April Voice 2021

the April 2021 | Volume 34 | No. 4

ENGINEERING A BIGGER FUTURE

A MORE COLORFUL CITY

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of the rockford business community

People You Should Know

Insights from past honorees WHAT’S CHANGED, AND WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT

By Barbara Connors, with thanks to PYSKs The Rockford Chamber will announce its newest class of People You Should Know honorees on June 24 – individuals in our region who are compelling, interesting and amazing.

Following are words from honorees representing former classes, with input on what they’re doing now, attitudes and activities that have changed, and insights on leadership and world problems. You might notice some common themes, and some very individual ones.

CLASS OF 2011 Dana S. Kiley, Jr.

president, CoyleKiley Insurance Agency Inc. What are you currently doing?

CoyleKiley has grown in people (13) and volume since our internal perpetuation in May of 2015.

Currently reading or watching?

Bloodline on Netflix Who has inspired you lately? How

my kids have handled the school year.

My wife balancing her work “at-home,” versus on the road, and taking a bigger role at home. Staff working together and management keeping CK running and growing.

Problem you wish you could solve?

Dishonesty and trust issues.

If you had the freedom to do anything, what would you do? Remove some people from politics.

A few items you’ve been told or read over the years.

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

– coach.

“It starts when you hear no.” – mentor.

“Look, I don’t really know where we

should take this bus. But I do know this much: If we get the right people on the bus, the right people in the right seats, and the wrong people off the bus, then we’ll figure out how to take it someplace great.” – Jim Collins, Good to Great.

CLASS OF 2011 Rebecca Epperson president/founder, Chartwell Agency What are you currently doing?

Originally named PR Etc., our company rebranded and launched Chartwell Agency, which continues to grow locally, Continued on page 10

ROCKFORD CHAMBER

Despite vaccines, majority see long path back to normal

THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY

Join the Chamber on Social Media

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

RVC Foundation and 24 charitable donors raised $393,000 and Rockford Mass Transit District donated one of its city buses, which was transformed into a fullyequipped mobile hub for cuttingedge technological training. The Rock Valley College Tech Bus will visit schools, churches, local organizations and community events to provide credit classes in mobile app development, and non-credit workshops like “Hour of Code,” “Girls Who Code” and “Coding with Robots” in an effort to narrow the digital divide in the Rockford region.

Classes kicked off on Feb. 27 with seven students in a 12-week program to earn a mobile app development certificate.

Information on booking the RVC Tech Bus to visit your school or organization is available at rockvalleycollege.edu/techbus.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Small businesses’ health improves as economic concerns linger

Most small businesses see their own business health as good despite seeing a worsening economy, according to the latest MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index. A majority also see the distribution of coronavirus vaccines as a positive step for the business climate, but see six months to a year before the business climate returns to normal.

The current Small Business Index score is 55.9 (a slight increase of three points from 52.9 in Q4 2020). However, the new score remains substantially below findings before the pandemic: the Index score was 71.7 in Q1 of 2020 based on data collected before the full economic impact of the coronavirus became apparent. It reached an all-time low of 39.5 in Q2 2020.

EDUCATION GOES ON THE ROAD

The survey, fielded between Jan. 14 and 27, 2021, found that small businesses have subdued views of the future despite the promise of new vaccines and recently passed coronavirus stimulus measures. As more Americans receive their COVID-19 vaccines, a majority of small business owners (76%) remain just as concerned as in Q4 2020 about the pandemic’s impact on their business, their health and the economy.

Despite this, the distribution of the vaccine does appear to be lifting spirits.

More than half of small business owners say that the vaccine makes them more optimistic about the future of their business (54%) and the business climate across the country and in their state (59% each).

Continued on page 3

GOLF CLASSIC

MONDAY, MAY 24, 11 AM THE MAUH-NAH-TEE-SEE CLUB For more information, see page 24 PRESENTING SPONSOR

STATE COMMITTING $772,000 TO DOWNTOWN LIBRARY CAMPUS The state announced $772,000 in funds through the Rebuild Illinois program towards the building of a six-story apartment building with ground-level shopping and a restaurant at 227 N. Wyman St., adjacent to the new Rockford Public Library headquarters.

The Shovel-Ready Infrastructure grant goes to Bush Construction and the new residential project is slated to open in 2022. It will become the first new residential project in downtown Rockford in nearly 50 years.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

CHAIRMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

DAN ROSS Rockford Chamber Board Chairman

The Chamber is a resource as you plan a safe return to work

Before I jump into my topic this month, I want to say thank you to those of you that tuned into our virtual annual meeting on Facebook live on March 24th. While there is no substitute for being together, this meeting allowed your Chamber leadership to cover several important items, including a look back at the past year and a look forward to the year to come. I would encourage you, if you did not have a chance to tune in live, to visit the Chamber Facebook page and watch this 20 minute information filled recording.

I want to spend a few moments this month talking about a topic that I believe many of us are grappling with, which is how do we safely return to work. While many essential businesses in the Rockford area remained open throughout the pandemic, there are many businesses, like mine, that transitioned to a largely remote platform. I thought it might be helpful to share with you some of the considerations we grappled with as the Community Foundation prepared to return to work.

What does being “open” really mean for your organization? We started with this fundamental question as we crafted our strategy. Recognizing that we had some space constraints that prevented us from bringing everyone back into the office in such a way that would minimize risk (multiple people sharing a single office), we needed to decide what we were trying to accomplish in this transitional time with the underlying goals of keeping our team safe and meeting our stakeholder needs.

For us, we wanted to accomplish a few main objectives: have the offices open during normal business hours for foot traffic and have someone answering the phones live during office hours. While we see great benefit in the camaraderie of having everyone together in the office, we can work with a scaled back crew for the time being to meet our objectives.

Involve your team in the discussions.

If the size of your organization allows, get your whole team involved in the process of determining objectives for reopening and a strategy for doing so. I

If you are like me, the search for a “right” answer can get in the way of making a decision and moving forward.

learned a long time ago that I absolutely do not have all of the answers, but all of the answers do exist when you get those most directly impacted involved. This also promotes a sense of ownership of the strategy.

Recognize that there is no single right solution. If you are like me, the search for a “right” answer can get in the way of making a decision and moving forward.

This is not a decision to make hastily, but it is also important to realize that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all organizations. I believe that the best thing you can do is arm yourself and your team with as much information as possible and then go for it. No decision is permanent; or said another way, be flexible. If you try something and find it is not working, change it.

Knowledge is power. Seek out the information you need to make the decision that is right for your organization. We found that, as a team, we had many questions about what it meant to be vaccinated. As such, we went to the CDCs website and found numerous articles that provided some clarity on this topic. Talk to your peers.

I reached out to several other non-profit

organizations in town to see what they were doing. While no two organizations are exactly alike, it was a great opportunity to gather ideas and bounce thoughts off of those that are in the same boat. Do not forget the Chamber as a resource. Your Chamber is working on a “handbook” for employers in the region on this very topic.

My hope is that we will all better understand the needs of our businesses, employees and customers coming out of this most unusual time.

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

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication date. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101 For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100.

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

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

FUTURE CONCERN Continued from front page

Minority-Owned Businesses Minority-owned businesses continue to appear harder hit by the pandemic.

Eighty six percent are concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their business’s future (versus 72% of nonminority-owned small businesses).

As the pandemic continues, small businesses are paying attention to their employee’s mental health. With 67% of small business owners concerned about employee morale and another 70% concerned about employees’ mental health, a majority (60%) say their business is actively addressing employees’ mental health as a priority right now. Minorityowned small businesses are more likely to be concerned about employee morale and mental health (76% and 82%, respectively) and, in turn, are more likely to be prioritizing employee mental health (70% vs. 57% nonminority-owned). Minority business owners are also nearly three times more likely to provide employees with mental health and wellbeing resources.

Mandated Vaccines?

The survey found that half of small business owners are likely to require employee vaccination when they become widely available. As a firm’s employee size increases, so too does the

likelihood that the business will require them to be vaccinated. Of those that plan to require employee vaccination, many say they will do so because they want their staff to be healthy (53%) or because it’s the right thing to do (43%).

Seven in 10 small business owners themselves plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is made available to them. Northeastern small business owners are most likely (81%) than those in the Midwest (65%).

Small Business Owners Small business owners are a mixed bag this quarter with half (52%) seeing their business health as good amid a backdrop of a worsening economy.

This is in line with sentiments across the last 10 months, but down 14 points from Q1 2020 before the impacts of the pandemic had been felt.

Note that the survey was fielded from Jan. 14 to 27, 2021 while national unrest surged and a presidential inauguration occurred. There also was uncertainty around future federal stimulus packages. This could have contributed to pessimistic outlooks about the economy. Year over year, those calling the U.S. economy poor has increased 47 points from 12% in Q1 2020 to 59% in Q1 2021.

Perceptions of the local economy fell in lockstep with those of the national economy. v

April 2021

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INDEX HIGHLIGHTS View of national economy declines.

A majority (59%) rate the overall health of the U.S. economy as poor, similar to last August at 58%, but above Q4 2020 at 50%.

Views of local economies go down.

A growing number of small businesses (43%) rate their local economy’s health as poor, up from 32% in Q4 2020.

Hiring expectations tick up. Thirty two percent of small businesses plan to increase hiring over the next year, up from 27% in Q4 2020.

Fourteen percent plan to decrease headcount (same as last quarter). Just 5% planned a decrease in Q1 2020.

Most small businesses are focused on employee mental health. Seventy percent of small businesses say they are concerned about employees’ mental health and a majority (60%) say their business is actively addressing it.

Most still concerned about virus’s impact.

Three-quarters of small businesses (76%) remain concerned about the virus’s impact on their business, similar to 75% in Q4 2020. Seventy six percent are concerned about their business’s finances, similar to 75% in Q4 2020.

Majority say it will take at least six months to return to normal. Fifty-nine percent of small businesses this quarter predict it will take six months to a year to get back to normal. In Q4 2020, 56% said the same.

Minority-owned businesses more concerned about impact of pandemic. Eighty six percent of minority-owned small businesses are concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their business’s future (versus 72% of non-minority-owned small businesses who are concerned).

Almost half of businesses say they can operate indefinitely. Forty five percent of small businesses say they can operate indefinitely without shutting down in the current environment, up five points from last quarter, 17 from July, and 22 from late April 2020.

Fewer small businesses see just months of survival. In Q1 2021, 21% of small businesses said they can operate six months or less without having to shut down permanently. In April of last year 45% said the same.

Half of small businesses plan to require staff vaccinations. Around half (52%) of small businesses are likely to require employee vaccinations, saying their top reason is they want staff to be healthy.

Retailers concerned about the future and morale. Across sectors, retailers are most likely to be concerned about their business’s future (80%, up eight points from Q4 2020) and employee morale (76%, up eight points from Q4 2020).

Source: www.uschamber.com/sbindex/summary

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

profile

MEMBER PROFILE

FEHR GRAHAM ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL Small-firm feel, large-firm capabilities

By Paul Anthony Arco

Mick Gronewold remembers distinctly the catalyst that helped Fehr Graham to evolve from a small firm to one that could compete with the big boys in the engineering world.

“It was 1998, when we lost the opportunity for a water main job in Freeport, which was right in our own backyard,” said Gronewold, a principal owner. “We asked the Freeport public works director why we didn’t get the job, and he said, ‘I didn’t think Fehr Graham was big enough to handle the job.’ We knew if we didn’t grow, our chances of securing challenging work for our staff diminished.”

Fehr Graham, an engineering and environmental firm, was formed by two Freeport engineers, Allen Fehr and Joseph Graham. The two competitors decided after years of competing against each other they could be more successful as partners. They opened their first office in the fall of 1973 in Freeport. Their first client was the village of Lena, which hired Fehr Graham to do curb work.

“They were great engineers who came up with a business model that encouraged young people to become part of our ownership organically,” said Gronewold, who joined the company in 1993. “They created motivation for growth early on.” Graham retired in 1987 and Fehr followed three years later.

Fehr Graham works with several municipal, civil and environmental clients, including the city of Rockford, Loves Park, Roscoe, South Beloit, Illinois Tollway, Illinois Department of Transportation, developers, architects and other private clients in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

One of the firm’s biggest projects was the Illinois Tollway’s $12 billion Move Illinois program. Fehr Graham was hired as part of a joint venture to design a 7.4-mile stretch of Interstate 90’s Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. The project included replacing pavement structure, widening the roadway and renovating ramps to oases and toll plazas.

“Our services are broad,” Gronewold said.

“We provide municipal, transportation, water and wastewater, environmental, compliance work, OSHA training surveying, landscape architecture services and more.”

Fehr Graham has 10 offices in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. The firm opened its first Rockford office in 1993. “What we’re

(Above) Fehr Graham employs a staff of 170, including engineers, surveyors and landscape architects.

(Right) Mick Gronewold trying to do is create a firm with capable expertise, the staff to do large projects, but have them in various offices across the Midwest to maintain that small-town feel,” said Gronewold.

The firm has a staff of 170 that includes engineers, surveyors and landscape architects. “Without our staff we’re nothing to the very core,” said Gronewold. “Our people are really the backbone of who we are as a firm. It takes grit, the ability to solve problems and technical experience. When it comes to our business, our employees are the face of the company.”

Fehr Graham continues to grow.

Recently, the firm added 3,000 square feet to its Rockford office in the Prairie Street Brewhouse, a former brownfield site that the firm helped the city of Rockford remediate. In Freeport, Fehr Graham in February relocated its office to the downtown area closer to City Hall and the courthouse.

Fehr Graham staff are involved with several local organizations such as Sharefest, IGNITE, Next Rockford and Transform Rockford. “It’s important to give back to our community,” Gronewold said. “There are so many benefits to volunteering your time, but making the communities better where we live and work, is one of the most important.”

While the past year has been challenging for many industries, the COVID pandemic has taught Fehr Graham some valuable lessons. “We’re a better firm today than we were a year ago,” Gronewold said. “Our employees have improved their communication and collaboration skills to work better with clients and with colleagues in other offices, and that’s a positive.”

FEHR GRAHAM Board Chairman, Mick Gronewold 200 Prairie St., Ste. 200, Rockford 815-394-4700 www.fehr-graham.com

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

What is IGNITE? CARMEN KELLERMAN IGNITE

Getting ready for some live-and-in-person activity

Our community is constantly changing and so is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always at 100 percent.

IGNITE is the region’s young professional group and is a part of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

IGNITE members do not have to be Rockford Chamber members to join, but IGNITE members are always welcome to learn more about being a Rockford Chamber member.

Our mission is to attract and retain young professionals to the Rockford region. We do this by connecting and engaging young professionals with leadership, professional and personal development and volunteer opportunities.

IGNITE’s program is suitable for individuals between the ages of 21 to 40; however, all are welcome in our group!

Young professionals can be found in a wide variety of careers and IGNITE is not limited to any specific line of work.

Our group is full of diversity, and we would love to keep it that way!

You Might be Asking: What Can IGNITE Provide Me? IGNITE focuses on professional development, volunteering, community and social aspects of life.

Professional Development. Professional development is a key area for YPs. While in the beginning to middle stages of our careers, it is important that we grow as engaged members of our community as well as professionals. At IGNITE, we provide opportunities to meet key leaders in our community through our Lunch with a Leader series. Our Leadership Team is always happy to help make connections such as jobs, board seats, business opportunities and more. We have a job board and open community board positions listed on our website.

Volunteering. As young professionals, it is important that we give back to the communities we live, work, learn and play in. Not only does this help our communities grow stronger and healthier, but it also allows YPs an important chance to expand their networks, engage in the non-profit side of our community, learn more and even improve their resumes. There are multiple volunteer opportunities listed on the IGNITE website or you can check United Way. Community. We are constantly looking for new ways to keep YPs engaged in the community. This is an

ever-expanding and changing task, but IGNITE is up for the challenge. We are committed to encouraging our members to be a part of their local community.

This could mean encouraging YPs to attend a city council meeting or becoming a mentor for highschool seniors through Alignment Rockford.

It could mean writing a column in the Rockford Chamber’s newspaper, The VOICE, or getting involved with Transform Rockford. Our community is constantly changing and so is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always at 100 percent.

Social. Upcoming IGNITE Events (you read that correctly… upcoming) IGNITE Lunch with a Leader, April 16 at noon: Lunch with a Leader is a great time to learn from a VIP in the community in an easy, laid back way. We will be in the PURI School of Business, room 122! This month, we will be hearing from State Representative Dave Vella! If you are unable to join us in person, the event will still be streamed via Facebook Live!

More details can be found on Facebook or our website.

IGNITE Hike with 815 Outside, April 17 at 10 a.m.: Enjoy the start of spring at this hidden gem forest preserve and meet fellow young professionals! We will hike about two miles of mostly flat trail, with the option to take a steep staircase to the base of the gorge.

Please RSVP at 815outside.com to receive a reminder and parking instructions.

To learn more about IGNITE, check out our website (igniterockford.com), our Facebook at IGNITE Rockford or our Instagram (igniterockfordyp). If there are ever any questions or if you are interested in joining IGNITE, please contact Carmen Kellerman, IGNITE coordinator, at info@igniterockford.com.

Carmen Kellerman, formerly Brenz, is event & program coordinator and IGNITE coordinator for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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April 2021

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Reimagining the entertainment industry during COVID VINCE CHIARELLI SBDC

Virtual performances opening the doors for more to enjoy the arts

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the music industry.

Countless music events, concerts and festivals have been cancelled or postponed. While some musicians were able to use the time to create new music, there were many supporting music industry performers and other employees who relied heavily on these events for their income. Industry trade publication, Pollstar, estimated the total lost revenue for the live music industry in 2020 at more than $30 billion.

A Rockford community arts staple has been the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

I wanted to reach out to them to see how they are faring amid the pandemic and how they have adjusted during this turbulent time.

I asked Julie Thomas, RSO executive director, the questions below: How is the RSO doing amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, and what adjustments have you implemented

to keep the musicians working and keeping your organization afloat?

The RSO has been severely compromised with our live performances, but we have implemented smaller, leaner, virtual performances. We had some virtual concerts from September through December last year. We are spending lots of time fundraising and assessing how we can safely produce music, present it to the community and keep our musicians busy. We’re planning more virtual shows, which will showcase chamber music.

What are your thoughts on virtual and streaming concerts?

We were used to recording and broadcasting performances on WNIJ radio, but virtual shows have been a learning curve for us. A silver lining that has come out of these virtual shows has been that it is broadening access of the RSO to the community.

It will never substitute for an in-person

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra under the helm of Maestro Steven Larsen during a preCOVID-19 concert. live performance, but we love being able to communicate our music on a different platform and give the RSO experience to the Rockford community and beyond.

What can the Rockford community do to help the RSO and its musicians?

Public advocacy is very important, and we hope our community will reach out to state and federal representatives to say that the cultural offerings and arts that we and other organizations are providing are important to the Rockford community. We are also raising funds through the Larsen Legacy Campaign, which will ensure the financial future of the RSO so that

when the baton is passed to the next artistic leader, the RSO is in a position to encourage and create progressive and innovative programming.

If you would like to help support the RSO, you can visit their website, www.rockfordsymphony.com, and click the donate button. You can also watch free content, including their previous virtual performance on the site.

Vince Chiarelli at the SBDC at Rockford Chamber has assisted many clients with pandemic challenges, including the local music scene.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

Companies invited to sponsor an NIU student team Companies facing the reality of needing to produce more with fewer staff and managing profits in the midst of increasing costs are invited by NIU College of Business to sponsor a team of students to work on a solution to their specific problem. Openings are available with both the Business in Action and Experiential Learning Center consulting programs.

Students in Business in Action get to know your business, your culture and your values over the course of 16 weeks. They offer external perspectives, extra research horsepower, unbiased recommendations and general business knowledge on issues in sales, marketing, pricing, costs and employee turnover. Participation also builds the company’s consumer and employment brands with more than 100 NIU College of Business freshmen.

The Experiential Learning Center connects a company’s accomplished executives with a team of four to eight talented business students, who help solve a cross-functional business issue over the course of 16 weeks.

Contact Jason Gorham, director of business consulting, 779-702-1671 or jgorham@niu.edu.

DR. EHREN JARRETT Superintendent RPS 205

We need more with the character of Chris

Chris Hodge was on his way to becoming a talented homegrown teacher. Chris had a passion for teaching, an empathy beyond his years and an uncanny ability to connect with people.

He was exactly what our Education Pathway program is trying to accomplish.

He could have changed the lives of generations of students.

Sadly, the 19-year-old’s life was cut short this winter when he was killed in an automobile accident in Rockford.

His death was a terrible tragedy — an unfathomable loss for his family and a huge loss of potential for this community.

As painful as his loss is, it redoubles my commitment to the Education Pathway program. Chris was a sophomore in the pathway program, a partnership with Rockford University.

We need to make sure Chris’ story is not an anomaly but something that happens with more and more young people.

I first met Chris in 2019 when he came with his East High School basketball team for a recognition at a School Board meeting. East had made it to the IHSA’s Final Four. He was a senior; I asked him what his plans were. He said he wanted to become a teacher.

He was already in the teaching pathway of one of our high school academies. But he wasn’t sold on teaching until he went to Johnson Elementary School, part of a field experience in his academy pathway.

It was March of his senior year.

As his academy advisor at East, Allen Noland, remembered it, the children at Johnson crowded around Chris’ table.

At recess, they wouldn’t leave him alone.

“Chris had a line of kids around him, trying to play with him. It was like he was a rock star.”

Chris remembered it that way, too. In a video interview by documentarian Terry Gano, Chris said the students’ reactions triggered a realization. “This is what I want to do. This opportunity was given to me for a reason.”

He also told Gano (who is working on a documentary about diversity in teaching) that teachers are effective only if they care and connect on a deep level.

“We need to know you are 100 percent with us,” he said.

Finding people like Chris is at the heart of our Education Pathway program. The pathway starts with courses in our high school academies and progresses to a Rockford University degree at a steeply discounted rate.

Graduates return to teach in our district, where they can get their master’s degree in urban education at RU for free.

We’ve partnered with RAMM to go the extra mile for aspiring teachers, covering the remaining $5,000 in scholarships for two Rockford Public Schools students. We want to ensure cost is no barrier to attracting promising African American candidates to the teaching profession.

Chris certainly had that promise. He could have had tremendous influence, not just on his students but on the career choices of diverse young people in the community.

He was exactly the kind of young man we want as a teacher.

The best way to honor Chris Hodge’s legacy is to make sure more students of his quality and character become teachers.

Chris said it best during the documentary footage. “I won’t be satisfied until I really reach these kids — these hearts, these minds — and I change lives. That’s what I will be proud of.

Until then, I’m going to keep working.”

We’ll keep working, too. Thanks, Chris, for the inspiration and your dedication.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

 Destination

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

CRE8IV Transformational Art: Placemaking and partnership

Access to art, placemaking, partnership and support. These were the key elements and the foundation of CRE8IV in 2019.

After a one-year hiatus, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the return and expansion of CRE8IV: transformational ART following these same principles.

As the destination management organization for our region, our team considers experiences that will enhance our region, including ideas that increase access to art, enhance civic spaces and create a strong sense of community.

CRE8IV provides this and so much more. CRE8IV (pronounced “Creative”) is a community-building, arts-infused initiative launched in 2019 as part of RACVB’s placemaking and public art efforts designed to enhance the region for residents and visitors.

The first CRE8IV made an impact with nine beautiful mural installations in downtown Rockford. Following a favorable and positive response, our team wanted to bring even more of that vibrancy and creativity to Rockford’s central city, and additional communities in the Winnebago County region. It is our goal for artists to create three to five murals this June, funding dependent, that will inspire all of our residents and visitors for years to come. And it couldn’t come at a more opportune time to reenergize our community as the season to meet with others for safe sunny outdoor experiences is approaching.

With such a positive launch in 2019, we saw an opportunity to continue CRE8IV in a way that would pull in other parts of Winnebago County including Loves Park, Rockton and Pecatonica. Partnering with cities, private donors and organizations to fund and produce these murals allows for an expansion to new parts of Rockford and Winnebago County. As such, we are

excited to further implement a regional approach to tourism and placemaking.

We hope that through the return and expansion of CRE8IV we will be able to develop partnerships that allow for the growth of this public art initiative, resulting in an increase in artistic murals throughout our region.

Long-lasting Impact Commenting on plans for 2021, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara remarked, “We’re excited by the return of CRE8IV to Rockford and the region this year. Public art has a unique ability to bring people together and I’m certain, as we continue our recovery from the pandemic, that the artists who participate and the new public works of art they will create will have a positive and long-lasting impact on all of us.”

Loves Park Economic Development /Planning Manager, Nathan Bruck, shared his enthusiasm surrounding this partnership, commenting, “The City of Loves Park is excited to be a part of this fantastic project celebrating art and culture in the Rockford Region. We look forward to working with RACVB and seeing a mural come to life in our city along North Second Street.”

It is this level of collaborative partnership that we feel brings forth endorsement of transformational placemaking.

Painters District Council 30, Local 607 Business Representative, John Penney says, “We are proud to partner with the RAVCB for the next phase of CRE8IV to bring beauty, life and inspiration to our community through art. I encourage others to take part in the continual transformation that starts with our individual efforts to bring collective change and purpose for all.”

The Destination Development team,

that includes Kristen Paul and Austin Taylor, continue to execute and find new ways to wow our community. From the coordination of the “call for artists” to ensure inclusivity, diversity and representation from both local to national artists to all of the intricate details involved in finding the right wall to ensure the mural is big, bold, bright and sustainable, this team makes it look effortless. My hat’s off to them and all the partners who will make CRE8IV possible this year.

And we do it because we are proud to lead and partner in ways that will push our community forward in creating transformational change through beautification that leads to economic growth for Winnebago county. We are

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proud to bring to you the 2021 murals, CRE8IV transformational Art. John Groh is president/CEO of 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.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

PYSK

Continued from front page

Rebecca Epperson and family. regionally and nationally. Fortunately, I work with the best people I know.

I became a first-time mom when my husband Dana and I adopted our amazing daughter, Josie. At Chartwell, we prioritize our clients and work along with our families -- incredibly important because our daughter is very active on traveling sports teams.

Concept of leadership changed? An overused idiom, “we’re in this together.”

My company’s approach to the past year.

Habit you started? I’ve learned to be “present.” It’s my word for 2021, whether on a long video conference call or helping my daughter with homework.

Problem you wish you could solve? I wish there was more understanding and kindness, no matter people’s affiliations or opinions. We’ve failed to remember that all opinions are important.

CLASS OF 2013 Teresa Beach-Shelow

president, Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. What are you doing now? Our company has grown five times larger. My parents moved in with us during the last year -- a fun challenge. Retirement is not on the radar, but I am open to life as it comes!

Currently reading or watching?

Autobiography of Ben Franklin by Walter Isaacson.

Gotten you through the past year?

To feed my faith, I read Bible scriptures/ commentary each day, journal and pray.

Lots of walks!

Concept of leadership changed? It’s reaffirmed that leadership is lonely and takes strength and confidence, but you have to find enjoyment and fun and share it with people at your company.

What’s surprised you? That the aerospace industry crashed. … It was on an upward trajectory.

Local place you look forward to visiting? A local fair or outside event.

Industry events where I can meet with other business owners.

What problem do you wish you could solve? Stop the cancel culture and allow all ideas to be heard, so that children can grow into adults making their own decisions.

CLASS OF 2011 Bob Trojan president/CEO, Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc. What are you currently doing? In 2013, I worked with robotics team leaders from Winnebago and Rockford schools on an Off-Season Robotics Competition; inviting teams outside of Rockford, “getting the word out,” raising money and putting together a 501C3 organization.

While 2020 was a COVID No Play year, plans for 2021 are to host an outdoor event this July. The young students get so excited making, testing and competing with robots they designed and built. It’s rewarding.

I was elected a Rock Valley Trustee for a six-year term to finish this April. This, during exciting projects on campus: the OSF nursing building, NIU/RVC engineering program, new building/ curriculum for aviation maintenance training. The Advanced Technology Center opens for classes this fall. I was on the search committees for three presidents and the lead trustee hiring Dr. Howard Spearman as president.

My manufacturing company was considered an essential business during the COVID pandemic, but there were times when the incoming orders were far below what we anticipated. We managed to survive, and now are back to near normal business levels. Didn’t lay off anybody!

Norma and my big pride is our first great grandchild, a son born to our granddaughter, Erika. Blake Robert Simon turned one-year-old on Valentine’s Day.

Pam Maher and family.

CLASS OF 2013 Pam Maher

president/CEO, KMK Media Group, Inc. What are you currently doing? KMK is quickly approaching the 25-year mark. I now own 100 percent of the company; making it woman-owned. Our client list continues to grow.

With a second, full-time job as mom to three kids, ages 12 to18, and two dogs that are frequent visitors to KMK’s office, the past year has been challenging and rewarding, resulting in less sleep, more wrinkles. Being mom and boss has required equal parts multi-tasking and ultra-organization.

Currently reading or watching? My husband and I are thoroughly enjoying “Schitt’s Creek” -- the perfect, 20-minute wind-down to busy days.

Concept of leadership changed?

Putting the right people in the right positions. Set expectations around your core values (KMK’s: Creativity, Accountability, Relationships and Enjoyment). People do what’s expected, otherwise, they’re not on the right team.

What’s surprised you? I spent my first

five years out of college as a TV reporter and anchor. I never thought I’d own a business. But my journalism background taught me about public relations and storytelling — something we do every day for clients using different media.

Something you’ve realized you need? Although I cook during the week, we’ve enjoyed ordering out on weekends from a variety of Rockford eateries.

With freedom to do anything, what would you do? Our oldest daughter, Colleen, has Down syndrome. I’d love to help her share her inspiring story with more families nationwide. Just need more hours in the day to do it!

CLASS OF 2014 Kathy Velasco

V2 Marketing & Management What are you doing now? A lot has changed in my life during the past seven years.

V2 Marketing is celebrating 25 years in 2021 and we’re shaking Kathy Velasco things up a bit by rebranding the company as V2 Marketing & Management. A strategic shift to emphasize our nonprofit management services is taking place, as I hand over the “keys” to two of V2’s key employees. Stacy Wallace and Michele St. Clair have stepped forward to purchase the company, as I’ve stepped back and am now working parttime to serve as my parent’s main caregivers.

What habit have you started, or broken, during the quarantine? In our nonprofit management work, we plan a lot of meetings, and I was already good friends with Zoom. But over the past year, we’ve had to learn to organize and run multi-day conferences, breakouts, social events, mixed in with board and committee meetings on multiple online platforms – and bring our constituents right along with us. All kinds of new skills.

On a personal level, V2 workstyle easily supports remote working and that’s what we’ve done for most of the year. But, as the year wore on, we found ourselves coming back to the office more and more frequently to work, to collaborate and to find our touchstone in each other once again.

Concept of leadership changed? Now that I’m embarking on a new caregiving career, I’ve learned that most of the leadership skills I’ve developed over the years in my professional life have little to no impact on my 90- and 95-year-old parents! Apparently, I hold no significant gravitas with them – if they don’t agree with me! So, I’m learning all new skillsets, but my ability to multi-task is coming in handy.

CLASS OF 2014 kevin polky, CADC, LCSW

founder and executive director, kp Counseling Management, LLC What are you currently doing? We now provide mental health services for more than 700 individuals weekly. In 2016, I founded a non-profit, Shatter Our Silence, raising awareness about the

factors that lead to young adult suicide. In November 2018, I started a weekly podcast, “Kevin Polky The Journey,” on individuals’ (mostly local) stories of transformation. In June 2020, I was asked to be executive director of Red Oak Counseling in Milwaukee.

I’ve spent more quiet time in nature and with my wife and family. I’ve worked out with weights for more than 40 years, always going to a gym. Since quarantine, I’ve worked out at home.

CLASS OF 2014 Kris L. Kieper Machajewski chief executive officer, YWCA Northwestern Illinois

What are you currently doing? I’m in the process of starting a foundation to support the YWCA. Checked off your “to-do” list of goals? In October 2015, YWCA acquired La Voz Latina, increasing our operating margin by 246 percent over a four-year period post acquisition.

Goals changed over the past years?

More than ever, I believe there’s a need to elevate women’s voices in the workplace.

Women are pulling double duty during this pandemic; holding together professional obligations while leading children through virtual schooling and little child care. Some are having to leave the workforce or down-scale their careers -- erasing 50 years’ worth of progress.

Anything surprise you? I never dreamed the Texas man I married would fall in love with winter. I was really banking on “having to move south” for him!

Habit you’ve started? Being more in the moment. I’m a planner at heart.

Things you’ve realized you do (or don’t) need? Apparently, I don’t need 15 pairs of black pants, and I do need more dress shirts for those Zoom meetings.

Problem you wish you could solve?

We’re witnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Women are represented in 58 percent of careers at risk of elimination due to automation. We have to address reskilling the female workforce and building a stronger pipeline into careers, like STEM, that provide a living wage for women.

CLASS OF 2015 Kristina Reuber

director of welcome center relations, Rockford Public Schools Checked off your “to-do” list? We’ve reduced wait times for customers at the RPS Welcome Center.

Personally, I’ve progressed in living a more carbon-neutral and sustainable lifestyle. Each year, I set a sustainability resolution -- reusable shopping bags, eating a more varied diet, composting my food scraps, maintaining a vegetable garden, taking my bike to work, getting rid of inefficient appliances, installing solar panels at home and trading my gas car for an electric car that charges with panels.

Who has inspired you lately?

Teachers. Teaching in any year is hard work. This year has been especially hard.

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Whether teaching in-person or remotely, their heroism in addressing the social and emotional challenges of students in a pandemic is remarkable.

Local place you look forward to visiting? I miss going to church and social gatherings like fundraiser dinners and weddings. Doing that virtually just isn’t the same.

Problem you wish you could solve?

Divisive partisan thinking, which is accelerating at a toxic rate. Some topics simply aren’t partisan. Reasonable people can work together to advance progress.

people around me more; seeking their perspective and guidance.

Place you look forward to visiting? I am most excited to take my 85-year-old mother out – anywhere -- she has been locked down for a year.

Anything you’ve realized you do need? UNSCHEDULED free time at home -- a blessing in disguise.

Problem you wish you could solve?

Finding equity; race, religion, gender, identification and orientation.

With freedom to do anything, what would you do? End the stigmatization of behavioral health diseases so all people could feel comfortable getting the help they deserve.

CLASS OF 2015 Dave Stenerson

CLASS OF 2018 Tiffany Staman

Continued from page 10

vice president finance, central/metro region, OSF Healthcare System What are you currently doing?

Beyond my new role in Peoria, I’m engaged in community activities, most notably treasurer for Heartland Health Services, a Federally Dave Stenerson Qualified Health Center based in Peoria, and treasurer of the Homeowners Association where I live.

Gotten you through the past year?

My family, my co-workers and my peers.

Their help to brainstorm solutions, achieve resilience and find balance is immeasurable.

Have your goals changed? I’ve learned to stop sweating the small stuff and pursue those things that are most important.

Concept of leadership changed?

Continue to further embrace the ideas the entire team brings to the table.

Something you’ve realized you need?

I really miss traveling and the wonders of our nation and world. I didn’t realize how much I needed that diversion for additional perspectives.

CLASS OF 2018 Dave Gomel

CEO, Rosecrance Health Network What are you currently doing?

Promoted to CEO in January. (Also a check off on my “to-do list.)

Currently reading or watching?

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

by Emmanuel Acho.

Gotten you through the past year?

The “Stockdale Paradox” – see Collins Good to Great.

Concept of leadership changed? The strongest leaders are the most vulnerable.

Who has inspired you lately? Easy.

The Rosecrance staff – 24/7 they have not once vacillated from the call to serve.

Anything surprise you about yourself? I wear a tie much less often.

Habit you’ve started? Transitioning to CEO during a pandemic while our facilities remained open. This helped me break the habit of trying to do everything myself. I’ve learned to trust the amazing

executive director, Calvin Crest Conferences What are you currently doing?

Executive director for a camp located in the heart of the Sierra National Forest, 25 minutes from Yosemite.

Checked off your “to-do” list? It’s been a lifelong dream to run a camp in the mountains!

Currently reading or watching?

Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring For Others, Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ by Madame Guyon, and A Timbered Choir by Wendell Berry. I’m watching the Marvel movies in chronological order so I can hold intelligible conversations with my kids.

Gotten you through the past year?

My faith. Our camp lost more than a million dollars when we closed due to COVID-19. I had to lay-off two-thirds of our staff. We had to evacuate due to the Creek Fire (California’s largest single fire in history), then got hit by a historic Mono Wind event that devastated our camp. If I didn’t believe that God is such a good God who can be trusted with my future, I would probably be in a fetal position on the floor.

Concept of leadership changed? I’ve come to understand the incredibly difficult, lonely, painful parts of leadership.

When young, I loved the idea of being a leader and all the fun that goes with it.

After 30 years, I understand how much grit and resilience is required to navigate crisis after crisis.

Habits you’ve started? Yoga, art journaling and setting up regular Zoom times with friends back in Illinois.

Place you’re most looking forward to visiting? Going out to dinner and a movie.

(We’re still closed in California.)

Anything you’ve realized you don’t need? When we moved to California, we sold or gave away the vast majority of our belongings. I haven’t missed any of it. We live simply, and it’s freeing.

What problem do you wish you could solve? Modern-day slavery.

Anything to add? There is so much good in Rockford that we miss. We miss the people. v Barbara Connors is editor of The VOICE

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Governor Cuomo’s responses to sexual harassment allegations JIM PIRAGES Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC

EILEEN CAVER Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC

We have all seen the news about sexual harassment allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, there are lessons to be learned from the Governor’s alleged actions and flawed response to these allegations. Particularly, his public statement is a textbook example of a response that does not serve as a valid legal defense against these types of claims.

In response to allegations of improper touching and comments, Governor Cuomo stated, “I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable ... it was unintentional. And, I truly and deeply apologize for it.” He noted that hugging and kissing was his “usual and customary way of greeting.” He said, “I never knew at the time that I was making anyone feel uncomfortable. And, I certainly never meant to offend anyone or hurt anyone or cause anyone any pain.”

However, the Governor’s comments ignore the fact that an alleged harasser’s intent has little bearing on whether the sexual conduct constitutes sexual harassment. Rather, the test of sexual harassment is whether the victim subjectively believed the conduct was offensive or severe AND whether a reasonable person would also find the conduct to be unwelcome and sufficiently severe or offensive.

The allegations against Governor Cuomo and his response to those

EVAN BONNETT Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC

MARYJO PIRAGES REYNOLDS Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC

allegations provide an opportunity to discuss the legal standards and best practices related to sexual harassment claims. It is important to review employer policies and practices related to sexual harassment claims on a regular basis.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Under federal and state law, there are two types of sexual harassment: “quid pro quo” and “hostile work environment.”

■ Quid pro quo claims involve the receipt of a job benefit in exchange for the submission to a sexual advance. Only individuals with supervisory authority to grant job benefits may be found to engage in this type of sexual harassment.

■ Hostile work environment claims are more common and may occur when unwelcome sexual advances, requests, or conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with work performance or creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment.

Sexual conduct, whether physical, verbal, electronic or nonverbal, may constitute sexual harassment when the behavior is unwelcome. In addition to inappropriate touching or direct sexual advances, sexual harassment can involve more subtle sexual innuendo and remarks.

Even welcome behavior like flirting or joking may quickly become unwelcome.

Importantly, actionable harassment may occur in many different circumstances.

Reactions and guidance from employment attorneys

The location of the harassment does not have to be in the workplace. The victim does not need to know the identity of the harasser. The harasser does not have to be of the opposite sex. Moreover, an employee does not have to be the direct recipient of the conduct. Any employee affected by the offensive conduct may have a claim.

Under federal and state law, to establish a prima facie case that sexual conduct creates a hostile work environment sufficient to sustain a finding of sexual harassment, a victim needs to establish that (s)he: (1) was subjected to unwelcome sexual conduct, advances, or requests; (2) because of sex; (3) that the conduct was severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment; and (4) that there is a basis for employer liability.

In evaluating the third element, courts consider whether the conduct was severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would find hostile or abusive and whether the victim subjectively perceived the conduct to be hostile or abusive.

The alleged harasser’s intent is wholly irrelevant.

What Should an Employer Do? Employers have an obligation to prevent sexual harassment, investigate claims and take corrective measures with regard to sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers are strictly liable

for sexual harassment by managers, even if the employer did not know of the harassment. Employers may be liable for sexual harassment by non-management employees or nonemployees only if the employer knew or reasonably should have known of the harassment and failed to take prompt corrective action. Individuals may also be personally liable for sexual harassment.

Recall that recent changes to the Illinois Human Rights Act protects both employees and nonemployees, including contractors and consultants, from sexual harassment. Further, recent changes require Illinois employers to conduct annual sexual harassment prevention training for all employees.

Following the #MeToo movement, greater awareness of sexual harassment, as well as additional legislative changes made progress toward stopping sexual harassment; but, clearly, work remains.

We encourage employers to continue to take proactive efforts to eliminate sexual harassment from the workplace.

Jim Pirages, Eileen Caver, Evan Bonnett and Maryjo Pirages Reynolds are attorneys with Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC. The views expressed are those of Pirages’, Caver’s, Bonnett’s and Reynolds’ and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

NRF forecasts retail sales to exceed $4.33T in 2021 as vaccine rollout expands Online and other non-store sales skyrocketed to almost 22 percent in 2020 On Feb. 24, the National Retail Federation issued its annual forecast, anticipating that retail sales will grow between 6.5 and 8.2 percent to more than $4.33 trillion in 2021 as more individuals get vaccinated and the economy reopens.

“From the outset of the pandemic, retailers have gone above and beyond even the most conservative safety guidelines to protect and serve their associates and consumers alike,” Shay said.

Early results show that retail sales in 2020 grew 6.7 percent over 2019 to $4.06 trillion, nearly doubling NRF’s forecast of at least 3.5 percent growth, which did not account for the impact of a global pandemic.

This figure compares with 3.9 percent growth in 2019. Online and other non-store sales skyrocketed to 21.9 percent at $969.4 billion as consumers shifted to ecommerce.

The numbers excluded automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants.

The 2020 November-December holiday season accounted for nearly one-fifth (19.4 percent) of overall annual retail sales.

Retail sales during this period grew an unexpectedly high 8 percent to $787.1 billion. Non-store and other online sales represented $206.9 billion of total holiday sales, up 22.6 percent over the year before.

Forecast for 2021 NRF forecasts that 2021 retail sales are estimated to total between $4.33 trillion and $4.4 trillion. Online sales, which are included in the total, are expected to grow between 18 percent and 23 percent to between $1.14 trillion and $1.19 trillion.

NRF expects the overall economy to gain between 220,000 and 300,000 jobs per month in 2021, depending on the pace of the overall economy in the second and third quarters. Despite the economy’s stalled momentum at the end of last year, NRF forecasts real GDP growth between 4.5 percent and 5.0 percent.

“The trajectory of the economy is predicated on the effectiveness of the vaccine and its distribution,” said Jack

Kleinhenz, NRF’s chief economist.

“Our principal assumption is that the vaccination will be effective and permits accelerated growth during the mid-year.

The economy is expected to see its fastest growth in over two decades.”

Kleinhenz noted that this year marks the second year of savings, record high stock valuations, increased home prices, enhanced government support and record low interest rates -- all contributing

factors towards the economy and consumer spending behavior.

He said households will still consume retail goods but will turn to services as they are able. While the pandemic has precipitated broader adoption of multichannel services for the retail industry, households are becoming attached to the convenience and product selection of buying online.

Visit nrf.com for updates.

GROWING, DECLINING SECTORS IN 2020 The January to November totals for 2020, compared to the same 11 months in 2019:

Growing sectors: ■ Building materials, garden equipment and supplies dealers, up 13.4% ■ Food and beverage stores, up 11.6% ■ Nonstore retailers, up 22.6%

Declining sectors: ■ Gasoline stations, down 16.4% ■ Clothing and clothing accessories stores, down 28.5% ■ Food services and drinking places, down 19.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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GUEST COLUMNIST

Employee Retention Credit significantly expanded for 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act offers companies more COVID-19 relief The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) passed in December 2020 provides a number of COVID-19 related benefit provisions, including extensions and modifications of many provisions of the CARES Act. The major changes to the employee retention tax credit (ERTC) rules are made within the part of the CAA known as the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, Sections 206 and 207. Many of these changes are only effective starting Jan. 1, 2021, but a few are effective retroactively to the original CARES Act date.

Section 206 includes the following changes that are effective retroactively to the CARES Act ERTC effective date (March 13, 2020):

Employee Retention Tax Credit 1. Companies that obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are now able to apply for the ERTC, so long as the wages that were used to support the payroll portion of the PPP loan forgiveness are not used to support the ERTC qualified wages or qualified health expenses (i.e. no “double dipping”).

The definition of ERTC qualified wages and qualified health expenses is noticeably different than the definition used in the PPP law and regulations.

Under PPP changes made as part of the CAA, an employer can support the PPP loan using any period of time within the PPP period (which is April 1 to Dec. 31, 2020), not just the eight weeks or 24 weeks provided under prior guidance.

Thus, most employers likely have enough wages to support both the PPP loan forgiveness and the ERTC. Careful accounting may be needed to show that a company is not double dipping and using the same wages for both. Some care will be needed for that accounting because the definition of qualified wages is significantly different than the definition of payroll expenses for the PPP application.

The CAA language suggests that wages are first applied to the ERTC but it is not yet clear how, as taxpayers can elect out of the ERTC. We expect guidance from the IRS on the interaction between the PPP payroll amounts and the ERTC qualified wage and health expense amounts.

Under another related change, if an employer that took a PPP loan determines it is eligible for 2020 ERTC credits, it may be possible to add the ERTC amounts, even if related to earlier

quarters, to the 2020 4th quarter Form 941. However, most payroll companies “close” their quarterly reporting around the middle of the following month so there is very little time remaining to incorporate these law changes on the 4th quarter reporting. More likely (unless the IRS issues guidance very soon and a business has all of the information for the credit already calculated), a company will apply for the ERTC for 2020 quarters by using the Form 941-X for the appropriate quarter(s). A company still has a significant amount of time to perform ERTC determinations and calculations and then apply for a Form 941-X refund.

However, IRS refunds are currently being issued quite a while after the Form 941-X is submitted, so employers may be interested in getting their applications in sooner rather than later.

For 2020, an employer with more than 100 employees must first qualify for the ERTC by showing that EITHER: a. the jobs of some of the employees of the employer were affected by various governmental orders and the employer paid the employee for time when the employee was not working (because of the effects of the government orders), OR b. the company had a more than 50% decline in gross receipts for a quarter, when compared to the same quarter in the prior year.

Once the company satisfies one of the two tests above, the company then determines the amount or percentage of compensation that was paid when the employee was not working.

For many businesses, the first rule has been the most useful. Most of the effects of the governmental orders were in the second quarter of 2020, though many companies still had some effects even as the most restrictive orders were being phased out. However, because of the more recent surge in virus cases, some companies have had additional effects in the fourth quarter as governments reactivated some of the more restrictive orders.

Some ERTC Definitions 2. The CAA also clarified a few ERTC definitions, generally supporting positions that the IRS took in the IRS Employee Retention Credit FAQs. a. The changes support the IRS position that if an employee was furloughed but the employer continued to pay pre-tax health benefits, the pretax health benefit amounts can be counted as qualified health expenses for the ERC calculation.

b. CAA language supports the IRS using the section 6033 definition of gross receipts for tax exempt organizations, which generally includes total sales (net of returns and allowances), amounts received for services and income from investments.

Section 207 includes the following changes that are effective Jan. 1, 2021: 1. The ERTC originally only applied to qualified wages and qualified health expenses incurred in 2020. The CAA change extends the ERTC for two more calendar quarters, through June 30, 2021.

3. The CAA also adds several significant changes to the calculation of the credit for 2021: a. The maximum credit was capped at $5,000 per employee for the entire 2020 period. The CAA increases the maximum credit to $7,000 per employee for each of the two quarters in 2021. This is done by providing a $10,000 maximum in each employee’s aggregate qualified wages and qualified health expenses for each quarter and by increasing the credit to 70 percent of the employee’s qualified wage and health expense amounts for that quarter. b. For 2020, the CARES Act required a 30-day “look back” period (before the beginning of the hardship period) for determining wages that could be counted in calculating the ERTC. Thus, bonuses and raises paid after the 30-day look-back period could not be counted. The CAA eliminates the 30-day look-back, allowing any raises and bonuses to be counted (once paid) for the ERTC wage calculation. c. For 2020, a “small” employer (with no more than 100 employees, based on a 2019 average full time equivalent calculation) was allowed to use all qualified wages paid to employees, rather than determining the compensation paid to employees for time that they were not working (because of governmental orders or because of the 50 percent reduction in gross receipts). The CAA changes the definition of “small” employer to a company with no more than 500 employees. This allows many more companies to count all wages paid during their qualified period which is much easier to calculate and leads to larger credits.

Widening of the Gross Receipts Test 4. Under the CARES Act, a company needed a more than 50 percent decline in gross receipts, compared to the same quarter in 2019, in order to use the gross receipts test to be eligible for the credit.

The CAA changes the test so a company that has had a more than 20 percent decline in gross receipts in 2021, compared to the same quarter in 2019, satisfies the gross receipts test.

In addition, the new rule allows a company to elect to use the gross receipts from the immediately preceding quarter, and compare these prior quarter gross receipts to the same quarter in 2019, rather than the current quarter.

Example: Company B wants to determine whether they can use the gross receipts test to satisfy the ERTC eligibility with regard to qualified wages paid to employees in 2021. Company B can choose to compare the first quarter 2021 gross receipts (once known) to the gross receipts from 1st quarter 2019 or Company B can, instead, use the gross receipts from the fourth quarter of 2020 and compare those gross receipts to the gross receipts to the fourth quarter of 2019. If either test shows a more than 20 percent decline, Company B is eligible for the ERTC in the first quarter of 2021.

Overall, the CAA changes to the Employee Retention Credit program are significant and generally support more companies obtaining these payroll credits. However, there are a number of unanswered questions with regard to these new rules, especially in the gross receipts area. It is expected that the IRS will issue guidance fairly soon on some of these issues.

This article was authored and originally published by RSM US LLP (RSM) Partners Anne Bushman and Tom Windram and Senior Director Karen Field on RSM’s website. It is being shared here with the permission of RSM. The views expressed are Bushman’s, Windram’s and Field’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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SPECIAL SECTION Business Planning

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GUEST COLUMNISTS

ZANA TOMICH Dalton & Tomich, PLC

NOEL W. STERETT Dalton & Tomich, PLC

Companies of all sizes are continuing to experience the fallout from 2020. Most suffered, while some thrived. The former may be looking to cash out, while the latter might well see this moment as an opportunity to acquire businesses at a bargain price. The situation as a whole will likely result in increased acquisition activity among small and large companies alike in 2021.

Mergers and acquisitions, even when they involve relatively small or familyowned companies, can be quite complex.

Here are a few helpful steps companies can take to better prepare for a sale, merger or acquisition in 2021:

1. Clean Up the Corporate Records Books If your company is the seller, you will want to make sure your corporate records are in order and take a close look at your company’s foundational documents. A comprehensive review of a company’s

Preparing your closely held company for a merger or acquisition in 2021

Steps to position your company for success this year and in the future bylaws or operating agreement often reveals vulnerabilities that are easily addressed, such as unreasonable voting requirements to make changes.

2. Negotiate a Letter of Intent Many think the fact that a letter of intent does not bind the parties makes it an unnecessary step in a transaction, but that’s not the case. A letter of intent sets out the expectations of parties on essential issues like the price, payment terms, due diligence period, nonsolicitation and confidentiality. Agreeing to these terms at the outset helps avoid wasted time if the parties’ expectations are not aligned. If they are aligned, the letter of intent provides an outline for the purchase agreement and the rest of the transaction.

3. Purchase Agreement This is the agreement obligating the buyer and seller to the purchase

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and sale, respectively, of the company’s assets or stock. The purchase agreement will follow the outline of the letter of intent and include representations and warranties from the seller on anything from the validity of its patents to the condition of its property. Depending on the industry, additional considerations should include how to prorate costs, accounts/receivables and payables, and allocation of the purchase price. Some of these terms may be memorialized in a contract separate from the purchase agreement.

4. Due Diligence Period During this period, the buyer is given an opportunity to investigate the business’ cash flow, books, revenue streams, financial projections, liabilities, employee roster, salary and benefits. The acquiring party really gets an understanding of the business as well as its physical assets and real property. If real property is involved, there should be time for an environmental analysis, survey, and, naturally, title work.

5. Financing If the transaction will be financed by a traditional lender, or by the seller, additional

documentation

will

be

required, including a promissory note, security agreement and loan agreement.

Financing often causes complications in M&A transactions, so if the seller is not financing the deal itself, it should find out at an early stage how the buyer will be closing it.

While these steps touch on just some aspects of an M&A transaction, taking them could help you and your company have a more successful 2021 — whether you define success as selling, merging or acquiring a company.

Zana Tomich is founding partner and Noel W. Sterett is partner at Dalton & Tomich, PLC. The views expressed are those of Tomich’s and Sterett’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

16

SPECIAL SECTION Business Planning

Illinois launch of C-PACE

C-PACE FINANCING COVERS A VAST RANGE OF POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS

An environmentally friendly commercial property finance program Winnebago County invites developers, contractors and commercial and industrial property owners to the C-PACE program launch, a webcast on April 8, 10 to 11 a.m. The Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP has been at the forefront of developing Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) programs in Illinois.

C-PACE provides long-term, fixedrate, non-recourse financing to private building owners for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, electric vehicle charging and resiliency projects installed in commercial buildings. The term of a C-PACE financing may extend through the useful life of the improvement, which may be up to 20 to 30 years long, and can result in cost savings that exceed the amount of the C-PACE financing.

Eligible properties include both existing and newly constructed commercial and industrial buildings, multifamily apartment buildings consisting of five or more dwelling units and affordable housing buildings.

C-PACE financing is available to property owners for equipment replacement, retrofits, new construction and value-add or adaptive-reuse

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

projects. Additionally, property owners may refinance eligible improvements that were completed within the last three years.

Benefits for Property Owners ■ Up to 100 percent financing of eligible PACE Project costs and soft costs necessary to design, engineer, install and finance the project.

■ Long-term, fixed-interest rates, up to the estimated useful life of the improvements (up to 30 years).

■ Reduced operating costs increased property value.

and

■ Ability to generate net positive cash flow on certain improvements in the first year.

■ No personal guarantees — nonrecourse financing.

■ C-PACE assessments transfer upon sale to the next property owner.

■ Reduces capital expenditure budget — upgrades paid through operating savings.

■ C-PACE assessments “run with the land,” therefore C-PACE does not accelerate or become due upon sale.

■ C-PACE

may

qualify

for

off

■ Property owner may pass through C-PACE assessment payments to tenants (if allowed by the lease agreement).

■ Eligible measures cover broad capital

balance sheet treatment (consult your accounting advisor). and facility improvement needs that enhance the occupant/tenant experience and extends building lifespan.

Join webinar detailing economic development program on April 8 Ensure you have an eligible property located in an IECA PACE Participating Community by visiting www.iecapace. org and submitting a pre-application.

Also call 888-874-4322 or info@ iecapace.org.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

GUEST COLUMNIST

MATT GIEBEL Express Employment Professionals

Accountability in a candidate-driven job market

SPECIAL SECTION Talent Management & Acquisition

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Change in women’s participation in selected occupations: 2000 and 2019 Full-time, year-round workers

Tactics for becoming an ‘employer of choice’

Percent women 2000 0

20

40

Percent women 2019 60

80

100

All occupations

The current average tenure of employees in the United States is 4.6 years. In 1983, 1 in 3 workers over the age of 30 had been with their companies for at least 10 years.

My conversations with local business leaders over the years have given me several commonalities that leaders see as top threats to their business growth objectives. One of those common threats is employee turnover. Those of us in management positions have all heard a phrase akin to “employees just don’t stay like they used to” and have seen that sentiment play out.

The current average tenure of employees in the United States is 4.6 years.

In 1983, 1 in 3 workers over the age of 30 had been with their companies for at least 10 years. Those over 45 had been with their companies for more than 20 years.

This data suggests the steep decline in average employee tenure that businesses are experiencing today.

In a 2018 Udemy survey, nearly half of those surveyed said they quit their jobs because of a bad manager. Sixty five percent said their managers lacked proper training. In that same survey, ineffective communication played an important factor.

How can business leaders in this modern candidate-driven marketplace manage more effectively to become an employer of choice?

In the book What People Want by Terry Bacon, he lists nine things employees need from management: honesty, fairness, trust, respect, dependability, collaboration, genuineness, appreciation and responsiveness. Accountability can be tied to several of those needs. Holding staff members accountable demonstrates fairness to your staff, develops trust, shows dependability and illustrates collaboration and genuineness.

Finding Common Goals Accountability is also a primary challenge for managers.

There are two types of accountability: punitive and supportive. Punitive accountability is the result of an inexperienced or poorly trained manager, a frustrated manager or even a stubborn manager. It is a management style that results in negative words or actions towards employees who do not reach certain goals or metrics.

Supportive accountability takes a cooperative management approach by looking at common goals between the company, manager and employee. By

aligning goals everyone has a WIIFM or a what’s in it for me. The main motive of any leader should be about developing people, and the supportive accountability approach is a great place to start.

Here are some simple questions to help identify goal alignment: Your Goals A. What is your long-term vision for the team and why?

B. How well do you articulate your vision on a scale from 1-10?

C. How well have you defined the production goals for each team member (1-10)?

Their Goals A. What is their reason for working at the company?

B. What are their business/career goals?

C. What are their personal goals?

Joint Goals A. Are there any goals that align?

B. If not, can we as leaders tie some of their goals in with ours to help them achieve whatever they’ve set?

Utilizing the supportive accountability approach is motivating because it is about them and what they want and lays a path to how they can achieve their goals.

Once goals and goal alignment are established, leaders must take the time to identify if the staff member has the skill, the will or a hill. Have they been properly trained (skill)? Do they want to do it (will)?

Are there outside factors (hill) that are interfering with them doing their tasks?

Of course, not every staff member will be a fit. By asking these questions leaders should be able to identify those individuals more quickly. Leaders will then develop and motivate the other staff members to reach their goals. What follows is a culture of honesty, fairness, dependability and collaboration leading to longer employee tenure and the moniker of “Employer of Choice.”

Matt Giebel is owner of Express Employment Professionals.

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

Elementary, middle school teachers Wait staff Counter & retail clerks Financial managers Bartenders Pharmacists Legislators Veterinarians Chemist & materials scientists Chief executives Mathematicians Dentists Clergy Construction managers

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

economic development RAEDC & Stateline Advanced Manufacturing Network Join the Stateline Advanced Manufacturing Network (SAMN) for our first Advanced Manufacturing Roundtable and Panel Discussion on June 9, 2021.

Registration is limited to 15 people and there will be a waitlist to accommodate additional registrants. There is no cost to attend this event, and we request that no more than two people from a company register to ensure more companies can attend.

June 9, 2021 | 8:30 to 10 am Radisson Hotel & Conference Center 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford IL

MOVE AHEAD FASTER

ADVANCING MANUFACTURERS TO COMPETE IN 2021 IMEC is working with Illinois manufacturers to help them thrive in a post-pandemic economy. These fully funded projects (valued at $5,000 each) are an example of IMEC’s commitment to help manufacturers thrive.

Projects are designed to provide assessments and technical assistance for key drivers of individual organizational success. These projects are fully funded through the CARES Act Recovery Assistance Funds.

Project categories include:

1. KEEP WORKERS SAFE Analyze and Control Workplace Hazards An environmental health and safety professional will work with you to conduct an industrial hygiene facility review that will help you reduce the number of lost or restricted workdays due to illnesses or injuries, reduce the cost of insurance and workers’ compensation, and help you comply with OSHA regulations.

Conduct a Safety Gap Analysis The safety of our current environment may be uncertain, but your employees should certainly feel safe when they are under your roof.

Learn how this expert lead analysis can mitigate your risks and adjust to new guidelines.

2. MAXIMIZE CASH FLOW Examine the Cash Generation Engine of Your Business This confidential-secure assessment leads to recommendations to increase cash flow, stabilize and increase cash reserves and give your company more time to address operational concerns.

Improve Financial Strategy and Planning Finance may not be the most glamorous part of your business, but without proper finances, how do you

know you if your company is successful or if there is room for improvement?

This in-depth financial analysis will give you a 360° view of your strengths and opportunities.

The panel discussion will include a conversation between Noah Goellner from Hennig Inc., Todd Wells from Bourn & Koch, and Dean Harms from IMEC. This discussion will be facilitated by Stephanie Jones, VP of Sales at the RAEDC. The round table discussion will be facilitated by Jim Reynolds from Blackhawk Bank.

This event is sponsored by Blackhawk Bank and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

Register for this event at RockfordIL.com/events

3. GROW YOUR SALES Online Performance for Increased Customer Exposure As clients continue to do more internet searches, social media networking and research online, how are you leveraging your online resources and positioning your company for success?

Sharpen Your Sales Skill Strategy There is no business without sales, and there is no one-size-fits-all sales technique! Determine how your sales team can improve and assess how effective your sales team is today. We will work with you to understand your current sales strategies and determine how your sales team can step up their game.

4. FOCUS ON MAINTENANCE Maintenance Project Check-up Downtime and maintenance are necessary but should not be debilitating. Your equipment should be top performers for your company.

If that’s not how you feel about your equipment, please take advantage of this available project!

5. GET CYBER READY Assess Your Risks and Evolve For those who know they can be doing more to protect their business online, or for those who are new to the topic, we are offering a CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Compliance Assessment and Gap Analysis.

Visit www.imec.org/rebound program details and applications.

for

SAVE THE DATE FOR MAC2021 Innovation and technology are the heart and soul of aerospace.

MAC2021 is continuing to strengthen supply chains, create connections and share relevant information key to the aerospace industry.

Join us on October 5!

We will continue to update information and event specifics as they are confirmed.

For more information visit MidwestAerospaceConference.com or email Anna Garrison, manager of projects & events at AGarrison@RockfordIL.com.

Connect with us We love sharing your good news and celebrating the successes of your organization. Connect with us on our social networks and help us spread the word about your good news, upcoming events and employees.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Northwest Bank of Rockford celebrates the 31st anniversary of Community Banking Week in Illinois, “Growing Stronger Communities,” April 4 to 10. This year highlights how community banks are deeply integrated into their hometowns while offering the same products and services as larger institutions. In 2020, community banks led in making Paycheck Protection Program loans available; preserving jobs and saving local businesses.

WATT Global Media announced that the 2021 edition of Chicken Marketing Summit takes place July 18 to 20, 2021, at Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Registrations open on April 5.

Rockford Promise received a record number of 284 Rockford Public Schools seniors applying for scholarships to Rock Valley College, Rockford University and Northern Illinois University. This was the first year NIU became an option, thanks to an $1.5M annual funding commitment by the City of Rockford. The NIU scholarship drew 228 applications from those with a 3.0 GPA living within Rockford. Notifications began going out mid-March and a public ceremony is being planned for early May to announce all Rockford Promise Scholars.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden received $13,913 for a Smartphone Tour Pilot Program in 2021 by the Dr. Courtney J. and Margaret Hutchins Hamlin Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program.

made up to two weeks in advance at rockfordparkdistrict.org/publicskate.

First National Bank and Trust was awarded the highest (5-Star) rating for financial strength and stability from national premier bank rating firm, BauerFinancial, Inc. It’s earned a recommended rating (5-Stars or 4-Stars) from Bauer for 77 consecutive quarters.

V2 Marketing & Management redesigned Anam Memory Care’s corporate website at anammemorycare.com, which combines Anam Glen and Anam Care.

Mosaic gave Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere its Church Partner of the Year Award.

OrthoIllinois now offers Neuro PT, a specialized physical therapy for individuals recovering from or living with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, or injuries related to head trauma, dizziness, vertigo and falls. It helps reconnect the brain’s messaging to the body’s muscles so individuals can regain improved control over movement.

In 2020, J.L. Clark employees contributed in-kind donations and volunteered their time throughout the year. The JLC Legacy Foundation, Rock River Development Partnership with a goal of providing food, shelter and support, granted checks to received a $15,000 matching donation RAMP, Rockford Rescue Mission from anonymous donors to help with Ministries, Carpenter’s Place, Rock the shortfall from the 2020 season of River Valley Pantry, Rock House the Rockford City Market. The initial goal was $50,000 to support the market Kids and Miss Carly’s. and local small business entrepreneurs Digital Hive Mind completed a and musicians in 2021. Total funds rebrand for National Tube Supply, raised in mid-December was $23,610.

University Park, Ill.

19

Savant Wealth Management hit a 35-year milestone; reaching $10 billion in assets under management.

Jianna Tartaglia poses with a Collins’ shirt.

She was one of the eighth-grade girls at Rockford Christian Schools who participated with Women in Engineering hosted by Collins Aerospace.

Registration is open for the spring session of Northern Illinois University’s Lifelong Learning Institute.

All are welcome. Cost is $25 to attend any and all groups and lectures on Zoom through May 6. Visit www.niu. edu/p20/lifelong-learning-institute/.

Townships and municipalities in Winnebago County will receive $2,606,786 of the $1.5 billion in grants through Rebuild Illinois, spread out in six installments over three years.

Projects managed locally with financial oversight by IDOT include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.

In honor of International Women’s Day, Illinois Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., donated $10,000 to SwedishAmerican’s Breast Health Program. Proceeds derived from each transaction of the Pink Ribbon Debit card, a part of its Taking a Swipe at Cancer Program. Since 2012, the bank has donated more than $200,000 to SwedishAmerican and other local health care providers towards women’s health.

RAMP received $1,000 from the First Lutheran Endowment Fund for its Youth Education & Advocacy Services in Stephenson County, which helps guide parents through remote learning or hybrid learning due to COVID-19.

The Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board received 18 applications requesting funding of nearly $12 million dollars for program year 2021-2022. Total available funding is $8.8 million. Grant announcements will be made in May.

Winnebago County State’s Attorney OrthoIllinois Surgery Center, LLC, and J. Hanley welcomed many 7-11 law students and interns to assist in court Vested Medical, Inc., teamed for a preparation, legal research projects, proof of an innovative off-site sterilization process program focused victim contacts and administrative tasks. on total joint replacement instrument trays. The goal is to increase surgical Rockford Public Library’s Rockton capacity by reducing sterilization Centre Branch will discontinue all RAMP received a $880 DeKalb County Rockford Systems LLC, dba Rockford processing backlogs and minimize in-person and curbside pick-up service, Community Foundation Promise Grant Combustion Solutions, appointed contamination risk. but its mobile library is making regularly towards the Teens in Transition (T’NT) Sunray Supply, Inc., as its exclusive scheduled stops at Rockton Avenue Program in DeKalb County, which Boone-Winnebago Regional Office sales representative agency servicing Shopping Centre, adjacent to the prepares young adults (16 to 22 years) the southeastern United States. of Education earned accreditation by Rockton Centre Branch. with high incidence disabilities for Cognia™, a nonprofit organization that Barbara Olson Center of Hope employment. RAMP received $10,000 On March 17, more than 100 Peterson provides quality assurance for received a grant from Kiwanis from the William Miller Trust toward its Meadows residents received their final schools, school districts and Charities of Rockford for art therapy, capital campaign and $8,000 towards Pfizer vaccine. On March 18, more than education service providers. program and technology supplies to Project SEARCH. 300 residents at Wesley Willows engage and safely enhance the quality Barbara Olson Center of Hope offers received their final shot. The National KMK Media Group launched a new of the lives of its participants with two new programs to assist homeGuard assisted in the process. website for the 17th Judicial Circuit developmental disabilities. based families: personal support Court covering Winnebago and Boone WATT Global Media announced Rockford Area Convention & Visitors worker and self-directed assistance to counties at www.illinois17th.com. KMK registration is open with super early help families with monthly billing, Bureau launched a new microsite at designed a series of promotional bird rates for Petfood Forum 2021 and PSW/employer applications and GoRockford.com/WelcomingDiversity service sheets for Fehr Graham and Petfood Essentials pre-conference finding resources to become more and has integrated the AudioEye was hired by Transform Rockford for seminar, Sept. 22 to 24, 2021 at active in the community. platform throughout GoRockford.com communications strategy and outreach.

Kansas City Convention Center, with an interactive toolbar and tools for Chartwell Agency received six national Kansas City, Mo. Chartwell Agency created a Getaways digital access for audiences with visual, Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards: to Dream About social media campaign auditory, motor or cognitive disabilities. Gilvydis Vein Clinic “Less Down Time” Macktown Living History received a for the Chicago Rockford International $5,000 grant from the Ecolab campaign (gold/online display ad), iFiber and SwedishAmerican Health Airport during the COVID pandemic that Foundation to create virtual tours and Rock River Valley Blood Center System partnered to establish a resulted in more than double the instructional videos and a $1,000 grant “Give” campaign (gold/online display COVID-19 vaccination site at Loves industry average engagement rate, as from Stateline Community Foundation ad), Rockford Gastroenterology Park City Hall. Being on the iFiber well as a gold in the 2020 Marcom Associates content strategy approach to purchase software licenses for virtual network, iFiber was able to establish Awards and a gold in the Service education and expand marketing. It’s (silver/blogs), Northern Illinois Vein service within three hours. Loves Park Industry Advertising Awards. partnered with Blackhawk Bank to Clinic redesigned website (bronze/ and SwedishAmerican collaborated at accomplish both projects. institutional website), OrthoIllinois Rockford Park District’s Carlson Ice the request of Greg Jury, mayor of communications on virtual therapy Arena in Loves Park is open for public Clodius & Co. Jewelers donated eight Loves Park and a member of the (bronze/COVID response) and Northern ice skating sessions. Due to current hope-themed cross necklaces towards SwedishAmerican board. The Loves Illinois Vein Clinic “Less Down Time” COVID mitigations, pre-paid Rockford Rescue Mission’s 23rd Park COVID-19 vaccination site is reservations are required, and can be annual Evening for Hope telethon. capable of serving 450 patients per day. campaign video (merit/digital video).

20

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Paul A. Logli

2. Mark C. Tomlinson

3. Kevin Hrlicka

4. Ron Allen

5. Chris Soutar

6. Zina Horton

7. Chelsea Ballou

8. Nick Purkapile

9. Sean Gjestson

10. Angie Baskin

11. Wanda Moucha

12. Michael Pura

13. Dr. Naser Khan

14. Julie Pipitone

15. Chad Nelson

16. Amanda Norman

17. Bradley Shelton

18. Eric Harris

19. Oskaras Stundzia

20. Bryce Lambrecht

21. Paul Gallagher

22. Eddie Torrance

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Midway Village Museum welcomed Paul A. Logli (1) and Mark C. Tomlinson (2) to its board.

The Goldie B. Floberg Center board elected Scott Krowczyk, RSM US Wealth Management, LLC, as president for a two-year term, and Chris Benson, Blackhawk Bank, as director.

attorney in the post-conviction unit; Rebecca Laue, assistant state’s attorney in the civil bureau, and Alexeus Bender, assistant state’s attorney in the domestic violence unit.

The Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful board appointed Kevin Hrlicka (3), Savant Wealth Management, as vice president and Ron Allen (4), retired, as secretary.

Chris Soutar (5), Entré Computer Solutions, was appointed to the Arctic Wolf Advisory Board, concentrating on the small business security market.

Rock River Development Partnership welcomed Zina Horton (6), Zammuto’s Drive-in and Carryout, to its board.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS First National Bank and Trust promoted Chelsea Ballou (7) to senior vice president director of digital banking and deposit operations, Nick Purkapile (8) to vice president deposit operations manager, Sean Gjestson (9) to assistant vice president ATM/ card services manager and Angie Baskin (10) to assistant vice president customer support manager. Wanda Moucha (11) will continue as assistant vice president, deposit services/ electronic banking manager.

Michael Pura (12) joined Associated Bank as president overseeing the banking and other financial service operations for its seven branches in the Rockford area.

Paul Logli, president and CEO, United Way of Rock River Valley, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2021.

The board has begun the process of securing his successor.

Mercyhealth welcomed Dr. Naser Khan (13) to Mercyhealth Physician Clinic–Riverside and Rockton, Rockford.

23. Mark Jacobi

24. Randy Berke

Savant Wealth Management hired Julie Pipitone (14) as director of talent.

Chad Nelson (15) joined CoyleKiley as an employee benefits consultant and Amanda Norman (16) as a personal lines insurance advisor.

The Rockford Police Department promoted the following to sergeant: Bradley Shelton (17), Eric Harris (18) and Oskaras Stundzia (19); to lieutenant: Bryce Lambrecht (20), Paul Gallagher (21), Eddie Torrance (22) and Mark Jacobi (23); to assistant deputy chief: Randy Berke (24) and Joel Givens (25), and to deputy chief: Kurt Whisenand (26).

Blackhawk Bank promoted Mathew Reynolds to senior vice president of consumer banking & investment group, Brian Mertens to vice president of technology, Jaclyn Martin to vice president of business banking, Joe Shere to vice president of business banking and Gail Beyer to AVP relationship manager associate.

In recognition of her work duties performed with Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Samantha Burbach was named director of education and programming.

Entre’ Computer Solutions hired Amy Barnes (27) for customer service and sales support.

25. Joel Givens

26. Kurt Whisenand

Mercyhealth welcomed Dr. Shobashalini Chokkalingam (28), cardiology, to Mercyhealth Health and Vascular Center-Riverside and Rockton.

Family Counseling Services named Lynn Momberger (29) as its executive director.

Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley appointed the following: Maria McCarthy (30), first assistant state’s attorney and chief of criminal bureau; Ken LaRue (31), deputy chief of criminal bureau; Wendy Larson, chief of training and recruiting; Seth Wiggins (32), assistant state’s attorney and supervisor in the misdemeanor unit; Rob Simmons (33), assistant state’s attorney and supervisor in the juvenile unit; Kirstin Krivanec, assistant state’s attorney in the sex crimes unit; Taylor Nesbit, assistant state’s attorney in the criminal unit; Ali Friend, assistant state’s attorney in the criminal unit; Lucas Brainerd, assistant state’s attorney in the drug unit; Trevor Current, assistant state’s attorney in the domestic violence unit; Keith Doherty, assistant state’s attorney in the criminal unit; Paul Carpenter, assistant state’s attorney in the juvenile unit; Brooke Layman, administrative assistant in the civil bureau; John Finley, assistant state’s attorney in the misdemeanor unit; Michael Parker, assistant state’s

Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley promoted Gina Tarara to office administrator, Luci Pixler to support staff team lead, Natalee Schroeder to victim service provider team lead, Christy Skahill to financial lead and Renee Henert to communications lead.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois hired Keary Fath (34) as its retail director for the 18-county area.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Jakob Loescher (35), financial advisor, Savant Wealth Management, ranked No. 43 out of 118 on Forbes’ 2021 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list.

Erna Colborn, financial advisor, Edward Jones, achieved the professional designation of Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist.

Lana M. Engen, CFP® (36), private wealth advisor, Ameriprise Financial, was named to the list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors published by Forbes magazine.

Rockford Area Arts Council announces the winners of the Poetry Out Loud Regional Competition: Raeanna Tremethick, first place, and Emma Carmona, second place. Both are from Jefferson High School and advanced to the state competition.

Continued on page 21

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

27. Amy Barnes

28. Dr. Shobashalini Chokkalingam

21

April 2021

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

29. Lynn Momberger

30. Maria McCarthy

31. Ken LaRue

32. Seth Wiggins

33. Rob Simmons

34. Keary Fath

35. Jakob Loescher

36. Lana M. Engen

37. Laurie S. Miller

38. Sandra Sigala

39. Issac Otto

40. Dr. Patrick McKenna

(Continued from page 20) Laurie S. Miller (37), MBA, president, 2HB Human Resources & Benefits Solutions, was named a 2021 Risk and Insurance Magazine Power Broker for the sixth time.

Sandra Sigala (38), board commissioner, Rockford Housing Authority, and a foreman painter, won the February 2021 International Tradeswomen Heroes Award.

Amela Ahmetovic, Weichert, Realtors® - Tovar Properties, completed the Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Fast Track training program.

Rockford Christian School student, Issac Otto (39), wrote an essay for the Mars 2020 Mission Rover naming contest in fall 2019, suggesting the name “Perseverance” – the same one as the contest’s winner. His story appeared in the Rockford Register Star on Feb. 18. Student Grace McMahon was named Young Birder of the Year for her conservation efforts and field work by the American Birding Association. Her story appeared in the Feb. 16 issue of The Washington Post.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Brian Thomas, Brian Thomas Photography, Beloit and Rockford, was hired by Collins Aerospace to

photograph its top engineers for the “Fellow” program.

Mary Beth Peterson, vice president and director of tours and volunteers of the Laurent House Foundation board, made a presentation on fundraising through social media at the Wright Virtual Summit Meeting, March 15 to 17, for the executive directors and principal volunteers at Frank Lloyd Wright public sites.

Patrick McKenna (40), M.D., FACS, FAAP, pediatric urologist, Mercyhealth’s Physician Clinic– Riverside, presented “Distal Hypospadias Repair,” on March 13, at the Hypospadias International Society’s Annual Educational Seminar.

on digital

MEMBER PICS

SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health, holds a ribbon cutting on March 4 celebrating the opening of its new Women and Children’s Hospital. The $55-million facility, at 1350 Charles St., was scheduled to open in late March.

Mhariel Pastrana, design engineer, J.L. Clark, and first lieutenant in the Illinois Army National Guard, was activated to help expedite broader distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in Winnebago County.

Are you a Member with News to Share?

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

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication

Franchise owners, Bob and Cory Christensen, Two Men and a Truck Junk Removal, 7206 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park, hold a ribbon cutting on March 30 for their business expansion to include junk removal, moving, packing and storage services.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

April 2021

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in February 2021 AAA Rockford Alpine Fireside Health Center Ameriprise Financial - Studio Wealth Advisory Group Anderson Dodge Anderson Nissan Anderson Toyota/Lexus of Rockford Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Athletico Physical Therapy Birch Plumbing Inc. Block Advisors Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area Council Broadmoor Agency, Inc. Butitta Brothers Automotive Capri Restaurant, Inc. Carpenter’s Local 792 Chartwell Agency Cord Construction Company Crystal Precision Drilling, Inc. Custom Concrete Ltd. D.Q. Grill & Chill - Dairy Queen (Perryville) D.Q. Grill & Chill - Dairy Queen (Sandy Hollow) Dickerson & Nieman Realtors Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center Embassy Suites - The Top Embassy Suites - The Tower Kitchen & Bar EverSmart Insurance Agency First Free Rockford Freeway Rockford, Inc., Subsidiary of Freeway Corporation Gambino Realtors Home Builders, Inc. Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Grand Regency of Rockford HolmstromKennedyPC Hyundai on Perryville JC Precision Milling, LLC Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC L.K.G. Industries, Inc. La Quinta Inn & Suites Rockford LaMonica Beverages Leading Lawyers Lehan’s Medical Equipment Lindstrom Travel Maney’s Lawnscape Inc. Marden Tire & Auto (Marden Distributors, Inc.)

Midwest Stitch Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Northwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council Pepsi-Cola of Rockford Pierce Laminated Products, Inc. Porter Pipe & Supply Co. Pumilia Family Dental Group Richard L. Johnson Associates, Inc. Rock River Ford, Kia, Mitsubishi Rock Valley Compounding Pharmacy Rockford Area Realtors Rockford Evaluation Center Rockford Foundries Rockford Mass Transit District Rockford Mass Transit District Paratransit Rockford Public Library Rockford Rescue Mission Ministries Schmeling Construction Co. Siepert & Co., LLP - Beloit Siepert & Co., LLP -Roscoe Siepert & Co., LLP - Sycamore Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc. Stifel Stifel - The Luedke Investment Group Stratus Networks T K Group, Inc. Terra Creek Apartments The Carriage Homes of Park Hills VI The Literacy Council The Pension Specialists, Ltd. US Cellular Van Galder Bus/A Coach USA Co. Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Weldstar Co. WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Wilson Electric Co. Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage YMCA - Camp Winnebago YMCA YMCA – Children’s Learning Center YMCA - Northeast Family YMCA YMCA of Rock River Valley YMCA - Puri Family YMCA YMCA - SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA Zion Development Corporation

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS ALL AUTO PARTS, INC. Salvage yard 2235 Kishwaukee St., 61104 Eduardo Rodriguez 815-670-3501 www.815autoparts.com

ENGINEERING ENTERPRISES, INC.

Award-winning consulting engineering firm providing services to public agencies throughout northern Illinois 124 N. Water St., Ste. 306, 61107 Tim Holdeman 630-466-6700 www.eeiweb.com

ILLINOIS BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION

Non-alcoholic beverage industry advocacy 180 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 2750 Chicago, IL 60601 Dave Smolensky 312-768-4774 www.illinoisbeverage.org

OFFICEPRO

Office supplies and products, document shredding, office furniture 1810 Sutler Ave. Beloit, WI 53511 Aimee Arn 608-531-6001 www.goofficepro.com

WARNER CONTRACTING, LLC, DBA WARNER ROOFING & RESTORATION

Exceptional residential and commercial roofing and other home improvement services in the Rockford area 417 S. Winnebago St., 61102 Rockford, IL 61102 Kim Winkler 815-877-ROOF (7663) www.warnerroofdog.com

ZENBUSINESS

ZenBusiness makes it easy to start, run & grow your business 5900 Balcones Dr., Ste. 5000 Austin, TX 78731 Ross Buhrdorf 844-493-6249 www.zenbusiness.com/illinois-llc

community

COMMUNITY EVENTS & WEBINARS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

APRIL 2021 THURSDAY, APRIL 1 YMCA of Rock River Valley hosts free SAT Test Taking Workshops using the Princeton Review Prep Guide on Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through April 24 at SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, Judson University classrooms, 200 Y Boulevard, Rockford. Contact Hannah Long, 815-489-3374 or hlong@ rockriverymca.org.

Rockford Christian Elementary School, 220 Hemlock Lane, hosts an Open House, 5 to 7 p.m., PreK-3 through grade 4. Call 815-391-8006 to reserve a spot. www.rockfordchristian.org.

Northern Illinois University Art Museum opened its “Very Well, Thank You:” The Arts as a Means to WellBeing exhibition through May 15.

Illinois Small Business Development Center presents How to Manage Generational Differences at the Workplace, 11 a.m., online with business strategist Bo Boger. Register at www.rockfordsbdc.org/workshopstrainings.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2 Abreo and the River District Association present Trucks and Tunes, 5 to 9 p.m., with music, block party atmosphere, full-service bar and local food trucks at City Hall, 515 E.

State St., behind Vintage @ 501 in downtown Rockford. The monthly events run through Nov. 24.

Rockford Park District hosts Frosty Fridays public skating sessions, 8 to 10 p.m., on Fridays through May 21 at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. Order tickets in advance at rockfordparkdistrict.org/ publicskate or 815-969-4069.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8 Illinois Small Business Development Center presents TikTok is for Businesses Too! 11 a.m., online with Allison Kelley, digital content designer, Dirigible Studio. Register at www. rockfordsbdc.org/workshopstrainings.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10 Ladiworkz presents Business As Usual-Know Your Business, a two-day seminar, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 10 and 11 at 730 N. Church St., Rockford. Business bags included.

Tickets at eventbrite, 815-742-4754 or Brandi@ladiworkz1.com.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s deadline for artists with mural experience to be a part of CRE8IV: transformational ART. From June 7 to 11, 2021, these artists will transform walls into beautiful works of art in Rockford, Loves Park, Rockton and Pecatonica. Visit gorockford.com/ Continued on page 23

APRIL MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Thank you to our members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce

100-YEAR MEMBER Gallagher

95-YEAR MEMBER Behr Iron & Metal, An Alter Company

70-YEAR MEMBERS

35-YEAR MEMBERS

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

Integra Business Systems, Inc. Mercyhealth

25-YEAR MEMBER

65-YEAR MEMBERS

20-YEAR MEMBER

Manpower OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

55-YEAR MEMBER

Cain & Company

Belter Machinery Co., Inc.

15-YEAR MEMBER

Midwest Scale Company, Inc.

ABC Catering Ltd., A Better Choice Catering

50-YEAR MEMBERS

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated Guler Appliance Company Kelso-Burnett Co. Rockford Career College

45-YEAR MEMBER PNC Bank

40-YEAR MEMBER

Pepper Creek/Fourth Street Greenhouses

Allstate - J Ellis Agency Cookies by Design Geostar Mechanical Lechtenberg & Associates, LLC Rock River Development Partnership/Rockford City Market Triangle Metals USA

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

community

ADVERTISERS INDEX

COMMUNITY EVENTS & WEBINARS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

(Continued from page 22) publicart or email Kristen Paul, KPaul@GoRockford.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15 Illinois Small Business Development Center presents Digital Advertising Basics, 11 a.m., online with Jennifer Tragas, Channel 13 WREX. Register at www.rockfordsbdc.org/workshopstrainings.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens presents Butterfly Zen Garden, a naturethemed projects for ages five and up at 9 a.m. Join the virtual class with activity box or in person. Visit nicholas conservatory.com/activities or call 815-987-1654.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23 Rockford Christian School presents its auction Royal Roar, 7 p.m., featuring comedian Andrew Stanley.

23

April 2021

Sign up for the in-person and virtual event at RCA2021.givesmart.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24 Ladiworkz hosts a Casting Call for two women and two men, 30 to 40 years old, all ethnic groups, for an upcoming talk show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 730 N. Church St., Rockford.

Must schedule an appointment at info@ladiworkz1.com.

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

Edward Jones – Erna Colborn . . . . . . .11

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Entré Computer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . 9 FurstStaffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SUNDAY, APRIL 25 Winnebago County CASA’s 37th annual Heritage Run takes place at Midway Village Museum. For questions contact Leslie Erickson, lerickson@winnebagocountycasa.org.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 23-24

Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) . . . . . . . . 6

Royer Asphalt Paving, Inc... . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sedona of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Leading Lawyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

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

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

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

V2 Marketing & Management . . . . . . . .11

VOICE

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts the Great American Cleanup, 9 a.m. to noon. For more information or to register visit www.knib.org.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ..........................................Direct Line Caitlin Pusateri, Executive Vice President ..............................................815-316-4337 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer .................................... 815-316-4312 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment .................... 815-316-4317 Jeff Bailey, Membership Development Executive ..................................815-316-4336 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep..........815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology ................... 815-316-4338 Carmen Kellerman, Program & Event Coordinator .............................815-316-4302 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations...................................................815-316-4315 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller ............................... 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ......................... 815-316-4320 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO .......................................... 815-987-8100 Edward Caceres, Director, Small Business Development Center ...................................................815-987-8100

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS Brent Bernardi Alpha Controls & Services LLC

Chair of the Board Dan Ross Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP

Vice Chair Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

LaVonne Brown Savant Wealth Management Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Vice Chair Don Daniels Samuel J. Castree SwedishAmerican, A Staff Management, Division of UW Health Inc. Treasurer Lesly Couper Amy Ott workplace Boylan Catholic Doug Curry High School Stenstrom Immediate Past Chair Construction Group Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Rebecca Epperson Banking & Mortgage Chartwell Agency Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Terry Voskuil Woodward

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Joel A. Prah Mercyhealth

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Denise Sasse RSM US LLP John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network Teresa Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

MAY VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS Transportation & Logistics (Moving in the Right Direction)

Celebration of Business

(Recognizing Longevity, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Spirit)

IT

(Innovation & Digital Transformation, Agility)

For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100