On a brilliant, sunny Wednesday in downtown Rockford, I met Orlando Toatley for lunch.
Toatley, communications and marketing specialist for the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD), had it all planned out. We met at his office at the RMTD Downtown Transfer Center and caught the #4 bus to Fulton Street, just outside the Olympic Tavern.
Before we got underway, he gave me a tour of the RMTD bus terminal— mechanic bay, bus garage, new charging stations for the six new electric busses
scheduled to enter the fleet. Toatley pointed out the hybrid-electric busses in their periwinkle blue wrap, batteries stored in a cap on the roof of the vehicle.
When we boarded the #4 bus, we were greeted by a friendly driver, and I found a seat next to a gentleman who introduced himself as Chuck. Chuck, an over-theroad driver who’s on temporary disability, made conversation with us. His friendly and welcoming conversation filled the time as we made our short journey north.
The bus was clean, with colorful ads along the roof line promoting local businesses and service organizations. In just a few minutes, we arrived at our destination.
“We’re expanding,” Toatley said. “As the city changes, we’re making sure to work with the city to accommodate those changes. With a grant that the city just received, we’re working to create a city
By Andrew Wright, Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Working parents have needs outside the office that can significantly impact the job they do when they’re on the clock. Finding child care can be a critical step toward returning to the workforce. And finding qualified and convenient child care can be difficult for parents who aren’t sure what’s available to them.
The YWCA’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) serves the child care needs of Rockford’s workforce as part of their ongoing mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities.
route that goes strictly around downtown. A free route that will employ the electric busses to help us improve efficiency.”
RMTD’s goal is to reduce headway times. “Headway” is the amount of time between transit vehicle arrivals at a stop. A suburban route that has a bus once an hour would have a 60-minute headway. Frequent service buses in the U.S. often have 10- to 15-minute headways.
“We don’t want headways to be an hour long, we want to reduce them to 30 minutes or less,” Toatley said.
Greater efficiency gives the public more reason to use RMTD. It helps people retain their independence while reducing their carbon footprint and cost of living.
RMTD is working towards having more interaction within their ticketing app, looking to a time when busses will
(continued on page 6)
Winnebago County is offering the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) finance program for commercial property owners in Winnebago county.
C-PACE is an innovative tool that enables commercial property owners to obtain up to 100% long-term, fixed-rate financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, water use and electric vehicle charging building improvements.
Winnebago County
commercial property owners can receive funding from qualified capital providers for eligible projects and improvements, such as HVAC, lighting and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and other improvements in both existing buildings and new construction projects. The Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP was selected by Winnebago County as the program administrator. For more information on the program and how to apply, visit https://iecapace. org/winnebago-county-c-paceprogram.
Funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, CCAP helps lowincome families pay for child care while they work, attend school or look for a job. They serve Boone, Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago counties, with some services provided to Ogle and McHenry counties.
CCAP staff are dedicated to helping parents select the right child care provider so they can return to the workforce.
“This is something that we really try to customize to the client’s needs. We want
C-PACE financing is currently available in 37 states and stimulates local economies by funding the upfront capital for PACE projects that may lower operating costs, generate clean energy, instill resiliency, and promote water use conservation in commercial properties. From 2009 to 2020, C-PACE programs have funded more than 2,500 qualifying projects nationwide for a total of $2 billion, while also creating over 22,400 jobs.
Overall, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce is a powerful force in advocating for the interests of its members in the political sphere. It helps ensure that the needs and concerns of businesses are considered when local municipalities make policy decisions.
Former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil once said, “All politics is local.” And Tip was right.
With that in mind, we are revitalizing the Rockford Chamber Political Action Committee (ROCPAC) to strengthen the Chamber’s local voice in legislative affairs.
Local legislation affects everyday life, personal finances and community ownership. Quality of life starts with fully funding schools without breaking the back of the private property owner. The quality of our day-to-day lives is contingent upon strong elected leadership that can take our community to the next level.
The most accessible officials are the locally elected city council members and county board members. They are the ones who are most likely to listen to our concerns, because, ultimately, they need our vote. Chamber members, like many other constituents, live hectic lives. They don’t have time to contact every elected official or research each newly drafted ordinance, resolution and code change that affects their businesses and daily lives.
Typically, a chamber political action committee (PAC) is governed by the committees’ bylaws and appointed trustees. To that end, the ROCPAC bylaws are under review, as is the selection process for the volunteer trustees.
The role of the trustees is to interview candidates for local office in contested and non-contested races. These include mayoral races, city council, county board members, college trustees, park district board members, District 205 school board
candidates, county chairman and more. The City Council, the County Board, advisory boards and commissions need to hear the voice of the business community.
Trustees are also responsible for ensuring that the PAC complies with all campaign finance laws and regulations. This includes overseeing the PAC’s fundraising activities, expenditures and reporting requirements. The trustees make sure the PAC’s finances are transparent and accountable to donors.
The chamber will monitor local legislative bills and resolutions to stay ahead of potential changes that can influence local business. A published report card of our elected officials’ votes on local issues would be helpful for our membership and community at large.
ROPAC’s involvement in legislative policy making will allow the chamber to help shape the policies and decisions that affect the financial health of the business
community and chamber members. This collective visibility can bring positive change and give us a seat at the table to help shape our business ecosystem.
Legislative advocacy consists of engaging with legislators on either the local, state or federal level to influence laws and policies. Lobbying involves focusing on specific legislation at the local, state or federal level that supports the business policies of our business community.
While advocacy is focused on educating elected officials on a specific issue, lobbying is a small portion of those advocacy efforts. Lobbying and advocacy work in tandem to influence laws and policies that best fit our community, business environment and help grow the Rockford region.
If you have any thoughts or concerns, please feel free to contact me or another board member. We value your opinion and participation. Looking ahead, never behind.
When Harry and Fannie Severson donated their home and 369-acre farm to the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (FPWC) in 1975, they wanted to connect current and future generations to nature through education, research and conservation.
Since that time, Severson Dells Nature Center has been at the forefront of environmental education and conservation efforts throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Thousands of people have been inspired by the Seversons’ passion for nature through school field trips, guided hikes, summer camps and community programing.
Staffed by a nationally recognized team of conservationists, naturalists and educators, the nature center bridges the often too-wide gap between the public and the natural world around them. While nearly 400 acres of greenspace might intimidate some, a guided wildflower walk through a prairie preserve or a children’s story hour in the woods makes conservation accessible and
fun. By lowering the barrier to entry, the nature center connects the public with regional preserves in a meaningful and sustainable way.
This is a legacy we want to see continue for generations to come. Unfortunately, our ability to fulfill this goal has suffered a blow.
In late 2022, FPWC abruptly terminated our long-standing operating agreement without warning or discussion, leaving us unsure about the future of the Severson Dells Nature Center. With their decision, FPWC became the only forest preserve in the state without an educational programming arm, something we feel is vital for a thriving, attractive community.
Annually, the FPWC committed $30,000 to the nature center to support our mission of environmental education. They also provided in-kind support to maintain the building and grounds. While this amount makes a significant difference in the nature center’s ability to fulfill its mission, it represented less than 1% of FPWC’s annual budget. For comparison,
this is half the amount that Boone County Conservation District dedicates to education — despite maintaining a budget one-sixth that of FPWC.
As disappointing as it is that the publicly-elected officials of FPWC made this decision without allowing the community to weigh in, the Severson Dells Education Foundation is resolved to move forward. While no longer part of FPWC, the nature center remains committed to providing outstanding educational and recreational activities for the community.
Since FPWC’s decision in November, we have built the infrastructure necessary for the nature center to operate independently. This included transitioning three staff positions from employees of the FPWC to employees of the Severson Dells Education Foundation. We also filled two roles left vacant by the FPWC. These changes help ensure the nature center has the strong operational team necessary for long-term success.
As we look ahead, we are focused on supporting our programming with
effective fundraising. We will rally our relationships with the community and our generous donors to create sustainable operations that guarantee nature education and programming for years to come.
Although the last six months have been a challenge, we are optimistic about the future of Severson Dells Nature Center and its positive impact on our region.
When a community values access to nature, invests in greenspace and prioritizes conservation, it becomes a place where people want to work, live and play.
With the weather warming up, we hope those passionate about keeping nature education alive in our community will join us for a hike, explore our programs, spend a day at The Grove nature playscape, invite a friend to our next event, and support the future of Severson Dells Nature Center.
See you on the trails!
The views expressed are those of Wasser and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Mercyhealth is celebrating decades of caring at its Rockton Avenue campus with two significant milestones.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile at Mercyhealth marks 20 years of bringing healthcare services to children in need throughout Rockford and surrounding communities.
The Care Mobile is a partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities that not only provides care to children in need but brings that care to convenient locations like area schools.
Over the past two decades, Mercyhealth has administered more than 13,000 patient visits with more than 10,000 children. These visits have provided approximately $2.4 million in free care and administered 3,600+ immunizations.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile has a dedicated full-time staff of two—a nurse practitioner/manager and a registered nurse/program manager. They visit local neighborhoods and schools, offering a variety of services including well child check-ups and follow-up care for chronic conditions such as asthma, obesity and depression. Oral hygiene education is also provided.
Funding for the Care Mobile comes from the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Madison, the Mercyhealth Development Foundation and the Mercyhealth Volunteer Association.
Very close to where the Care Mobile parks for the night is the hangar for Mercyhealth’s REACT helicopter, which has the only Rockford-based flight team. And like the Care Mobile, REACT is celebrating a milestone anniversary—35 years.
Based at the Rockton campus, REACT provides emergency transport services for Winnebago, Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Carroll, Lee, DeKalb, Boone and
McHenry counties in Illinois and Rock and Green counties in Wisconsin.
In addition to four pilots and two mechanics, the flight crew consists of seven flight nurses and three flight paramedics with critical care, emergency and high-risk obstetrics training. When emergencies in this large service area arise, communities can rely on timely, expert care.
The Care Mobile and REACT services are just two of the more than 20 medical specialties available at Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton campus. Mercyhealth Cancer Center remains on Rockton Avenue, right where it has been for decades. Over the past year, thousands of patients received cancer care ranging from hematology, medical and radiation oncology, genetic counseling, imaging and participation in clinical trials.
Mercyhealth recently expanded its gastroenterology services at the Rockton campus with four GI and endoscopy procedure suites and 12 private recovery rooms. Orthopedic services also remain, including physician consults, imaging and physical therapy.
In fact, the campus has more than 50 physicians dedicated to the care of the community. In 2022 and 2023, Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton served more than 140,000 patients. The healthcare experience that began on this campus more than 80 years ago continues to adapt with the times while remaining vital to the community.
John Dorsey, MD, CMO, is an internist and the chief medical officer of Mercyhealth in Illinois.
The views expressed are those of Dorsey and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
(continued from front page)
to make sure that wherever they need child care, they’re given a list,” said Lisa Bock, director of Child Care Resource & Referral at YWCA. “But we also coach them on how to interview child care providers to make sure they are a good fit. We recommend getting a tour of the facility, whether it’s a home or child care center. That way they’re making the best choice for their family.”
But finding the right provider is about more than knowing their location and hours of operation.
“We coach [parents] on questions like what’s your curriculum? What’s your discipline policy? What’s your instructor to student ratio? How do you handle specific situations?” said Stephanie Koclanis, YWCA CORE supervisor.
CCAP also performs annual reviews to make sure participants continue to be eligible for the program.
CCAP staff visit license-exempt homes and other licensed child care providers to mentor, coach and ensure child safety. They provide technical assistance and help providers develop curriculums, best practices and strategies for engaging children and handling challenging behaviors.
“Before I came here, I thought it was like being a babysitter. They are not babysitters. They are child care providers, and they are a business,” said Kelli Steder,
CCAP supervisor. “We’re here to help them grow their business. They’re not just watching children; they’re a huge piece of the community and of these children’s lives. They help them grow.”
CCAP staff also visit job fairs and career fairs to make sure the public knows these services are available to businesses as well as parents. Business owners are encouraged to take advantage of these services to help their staff get better informed about child care resources and know how to access assistance programs.
The child care sector is growing again after being hit hard by the pandemic.
“There were so many guidelines with COVID. People had to shut down because remaining open wasn’t cost effective. Now we’re seeing an uptick in providers coming back and wanting to provide care, which is wonderful,” Koclanis said.
People who were previously ineligible for CCAP are encouraged to reapply. The program increased its maximum income requirement and expanded eligibility to those going to school or looking for work.
Parents looking for child care opportunities are encouraged to call or visit the local YWCA. Walk-in services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
report in real time their location and direction, and that they’re on schedule.
“With over 2000 stops, our real-time bus tracker is getting closer to launch, with a target of the end of this year,” Toatley said.
Citizens of larger cities like Chicago, Madison and St. Louis have discovered that a successful transit system helps lay the groundwork for successful commercial and retail centers, as well as making downtown residential lofts and apartments more appealing to buyers.
“Bus ridership is so inexpensive. But what I really wish people knew is that students from kindergarten through high school ride for free. So do veterans and senior citizens. And we offer para-transit door-to-door options for people with mobility limitations,” Toatley said.
Successful businesses and filled apartments mean greater demand for shared outdoor spaces that make walking and bicycle transit more inviting and provide access to necessary services.
Timothy Hinkens, the city engineer for the City of Rockford, has a vision for a more walkable, more sustainable city center.
With a change to the makeup of the city core, the heavy-freight and commuter traffic that once clogged city streets now relies on routes like Interstate 90 and 39, as well as Bypass 20 to reach Rockford’s factories and manufacturing facilities.
As a result, most of Rockford’s traffic is travelling west to east.
“What this means is that we have an opportunity to reconnect neighborhoods and reestablish the grid system downtown by removing north-south one-way roads. Illinois 251 will make more sense as we remove the spaghetti interchanges and consolidate traffic on to Third Street,” Hinkens said.
Rockford is pursuing the funding for the next steps of this new traffic plan. It includes improvements to the Whitman Street interchange and the downtown bus circulator loop, making use of Jefferson, Chestnut, Church and Third Street.
“Right now, the interchange at Whitman Street is a barrier for neighborhoods on the east side to walk or bike to downtown and to Prairie Street,” Hinkens said.
According to Hinkens, a small reduction in traffic lane use can help increase bicycle and pedestrian access, creating safe and appealing ways to attract visitors to explore downtown Rockford.
“The city was awarded engineering funds to help connect gaps of the riverwalk, which—along with downtown streetscape improvements, repairs to sidewalks, stamped brick concrete decorative pavement and ornate lights— will attract people downtown,” he said.
And with the growth in residential properties downtown, preparing a thriving city center to attract talent to Rockford is critical to modern city planning.
Mike Dunn, Jr., is the executive director of Region 1 Planning Council (R1P), and he is preparing for the transportation demands of the future.
“We’re seeing a conversion of office and manufacturing buildings to residential, and that’s a good thing if you want a thriving amenity culture downtown. You need a nighttime population; you need residents downtown,” Dunn said.
However, what comes with that is a drastically different traffic pattern. Some of the people moving downtown don’t want to have a car, preferring to walk or ride a bike.
“Generations change; people’s habits change. And with a younger population moving downtown, a four-lane, one-way intersection isn’t serving a freight need to the degree that it was designed for,” Dunn said. “While we still have to be conscious that it remains a freight route, we realize that there is too much asphalt to maintain based on the current overall use of these roads.”
Rockford continues to pursue the restoration of the Times Theater, the completion of the new Rockford Public Library, and a rise in a downtown entertainment and residential district. This move to create a more deliberate and purposeful downtown district appeals to a younger workforce and helps retain local students who can see the beginnings of an authentic urban experience without needing to move away from Rockford.
Likewise, preparing for the future of personal transportation is on the horizon for Dunn and R1P. Part of Dunn’s vision includes access to a network of charging stations for EVs throughout the city and an increase in cars for hire. The RMTD electric bus loop is a part of this vision to reduce automobile ownership and lower the city’s carbon footprint.
And all of this is possible through grants and partnerships with state and federal funds, as well as private companies investing in local infrastructure.
“We’re very proud of working hard to secure the RAISE grants for the Illinois Department of Transportation and the City of Rockford. It’s going to help us modernize and readjust our aging infrastructure to the way people want to use it in today’s world,” Dunn said. “We’re focused on what mobility will look like 10 years from now. And we’re advocating and finding investment for the technology needed to give people a lot of options to decide how they want to move around.”
Without the ability to travel to new places, most of us would feel tired or even trapped in our current surroundings. When our brains begin to daydream of somewhere new, the next step is clear— it’s time to search for flights.
It’s natural to want to explore, see new things and meet new people. But travel has its challenges—especially when trying to plan a trip that will please the entire family. What once could be booked on a whim during your single years, now requires careful planning to ensure the trip will leave everyone with a smile.
To your kids, vacation begins the moment you leave the house. But to you, the “getting there” piece of the trip might appear like a hurdle that needs clearing before the true vacation can begin. To avoid extending your travel time with long layovers and boarding multiple flights, opt for nonstop flights that take you directly to your destination.
When flying from the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, here are some favorite family-friendly destinations
that are a nonstop flight away.
Orlando is packed with experiences and activities perfect for your next family trip. The toughest part of planning might be figuring out what to do first. Whether you’re looking for theme park thrills, delicious dining or a chance to experience nature, Orlando is a great option.
You can make memories at Walt Disney World® Resort, explore wildlife at Gatorland, or get up close and personal with an airboat ride. Or you can attend awe-inspiring performances like Cirque du Soleil, head out for some shopping, and show off your sports fandom at an Orlando Magic game or Orlando City SC match.
In Orlando, the possibilities for fun are endless and sure to make your kids say, “Best vacation ever!” You can fly to Orlando easily from Milwaukee with nonstop flights on Frontier, Southwest and Spirit Airlines.
If you’re looking for a destination that will pique curious school-age kids’ interest, look no further than our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The National Mall is sure to impress with numerous monuments and memorials, or you can head to the White House for a free tour. History-rich attractions like the Smithsonian and the National Museum of American History are other great options for fun and educational activities. The impressive D.C. architecture might also inspire you to visit the National Building Museum, which offers hands-on engineering and architectural building activities that are fun for everyone.
For more natural scenic escapes, you can fawn over florals at the U. S. Botanic Garden or breathe the fresh air at the Georgetown Waterfront Park on the Potomac.
Hop on a nonstop flight on Southwest from MKE, and you’ll be on your way to a fascinating family field trip in no time.
When the cold Midwest winter settles in, you know it’s here to stay for a while. The best way to combat the cold is to escape somewhere warm. And there’s no better place than sunny Phoenix, Arizona, where you can trade your snow boots for hiking boots and get some much-needed
outdoor time.
Papago Park offers scenic hikes, including the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock Trail. If you’re looking for something with a little less incline, the nearby Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden are two great options. If your family is craving even more excitement, there are plenty of amusement parks, such as Enchanted Island, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, and the Golfland Sunsplash water park. Tap into Phoenix’s western history with a visit to Goldfield Ghost Town—a reconstructed 1890s town with gold mine tours, Old West gun fights, history displays and more.
If Phoenix sounds like your speed, nonstop flights on American and Southwest can take you straight from MKE to the sun-soaked wild west.
When it’s time to book that next family vacation, you can’t go wrong with any of these sensational cities. Fly MKE for inexpensive parking options, children’s play areas on both concourses, and an easy travel experience. Pack your bags and get ready for your best trip yet.
Summer Hegranes is a marketing and public relations coordinator at the Milwaukee Airport.
The views expressed are those of Hegranes and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
I respect the hardworking men and women who serve their country each day, and I’m sure I’m not alone in that regard. Our first responders, military members, and the doctors and nurses working their tails off to keep us safe and protect us when we are in peril are heroes to most. But I’d like to remind you of the American truck driver, a hero often neglected by the nightly news.
America’s truck drivers are often an afterthought, or worse, seen as an inconvenience on the roadways. But did you know that your neighborhood grocery store only stocks about three days’ worth of inventory at any time? Gas station fuel would diminish even quicker, drying up within 48 hours. Manufacturing would shut down within hours. ATMs would run dry almost immediately. If for one week America’s truck drivers decided not to answer their call of duty, chaos and
disarray would result.
Truck drivers have a massive responsibility, as they ensure the employment of almost all other industries. More than 10 million people are currently employed by the trucking industry in the U.S., about 3% of the total population. But indirectly, they service every single one of us, and their job isn’t easy. The average over-the-road driver spends 240+ nights a year away from home and logs more than 115,000 miles delivering anything and everything we consume.
And being a truck driver is a dangerous occupation. According to a 2021 census from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers had the sixth highest fatal work injury rate, even higher than police officers and firefighters.
In the majority of cases, trucking accidents are not the fault of the truck
driver. The average tractor trailer hauling 80,000 pounds at 60 miles per hour takes 40% more time and distance to slow or stop than a car. Drivers bobbing and weaving to get in front of trucks only to hit their brakes cause the bulk of accidents involving semis.
The road can bring out the worst in people—congested traffic, drivers changing lanes erratically, potholes, and then we get behind a semi that slows us down. I get it, I really do. But without them “slowing us down,” we wouldn’t have dinner to rush home to or a job to be late to. So, the next time you come across a trucker on the road, give them the benefit of the doubt and treat them with the respect they deserve so they can get home safely.
Even the roads we commute on are largely supported by the trucking industry, which pays about 36% of the
taxes and fees related to the Highway Trust Fund but only accounts for 7% of the overall traffic.
Trucking may seem like an outdated industry using the same old technology, but in the last two decades, we’ve reduced emissions by over 95%. And thanks to new collision avoidance systems and autonomous braking, we’ve reduced heavy-duty accidents by more than 40%.
We may not hear about them in the news, but America’s truck drivers are heroes to me. With more than 10 million people employed by the trucking industry, it’s likely you know someone involved in keeping our country moving. Find that person in your life and go out of your way to thank them for their service. You rely on them much more than you know. The views expressed are those of Vock and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Founded in 1928 by Frank Lindstrom, Lindstrom Travel has helped generations of Rockford families find their way to exotic destinations.
President John Sturm owns the business with his brothers Charlie and Richard. Together, they lead a staff of experienced travel advisors.
“Wherever you’re going, chances are we’ve been there,” John said.
For more than 30 years, clients have visited Lindstrom’s ornate blue and white cottage on the corner of Mulford and Guilford for help planning everything from family reunions and wedding cruises to overseas adventures and corporate retreats.
“At Lindstrom, we believe travel helps people build shared experiences with family and friends and provides new perspectives from different places and different cultures,” John said.
John credits his parents for his love of travel. Walter and Mary Sturm owned Lindstrom Travel from 1952 until they retired in 2009. Together, they visited more than 125 countries.
He recalled a cruise his parents took him on when he was six: “I had recently watched the 1953 ‘Titanic’ movie with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck, so
I was nervous walking up the gangplank. It was a Bermuda cruise and I had never seen the ocean before. It was beautiful, and I had so much fun.”
For the Sturm family, sharing travel experience with customers is essential. One of John’s favorite memories is a family trip to Grand Cayman Island. “I was 13, and we stayed at a small resort with family and close friends. I got to spend time with two friends about my age and go scuba diving. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.”
Despite his family’s extensive experience in the travel industry, John and his staff feel it’s vital to stay current with technology and trends.
“We adopt and embrace change,” John said. “We were among the first agencies to move to computerized registrations. And in this post-COVID world, we’re embracing phone-based applications to keep clients updated on travel plans as they change in real time.”
The Sturm brothers and the Lindstrom Travel staff love helping their clients discover the world.
“To me, every trip is a good trip,” John said. “We were just in Costa Rica this past December, and I’m looking forward to an Alaska cruise in May.”
GUEST COLUMNIST
By Ashok Ramji, COO, Skander Logistics
Have you flown commercially and marveled at what happened? Against all natural odds, you soared without wings above the clouds at around 30,000 feet. You traveled thousands of miles faster than humanly possible via ground transportation. To top it all off, you may repeat this process if you are a frequent flyer.
We’re all familiar with motion. Skander Logistics and other Rockford Chamber of Commerce logistics industry members obsess over transportation. What exactly is the “art of motion?”
Merriam-Webster defines ‘art’ as ‘skill,’ which is the ‘execution of learned physical tasks.’ Since the Wright brothers achieved the world’s first sustained and controlled flight in 1903, commercial aviation has consistently and expertly moved passengers and freight worldwide. Pilots accomplish this feat regularly in both hospitable and hostile weather conditions.
Suppose a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320 can seat about 180 people. In that case, a single passenger is less than 1% of that maximum capacity. Then
consider luggage and jet engines, that passenger’s weight as a percentage of the total is an even smaller number still. Each passenger (and any animals on board) comprises that flight’s most precious and irreplaceable cargo.
The large both protects and enables the movement of the small. Michelin Tire exemplified this concept beautifully with a former advertising slogan. A baby is protected and safe inside a moving piece of sheet metal supported by its products.
A passenger is safer inside an airplane weighing 90,000 pounds cruising at a velocity of 3,000 feet per minute at an altitude of 30,000 feet. This accomplishment is partly due to the types of propulsion systems and fasteners manufactured, for example, here in Rockford, Illinois.
The art of motion also involves the movement of things. Healthcare is one example. Third-party logistics companies often move medical devices in all shapes and sizes for mission-critical and timesensitive procedures.
A courier may move surgical tools from a hospital to an airport. These tools are then picked up from the destination
• Make an appointment with a travel agent. Travelers typically don’t pay extra for the services of an agent. Having an agent can help at critical moments when flights are cancelled or accommodations need to change.
• Update and bring your passport. Current passports are essential when traveling internationally. Your agent can help you confirm it will be valid throughout your trip, as well as registered with your cruise ship or tour group.
• Plan ahead. Travel prices are often set based on seasons. Knowing your travel dates well in advance can help you and your agent find the best deals and destinations.
• Don’t wait. Waiting to see if air fares will come down could mean risking your vacation altogether. Travel agents can help you have the best experience while working within your budget. But the sooner you begin, the more they can do.
airport and transported to a different hospital’s sterile processing department. A nurse might hand a surgeon a clean scalpel that traveled thousands of miles just hours before an operation.
The art of motion may also involve moving items used for leisure. Some food and beverages fall into this category. At Skander Logistics, we are warehousing products for a market leader in the alternative beverages category, which includes lemonades, coffees and energy drinks.
Think about all the logistics required to get a single aluminum can into your hand. After manufacture, 12 cans are packed inside a cardboard box to form a case. Workers stack hundreds of cases on top of one another on a pallet. Dozens of pallets ship next to each other inside a container.
A single beverage can is subject to maximum pressure. This transportation and storage design of cans grouped tightly in cases on pallets repeatedly works successfully.
We currently work with one of the nation’s largest transportation companies specializing in intermodal rail service. It is a variation of the process we described earlier with medical devices. Elsewhere in this country, pallets stored in a container leave a warehouse by truck destined for a rail yard. Those containers arrive at a
rail yard in Chicago. Each container then moves by truck again to our receiving warehouse in Rockford.
Motion is progress. I remember when my parents first taught me how to drive in a vacant parking lot. I was terrified to move the car at even one mile per hour. I have since transported myself and others to about forty states. Sometimes, I go the speed limit of 80 miles per hour. Motion is freedom and independence.
It is interdependence when you are responsible for moving other people and things. The Chinese concept of yin-yang shows two opposites, each containing the seed of the other. The faster the motion, the greater the stability.
There are natural limits to motion. Civilization has advanced by moving these boundaries. Engineers have preserved the structural integrity of aircraft traveling at the current world record of about 7,000 miles per hour.
In a world where productivity and growth continue to move faster, Skander Logistics provides expert services to help business master the art of motion. If you are interested in learning more about how we put this into action, please let us know.
The views expressed are those of Ramji and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
AAR MRO Airframe – Rockford is an FAA-certified, EASA-approved, stateof-the-art facility located on the south edge of Chicago Rockford International Airport. We provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for next-generation aircraft.
AAR was founded in Chicagoland in 1955. The Rockford facility was custom built specifically for AAR and opened in late 2016. The 238,000 square-foot facility consists of two, 10-story hangars that can each accommodate four 737 aircraft.
The Rockford facility is a significant part of AAR’s extensive network of repair and engineering facilities offering full airframe repair and overhaul services for a wide range of aircraft. It’s also at the forefront of AAR’s efforts to digitize a historically paper-based approach to maintenance. This, along with the company’s recent acquisition of Trax, a leading provider of MRO and fleet management software, is part of AAR’s efforts to offer digital solutions to customers and the industry more broadly.
■ In 2021, AAR was awarded a five-year contract with United Airlines.
■ In 2021, we received a $2.6 million grant from the State of Illinois. This money was used to build our workforce, including certification for aircraft mechanics, and to enrich relations with Rock Valley College.
■ We continued to expand and hire during the COVID-19 pandemic while other businesses/industries saw a decrease.
■ Since 2020, AAR has quadrupled its workforce in Rockford.
■ We anticipate adding 80 new positions before the end of 2023. This will include technicians as well as administrative and finance positions.
■ Being a mid-size company enables us to get to know our employees on a personal level.
■ We have a family environment with a can-do attitude.
Transportation options are an essential component of any thriving city, and the industry is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers. From public transit to ride-sharing services, people need reliable and efficient transportation to get around. Here’s some wisdom from the driver’s seat, so to speak, highlighting the priorities every successful transportation provider should embrace.
First and foremost, customer service is key in the transportation industry. A good transportation service will go above and beyond to ensure their customers are satisfied. This means providing excellent communication, answering questions, providing recommendations, ensuring comfort and convenience, and going the extra mile to make customers feel valued. Customer service isn’t just about getting
people from point A to point B. It’s about providing an experience that exceeds their expectations. From the moment they step into a vehicle, that person or family should be greeted with a smile and feel like they’re in good hands.
Safety should be the #1 priority for transportation providers. People entrust their safety to transportation services, so it’s essential to take this responsibility seriously. A good transportation service will have well-maintained vehicles and properly trained drivers who follow all traffic laws and regulations. Drivers should prioritize safe driving habits, including following speed limits, avoiding distracted driving and wearing seat belts. In our business, nothing is more important than the safety of our customers. We always make sure our
■ We believe and invest in our employees so they can continue to grow. Development opportunities include, but are not limited to, on-the-job training, a mentorship program and tuition reimbursement.
■ We appreciate the dedication of our employees and their families. We celebrate with events, such as Family Fun Day, Employee Appreciation Day and Aviation Maintenance Technician Day.
■ We value our military and appreciate their dedication and service. Approximately 22% of AAR’s Rockford employees are veterans.
■ Our female mechanic population increased 9% from 2022 to 2023.
■ We celebrate our strong, diversified group of talent and recognize the value they bring to our team. In addition, we have created local Employee Resources Groups to support a corporate-led initiative to further diversity and inclusion initiatives.
■ We value the incredible partnership we have built with the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, the State of Illinois and the local community.
■ A AR is a proud member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
■ We are a sponsor of the Stateline Quiz Bowl.
■ We support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive on an annual basis.
■ Our executive leaders from this location serve on committees and boards in the Rockford area.
vehicles are in top shape, and we never take risks on the road. We want our customers to feel completely safe.
People rely on transportation to get them where they need to go on time, whether it’s to work, a meeting or a social event. A reliable transportation service will arrive on time and get customers to their destination promptly. This means monitoring traffic patterns, understanding potential delays and being prepared to make adjustments as needed. A good transportation service will communicate effectively with customers, letting them know about any potential delays or changes in schedule. People trust another person to drive them, put their lives in that person’s hands. Timeliness is critical, but safety should always be at the forefront. We take pride in being on time for our customers. We know how frustrating it can be to be late for an important event or appointment. But we never compromise safety for timeliness.
Navigation accuracy is crucial in the transportation industry. A good transportation service will have drivers who know the city well and can navigate
Our relationship with the Rock Valley College (RVC) Aviation School has been very successful for both AAR and RVC by creating a pipeline of student workers and providing them an opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on large aircraft. Currently, 36 RVC students are working at our facility in either a full- or part-time capacity.
AAR has awarded fellowship scholarships to 10 students in Rockford. Each fellowship pays for full tuition and books for these students.
AAR’s Rockford location is part of a larger company
AAR is an independent provider of aviation services to commercial and government customers in more than 100 countries. The company was incorporated in 1955 and today has revenues of approximately $2 billion with nearly 5,500 employees across more than 20 countries.
In addition to Rockford, AAR has MROs in Miami, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Indianapolis, Indiana and two locations in Canada. Across all locations, AAR is committed to Doing It Right® by proudly serving customers, growing the aviation maintenance workforce and supporting the communities in which we operate.
The views expressed are those of Wiegert and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
efficiently and safely. Customers should never have to worry about getting lost or taking a long route to their destination. This means having up-to-date maps and GPS systems, as well as drivers who are knowledgeable about the best routes and shortcuts. A good transportation service will also be prepared to handle unexpected road closures or construction sites.Experienced, professional drivers know the safest and most efficient routes and are up-to-date on any changes to the roads or traffic patterns.
Finally, professionalism is essential. Drivers should be well-groomed, courteous and respectful to customers at all times. A professional attitude and appearance can go a long way in making customers feel comfortable and at ease. This means dressing appropriately, using proper language and treating all customers with respect, regardless of their background or social status. A good transportation service will also be prepared to handle unexpected situations, such as traffic delays or vehicle malfunctions, with grace and professionalism.
The views expressed are those of Beitel and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
What every transportation provider should know
Special thanks to presenting sponsor, Mr. Goodwater
Coventry Adrian , WQRF-TV/WTVO-TV
Matt Baillargeon, City of Rockford
Kristin Boel, City of Rockford
Jillisa Bondurant
Alen Brcic, Mercyhealth
Vincent Bucci, Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center
Randal Childs
Jacqui Corsi, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Kelsey Fagan, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors
Jason Fidder, Alpha Controls & Services, LLC.
Francisca French, City of Rockford
Chelsey Glatz, Region 1 Planning Council
Nathan Friedman, Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC
Becky Gocken, University of Illinois Extension
Ryan Golubski, Scandroli Construction Company
Kenzie Green, SupplyCore, Inc.
Kaylene Groh, Rockford Promise
Paul Happach, Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc.
Samantha Herrlein, WilliamsMcCarthy, LLP.
Dody Hollins, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
Vanessa Hughes, Hughes Resources
Alan Hulstedt, Larson & Darby Group
Mackenzie Johnson, UW Health Northern Illinois
Sierra Kellen, City of Rockford
Angi King, Pro Legal Care LLC
Maureen Kirschmann, Rockford Public Schools, District 205
Brandon Klages, Williams McCarthy, LLC.
Danna Krischke, Danna Krischke State Farm
Sara Kurpius, Rockford Public Schools, District 205
Kassidi Laurel, Rock River Valley Blood Center
Amy Lozano, Rockford Public Schools, District 205
Alejandro Mandujano, Four Rivers Sanitation Authority
Chelsea Minor, Rockford University
Ana Montoya, Rock Valley Credit Union
Amanda Phommachanh, Rockford Promise
Amy Pinkston, Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute
Danielle Powers, Dickerson Nieman Realtors
Jasmin Poyer, Midland States Bank
Ed Reams, 13 WREX
Rose Rementer, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
Kassie Rosecke, Mr. Goodwater, Inc.
Dr. Christopher Sahli, Elevatred Health Essentials
Rose Schlickman, Key Realty
Ryan Scott, LaMonica Beverages
Katie Shukis, OrthoIllinois
Nelson Sjostrom, City of Rockford
Jen Skrade, Wood CPA/s, Ltd.
Ciara Stahly, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Jennifer Swenson, Collins Aerospace
Orlando Toatley, Rockford Mass Transit District
Robert Torbert, Midland Wealth Management
Williman Veitch, Alpha Controls & Services, LLC.
Keyanna Washington, Goodwill Industries of North America
Dawn Williamson, Rockford Public Schools, District 205
Alexis Wright Conniff, Woodward
Dan Zeigler, Midland Wealth Management
Special Thanks to our 2022/2023 Moderators:
Laura Laumer, Rockford Public Schools, District 205
Danielle DeDario, US Bank
Congratulations to our 2023/2024 Moderators: Vinny Bucci, Paul Happach, Danna Krischke, & Ed Reams.
The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) is hard at work building economic prosperity in the Rockford region. We’re looking forward to the next chapter of Rockford economic development and taking strategic actions to achieve success.
This requires change, which can be challenging. But we’re committed to paving the way for future generations and building opportunities that will benefit our entire region.
With our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan serving as the guiding light, we’re rebuilding the foundation of RAEDC and focusing on four major goals: organization development, product/ property development, business retention and expansion, and marketing and attraction.
For any economic development organization to be successful, it must be built on a solid foundation. So, the first step in our process to achieve success in year one of our strategic plan begins with conversations.
Bringing in business leaders, investors and community leaders and gathering their input on how we can best service the region, is vital to our renewed focus on economic prosperity. We are continuing conversations with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership about how our organizations can continue to collaborate and promote the successes of our region. Our team also is preparing to host planning sessions to discuss and develop new mission and vision statements that better reflect the work we do and align with our goals as an organization.
As we continue year one of our strategic plan, business retention work is our primary goal as an organization. We are developing new marketing tools for this work. We regularly engage with site selection consultants and multipliers, like banks, legal firms and accountants to expand our reach to companies
considering expanding or relocating. We are also actively participating in industry trade shows to continually push the Rockford region as a destination of choice.
We’re prepared to assist primary job creators toward future growth in our region while connecting existing industries to the tools, entities, education and opportunities that will help them to reduce costs and increase revenues.
As we continue to build strong community connections, we want honest conversations about how we can best support the growth of our region. This includes discussions with leadership throughout the county as well as the cities we represent to determine appropriate and available incentives within their jurisdiction to attract and target potential industries.
These conversations must continue, and, as we move forward, we recognize there is more technical work to be done to generate results and achieve success.
As a result, the RAEDC team is preparing to conduct analyses on existing industrial properties to understand where each is at in the site development process and what needs to be done for them to be competitive. We’re also beginning to identify brownfield and blighted properties for potential redevelopment opportunities. We’ll be refining value propositions for business attraction and retention, as well as developing new protocols for marketing the organization.
Building on the successes already achieved in 2023, we continue to make strides to further the economic impact for the residents and businesses in our region.
For information on how you can get involved in the growth and development of our region, visit rockfordil.com.
The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, hosted the Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN) spring networking tour on April 20 at Collin’s Electric Power Systems facility in Rockford. Guests from 40 different companies attended the event and discussed aerospace supply chain trends and opportunities.
“Rockford has such a rich manufacturing history and has created a world class network supporting the aerospace industry,” said Nathan Malewiski, director of supply chain for Collins Aerospace. “Our ability to come together as experts within this industry has the power to create incredible advancements in both technology and manufacturing, while also creating great employment opportunity in the region.”
The event included a tour of Collins’ new $18 million wind tunnel facility for its ram air turbine (RAT) products. The fully-automated wind tunnel provides real-time data analytics and streamlines the testing and certification process for Collins’ full range of RATs for business, regional, single aisle, widebody and military aircraft.
Designed to serve as the small but mighty heart of an aircraft’s emergency power system, a ram air turbine deploys
from the wing or fuselage if a plane loses power in flight. By rotating its small turbine, the system extracts sufficient power from the airstream to allow the pilot to land the aircraft. The new wind tunnel uses a powerful fan to create a windspeed of up to 170 knots to simulate an in-flight power loss during the testing process.
“Collins’ ram air turbines have helped save more than 2,400 lives over the past five decades,” said Eric Cunningham, vice president, Electric Power Systems for Collins Aerospace. “Our new wind tunnel will help ensure we continue to meet our customers’ delivery expectations for this lifesaving product in the most efficient manner, while providing our employees with the most modern and ergonomic set up available. This $18 million investment embodies our long-term commitment to our Rockford facility and our Rockford community.”
RAAN is a consortium of companies working with the RAEDC to help the Rockford region attract and grow aerospace business. For more information on RAAN, visit rockfordil.com/about-raedc/raan/
Rockford Public Schools’ students and staff deserve to be lauded for their incredible accomplishments. Ahead of the end-of-year celebrations and graduation ceremonies, I want to congratulate and celebrate some of the outstanding students and staff for their achievements this year.
For the past 20 years, Auburn High School has consistently finished in the final four at the IHSA State Scholastic Bowl Tournament. The Knights brought home the state title in 2008, 2015 and again this year. The tournament roster includes Sinecio Morales, Alex Crowell, Coby Thammavong, Huan Lin, Luke Snyder and Dardan Jakupi. Congratulations to these students who all attend the Gifted Academy at Auburn! Good luck in your upcoming national tournaments.
Camden Taylor made local history as the best swimmer in the NIC-10 Conference and holds every individual conference swimming record. The East High School senior won the IHSA 100yard freestyle race by a second and a half—a wide margin in competitive swimming—at the state finals, and he finished second in the 200-yard freestyle race. In the 100-yard race, Camden’s time of 43.72 seconds broke the state record, previously set by an Olympic gold medalist. Congratulations, Cam!
Jefferson High School senior Yareidi Zarate is a National Gold Medal recipient in the Drawing and Illustration division of the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The award places her in the nation’s top 1% of all high school artists. Her artwork will be exhibited in New York City, and she will be recognized at Carnegie Hall. Congratulations to Yareidi for this amazing accomplishment!
This spring, 26 graduating high school seniors were offered scholarships to study education in the Rockford University Education Pathway, one strategy to combat the national teacher shortage. These students plan to teach in RPS 205 and earn a master’s degree in urban education from Rockford University.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 and our future teachers!
■ Auburn High School: Veronica McClean, Kylee Clark, Andrew Romero, Ethan Vanderkolk.
■ East High School: Naomi CanoRodriguez, Yareli Salazar, Jacob Harker, Alexandra Toro, Natalie Muehlfelder, Donovan Turner, Daniella Torres.
■ Guilford High School: Daelyn Villanueva, Lyall Kehley, Hannah Smith, Payton Sullivan, Andrew Galitz, Rashad Hoel.
■ Jefferson High School: Sarah Carter, Sofia Lofranco, Adorant Boukandou, Jamera Morris, Michelle Watson, Amahirany Lopez, Daisy Coss.
■ Roosevelt Community Education Center: Erinique Johnson, Richard Hart. Rockford Promise offers 201 scholarships to
Rockford Promise offers locationbased, full-tuition scholarships to deserving graduates to attend Northern Illinois University, Rockford University and Rock Valley College. This year, NIU offered 161 scholarships, Rock Valley College offered 25 scholarships, and Rockford University offered 15 scholarships to the Class of 2023. We are thrilled with this partnership and are excited for these outstanding scholarship winners.
This year, 10 of the 20 finalists for the prestigious Golden Apple Award teach in RPS 205, and three of the six winners teach in our district. Congratulations to Emily Daub at Ellis Elementary, Mallori Sage at Whitehead Elementary and Addie Wilson at the Gifted Academy at Thurgood Marshall Elementary! Each of these teachers are deserving of this recognition and praise. Congratulations to the other RPS 205 finalists: Jelena Holcomb, STEAM Academy at Haskell; Kimberlee Malmberg, Washington Elementary; Whitney Mohr, Rolling Green Elementary; Kimberly Plaster, Galapagos Charter School; Lisa Robinson, Rolling Green Elementary; Jennifer Rowe, Whitehead Elementary; Amie Walker, Bloom Elementary.
The views expressed are those of Jarrett and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
We want to share your news Connect with us on our social networks and we can spread the word about your news, upcoming events and employees.
/RockfordAreaEDC
/RockfordAreaEconomicDevelopmentCouncil
/RockfordAreaEDC
/company/Rockford-Area-Economic-Development-Council
If you would like to share fresh perspectives with your social network, RACVB makes it easy for you. Visit gorockford.com/ media/815ambassadors to join other digitally active community members, professionals and leaders who help elevate our national reputation by sharing positive news stories. You’ll be alerted to opportunities to share content in just a few clicks.
In the fall of 2021, the UW Health SwedishAmerican Women and Children’s Hospital joined forces with the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) to continue efforts to address maternal disparities and promote birth equity. This statewide quality improvement initiative offered key opportunities for our team to ensure the most equitable care is provided to our patients.
To best understand the birthing patient and their family’s needs, it is crucial that universal SDOH screening takes place both prenatally and during their admission to the hospital. This includes questions relating to food and housing security, transportation access, utilities, exposure to violence, financial resources, education, stress, child care, legal status, employment status, and community/social support.
Our team worked diligently to create a five-county resource mapping tool that allows staff to easily assist patients with any of the above needs they may have. This tool is a crucial piece in ensuring patients are receiving the assistance they need prior to discharge.
Throughout 2022, providers and staff committed themselves to 13 respectful care practices for every patient and their family. These care practices include, but are not limited to, ensuring patients are being treated with dignity and respect, are being communicated with effectively, and are prepared for discharge with any skills, support or resources they may need.
In April of 2022 our Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) survey went live. This gives our patients an opportunity to provide feedback at discharge on their experience of care during labor and delivery. The purpose of the survey is to not only gather patient feedback, but to also make improvements to ensure equitable care for all.
Each month, maternal quality data is reviewed and stratified by race, ethnicity and insurance status to identify disparities and address opportunities for improvement. At UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, we have always recognized that our patient
population is diverse, however, when we began to really analyze our data, we reaffirmed that the majority of our birthing patients are people of color and/ or receive public aid.
This initiative strongly encourages the need for postpartum discharge education, as well as early postpartum follow-up appointments. Our birthing patients too often get caught up in the exhaustion of day-to-day care for their newborn and wind up missing some of the early warning signs of blood pressure disorders or increased bleeding leading to hemorrhage. It’s our goal that each patient receives standardized discharge education, such as communication with their providers and general postpartum safety, while also tailoring the information to the individual patient and their circumstances.
UW Health SwedishAmerican has a long-lasting community presence, not only in Rockford but also our surrounding areas. Through this initiative we have teamed up with some amazing community members, including Ebony Wrenn, program director for Mom Congress, as well as Erika Hannah, growth/engagement specialist at Molina Healthcare. These partnerships, along with those we continue to gain throughout this initiative, allow us the opportunity to engage with our patients outside of the hospital/clinic setting at many different events and bring birthing education out into the community.
Alpine Kiwanis Club has served the community since 1968
Promoting the mental health and well-being of youth in the Rockford community is a priority for many organizations in the region, and none more so than the Alpine Kiwanis Club. Today’s youth experience higher rates of anxiety, depression and social stress in a post-pandemic society.
The Alpine Kiwanis Club is a local volunteer service organization of over 100 men and women dedicated to improving the world—one child at a time. Their goal is to support non-profit organizations that improve the lives of youth, the disabled and the elderly. Over the past 52 years, The Alpine Kiwanis Club has given over $2 million back to the community.
Each year, the Alpine Kiwanis Club donates to more than 20 non-profit agencies, including K-FACT, Lifescape, Milestone, Rock House Kids, Mosaic and Remedies to name a few. The Alpine Kiwanis Club also supports Special Olympics through competitions and fundraising. Youth in the community are also supported by the Alpine Kiwanis Club through high school Key Clubs and the Aktion Club, a club for adults with disabilities.
This year, the Alpine Kiwanis Club has committed $50,000 to support the Rockford Park District’s Indoor Equine Project. The Kiwanis Club of Rockford and the Park Kiwanis Club have partnered with the Alpine Kiwanis in this project. The funds will be used to assist with the building of a new, world-class, indoor equine center that will
To implement an initiative like birth equity, gaining provider and staff buy-in was crucial. Last year was largely focused on education, training and personal reflection on implicit biases. Education and training were offered in a variety of contexts, and providers and staff not only learned the importance of listening to their patients, but also how to provide the most respectful care and how to address their implicit biases both personally and professionally.
As demonstrated by these six key opportunities, UW Health SwedishAmerican is committed to providing respectful care and improve the birth experience for all birthing people and their families. Throughout 2023, we will continue to spread awareness and education to our community and create a sustainability plan to ensure that, postinitiative, our efforts are continued to address disparities and promote birth equity.
Michelle K. Strand, LSW, is a social worker; and Courtney Pemberton, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, is an education coordinator at the UW Health SwedishAmerican Women and Children’s Hospital.
The views expressed are those of Strand and Pemberton and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
help promote and protect the mental health of the youth in the community through work with equine assisted learning and psychotherapy.
The Alpine Kiwanis Club’s biggest fundraising event each year is Brat Days, selling 20,000 brats in just two days. This year’s event is July 21-22. Proceeds will support vital non-profit organizations and fund post-secondary education scholarships for Rockford area youth.
The members of the Alpine Kiwanis Club are the heartbeat of the organization. Their passion fuels the incredible projects that bring new hope to children in the Rockford community. The work of the Alpine Kiwanis Club touches the lives of hundreds each year helping future generations and future leaders reach their full potential.
The Alpine Kiwanis Club meets Thursday mornings, 7-10 a.m., Hoffman House Restaurant, 7550 East State Street in Rockford. Evening meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month, 6 p.m., Christ United Methodist Church.
For more information about the Kiwanis organization or volunteering with this year’s Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days on July 21-22, visit www.alpinekiwanis-il.org or the Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days Facebook page.
The views expressed are those of Durán Krauss and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
GENEVA PORTER, director of
Women’s Health Services at Crusader Community Health champions the needs of the medically underserved
In the evolving landscape of being a parent today, supporting mothers has become a business imperative. Crusader Community Health is proud to offer support to the amazing moms and moms-to-be in the Rockford community every day. We especially love supporting the moms that face tremendous barriers and keep right on “momming.”
and managing everything in between. Reaching out for support is a show of strength, and any mother knows that it truly takes a village. Crusader is that village for many families in our community.
Every day, I go through a transformation. In the mornings, I’m a parent dropping my kids off to school, hair in a messy bun, wearing a hat, sweats and a t-shirt. But come pick-up time, I’m a professional in dress pants and a blouse, with my hair looking completely different. This constant shift between my roles inspired me to call it “the business of motherhood.”
Each morning, I am privileged to see my children off to school. As soon as the last child is dropped off, I dive into managing my growing business and developing a master plan for success, with approximately six hours until pickup time. It’s a busy schedule.
As a working mother, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to balance family obligations with career aspirations. That’s why, about two years ago, I decided to adjust my life as a small business owner. Owning a small business and having a family, as a woman, can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, despite its challenges.
Firstly, there’s flexibility. As the boss, I have the freedom to create a schedule that works for my loved ones and me. Working from home in comfortable clothes is a game-changer, and prioritizing self-care no longer feels like a guilty pleasure. When I can strike a balance between work and family, I’m winning at life.
Secondly, there’s financial independence. It’s empowering to control my income and set financial goals that align with my values and priorities. Building a successful business creates a stable and sustainable income stream that can support my family for years and become a valuable asset passed down through generations.
Lastly, owning a small business provides a sense of purpose. Every decision I make impacts the success of
my business and the lives of my family. It’s a fulfilling feeling to know that my work is making a real difference, and, when balancing the responsibilities of being a parent, that sense of purpose becomes even more powerful.
The truth is, being a mother and a business owner is not an either/or situation. It’s possible to do both and do them well. Sure, there are challenges, but there are also benefits that come with this dual identity.
For instance, as a parent, I deeply understand the importance of time management, delegation and prioritization, invaluable skills when running a business. Moreover, being a mother has taught me to be resilient, adaptable and resourceful, traits that are essential in entrepreneurship. And just like in business, there’s no one-size-fitsall approach to parenting. Instead, you have to be willing to adapt to each child’s unique needs and personality.
So, while my days may be filled with the unpredictability of hair and wardrobe changes, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being a mother and a business owner is a privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear both hats daily.
“The business of motherhood” is undoubtedly a challenge, but it’s also a source of joy and an ongoing journey. This journey has given me valuable insights into my strengths and weaknesses, and, as I move forward, I’m eager to embrace all the ups and downs that come with it. Because, at the end of the day, the greatest reward is knowing that I’m doing something meaningful and making a positive impact on the world around me, both as a mother and as a business owner.
The views expressed are those of Francis and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
We frequently see moms who battle food insecurity, unreliable transportation, housing insecurity, and a laundry list of other issues that are difficult to navigate. Crusader understands that a variety of things can keep people from regularly visiting their primary care physician, specialty care provider, dentist or behavioral health professional. We collaborate with community partners to address any barrier to keeping people in care. This is not only the right thing to do, but it makes good business sense. It’s far cheaper to keep people in care than to see them rely on emergency services. This is especially true for moms and kids.
Women’s Health Services at Crusader Community Health offers a variety of services and support within the community. From gynecological needs to prenatal care, the Women’s Health Services team prioritizes the care of women and seeks to break down barriers interfering with routine or preventative care.
As the community safety net for over 2,000 area women, we partner with community resources to ensure the patient is cared for. We offer help with appointment scheduling, transportation assistance, Medicaid application assistance and overall coordination of complete care with help from the Prenatal Case Manager team. We also help highrisk patients find additional specialty services in our region.
In addition, Women’s Health Services partners with Crusader’s Community Connections department to help underserved patient populations access necessities such as housing and food.
We are so proud to serve so many moms and families. Moms are often “chaos coordinators,” shuffling kids to and from school, helping with homework
I met a new mom a few years ago who was worried about her diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. We set her up with diabetic testing supplies, scheduled a time for her to meet one-on-one with a nurse to learn how to use the supplies and better understand lifestyle changes, and coordinated her appointments with specialty services. Our Prenatal Case Management team helped her apply for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and helped her get transportation to healthcare appointments.
Our team welcomed her as if she were family and looked forward to seeing her at her twice weekly visits. She was so grateful for our support. She welcomed a beautiful baby girl and is still thriving today. Could she have done it on her own? Perhaps. But having Crusader as her village gave her the support she needed to navigate the new diagnosis. We are confident she’ll remain in care, which is our goal.
All of this hits home for me. I’ll never forget the moment I became a new mom. One of my scariest moments was the day it sunk in that I was responsible for another human being, a cute one at that. He was precious and I was anxious. I navigated several health issues during and after my pregnancy. I can now see how the resources at Crusader make such a difference for new moms with limited resources.
From transportation to meal assistance, Crusader Community Health champions the needs of the medically underserved and provides healthcare for all, regardless of their ability to pay, as we eliminate disparities in healthcare.
The views expressed are those of Porter and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Employer-sponsored childcare is an increasingly in demand benefit for the modern workforce. According to Kinder Care’s latest parent confidence report, 68% of working parents believe employers should offset the cost of childcare for their employees, and 81% find a company’s child care benefits important to their job consideration process.
Many small business owners don’t believe they have the resources or finances to provide childcare for their employees. However, this benefit is becoming essential for employee retention.
“We’ve reached a point where childcare is no longer an optional benefit,” said Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare At Work and Champions. “It’s just as critical as medical or dental coverage in determining an employer’s ability to retain current employees and attract new hires.”
This is especially true in the postpandemic world, where workers, especially parents, have begun to examine their work-life balance more critically.
“Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen that parents are reevaluating their priorities and centering their family in the middle,” Figurski said. “Childcare is a key stressor for working families and parents are looking to their employers to provide solutions.”
When companies began bringing employees back into the office full- or parttime, working parents found that many of the same challenges they faced during the pandemic not only remained but were amplified. The Parent Confidence report
found the following three challenges to be the most pressing for modern working parents:
■ Uncertainty around childcare. Over the last two years, parents have spent more time with their children than they have in the past, leading to a desire to be more present in their lives. According to the Parent Confidence report, 69% of parents are leveraging their work flexibility to be more present with their children. This statistic is up 10% from when the survey was conducted in February 2020. This has been a driving factor in uncertainty about the safety of sending their kids to school or to child care programs. Nearly 44% of parents said this uncertainty has complicated their ability to confidently navigate parenting.
■ High stress levels. Balancing full-time work, social obligations and parenting during the pandemic has led many parents to feel overwhelmed. Stress levels are at an all-time high, with 59% saying that parenting during the pandemic was the most stressful time of their life.
■ Concern about children’s mental health. Not only are parents having a hard time, but they’re also worried about how their kids are handling the consequences of the pandemic. Children aren’t immune to stress, and 80% of parents believe mental health support needs to be part of school curriculums in the future.
Without proper childcare benefits, parents are often left scrambling to make accommodations to deal with these issues.
“A parent who’s trying to care for their child and work at the same time can’t adequately focus on either need,” said Figurski. “Employers can help solve this
As a lifelong learner, I recently encountered a concept expressed by Indra Nooyi, former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. In describing strategy, she explains the importance of “zooming in and zooming out.” We need to “zoom in” to our organizations to deeply understand our people and processes, while also
Learn about your employees’ needs
dilemma and reduce their employees’ stress levels by offering a childcare benefit.”
With parental needs and childcare in focus, employers must now be adaptive to their employees’ needs or risk them leaving for another job. The job market is open, and employees are more willing to find a new opportunity if they do not believe their company values their needs.
“Working parents care more about their employers providing childcare assistance — either through employerprovided childcare tuition subsidies or through care in a center — than they do about employers setting ‘off hours’ where parents are unplugged and unreachable,” Figurski said.
Providing childcare support isn’t just a way to show you value your employees; it also keeps you competitive and attractive to prospective employees while also retaining your top talent. Employees will stay with a company that understands their familial situation and provides benefits and flexibility for them to care for their children. In terms of recruiting, a company offering childcare benefits is very attractive to talented workers looking for a new position.
“Employers looking to attract and retain the best employees must offer their workers some kind of childcare benefit, whether that’s subsidized tuition, emergency back up care or access to an onsite or near-site childcare center,” Figurski said. “In short, organizations can’t afford to wait for someone else to solve a family’s childcare crisis.”
we’ve been laying the groundwork and are now ready to launch this planning initiative. Over the next year, we’ll be zooming in and out to set a strategy that revitalizes our existing tourism economy and provides a path to a more resilient future.
Not every employee has the same childcare needs. Some want daycare for their toddlers while others will want schedule flexibility to accommodate their teenagers’ extracurricular schedules. To truly know what your employees want, ask them what specific benefits would be most helpful.
“Employers should listen to their employees in whatever format works best for their workers — an open forum, a parent resource group, a survey, etc.,” Figurski said. “Once employers understand what their working parents need, then they’ll be better equipped to seek out and customize the solutions that will best support their employees.”
While every business would like to provide full-time childcare to their employees, many small businesses don’t have the resources to do so. Offer childcare services that are within the means of the company and if they’re successful, look to grow them in the future.
“If opening an onsite childcare center seems out of reach for your company, start small by offering a tuition discount,” Figurski said.
Implement benefits on a trial basis
If you’re concerned about the return on investment of childcare benefits, you can implement new programs on a temporary basis to see how useful they are.
“Test out your new childcare benefit for a year or so and then reevaluate. Go back to your employees and ask for their feedback,” Figurski said. “You might be surprised to learn how much the benefit helped with retaining current employees or attracting new hires.”
Co – by U.S. Chamber of Commerce aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
Montoya-Picazo, Rich Schuga, Sarah Wolf, Shelton Day, Dr. Sheila Hill, Steve Forss, Sydney Turner, Tyler Bausher and Vinny Bucci.
“zooming out” to understand the worlds in which we operate. Micro vs. macro. Nitty gritty vs. big picture.
A few months ago, I shared that the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) was awarded grant funding to complete a Regional Destination Master Plan. Since then,
Our steering committee is in place, ensuring we have a balanced mix of expertise and representation from throughout the two-county (Winnebago and Boone) region. Our advisory team includes Amy Nord, Ann Wasser, Carol Schuster, Dan Kane, David Anderson, Geno Iafrate, Gretchen Gilmore, Isaac Guerrero, Jen Jacky, Jennifer Furst, Kirk Weitzel, Laura Maher, Louis Mateus, Marco Lenis, Mary McNamara Bernsten, Mike Brien, Mustafa Abdul, Patricia Diduch, Rebecca Francis, Ricardo
We’ve also selected our consulting partners. The steering committee conducted an extensive vendor selection process to ensure equity and fairness in choosing a strategy partner. RACVB initiated selection by first researching organizations that have experience developing destination master plans specific to tourism. We also published an official notice of opportunity to bid.
We received eight completed proposals and formed a selection/review committee to study, score, interview, evaluate, verify, and, finally, select a firm to collaborate and guide us in planning for our future.
(continued on page 21)
“It takes a village” is a phrase that’s often thrown about, particularly when mothers are in crisis or living in chaos. Whether it’s said in jest or with empathy and understanding, it’s true in every sense. Children and their parents thrive best when supported by a community. Unfortunately, there are situations in which parents are abused and in special need. It takes a village to wrap our arms around these individuals. This is where Rockford Family Peace Center truly shines.
Annually, an average of 40% of our community’s violent crime is domestic violence related. No neighborhood, workplace, or place of worship is immune from the impact of domestic and sexual violence.
The Rockford Family Peace Center is a central location where survivors of intimate partner violence can find support from a variety of local service providers in a trauma-informed environment. This collaborative approach helps reduce the hassle and confusion survivors face when navigating an unfamiliar system that encompasses multiple organizations.
The center is located in downtown Rockford at 315 N. Main Street, across from the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Since opening in July of 2020, it has served more than 1,400 clients and their children. All services provided at
(continued from page 20)
The committee selected MMGY NextFactor and their partners, Hunden Strategic Partners, SMARInsights, Eight Fifteen Capital and C2 Consulting. This team will zoom in to analyze key elements, such as visitor experience, our tourism products, infrastructure and industry workforce. They’ll zoom out to assess future needs, industry and consumer trends, and help us envision our future.
We selected MMGY NextFactor as our lead agency because of their specialization in travel and tourism and experience delivering insights and strategies to more than 330 destinations around the world. The needs of our market fully align with their philosophy that “to be a leader in the tourism sector today is to be an architect of future economies, societies
the center are voluntary, free, confidential and available to anyone experiencing intimate partner violence.
Family Peace Center staff work directly with survivors to understand their needs and connect them with the partner agencies best suited to help them meet their self-determined goals. They offer ongoing support and wellness services, including case management, support groups, journaling workshops, yoga and acupuncture.
More than 30 partner agencies work alongside staff at the center to provide specialized services, including civil legal assistance, housing assistance, mental health support for adults and children, employment and financial assistance, investigation, and prosecution of domestic violence crimes.
The center prides itself on evolving as the needs of clients evolve – regularly adding more partner agencies as needs are identified. Staff have forged new partnerships with agencies like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore to help survivors furnish new homes, and Winnebago County Animal Services and Care for Pets to safely place pets in temporary foster homes.
The center exists to ensure everyone who wants services can receive them and serves clients from every zip code in our community. Our friendly team stands ready to welcome anyone into our
and possibilities.”
Under MMGY’s leadership, Hunden Strategic Partners will zoom in to assess our market, workforce and funding opportunities. They will analyze our visitor demographics, past tourism performance, product and asset offering, tourism workforce and future needs.
Our third partner, SMARInsights, is a leader in customized research, with more than 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Their focus is to zoom in to understand our visitor potential and brand awareness and zoom out to align that with consumer trends and opportunities.
Rockford-based Eight Fifteen Capital will support the development of the resident and stakeholder engagement strategy and execution. They will
secured space, complete with snack bar and comfortable seating.
There are also designated spaces for children and teens where trained staff lead age-appropriate and trauma-informed activities. Once children are settled and refreshments served, survivors meet privately with frontline crisis navigators to discuss their concerns and needs. Staff will review with them the various partner agencies who can assist with their specific requests and then make referrals agencies a survivor consents to work with. Survivors can even attend their order of protection court hearing virtually from the center.
At the conclusion of their appointment, survivors can choose to be assigned a case manager who will help them stay on track
also support the visioning, strategic recommendations and validation phases of the project, ensuring a local and inclusive perspective is provided in all recommendations.
Finally, C2 Consulting will complete a comprehensive analysis of our outdoor recreation assets and amenities and provide strategic recommendations on developing and promoting use of the region’s natural assets, including waterways, parks, preserves and agricultural areas.
On Team RACVB, Kristen Paul, our VP of destination development, will zoom in to provide the day-to-day project management responsibilities, while I zoom out to deliver the high-level strategic oversight. Our entire staff will engage on this milestone project that will
with their safety plan and goals. Services don’t have an end date, and survivors are welcome to access the center as long as needed.
We know that healing is a process, not an event, and we are there every step of the way. For many in our community who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, the center represents hope that tomorrow can be better.
If you or someone you love is in an unsafe relationship, please call us at 779-348-7600, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. We are your village.
The views expressed are those of Kellen and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
determine the future course for tourism, and quality of life, in our region.
What’s next? As the work begins, we’ll engage with hotels, attractions, local leaders, residents and many others through one-to-one interviews, surveys, focus groups and town halls. Zooming in to gain community perspective is one of the most vital elements of this project. We’ll rely on a variety of perspectives to set the course, ensuring the diversity of our community is reflected in the final recommendations of our master plan. More to come. Zoom! Zoom!
The views expressed are those of Groh and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
MAY 2023
FRIDAY, MAY 5
Building Bridges, 5 p.m., UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. A free mental health community education event presented by NAMI Northern Illinois. Hear the deeply inspiring true stories of Kevin Berthia, a suicide survivor, and Kevin Briggs, the first responder who intervened and saved his life. The event includes a Mental Health Resource Fair where attendees can enjoy hor d’oeuvres and speak to local agencies to learn about where and how to get help. At 6:30 p.m. Kevin Briggs and Kevin Berthia take to the stage to share their story of hope, help and healing. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Visit www.NAMINorthernIllinois.com to register or learn more.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
Kids for Kids, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Angelic Organics Learning Center, 1545 Rockton Road, Caledonia. New baby goats are arriving at the Learning Center, and families are invited to see their adorable antics. Guests might even witness a baby goat birth. Farm Educators will be present to supervise, explain and answer questions. Piglets and chicks have also arrived on the farm. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic and spend a fun-filled day on the farm playing with and learning about animals.
Used Book Sale, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church Street, Rockford. The used book sale, hosted by the Friends of the Rockford Public Library will include like-new and gently used hardcover and paperbacks books, and many children’s books. Prices are $.50 cents each for hardcover books and media: $.25 cents each for paperbacks.
SUNDAY, MAY 7
Garden Skill Share: Cultivating your Relationship with your Garden, 2-4 p.m., Angelic Organics Learning Center Lodge, 1936 Rockton Rd, Caledonia. In this session of the Garden Skill Share Series, Allyson Rosemore, on-farm educator and farmer of Owl’s Roost Farm, discusses practical tips for garden maintenance, as well as how to be in relationship with your garden so you notice what it’s telling you and respond thoughtfully. Dress for weather and for getting dirty. Please bring water and gardening gloves. Register at learngrowconnect.org.
TUESDAY, MAY 9
Blackhawk Area Council Rockford
Legacy of Service Award
Luncheon, noon-2 p.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. The Rockford Legacy of Service Award is awarded to individuals and organizations in `Rockford that have shown distinguished service to country or community. Keynote speaker is Maj. Gen. John L. Borling, USAF, Ret. This year’s event honors first responders: Rockford Fire Department, Chief Michele Pankow and IAFF Local 413; Rockford Police Department, Chief Carla Redd and PB &PA Unit #6; Winnebago Sheriff Department, Sheriff Gary Caruana and FOP 50.
THURSDAY, MAY 11
Accelerating Creatives & Entrepreneurs (ACE) Conference & Expo, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m, MPOWR Coworking + Collaboration Center, 303 North Main Street, Rockford. Find trusted business resources, speakers and peers all in one place. Gain helpful insight on starting and growing a business and make connections with local business influencers, partners, and other entrepreneurs, innovators and creators. $25 per attendee. Learn more and register at www.theaceevent.com/attendees.
Sip & Sample, 5-8 p.m., Union, 112 N. 2nd Street, Rockford. Join RAMP for an evening of sampling wine, beer, spirits and food from a variety of local vendors while enjoying tunes from Andrew Robinson. Come prepared to bid on the annual silent auction via smartphone to benefit RAMP’s programs and services. Register at give.classy.org/sipandsample
FRIDAY, MAY 12
Budding Artists 8th Annual Gala, 5:30-9 p.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School, Rockford. This fundraiser provides a unique opportunity for selected artists from 10 local high schools to showcase their creative spirit, earn money from their original work and learn about philanthropy. Half of the sale of each art piece sold during the live auction is given to the student artist. Participants are also eligible to apply for one of three $1000 education scholarship. Each school’s art department receives $250 to use as needed. Presented by Radisson Hotel & Conference CenterRockford. Visit www.gorockford. com/event for more information.
Rockford Famous Opening Reception, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Rockford City Hall, 425 E. State Street, Rockford. Rockford City Hall is hosting the opening reception of Rockford Famous, a group exhibition showcasing self portraits by prominent Rockford artists. The works portray not only their image, but how they see themselves within the landscape of the city. Work will be on display in the lobby of City Hall through June 16. Artists include: Angel Rodriguez, Brett Whitacre, Drew Eurek, Jenny Mathews, Judith Meyer, Kelvin Candie, Laura Gomel, Manny (China Cat 663) Tang, Nick Cashmere, Norm Knott, Shaniqwa Porter and Roni Golan.
SATURDAY, MAY 13
Art of the Earth: Recent Departures (Adults), 11 a.m., Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main Street, Rockford. Learn how artists and scientists work together to create a visual representation of a time on Earth never seen before: PaleoArt! When people think of extinction they often think of the distant past, however there are many species that have gone extinct even within the past hundred years. Learn how artists bring life to the recent past. Sessions are 11 a.m.noon or 1-2 p.m.
Rockford Peaches Exhibition
Game in the Village, noon, Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Watch the women of the Rockford Peaches Baseball Living History League play ball and celebrate the first event of the season in the Victorian Village. Game starts at 1 p.m., but come early to watch teams warm up. Gates open at noon. View the Rockford Peaches exhibit in the Museum Center and enjoy the living history experience in the Village with costumed interpreters sharing stories of Rockford history. Seating is limited; picnic blankets and lawn chair encouraged. Register at midwayvillage.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 19
Blackhawk Area Council Golf Outing, noon shotgun start, Swanhills Golf Course, Rockford. Support the local council of Boy Scouts of America with some fun and food on the fairway. Individual golfers, foursomes and sponsorship opportunities available. Visit blackhawkscouting.org/news/ blackhawk-area-council-annual-golfouting/ for more information. Registration closes May 11.
SATURDAY, MAY 20
From the Ground Up: Building Earth Ovens & More, 9 a.m. - noon, Angelic Organics Learning Center, 1936 Rockton Rd, Caledonia. On-farm educators Randy Mermel and Jessie Crow Mermel will discuss the history, uses and techniques of the natural building medium of cob. A mixture of sand, straw and clay, cob is especially well suited for hand sculpting earth friendly structures. Cost is $20 per participant. For ages 13 and up. Register at learngrowconnect.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 13
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Rockford Police Station District 1, 1045 W. State St., Rockford. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to obtain an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate. This requirement helps ensure consumers’ safety when eating away from home. Those receiving this certification have specialized training regarding the safe handling, preparation, and storage of food to help prevent foodborne-related illnesses. The certificate is valid for five years from the exam date and must be retaken once a certificate expires. University of Illinois Extension will hold the CFPM course on Tuesday, June 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday, June 16, 8:30 a.m-3 p.m. at Rockford Police Station District 1, 1045 W State Street, Rockford. Participants must attend the full two-day training to be eligible for the exam. Please bring a valid photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early to check in. There is a $125 program fee to cover this educational session. This fee covers the purchase of the workbook, educational materials, and examination. Preregistration is required due to limited space. Contact our office at (815) 986-4357 or visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw to register.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14
Bad Pants Golf Open, 3 p.m., Timber Pointe Golf Course, 5750 Woodstock Rd, Poplar Grove. RAMP’s annual Bad Pants Open is a nine-hole golf scramble with individual and team prizes awarded for the best bad pants. A fun event with contest holes, dinner and a silent auction that benefits RAMP. Visit give.classy.org/ badpants to register.
A very special library arrived at the Junior League of Rockford’s (JLR) Headquarters at 4118 Pinecrest Road in Rockford on April 15, 2023. As part of their Literacy Leaders Project, the JLR members worked with local Boy Scout Troop #6222 members Derek and Spencer Paterson, to build the little free libraries. Once built, JLR members painted and prepared them for installation, including gathering donated books to fill the libraries with.
Region 1 Planning Council (R1), as the Rockford Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is seeking public comment on the draft of the Freight Study for the Rockford Region. A 30-day comment period is afforded to the public to review and provide feedback on the draft document. Public comments regarding the Freight Study will be accepted through May 19, 2023. The draft Freight Study for the Rockford Region is available at https://r1planning.org/ publiccomment. Comments can be submitted by email, telephone or in writing. Comment should be directed to:
Sydney Turner
Director of Regional Planning
127 N Wyman St., Suite 100, Rockford, IL 61101
Phone: 815-319-4185
Email: sturner@r1planning.org
The Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) announced a major milestone in its new campaign to celebrate 70 years of service. RRVBC has a goal of adding 7,000 new donors in 2023 and has successfully recruited 1,078 new donors, hitting 15% of its total goal.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile at Mercyhealth is celebrating 20 years of bringing health care services to children in local neighborhoods. Since 2003, the Care Mobile has provided $2.4 million in free care and served over 10,000 children in the Rockford area.
for $15,000 to the Rockford Park District Foundation to establish the Eric Larson Youth Hockey Scholarship fund.
OSF HealthCare was recognized by Fortune as one of America’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023. It is the only healthcare system headquartered in Illinois to earn the distinction.
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity awarded $15,000 to Discovery Center Museum. The funds will be used to repurpose an under used outdoor space transforming it into a 600 sq. ft. Kaleidoscope Corner.
In honor of International Women’s Day, UScellular and Girls Who Code renewed their partnership to create equal opportunities for girls, women and nonbinary students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. For 2023, UScellular is committing $75,000 to support Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Program and $100,000 to add new clubs throughout the year.
Chuck Meyers, Nicole Roggenbuck and Karl Arvidson from Thayer Energy Solutions attended the 2023 EV Charging Summit & Expo in Las Vegas. The summit provided educational sessions focused on financing, infrastructure, operability and ROI for EV charging.
May 31, Kelley Williamson Company invites customers to purchase an icon and/or round up their purchase at any of their 50 Kelley’s Market convenience stores across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin to benefit The Rosecrance Foundation.
Cain & Company, a full-service advertising and marketing agency located at 685 Featherstone Road, is celebrating 50 years in business in 2023, with an anniversary event set for June 15.
Anderson Japanese Gardens opened for the 2023 season in late April. Founded in 1978, Anderson Japanese Gardens celebrates 25 years as a non-profit public garden. The spring opening offers a display of fresh spring blooms and colors, and the return of Anderson Gardens programming and events, such as the Tuesday Evening in the Gardens summer concert series.
Amy Chatfield, Maureen Cadie, Sam Magallanes, Ande Madsen, Christina Wales, and Lisa Chatfield of Ad Vice Marketing completed the StoryBrand Agency Training enabling Ad Vice Marketing to become a StoryBrand Certified Agency.
year base period plus options to extend the contract.
Symbol, Rockford’s one-of-a-kind sculpture, located along the Rock River Recreation Path was created specifically for Rockford by sculptor Alexander Liberman. Roughly every 10 years, the sculpture needs to be repainted. The Rockford Park District worked with metal expert Dick Behr to match the original color as closely as possible with current paint products.
About the Symbol:
■ Made of steel
■ 47 feet high, weighs 30 tons
■ Originally placed at the intersection of State and Wyman Streets in 1978
■ Moved to current location in October 1984
■ Created by Alexander Liberman, whose colossal compositions were constructed from discarded tank drums, boiler heads, giant pipes and steel beams.
■ Last painted in 2013
Jeff
of Kaney, Inc., and Ron Soave, president and COO of Kaney, Inc., presented a check
Rosecrance is partnering with Kelley Williamson Company this spring to help improve the lives of children and families seeking behavioral health treatment services. From April 1 through
SupplyCore, a supply chain integrator and federal defense contractor, was re-awarded a fiveyear contract for the Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Prime Vendor program for the U.S. military and federal agencies. This contract, re-awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, supports facilities located in South Korea for a two-
Digital Hive Mind was contracted by National Tube Supply to manage their exhibit at IFPE & CONEXPOCON/AGG in Las Vegas. The 2023 show drew more than 139,000 construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries, making it the largest trade show in North America. Digital Hive Mind coordinated the pre-show activities as well as on site management of exhibit set up and tear down. In addition to exhibit planning and construction, Digital Hive Mind handled planning and execution of show promotion and designed National Tube Supply-branded premiums.
The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners selected Martesha Brown as the new board president. Martesha is the first black woman to serve as the president of the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners.
Andrew Fisk (1) - Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, Katie Butchart (2) - Associated Bank, Chris Davenport (3) - CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc., and John J. Morrissey (4) - Morrissey Family Businesses joined the board of directors of the Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford.
Blackhawk Bank announced that Kevin King accepted the position of senior vice president business banker – market leader for the Beloit, Wisconsin area.
RAMP welcomed Leanne Campbell (5), curriculum instructor, and Logan White (6), mental health advocate, to its staff.
Forest City Gear welcomed Karen Becker (7) as value stream coordinator.
Antonio Ramirez (8) joined Alignment Rockford as community education & outreach coordinator for Ready to Learn.
Woodward, Inc. appointed William (Bill) Lacey as its new chief financial officer.
Christina Wales, of Ad Vice Marketing, promoted to digital manager.
Engineering Enterprises, Inc. welcomed Tony Radomski (9) to the Construction Group as a project technician.
Mark Javurek (10) process engineer at Forest City Gear, judged the TE&E Regional High School Competition in Rockford. The competition was organized by CEANCI and hosted by UA Local 23 Plumbers & Pipefitters. Nearly 50 students from six area high schools competed in four divisions: automotive, cabinetry, engineering and welding.
Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in February 2023
A-1 Lapping & Machine Co. Inc.
Abacus Manufacturing
Group Inc.
Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC
American Precision Supply, Inc.
Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
B & H Office Furniture
Ballard Properties, Highcrest
Centre, LLC, Ballard Properties
Group, I, LLC
Barbara Olson Center of Hope
Barnes International, LLC
Briargate Management, LLC
Bucciferro Family Management
City First Church
Collins Aerospace
ComEd, An Exelon Company
COUNTRY Financial Agency Office
COUNTRY Financial - Ann Derry
COUNTRY Financial - Justine
Johnson Country Financial
Insurance Agency
COUNTRY Financial - Dave Mace
Electrical Workers Union/Local 364
IBEW
Ethnic Heritage Museum/Graham-
Ginestra House
Freeway Rockford, Inc., Subsidiary of Freeway Corporation
Frink’s Sewer & Drain Inc.
Glenwood Center Ltd.
Grand Regency of Rockford
Hoffman House
HolmstromKennedyPC
HR Green Inc.
Institute of Languages,
Mathematics and Sciences (ILMS)
Integra Business Systems, Inc.
Ipsen, Inc.
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Lamar Advertising of Rockford
LaMonica Beverages
Manpower
Mercyhealth
Midwest Scale Company, Inc.
Northern Illinois Health Plan
Pierce Laminated Products, Inc.
Pines Edge Apartments LLC
Progressive Steel Treating
R.R. Floody Company, Inc.
River Valley Kitchens & Baths, Inc.
Rock River Valley Pantry
Rockford Area Crime Stoppers, Inc.
Rockford City Market
Rockford Mass Transit District
Rockford Mass Transit District/
Paratransit
Rockford Metal Polishing Co.
Rockford Urological Associates, Ltd.
Schmeling Construction Co.
Sedona of Rockford
Sjostrom & Sons, Inc.
State Farm Insurance - Andrew
Blevins Agency
Staybridge Suites
Stenstrom Construction Group
Storming Crab Rockford IL LLC
The Observer
The UPS Store
theFranaGroup
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
UNION Savings BANK
Unity Hospice
UW Health Northern Illinois Region
V2 Marketing & Management
Willett Hofmann & Associates, Inc.
Wilson Electric Co.
Wipfli LLP
Wired Cafe’
WQRF-TV/WTVO-TV
Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP
AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS - MAUREEN SOLVERSON
Print, promo and wearablesanything with your company name or logo and more.
Maureen Solverson (815) 608-9304 asb-maureensolverson.dcpromosite. com/
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CROSBY STARCK REAL ESTATEERIONA NEBLOCK
Real estate brokerage, residential, commercial industrial leasing & sales, property management, receivership services, land development.
551 N Mulford Rd, 61107 Eriona Neblock (608) 481-2045 www.bhhscrosby.com
BLOCK ADVISORS
A new tax and business services brand brought to you by H&R Block. 7210 E State St Ste 107, 61108
Jennifer Vola (815) 282-1040 www.blockadvisors.com
COUNTRY FINANCIALDUSTIN JARRARD
Helping with insurance options to protect what and who you love.
102 N Elida St Ste C Winnebago, IL 61088
Dustin Jarrard (815) 335-3328
https://agents.countryfinancial.com/usa/ il/winnebago/dustin-jarrard
COUNTRY FINANCIAL - GREG HANSEN, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Helping identify needs and work through any changes life may bring. 4087 N Perryville Rd, 61107
Greg Hansen (815) 282-7544
https://advisors.countryfinancial.com/ usa/il/loves-park/greg-hansen
PLUS SEVEN COMPANY
Delivering winning events and experiences with expertise in partnerships, public relations, storytelling and touriam.
Nick Povalitis (815) 708-1644
www.plussevencompany.com
SKANDER LOGISTICS CORP.
Third-party logistics, warehousing and transportation (last-mile) 4650 Shepherd Tr, 61103 Ashok Ramji (800) 493-4922
www.skanderlogistics.com
Thank
50 YEAR MEMBERS
Beefaroo, Inc.
45 YEAR MEMBERS
Gruno's Diamonds Service Machine Company, Inc.
40 YEAR MEMBERS
Rockford Urological Associates, Ltd.
30 YEAR MEMBERS
Discovery Center Museum of Rockford
25 YEAR MEMBERS
Forever Green, Inc.
Stillman Bank
15 YEAR MEMBERS
Spring Ridge Senior Housing
10 YEAR MEMBERS
Rockford Radiology Associates
MAY 2023
FRIDAY, MAY 12
Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T. Keynote speaker: Former Congressman Don Manzullo
TUESDAY, MAY 16
Business Over Lunch: Innovating Earned PR in an Evolving Media Environment, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions. Keynote speaker: Hannah Schmidt, KMK Media Group
MONDAY, MAY 22
Rockford Chamber Golf Classic, 11 am, Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St, Rockford. Presented by AngusYoung.
THURSDAY, MAY 25
Speed Networking, 8:30 am, GRGP Office, 308 W State St, Suite 350, Rockford.
JUNE 2023
THURSDAY, JUNE 8
The Update. 9 am, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave.
Premiere Small Business
Sponsor Thayer Energy Solutions. Speakers and topics: Jay Sandine-Rockford Park District; Senator Steve Stadelman-Passenger Rail; J. Jeffers & Co.-Colman Yards.
THURSDAY, JUNE 8
Business and Baseball with the Rockford Rivets. 6 pm, Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd, Loves Park. Join our friends at the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce for this joint chamber night at the ballgame.
FRIDAY, JUNE 9
Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T.
TUESDAY, JUNE 13
Business Over Lunch: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions. Keynote speaker: Jan Selander, Forest City Consulting.
THURSDAY, JUNE 15
The Superlatives Reception, 4 pm, Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Rd, Byron. Presented by UW Health.
THURSDAY, JUNE 22
Speed Networking, 8:30 am, GRGP Office, 308 W State St, Suite 350, Rockford.
JULY 2023
THURSDAY, JULY 20
Business and Baseball with the SkyCarp, 6 pm, Gateway Professional Baseball, LLCBeloit Sky Carp, 217 Shirland Ave, Beloit.
AUGUST 2023
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8
Business Over Lunch, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
The Update, 9 am, NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford. Premiere Small Business Sponsor, Thayer Energy Solutions.
SEPTEMBER 2023
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T. Keynote speaker: Congressman Darin LaHood
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Annual Dinner, 5 pm, Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd. Presented by OSF Healthcare. Keynote speaker: Kyle Scheele
Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.
Jake Loescher Savant Wealth Management
Jamar Luster Ripe Life Juice
Kris Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois
Dawna Menke OSF HealthCare
Denise Sasse RSM US LLP
Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction Co
Brent Scott Rockford Community Bank
Teri Sharp
American Precision Supply, Inc.
Ryan Snider Rockford Ice Hogs
Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA
University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
Karl Swanson Illinois Bank & Trust
Christina Valdez CMM & Associates
Dustin Vock Meiborg, Inc.
Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container
EX-OFFICIO
DIRECTORS
Caitlin Pusateri, President Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Therese Thill Rockford Area
Economic Development Council
John Groh Rockford Area
Convention & Visitors Bureau
