website, promotional material, trade show graphics,

provided, team excellence and wealth of experience.

advertisements and direct mail campaigns for Sievert Industries.

Rockford IceHogs gave a $20,000 check in March to SwedishAmerican Hospital and A Silver Lining Foundation from funds raised during the IceHogs’ annual Pink in the Rink game on Jan. 16. The IceHogs has helped raised more than $150,000 for local charities through the annual event over seven years.

Associated Bank presented a $10,000 check to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity for the Faming Hope House. House walls will be built by the community in the parking lot of Home Depot on April 9.

The Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois celebrated Arbor Day by planting more than 2,000 trees at Camp McCormick in Stillman Valley on May 7.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services awarded $1,435,417 in Affordable Care Act funding to clients of theFranaGroup to help establish Substance Abuse Service Expansion for the opioid epidemic in four states; Illinois, Michigan, Kansas and Louisiana.

Awards ranged from $325,000 to $406,250.

Savant Capital Management was named one of the Top 10 Financial Advisors in Chicago by AdvisoryHQ News, based on criteria such as fiduciary duty, independence, transparency, level of customized service, history of innovation, fee structure, quality of services

Rockford Health System received five ADDY Awards: A Gold in the local television commercial category, a Best in Show for “The Place for

Kids,” a Silver in the single – flat category, and a Judges Choice for the 2015 Wishbook – Sensational Wishes. Rockford Memorial Development Foundation received a Silver for the 2015 Rockford Health Gala and a Bronze for its Radiance Invitation in the card, invitation, announcement – single unit category.

SwedishAmerican celebrated on March 10 the second anniversary of the opening of BetterLife Wellness medical center within the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA.

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Pat Casazza

Company: Broadmoor Agency, Inc. Position: Insurance Agent

How long have you been an Ambassador?

Too long to remember. My guess would be more than 20 years.

What do you like most about being an Ambassador? I love knowing what is happening in Rockford. When you live in a town, you need to know what is happening to appreciate the place where you live. I also love knowing people are starting small businesses and fulfilling a dream.

Another thing I really like about being an ambassador is the friendships I have from knowing other ambassadors; people that I would not have met if I wasn’t involved as an ambassador.

Chartwell Agency and its design partner, Ignition Studio, Inc., received a Silver ADDY Award in the consumer website category for content and design of the Ingenium Aerospace website, www. ingeniumaerospace.com, launched last November.

Rockford University received seven ADDY Awards: three Gold for Rock Solid & Ready in the branded content and entertainment (nonbroadcast), brochure campaign and voiceover talent (audio) categories; one Gold for Rock Solid in the direct mail campaign category; one Silver for Gala 2015 Mad About Science in the special event campaign category; one Bronze for Catalyst in the printed newsletter campaign category, and one Bronze for the television advertising campaign: second generation of TV spots category.

Colorwave Graphics, LLC earned a Judges Choice and Gold Addy Award for its architectural graphics and displays installed at Drake University, Iowa to promote the Yahoo! News Conference on Technology and Politics. It won a Silver award for a fleet of eight RMTD full bus wraps promoting the Illinois National Guard.

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April 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Josh Houghton

2. Ellen Olson

3. Megan Varalli

4. Rebecca Smith

5. Kari Rioux

6. Katie Schlarb

7. Melissa Johnson

8. Cynthia Hodges

9. Cassie Corbett

10. Stephanie Spickler

11. Christine Flory

12. Billy Cuddy

13. Dan Yesbeck

14. DJ Neary

15. Jeffrey G. Ludwig

16. Jeffrey S. Mefford

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

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Steve Nailor was chosen president for four years of the National Association of Conference Presidents (for Methodist Men). He served as president of the Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Men for almost 10 years.

Josh Houghton (1), business banker, Illinois Bank & Trust, joined the Rockton School District Board of Education.

Jessica Cheney Nelson, Dickerson Nieman; Linda Cooper, William Charles Properties; Jennifer Muraski, Muraski Monument Company, and Eric Wilson, Rock Valley College, joined the Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program board of directors.

Shirley Reif, Crest Foods Company, Inc.; Scott DeMario, CUNA Mutual Group, and Annette Mikula, Rock County, were elected, and Brad Olm, Gordon Flesch Company, and Wendy Culver, Mead & Hunt, reelected to The Alliance board. Olm was named board chair and Culver vice chair.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing appointed new board members: Dr. Promod Vohra, Northern Illinois University; Dr. Carmen CoballesVega, Rock Valley College, and Linda Zuba, master’s-prepared RN and

practicing attorney.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Alpine Bank promoted Ellen Olson (2) to VP, controller; Megan Varalli (3) to VP, secondary market officer; Rebecca Smith (4) to AVP, credit officer; Kari Rioux (5) to credit officer, and Katie Schlarb (6) to in-store branch officer, at Rockford Plaza, and Melissa Johnson (7) to assistant branch manager, relationship banking officer, at Highcrest. The bank hired Cynthia Hodges (8) as accounting officer and Cassie Corbett (9) as credit officer.

Cain & Company Inc., welcomed Stephanie Spickler (10) as marketing coordinator.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company hired Christine Flory (11) as marketing representative, and Billy Cuddy (12) as claims representative.

Dan Yesbeck (13) was promoted to director of information technology and DJ Neary (14) to marketing representative II. Midland States Bank promoted Jeffrey G. Ludwig (15) to president and Jeffrey S. Mefford (16) to executive vice president of community banking.

Associated Bank hired Brecken Haak as vice president private banking and Kathy Sink as vice president portfolio manager.

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford welcomed Inis Bardella, M.D. (17), FAAFP, as head, department of family and community medicine.

Cheryl (Cheri) Zweep joined Kelce & Company as an account manager in charge of its restoration services accounts.

Four new employees joined the Williams-Manny team: Mary McGann, account manager; Robin McKenney, marketing specialist, and Yvette Harris, benefit administrator, in Rockford, and Heather Mendoza, benefit administrator, in Wheaton, Ill. Luna Studio welcomed Krystal Shuga as a babywearing fitness instructor, Karyn Schwitters as a counselor for women and families, and Laura Navarro as office manager.

Thayer Lighting, Inc., promoted Matt Honson (18) to assistant operations manager and Raphael Gonzalez (19) to site manager.

Rockford Public Library appointed Melissa Leuzinger (20) as vice president of the foundation.

Sheryl Thogerson (21) recently joined The Literacy Council as Executive Director.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

The following were named finalists of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra

Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award in the Rockford Public Schools: Jennifer Loomis, Montessori; Lisa Weckerly, Marsh Elementary; Lisa Eaton, King Elementary, and Dianna Heddinger, Eisenhower Middle School.

Anne (22) and Jim Wilson (23), owners of Comfort Keepers, northwest Illinois, received the Home Care Pulse Best of Home Care “Leader in Excellence” trophy.

Amy Lynn Harris (24), paraplanner, Aspire Financial Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Rockford, obtained the Certified Financial PlannerTM certification.

American Advertising FederationNorthern Illinois named Chris Kelley (25), principal, V2 Marketing Communications, Inc., as the 2016 AAF Silver Medal Award winner for company contributions and furthering industry standards.

Joseph DeChatelets (26), president/ CEO, celebrated five years and Roger Bendorf (27) casualty specialist, 10 years with Rockford Mutual Insurance Company. Dennis Gulling (28), senior claim representative, earned the Associate in Claims (AIC) designation and Dylan Vaughn (29), product analyst I, the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation from the American Institute for (continued on page 23)

17. Dr. Inis Bardella

18. Matt Honson

19. Raphael Gonzalez

20. Melissa Leuzinger

21. Sheryl Thogerson

22. Anne Wilson

23. Jim Wilson

24. Amy Lynn Harris

25. Chris Kelley

26. Joseph DeChatelets

27. Roger Bendorf

28. Dennis Gulling

29. Dylan Vaughn

30. Kathy LaCapra

31. Chad DeMarre

32. Ed Slattery

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April 2016

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

Continued from page 22 Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters. Kathy LaCapra (30) earned the Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation and was promoted to director of human resources.

Chad DeMarre (31), agent, New York Life, qualified for the 2016 New York Life Elite Program.

Ed Slattery (32), head golf professional & membership development director, The MauhNah-Tee-See Club, was named among the distinguished Top 100 National Club Fitters of the Year for 2015 by PING. YWCA Northwestern Illinois presented 2016 Women of Achievement Award to: Karen Brown, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (business); Lt. Carla Redd, Rockford Police Department (community leadership); Dr. Linda Chang, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford (mentorship); Denise Schrader, MercyRockford Health System (professions); Christina Peacock, City of Rockford (promise), and Jessica Oladapo, Rock Valley College (racial justice).

Zach Rohda, Kelce & Company, completed the IICRC Certification as a certified carpet cleaning technician.

Alpine Bank named its 2015 Employee Service Star Award winners: Megan Varalli, vice president, secondary market officer (service to internal customers); Ashley King, relationship banker, (service to external customers); and both Don Banks, senior vice president, commercial

services, and Kerry Williams, assistant vice president & branch manager (role model service), for efforts after the tornado hit Fairdale last April.

33. Denise Schrader

Nick Sommer and James Robinson were honored by the Illinois Senate in March for historic achievements in high school athletics. Robinson set the IHSA career records for rushing touchdowns, yards and points scored during his career at Rockford Lutheran. Sommer, a sophomore at Hononegah High School, set a national season average bowling record at 252.11.

YWCA Northwestern Illinois recognized Denise Schrader (33), vice president of care continuum and wellness, Rockford Health System, with its Women of Achievement Professional Award.

Barrett Cowen, Entré Computer Solutions completed training on the advanced Cisco Firewall class with Firepower Security Add-on’s, which allows Entré to install and maintain Cisco products.

Manuel de los Santos (34), product manager - biological processes, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, was named the recipient of the 2016 Water Stewardship Award from the Central States Water Environment Association.

Sonali Khurana, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, class of 2017, was chosen as the 2016 Jay G. Hirsch Award recipient for “Teacher Training Program on

34. Manuel de los Santos

35. David Martindale

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - A Teachers’ Knowledge of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Outcomes of a Teacher Training Program.” She was the keynote speaker at the ICCAP Spring Meeting in March at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.

David Martindale (35), P.E., Ballard Engineering, Div. of Ballard Companies, Inc., attained a professional engineering license in Kentucky and Florida and is working on industrial power distribution systems in Florida and power plant modifications in Kentucky.

OF GENERAL INTEREST

Michael J. Chmell, M.D. (36), OrthoIllinois, will serve as one of four panel members on “The Biggest Challenges in our ASCs” at Becker’s 14th annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven Conference + The Future of Spine,” June 9 to 11 in Chicago.

Brandon Wallace and Brian McKendree, Rock River Pest Control, attended the Wisconsin Pest Control Association Spring Training Conference in February in the Wisconsin Dells.

State Sen. Dave Syverson (37) (R-Rockford) spoke at the Illinois Pharmacy Lobby Day at the Capitol

36. Dr. Michael J. Chmell

37. State Sen. David Syverson

complex; an event for pharmacists, other professionals and students to meet with lawmakers on important industry issues.

Chris Kelley, marketing strategist, V2 Marketing Communications, presented “Email Marketing for Nonprofits,” at the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence monthly Leader Luncheon seminar.

Kimberly Buchanan launched a website featuring her own, personal brand and sharing what she’s learned over 20-plus years with other women who desire to pursue career aspirations and business ownership. Visit www. kimberlybuchanan.com.

Dr. Fred Sweet, spinal surgeon, Rockford Spine Center, served as a visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia with a lecture on complex spine surgical reconstruction techniques, spinal deformity and his new procedure, Transforaminal Anterior Release for the Treatment of Fixed Sagittal Imbalance and Segmental Kyphosis.

John Frana, president, and Linda Potts, vice president, theFranaGroup, attended the National Council for Behavioral Health conference in March in Las Vegas.

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in February, 2016.

23WIFR Gray Television, Inc. A-1 Dry Cleaners & Laundry ABEL Plumbing Inc. Al’s Carpet Flooring & Design Center American Cancer Society American Resource Management Group Ameriprise Financial Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Associated Bank Barnes International, Inc. Bridge Ministries Broadmoor Agency, Inc. Byron Forest Preserve/ PrairieView Golf Club Capri Restaurant, Inc. Chastain & Associates LLC Choice Furniture, Inc. CIT Trucks Cord Construction Company Crystal Precision Drilling, Inc. Delta Dental of Illinois Dickey Staffing Solutions Epilepsy Foundation Faith Center First Evangelical Free Church

Fisher’s Ethan Allen Forward Equity Marketing Group Furst Search LLC General Mitchell International Airport Giordano’s Gitz-Meier Remodeling/Restorx Glenwood Center Ltd. Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Gordon Food Service/GFS Marketplace Greater Rockford Airport Authority d/b/a Chicago Rockford International Airport In Home Medical Group LLC Kennametal Konica Minolta Business Solutions L.K.G. Industries, Inc. LaQuinta Inn & Suites Rockford Larson & Darby Group Lindstrom Travel Maney’s Lawnscape Inc. Marden Tire & Auto (Marden Distributors, Inc.) Maxim Healthcare Services McClure Engineering Associates, Inc. Meijer Rockford Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center

Merrill Lynch Mulford Park Apartments Next Rockford Northern Illinois Diabetes Coalition Northern Illinois Food Bank Rockford Branch Northern Illinois Health Plan Northwest Community Center Nova Painting & Decorating Oliver Close, LLC Olson Aluminum Casting Ltd. Phantom Regiment Physicians Immediate Care Pierce Laminated Products, Inc. Production Tool and Supply Company Pumilia Family Dental Group Residence Inn by Marriott/Rockford Restoration Cafe Rock Valley Compounding Pharmacy Rocket Industrial, Inc. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Rockford Area Realtors Rockford Coronado Concert Association Rockford Foundries

Rockford Metal Polishing Co. Rockford Rescue Mission Ministries Rockford Woman’s Club/Rockford Theatre Rocktown Adventures Sandvik Coromat Co, Schmeling Construction Co. Specialty Screw Corporation State Farm Insurance - David Zierke Staybridge Suites Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC & NYSE T K Group, Inc. Thrivent Financial Tyler’s Landscaping U-Haul Moving & Storage of Loves Park Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Weldstar Co. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Wilson Electric Co. Winnebago County Board Chairman’s Office Woodward Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP

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

Saturday, April 2 Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents The Magical Music of Disney, 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. Register at 815-965-0049 or www. rockfordsymphony.com.

Monday, April 4 The City of Rockford offers Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) for Winnebago County: April 4, 6 to 10 p.m.; April 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and April 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Deadline for certification by new state law is July 1. Registration required. Contact Delicia.harris@ rockfordil.gov or 779-348-7573 or Daniel.gonzalez@rockfordil.gov or 779-348-7568 (habla español).

Thursday, April 7 Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful presents its Earth Day Awards Luncheon with featured guest and daughter of Ted Turner, Laura Turner Seydel, chair of the Captain Planet Foundation, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Moderated by former Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. Presentation of Earth Day Awards. Tickets at 815-637-1343.

Remedies Renewing Lives hosts a Ribbon Cutting Celebration, 4 to 5 p.m., for its new location at 220 Easton Pkwy., Rockford.

Friday, April 8 Pauly Shore, Harland Williams, Tom Green and Bobby Lee perform The Comedy Party, 8 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Visit www. coronadopac.org/events.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden hosts its spring luncheon, BOTANICA, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. Keynote speaker Leslie Goddard will portray Rachel Carson, scientist and author, whose book “Silent Spring” started the environmentalist movement of the early 1960s. Register at 815-965-8146.

Saturday, April 9 Goodwill Industries hosts a Job Fair and Resource Expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall, 7070 CherryVale North Blvd., Rockford.

Area employers and hiring managers can register for free at www.good willni.org/JobFair2016. Space is limited.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center presents Shakespeare Spin-Offs, 7 p.m., at Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford. Visit mendelssohnpac.org.

April 2016

Community Events COMMUNITY

The 13th annual Red Shoe Run-For Donor Awareness takes place at Northern Illinois University-Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Includes a chiptimed, certified-course 5K run at 8 a.m., and fitness walk at 8:10 a.m. Visit www.RedShoeRun.org.

GiGi’s Playhouse/Rockford, LLC presents its fifth-annual “I Have a Voice” Gala, 5:30 to 11 p.m., at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road.

Features guest speaker, self-advocate David DeSanctics, and musical guest artists Mo Pitney. Call 815-654-7529.

Rockford Public Library presents the Best of Nuggets of History, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at the main library auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St. The book, published in 2015 by the Rockford Historical Society, is a collection of the best articles of the publication’s first 50 years. Registration not required.

For questions call 815-965-7606.

Sunday, April 10 Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center presents Celebrating Russian Composers with the Avalon String Quartet, 3 p.m., at Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford. Visit www. mendelssohnpac.org.

Tuesday, April 12 Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center presents Lunch & Learn: Shakespeare’s Sonnets III, “Love & Sex,” with Dr. William Gahan, associate professor of English, Rockford University, noon at Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, Fulton Room, 406 N. Main St., Rockford. Visit mendelssohnpac.org.

Wednesday April 13 University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford presents a free Childhood Obesity Panel Discussion with keynote speaker Mayor Larry Morrissey, 9:15 a.m., and panel discussion, 11 a.m., at 1601 Parkview Ave. Call 815-395-5649 for questions.

Friday, April 15 University of Illinois Extension presents Science Siesta for fourth to sixth grade girls, April 15 to 16 and April 22 to 23. Features a pajama party with hands-on science experiences at the Discovery Center and Burpee Natural History museums. Registration at 5 p.m., on Friday; check-out at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday. Register at http:// web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/ or 815758-8194.

Saturday, April 16 Michael Carbonaro performs Michael Carbonaro… Live! 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford.

Visit www.coronadopac.org/events.

Tuesday, April 19 University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford presents a free community seminar, Learn About

Conservative Therapeutic Techniques for Bladder Leakage, with Denise Nichols, clinical assistant professor, department of obstetrics and gynecology, 5:30 p.m., at 1601 Parkview Ave. Register at 815-3955649, prrockford@uic.edu or rockford. medicine.uic.edu.

Wednesday, April 20 Rasmussen College and The Workforce Connection host a free Community Career Fair, 2 to 5:30 p.m., at The Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford. Meet 40 local employers with entry-level to management-level positions. Interview on the spot. Resume recommended.

For information call Jessica Koltz, 815-316-4843.

Thursday, April 21

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

learn about natural living and support local birth options. Visit facebook. com/LABORrockford.

Monday, April 25 Rosecrance Foundation Benefit, 6 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Recognition of “100 Years of Changing Lives,” alumni stories and musical entertainment by Redux Jazz Orchestra. Call 815-3875608 or visit Rosecrance.org.

Rockford Public Library and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office present I-Cash: Discover and Claim Your Unclaimed Property, 3 to 5 p.m., East Branch, Friends Community Meeting Room, 6685 E. State St. Also April 27, 1 to 3 p.m., at Montague branch, Connie Lane Room, 2138 S. Winnebago St.

Leadership Rockford presents the first-annual RPS 205 FIRST Robotics Fundraiser, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road. For questions contact firstroboticslr@gmail.com or 779-774-4389, ext. 11. Reserve tickets today at www.urlpaypal.com.

Tuesday, April 26

Friday, April 22

Friday, April 29

Platinum®-selling, GRAMMY®nominated Newsboys performs its We Believe…God’s Not Dead” 2015 Tour, 7 p.m., at BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. Visit newsboys.com or turningpointpr.com.

Rockford Rescue Mission hosts a Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication Celebration for Pitney Place, 4:30 p.m., at 715 W. State St. Includes open house and tours at 5 p.m.; reception, presentation and refreshments at 6 p.m. Reservations at 815-316-4181.

Saturday, April 23 The Rockford Coronado Concert Association presents Five Vocalists from the Ryan Center, Lyric Opera, 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. Visit www.rccaconcerts.org.

Rock Valley College hosts an Hour of Code event with Professor Chuck Konkol, 9 to 10 a.m., at WTC 152 on the main campus, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Fun, hands-on learning about coding and unplugged and online learning. Visit hourofcodeworkshops.eventbrite.com.

Rockford Public Library and Primerica Financial Services present How Money Works: Secrets to Financial Success, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the main library, classroom B, 215 N. Wyman St. RSVP by April 23 to Keith Barnett, 630-631-1833 or keith. barnett0777@gmail.com.

Sunday, April 24 The 32nd annual YMCA of Rock River Valley Heritage Run to benefit the Y’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program starts at 12:30 p.m., with a kids’ fun run on Elm, just west of North Main Street. Race starts at 1 p.m., on State and Wyman streets. Register at www.rockriverymca.org/heritagerun/.

Luna Studio hosts its fourth-annual LABORfest Expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. Shop local vendors, meet birth professionals,

Rockford Public Library and LPL Financial present Controlling Debt Before It Controls You: Be Proactive in Managing Your Debt, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., East Branch, Friends Community Meeting Room, 6685 E. State St.

KIDZ BOP! The #1 kids’ music brand presents its 15th birthday celebration, the all-new Life Of The Party tour, 7 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford.

Register at the BMO Harris Bank Center or Coronado Performing Arts Center box offices, Ticketmaster.com or 815-968-5222.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden presents its third-annual Arbor Dash 5K, 6 p.m., at 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. Register before April 23 at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/ Rockford/ArborDash5K or call 815965-8146.

Saturday, April 30 Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky and Emily Bear, 7:30 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. Register at 815-965-0049 or www. rockfordsymphony.com.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts a Great American Cleanup™, 9 a.m. to noon with the City of Rockford, Winnebago County, SwedishAmerican Foundation, Rock River Environmental Services and media partners. Register at knib.org by April 20 to choose from 20 equipment pickup sites. Same-day registration only at Patriots’ Gateway Community Center, 615 S. 5th St. Call Frank Manzullo, 815-637-1343, for questions.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

April 2016

Membership: 101 101 MEMBERSHIP

One aim of the Rockford Chamber is to offer settings for forming meaningful relationships. This is the space where the true business of life is done.

Consider joining one the clubs below.

Building s s e n i s u B s p i h s n o Relati

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” – Dale Carnegie

Ambassadors Club The volunteer arm of the Rockford Chamber, these members are identified by their traditional red blazers or attire at chamber events.

Ambassadors serve as mentors and recruiters for new members, and are active at grand openings, ribbon cuttings, open houses and other chamber events.

Ambassadors Club Chair: Barb Berman Meets 2nd Thursday of each month 11:45 to 1 p.m.

Various member locations Contact Sue Boyer, Rockford Chamber, 815-316-4315 or sboyer@ rockfordchamber.com to look into joining Ambassadors Club.

“The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through.” – Sydney J. Harris

Advantage Clubs Business owners, decision makers and sales associates dedicated to networking and referring business to one another. To foster a noncompetitive nature, only one member from each industry is permitted per group. Annual membership fee is $35.

Advantage Power Network Club Chair: Teri Watts, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays each month 11:45 a.m.

Franchesco’s Ristorante Advantage Club Originals Chair: Diane James, djames@membersalliance.org Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month 11:45 a.m.

Various locations Contact Stacy Mullins, Rockford Chamber, 815-316-4302 or smullins@rockfordchamber.com to look into joining an existing Advantage Club or forming a new one.

www.rockfordchamber.com

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April 2016

New Chamber Members MEMBERS ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY A premier provider of outpatient rehabilitation services including orthopedic physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine and work rehabilitation.

3616 N. Main St., 61103 Danielle Spillare 815-977-5932 www.athletico.com

BIRCH PLUMBING INC. Plumbing Repairs & Installation 1715 Kings Hwy., 61107 Steve Birch 815-988-0719

ROCKFORD ACROMATIC PRODUCTS INC Providing solutions to driveline needs.

Serving agriculture, mining, automotive, construction and recreation with rear, front and fourwheel drive applications.

611 Beacon St. Loves Park, IL 61111 Jim Olson 815-877-7473 www.rockfordacromatic.com

TALECRIS PLASMA RESOURCES

CHOICE PROPERTIES The Choice Group invests in residential real estate that presents the opportunity for predictable cash flow and growth.

4949 Harrison Ave., 61108 Omar Shouhayib 815-520-3678 www.choiceproperties.com

Plasma Donation Center 1052 W. Riverside Blvd., Ste. 132, 61103 Latoya Ruffin 815-633-7125 www.talecrisplasma.com

TECHMAX BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Network Services, Computer Support, IT Consulting, Complete Technology FIRST BANK Solutions Providers FINANCIAL CENTRE P.O. Box 1406 Janesville, WI 53547 Delivering unmatched, distinctive customer service to our consumer and Brandy Brickson 815-398-1555 business customers. www.techmaxusa.com Shane Hartje 815-742-5323 www.fbfcwi.com

THE LITERACY COUNCIL

GLOBAL SPIRITUAL ORGANIZATION Nanaksar Sikh Temple P.O. Box 1955, 61110 Baba Ji 815-308-3313

M. ADAMS EQUIPMENT CO. M. Adams Equipment Co., has been in business for 57 years specializing in buying and selling used construction equipment.

2100 N. Central Ave., 61101 Judy Adams 815-968-0818 www.adamsequipment.com

MARION S. MOMALY, CPA, PC

Basic Adult Education and English as Second Language Classes and One-on-One tutoring 982 N. Main St., 61103 Sheryl Thogerson 815-963-7323 www.theliteracycouncil.org

TOTAL CENTER USA Income Tax, Transportation Tickets, Bill Pay, Money Transfer, Plates & Titles, Notary Public, Translation, Insurance, Safe Driving 1806 S. Alpine Road, 61108 Jose Gloria 815-566-4133 www.totalcenterusa.com

VAPE-N-JUICE

Tax and Accounting Services 130 N. Church St., 61101 Marion Momaly, CPA, PC 815-708-7505 www.momalycpa.com

JIM ORLANDO PHOTOGRAPHY Professional Photography – Corporate, Industrial, Commercial, Events and Portraits 327 S. Winnebago St., 61102 Jim Orlando 815-397-8464 www.jimorlandophotography.com

We offer an extensive selection of vaping products, aimed to help people quit smoking entirely.

4437 E. State St., Ste. 1, 61108 Adam Fitzgerald 779-210-4817 www.vpnjuice.com

Y BLESSING Business Consulting Yesenia Presley 773-571-4253

MAY VOICE SPECIAL SECTION:

Businesses on the Move For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events APRIL, 2016 Tuesday, April 5

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St., Rockford. Jennifer Whiteford, managing partner and leadership coach, The Anser Group, presents “You are a Brand!” on how to think and act like a brand in your career, business and life. Sponsored

by MembersAlliance Credit Union.

Wednesday, April 6

Ribbon Cutting at New York Life – Chad DeMarre, 4 to 5 p.m., 973 Featherstone Road, Ste. 114, Rockford.

People You Should Know (PYSK) Talk, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. (5100 building along State Street). Dave Stenerson, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, presents.

Thursday, April 7

Ribbon Cutting at Remedies Renewing Lives, 4 to 5 p.m., 220 Easton Pkwy., Rockford.

FMA/BMO Harris Bank invite members of the Manufacturers Council to join a free Plant Tour Series at the Caterpillar Global Mining Plant in south Milwaukee, Wis. Taneka Tucker, BMO Harris Bank, discusses Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP), learn solutions to improve efficiency and visit the Heritage Museum. Register at fmanet.org/calendar.

Friday, April 8

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Tim Dimke, Rockford Park District, presents “Citizen-Driven Government” with organizational strategies for staying

relevant, building relationships and delivering results. Includes district-wide Citizen Survey results.

Sponsored by AT&T.

Tuesday, April 12

IGNITE LOTB - The Arts, noon to 1 p.m., Rasmussen College, 6000 E. State St., fourth floor, Rockford.

Includes discussion with panelists Steven Larsen, Rockford Symphony Orchestra; Anne O’ Keefe, Rockford Area Arts Council; Richard Raether, Artists’ Ensemble Theater, and Carrie Johnson Breitbach, Rockford Art Museum. Does not include lunch.

Wednesday, April 13

Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rock Valley College, Woodward Technology Center, 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford.

Michael Cyrs, Savant Capital Management; Tom Budd, Rockford Bank & Trust, and T.J. Leake, Hinshaw & Culbertson, present “Succession Planning for Your Business.”

Sponsored by RSM US LLP. Thursday, April 14 4 - 8 pm Garden Hotel and Conference Center, 200 Dearborn Ave., South Beloit, IL

Celebration of Manufacturing EXPO & DINNER

Eileen McDargh keynotes on “The Manufacturing Advantage: Achieving Resiliency.” Announcement of the Individual Business Catalyst of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year.

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

(continued on page 27)

April 2016 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

95-YEAR MEMBER

Williams-Manny Insurance Group

90-YEAR MEMBER Behr Iron & Metal

65-YEAR MEMBERS

Integra Business Systems, Inc. MercyRockford Health System

60-YEAR MEMBERS

Manpower OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

50-YEAR MEMBER

Midwest Scale Company, Inc.

45-YEAR MEMBERS

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated Ballard Companies, Inc. Fisher’s Ethan Allen Guler Appliance Company Rockford Career College

40-YEAR MEMBERS

Androck Hardware Corporation PNC Bank

35-YEAR MEMBER

Pepper Creek/Fourth Street Greenhouse

30-YEAR MEMBERS

Astro-Physics, Inc. Carpenter’s Local 792 Northwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council Rockford Gastroenterology Associates, Ltd.

20-YEAR MEMBER Cain & Company

15-YEAR MEMBER

Belter Machinery Co., Inc.

10-YEAR MEMBERS

ABC Catering Ltd., A Better Choice Catering Stateline Staffing Services, Inc.

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Preservation Pointe Condo Association Print Jet Sems and Specials Inc.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events Wednesday, April 15

Ribbon Cutting at 4:00 p.m. for Ground Floor Skateboards, 333 E State St.

Wednesday, April 20

Good Morning Rockford! 7:30 to 9 a.m., Oak Street Health, 301 E. State St., Rockford.

Friday, May 13

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Sponsored by AT&T.

Wednesday, May 18

Friday, April 29

People You Should Know (PYSK) Talk, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. (5100 building along State Street). Dr. Lamata Mitchell, Rock Valley College, presents.

MAY, 2016

Thursday, May 19 11:30 am - 1:15 pm Radisson Hotel & Conference Center 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Celebration for Pitney Place at 4:30 p.m., 715 West State St., Rockford, IL.

Tuesday, May 3

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St., Rockford. Sponsored

by MembersAlliance Credit Union.

Tuesday, May 10

Chamber 101 with Speed Networking, a quarterly member orientation, 4 to 5:15 p.m., Rasmussen College, 6000 E. State St., fourth floor, Rockford. Sponsored by MembersAlliance Credit Union. Hospitality provided by Rasmussen College.

Wednesday, May 11

27

April 2016

Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., at Rock Valley College, Woodward Technology Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Ron Giordan, Mid-West Digital Marketing, presents “Social Media Strategies.” Sponsored by RSM.

Celebration of Leadership

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 15 Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ATHENA PowerLink®. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Northwest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Rockford Chamber of Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . 18 Commerce . . . . . 10, 17, 21, 25, 27, 28 Broadmoor Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Rockford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 City of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Rock Valley Credit Union . . . . . . . . . 12 First National Bank and Trust . . . . . . . 6 RVC BPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 HolmstromKennedyPC . . . . . . . . . . . 15 RSM US LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Klaas Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Thayer Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . 7 University of Illinois College

MercyRockford Health System. . . . . . 5 of Medicine at Rockford . . . . . . . . . . 11

LUNCHEON

Keynote speaker is Kika Young, Forest City Gear, and recent past alumna of Leadership Rockford.

Sponsored by PNC Bank (presenting), and Associated Bank, RSM US LLP, and SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (business).

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ............................................. Direct Line Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO ......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer ................................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology .................. 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment ................... 815-316-4317

Monday, May 23 11 am Forest Hills Country Club 5135 Forest Hills Rd., Rockford

ROCKFORD CHAMBER

Golf Classic

Sponsored by SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (presenting).

Caitlin Ludwig, Vice President, Leadership Development ................... 815-316-4337 Stephanie Mathews, Administrative & Finance Assistant ................... 815-987-8100 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events ............................................. 815-316-4302 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller .............................. 815-316-4316 Sue Boyer, Member Relations ................................................ 815-316-4315 Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager ............. 815-316-4336 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ........................ 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Chair Elect Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Vice Chair Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Immediate Past Chair Richard Walsh Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP

DIRECTORS

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Carmen Coballes-Vega Rock Valley College Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Darlene Furst FurstStaffing

Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems

Dan Ross Williams-Manny Insurance Group

Dr. Robert Head Rockford University

Henry Seybold MercyRockford Health System

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Kris Kieper YWCA Northwestern Illinois Paul McCann Stanley Steemer of Rockford Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates CherryVale

Patrick Shaw RSM US LLP Laura Williamson Rockford Park District

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

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The VOICE, Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101

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