June Voice 2014

OLSSON ROOFING TOPS 100 YEARS

THE ORIGINAL ROCKFORD TRANSFORMATION

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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

POLLEN COUNTS FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS June 2014 | Volume 27 | No. 6

Tri-State Alliance Summit focuses on freight,

broadband, and transportation assets for the region

By Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber of Commerce The Tri-State Alliance hosted its seventh-annual Summit on May 16 to highlight regional assets and communicate broader infrastructure investments for further the movement

of commerce in its region. Hosted this year at the Chicago Rockford International Airport, the Tri-State Alliance hosted elected leaders, transportation policy experts, and business organizations to continue to emphasize investment in the region that includes northwest Illinois, northeast Iowa, and southwestern Wisconsin.

The mission of the Tri-State Alliance is to convene the region’s leaders to address issues that affect commerce so that the quality of life is improved for the region of northern Illinois, northeastern Iowa, and southwestern Wisconsin.

The tri-state region can be in a stronger position to assist their leaders and elected officials with needed priorities by working together to build a common plan for:

■ Four-lane divided highways ■ Passenger and commuter rail ■ Broadband ■ Rivers for commerce and recreation More than 120 attendees from three states came to listen to presentations on freight capabilities, existing broadband investments, and updates on highway, rail and airport projects, among other key transportation topics.

Ray Drake, vice president of state government affairs outlined UPS national and regional footprint for shipping and freight, while outlining the importance of the Chicago Rockford International Airport as well as the regional interstate system.

It is apparent that companies in the business of moving goods and services more on page 4

Rockford Chamber celebrates graduates of

Leadership Rockford class

PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

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

Join the Chamber’s LinkedIn Group www.linkedin.com/e/gis/2544

Presenting the 59th graduating class of the Leadership Rockford program.

By Paul Anthony Arco Laura Schweitzer thought she knew Rockford, a town she was born and raised in before going away to college. That is before she participated in Leadership Rockford, a program organized by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. The experience opened her eyes to things she’s never seen before.

“It’s been a very rewarding experience,” said Schweitzer, grants and scholarship coordinator for the

The Winnebago County Health Department laboratory will release its pollen count report until the first hard frost or about the second week of October. Daily counts consist of mold spores, tree, grass and weed pollen. Allergy sufferers are advised to stay indoors on high count days.

Pollen count samples are taken on a rooftop that provides an open space away from direct exposure to nearby vegetation.

(Winnebago County Health Department uses the second floor rooftop). Pollen counts tend to be the highest early in the morning on warm, dry, breezy days and the lowest during chilly, wet periods.

Find the report Monday through Friday (after 10:30 a.m.) at www. wchd.org or 815-720-4140.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Women in Business EXPO & LUNCHEON June 19 • Cliffbreakers For more info, see page 26 THE NATION’S FASTEST-GROWING CITIES Austin, the capital of Texas since 1839, became the nation’s capital for population growth, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. San Marcos, Cedar Park and Georgetown — each near Austin — ranked among the 10 fastest-growing cities with populations of 50,000 or more in 2013. San Marcos was number one in percent growth for the second consecutive year, with Austin itself gaining more people (nearly 21,000) than any city with fewer than one million residents.

The south and west dominated the list of fastest-growing municipalities between 2012 and 2013, claiming all of the top 15.

1. San Marcos, Texas 2. Frisco, Texas

3. South Jordan, Utah

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people and community leaders through the class that I would never have met, and we’ve had the chance to visit some cool places that we might not otherwise have seen.”

On May 8, more than 320 business and community leaders turned out for the Celebration of Leadership luncheon at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort. This year’s graduating class included 44 more on page 3

4. Cedar Park, Texas 5. Lehi, Utah

6. Goodyear, Ariz.

7. Georgetown, Texas 8. Gaithersburg, Md.

9. Mount Pleasant, S.C.

10. Meridian, Idaho 11. Odessa, Texas 12. Gilbert, Ariz.

13. McKinney, Texas 14. Franklin, Tenn.

15. Pearland, Texas

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theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Chairman’s Perspective VIEWPOINT

Let’s give the Rockford Public Schools a hand For the first 15 years that I lived in Rockford, one of the things I heard most often was how this community needed to improve the Rockford Public Schools.

Now, as we all know, in the last few years, we’ve seen some positive momentum swing our way.

After the community approved a bond referendum in 2012, RPS generated $250 million in funds to improve the schools.

In the past year RPS has begun the process of upgrading our existing schools, and we’ve seen many improvements.

During the last several months, RPS staff has met with various groups, staff and the community to evaluate the schools and come up with recommendations on how to best use the remaining funds to improve the existing schools and possibly build new schools in the years to come.

Now RPS needs our help in making its decision of which is the best plan for making our elementary schools the best environment for teaching and learning.

RPS has laid out three different plans to choose from. Plan A includes closing seven schools, making additions at 15 schools, renovations at 13 schools and no new schools. Plan B includes

closing eight schools, additions at 14 schools, renovations at 13 schools and one new school. Plan C includes closing nine schools, additions at 13 schools, renovations at 13 schools and two new schools. While the plans are different in structure, there are some similarities.

Bilingual programs, for example, will be concentrated closer to bilingual students’ homes; year-round programming will remain at Haskell and dual-language programs will stay at Barbour. I’m not recommending one option over any other. But what I am suggesting is that as a Chamber we support the process and encourage RPS administration to continue its strategy to seek input from the community and in particular those affected most by the proposed plans.

What’s important in any plan is the varying capacities of the schools and that “right sizing” for 21st century offerings is consistent facilities across the district.

When the Chamber first addressed the issue of neighborhood student assignment zones rather than choice, we emphasized in our public policy position the importance that equitable resources and quality educators in all schools.

Addressing Years of Infrastructure Issues For the past four years, I’ve been the chairman of the RPS budget and finance subcommittee. I’ve had a close look at how the RPS plans for the future. Dr. Ehren Jarrett and his staff have done an excellent job sharing a clear vision of how the money will be used in order to maximize the use of space to make the school system more efficient and create an effective learning environment for the students.

What I learned as a member of the subcommittee was that prior to the bond referendum, the school’s infrastructure issues were largely ignored for at least 10 years. There simply wasn’t enough money available to cover the ongoing repair and maintenance needs. Now, not only is RPS trying to play catch up, but it’s also looking ahead to ensure infrastructure isn’t a problem in the future.

I’ve visited some of our schools. I’ve observed that while the classrooms are filled with teachers and students collaborating on 21st century learning, the environment around them is anything but desirable.

Many of the buildings are old and clearly outdated. Classrooms are small and drafty.

Furniture is tattered. Wiring Rich Walsh and plumbing Rockford Chamber needs a major Board Chairman overall.

That’s not all. Underutilized elementary schools provide fewer dedicated resources for students. In many cases arts teachers, nurses and social workers have to split their time between schools, and special education teachers have to work in multiple buildings.

A few additional points to mention are, it will be about three years before any schools are actually closed or any plans to consolidate schools are completed.

Program changes would be phased in, but those are also likely three years out as well.

Any school closures or consolidations won’t happen – and students and staff won’t move – until upgrades are made at that particular school and new schools built.

In closing I would strongly urge all Chamber members support the RPS process and familiarize themselves with the proposed plan and its three options.

If after doing so, you have an opinion on which option you believe is best, please let us know.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2014

Leadership Rockford Continued from front page

professionals from local nonprofits, businesses and government agencies.

It was the 59th graduating class of the program.

Originally known as the Community Awareness Program (CAP), Leadership Rockford is the chamber’s signature leadership development program.

Leadership Rockford runs for eight months and helps participants gain knowledge and awareness of business, government and civic issues, as well as take part in group and panel discussions and community service projects.

Participation in this year’s class doubled from 2013. “It was a very dynamic and diverse group,” said Vee Jevremovic, manager of education programs and events for the Rockford Chamber. “It covered many different industries and was well representative of the Rockford region.”

The Leadership Rockford class met bi-weekly from October to May to discuss topics ranging from transportation and economic development to education and diversity. Each session included a panel of experts and industry leaders who offered insight to the discussion.

In April, Leadership Rockford participants met with state legislators during a class trip to Springfield.

“These groups are always very inspiring,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber. “You can see how passionate they are, and how seriously the moderators take their responsibilities.

They bonded together, they got to know each other, and they developed a broader network. It’s very powerful and rewarding to see the participants come together.”

Giving Back to Community Members of this year’s class chose several community projects as part of their service. Organizations that were helped include Lydia House, First Tee of Greater Rockford, Rock House Kids and Habitat for Humanity. “They made a major impact on their projects with an economic impact between $80,000 to $90,000,” Jevremovic said.

Mary Beth Clausen was a member of this year’s Leadership program, and will serve as a moderator for next year’s class. Leadership Rockford was immensely helpful to Clausen, who recently returned to Rockford to join her family’s business, The Morrissey Family Businesses, after being gone

for more than 20 years. “The class was incredible,” Clausen said. “It was a great way to familiarize myself again with Rockford and to get to know the people who are making things happen.

I didn’t really know anyone except my family when I moved back to town. As a moderator I want to help next year’s class have the same experience we did this year. The important thing is to jump in quickly and participate.”

That’s what TC Bell, an account executive for Comcast, did as a member of this year’s class. Since moving to Rockford 13 years ago, Bell has established many business relationships throughout the community. But Leadership Rockford gave him the chance to develop even more local ties. “Networking events are good, but this was an eight-month process,” he said. “We were able to bond and grow together and focus on our strengths as individuals and as a group.”

The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Head, president of Rockford University. Head shared his personal experiences that helped develop his leadership skills and how he has used those skills to lead Rockford University and its staff. He’s impressed with the Chamber’s leadership program.

“It’s a great opportunity for people, whether they’re from Rockford or not, to learn more about how things operate in industry, government and in educational areas,” he said. “The Chamber provides a forum to develop leaders who will be catalysts for positive change in the future.”

Celebration of Leadership was presented by PNC Bank. Graduation sponsors were: Comcast Business, Field Fastener Supply Co., Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, McGladrey LLP, North American Tool Corporation, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford Health System, Rockford Park District, Rock Valley College, Savant Capital Management, SwedishAmerican Health System, UTC Aerospace Systems, Woodward and ComEd, An Exelon Company.

NEXT YEAR’S CLASS STARTS THIS YEAR

The Chamber will begin taking applications for next year’s Leadership Rockford class in September. The program runs from October to May. For more information, contact 815-987-8100.

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

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

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

The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

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Board Profile PROFILE

TriState

Continued from front page would be further enhanced by Highway 20 being completed all the way from Rockford to Dubuque.

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos shared her concerns with regard to the instability of the Federal Highway Trust Fund, scheduled to run out of funds later this year, and the need for Congress to act on having the Trust Fund be properly funded in a method that is fair for users of federal highways and other transportation initiatives that address regional needs.

It is apparent that companies in the business of moving goods and services would be further enhanced by Highway 20 being completed all the way from Rockford to Dubuque.

The attendees also heard from each respective state’s Department of Transportation leaders on Mississippi lock and dam projects, expansion of Interstate 90 from Rockford to Madison, as well as the pending Amtrak investment to Rockford and eventually connecting all the way to Dubuque. Illinois Secretary of State Ann Schneider shared her perspectives on the importance of the Tri-State’s regional assets, and focused specifically on the Chicago Rockford International Airport as one of the State’s important assets.

TriRivers, a broadband startup formed to address healthcare industry electronic medical record requirements, demonstrated their growth in the region. The result is a highly skilled Health IT organization that has developed high-speed fiber optic networks as well as a full service carrier class telecommunications facility and data center located in Rockford. Today TriRivers not only can provide knowledgeable access to Health Care IT and business applications but also provides fiber/connectivity, security, hosting/colocation,

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Making the community a better, safer place to live What do you want to contribute as part of the Chamber board? advanced technical services, and access to multiple carrier demarks, that help support the IT needs of private enterprise, municipalities, government, educational institutions and healthcare institutions.

The summit concluded with a keynote address by Beth Osborne, vice president of Transportation for America, an alliance of elected, business and civic leaders from communities across the country, united to ensure that states and the federal government step up to invest in smart, homegrown, locally driven transportation solutions. These are the investments that hold the key to our future economic prosperity.

Osborne shared concerns about ongoing stable funding of federal transportation initiatives while also devoting most of her remarks about having more local control of federal transportation dollars as a means to drive local economies and grow jobs.

T4America advocates that local employers need to be able to recruit and retain workers both within and from outside their home communities, and they need efficient ways to get their goods to market. Workers of all incomes need affordable, dependable access to jobs. And our cities, suburbs and towns must be able to attract talent and compete on a global scale.

Summit sponsors for this year were the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, RMAP and the RAEDC. The next Tri-State Alliance Summit will be held in May, 2015 in Dubuque, Iowa.

For more information on the Summit please contact Einar Forsman at eforsman@rockfordchamber.com.

A voice as a Rockford native with experience in both the public and private sectors. Hopefully my perspective as a professional who chose to return to Rockford after law school will add a valuable voice to the Chamber’s important discussions.

Why is the Chamber important to business and the community?

The Chamber is the business community’s collective voice — on matters of business and economic development, important public policy concerns that impact the business community (and therefore the community at large), and as an ambassador for the Rockford area.

What is the name/current purpose of your business/organization?

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a full-service national law firm, based in Chicago, with approximately 500 lawyers and offices in 11 states. Locally, we have nearly 40 attorneys who practice in a wide array of specialties.

How do you think you impact the community?

I like to think I have helped make the community a safer place to live, work and play. As a prosecutor, and particularly a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I led several longterm investigations, which resulted in significant prosecutions of violent street gangs, drug trafficking organizations and an organized prostitution ring being operated out of local massage parlors, among others. Many of those defendants were removed from the community for lengthy periods of time, so I hope my impact in that regard is ongoing.

Michael Iasparro

as a federal Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP prosecutor.

I have been engaged in private law practice for 5½ years, focusing on complex litigation, with an emphasis on cases in federal court. I have tried more than 25 cases in federal court, including criminal, employment discrimination, environmental and antitrust matters. I also conduct internal investigations on behalf of clients, ranging from employment matters to international compliance issues, including matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and export control regulations, which often involve significant interaction with federal regulators.

What trend is most strongly impacting your industry?

I would say the push by companies to do more legal work in-house, rather than outsource to private law firms.

What book, movie would you recommend right now and why?

Charles Krauthammer’s Things That Matter, an amalgamation of hundreds of his columns over the past three decades.

His insight, brilliance and wit are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

What technology innovation has the greatest impact on your life?

I do not go anywhere without my iPhone.

If you could be anything else…

A doctor. Growing up, I wanted to go to either law school or medical school.

What one word would you use to describe yourself?

Mindful.

What is your business background?

How do you typically spend your leisure time?

I was a prosecutor for seven years before going into private practice, serving one year at the state level and six years

Youth hockey games, football games, wrestling meets, etc. And if I’m lucky, on the golf course.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2014

Member Profile PROFILE

The construction at Bourn & Koch, Inc., 2500 Kishwaukee St., is an example of Olsson Roofing’s expanded roofing and architectural metal services.

Olsson Roofing Company celebrates 100 years

By Paul Anthony Arco It takes plenty of hard work and a little luck for any company to reach 100 years in business. No one knows that better than Olsson Roofing Company, Inc., a commercial and industrial roofing and architectural metal contractor that works with a number of public and private entities including school districts, manufacturing, distribution, hospitals, malls, property management firms and municipalities.

“We got here today through consistency, quality, collaboration and a mutual trust and respect for both our teammates and customers,” said John Goers, vice president of business development. “For us, it’s not just another roof or another project, but a partnership with all involved. That attitude is inherent throughout our entire organization.”

In 1914, tradesman Nils Olsson had a dream to start his own company. He decided to open a roofing company, which he successfully ran for more than 30 years. In the late 1940s, Olsson sold the company to one of his employees, William Glenn, who eventually turned the company over to his son, Bill Glenn. In the 1970s, Olsson Roofing took advantage of the growth in the western suburbs of Chicago, focused on commercial and industrial projects, and built relationships with some of the biggest names in the roofing business including Carlisle, Firestone, Goodyear and Johns Manville.

Olsson roofed many of the large schools, office buildings, retail and commercial properties throughout the Chicago area.

In 2003, Bill Glenn sold the business to four employees — Bill Lynch, Jeff Thompson, Mike Herlihy and Gil Larson — knowing they would continue the vision of the company’s founders. The new owners formed a minority employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), so that all employees could share in the company’s success. “We would not be the company we are without the valued commitment of our employees,” Goers said.

Expanding Territory, Services Olsson, headquartered in Aurora, Ill., employs more than 250 employees that work in new construction, re-roof, service

and maintenance and architectural metal divisions. The company and its employees are licensed, certified and well regarded with many major manufacturers.

In 2004, Olsson opened an office in Rockford to serve the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. “Rockford has always been a commercial industrial marketplace,” Goers said. “It’s tied to the I-90/I-39/I-88 corridor which makes it attractive for us to provide our services to the area.

It also made sense from the standpoint that a number of our current customers expanded into the Rockford market.”

In 2011, Olsson Roofing further expanded with the acquisition of Metal Edge, Inc., located in Chicago Heights, which diversified its business into a fullservice roofing, architectural metal and composite wall panel contractor.

The key to Olsson’s success has been its ability to adapt to changes within both the economy and the industry. “When we started, asphalt roofing was mainstream and consisted of several layers, which led to redundancy roofing,” Goers said. “As we transitioned into the 1970s and into today, architecture, design, energy codes and green/sustainable initiatives lead the way. Due to this market demand, we’ve become more a single-ply roofing market. We’ve been able to quickly adapt to those changes thanks to the skill of our roofers and products that our manufacturing partners produce.”

To celebrate its 100 years in business, Olsson Roofing will hold a special event for employees and families this spring, and a community event later this year.

“This is a culmination of the hard work that started when Nils Olsson founded the company in 1914,” said Goers. “We want to honor and thank the Olsson Roofing family for their years of commitment, dedication and devotion.”

OLSSON ROOFING, INC. Bob Blusiewicz, Senior Project Manager 4337 S. Perryville Road Cherry Valley 61016 www.olssonroofing.com 815-332-4000

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theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Midwestern industrial cities Knock it out of the park at FastPitch profiled in new report Enter by June 4 to pitch your big idea

By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab Where can you hear a successful serial entrepreneur share his secrets to success AND view Rockford’s version of Shark Tank?

At this year’s FastPitch Competition, you’ll be able not only to watch competitors share their version of the “Next Big Thing,” but also hear a successful serial entrepreneur share his secrets to success. It’s the region’s version of Shark Tank, but without the bite!

Keynote speaker, Joe Abraham, is a professional entrepreneur and investor who has the battle scars to prove it. Abraham successfully launched multiple companies and is the founder of BOSI Global, which operates a $100 million portfolio of companies in the United States and Europe. These industries range from IT and wellness to personal development and motorsports.

He has won numerous awards for his impact on global entrepreneurship and is the author of Entrepreneurial DNA, a critically acclaimed book based on his multi-year research into entrepreneurs and their teams.

Whether you are a FastPitch presenter or an experienced business owner interested in learning how to increase your profits through growth strategies,

everyone will glean entrepreneurial insights from Abraham’s informative talk.

Prizes for Top Ideas One of our 2013 FastPitch presenter finalists, Robyn Scott, owner of PURELY CultureCare shared, “Thank you for all of your hard work in organizing the FastPitch competition. It was a terrific learning experience and a great networking opportunity.”

With a top prize of $5,000 at stake, it will be well-worth three minutes of your time! In addition to second, third and student prizes, this year offers a CleanTech prize totaling $500. The eighth-annual FastPitch competition is your chance to validate your business idea … meet people who can help you succeed, and maybe win a cash prize.

For more information on how to apply, visit www.EIGERlab.org. Entry deadline is June 4.

Joe Abraham will share his tricks of the trade at 6 p.m., so be sure to arrive by 5 p.m., to visit the FastPitch presenter’s expo and grab a bite to eat. Batter up!

Sherry Pritz is marketing coordinator/business development at EIGERlab/Rock Valley College.

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago researchers recently published profiles of 10 Midwestern cities that have experienced significant manufacturing job loss in recent decades. The cities are Aurora and Joliet in Illinois, Fort Wayne and Gary in Indiana, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo in Iowa, Grand Rapids and Pontiac in Michigan, and Green Bay and Racine in Wisconsin.

The profiles include insight from various local leaders on the cities’ actions in the wake of the job loss that have either helped or hindered redevelopment efforts.

“We did this to help the residents of these Midwestern cities better understand the approaches that contributed to their rebound,” said Susan Longworth, a member of the bank’s division of Community Development and Policy Studies and editor of a book, Industrial Cities Initiative, which contains the profiles. “These profiles can also serve as a springboard for discussion by community leaders in other cities to help them understand what approaches are working in other places confronted with similar circumstances.”

The profiles were written as part of a project also called the Industrial Cities Initiative (ICI) and are based on interviews with a variety of community leaders involved in redevelopment efforts. The ICI looked at the cities’ conditions, trends and experiences and concluded that efforts to improve their economic and social well-being are shaped by: Macroeconomic forces: Regardless of size or location, these cities are impacted by globalization, immigration, education and training needs, demographic trends including an aging population, and the benefits and burdens of wealth, wages and poverty.

State and national policies: State and national policies pit one city against another in a zero-sum competition for job- and wealth-generated firms, say economic development leaders.

The dynamic relationship of the city and the region in which it is located: Regional strengths and weaknesses to a large extent determine the fate of the respective cities.

Visit wwwchicaogfed.org; type “Resources for Industrial Cities Initiative” in the search bar for the complete ICI project report, which includes the individual city profiles.

Networking with other global leaders at biggest Go Global to date

Keynote speaker Russell L. Dennis, Jr., Leading Edge Hydraulics, tells attendees the story of his company’s growth through partnerships within several European countries.

This year’s Go Global international trade conference was the largest in its seven-year history, drawing 240 regional manufacturers and companies from six countries and five U.S. states. The event, hosted by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, was held on May 7 at Giovanni’s in Rockford and featured presentations by international trade experts on global success. It also provided opportunities for regional businesses to network with other global leaders throughout the day.

“Today’s manufacturers are looking for insights and opportunities on how to leverage their resources for a competitive advantage internationally,” said Carrie Zethmayr, RAEDC director of international trade.

Zethmayr added, “By attending Go Global, we hope attendees learned how to identify, leverage and successfully position themselves in the international marketplace and seize global opportunities for market growth and expansion.”

Go Global featured a variety of sought-after regional, national and international speakers, including keynote speaker Russell L. Dennis, Jr.,

president & chief technology officer at Leading Edge Hydraulics. Through the keynote address, “Success Story: Effective Global Partnerships,” Dennis served as a passionate ambassador guiding the attendees along the pathway of his company’s growth through partnerships within several European countries.

Additional Go Global Speakers ■ Linnea

Bengtsson,

international

business

developer, City of Lidkoping and Skaraborg County, Sweden ■ Pierric Bonnard, Ubifrance North America ■ Gaetan de la Vauvre, Ubifrance North America ■ Tom Rohlfs, Woodward, Inc. ■ Terry Houghton, Woodward, Inc. Go Global is a regional partnership with a common goal to help support, strengthen and grow smalland medium-sized enterprises in the international marketplace. View several of the presentations at www.goglobalrockford.com.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Local 4-H Robotics club excels at state competition

QRM Implementation workshop scheduled

Eliminating waste; maximizing growth

The Winnebago Mindstorm Patrol robotics team joined nearly 300 young robotics enthusiasts in the 2014 Illinois 4-H Boxbot Robotics Challenge.

Pictured (l to r) are: Sebastian Martin, Jared Lee, Max Ramos, Kielyn JacksonRamos, Ben Meyers, Charles Meyers, Miranda Dooley and Nikolai Yun. A team representing the Winnebago County 4-H program tested their robot against other 4-H teams in the Illinois 4-H BoxBot Robotics Competition on May 3 at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign campus. The challenge required teams to design a model warehouse distribution center, then navigate a BoxBot Robot through the course. The robot was programmed to travel through the miniature warehouse, pick up items from shelves, and then return items to adjacent shelves, all while avoiding various obstacles along the way. Teams were judged on program organization, efficiency, team member knowledge, prototyping,

and robot structure and design.

“Our team was the only one that used multiple robots and Bluetooth technology to complete the task,” said coach Curt Meyers. “We placed fifth among the 45 teams represented, and we also received an award for Best Program.”

Illinois 4-H strives to help youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County offers youth programming in the community and at afterschool programs such as 4-H Tech Wizards. 4-H Tech Wizards is an engaging, after-school program that emphasizes hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Rockford Area Economic Development Council welcomes Jimsi Kuborn as director of investor relations

The RAEDC announced the selection of Jimsi Kuborn as its new director of investor relations. Kuborn will lead the council’s investor relations and fund development efforts, including the Rockforward2! campaign. She also will serve as staff liaison to the RAEDC Business and Community Relations Solutions Team.

Kuborn returned to Rockford after living and working in Boise, Idaho, and Chicago; exemplifying the “Attracting and Retaining Talent to the Rockford Area” initiative. “I am very honored to have been selected for this key position, and I look forward to meeting all the RAEDC

Jimsi Kuborn

Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) is a powerful tool for reducing lead times in all phases of manufacturing and office operations. A tough economy has led many manufacturers to slash inventories and reduce their workforce.

With business recovering, companies that respond quickly to customers’ orders will outperform competitors and grow their market share. The key to success: reducing lead times to eliminate waste such as expediting excess inventories and high overhead.

QRM provides a time-tested set of principles and tools to reduce lead time throughout your extended enterprise and build a strong foundation for long-term growth. QRM has helped companies reduce lead times by more than 80 percent, reduce costs by 20 to 40 percent, and substantially increase market share.

If you manufacture low-volume, high-variety or custom-engineered products, join us for this handson workshop and learn how Quick Response Manufacturing can give you a strong competitive advantage and put your company in a position to compete investors. It’s a thrill to be back in the Rockford Region. I’m excited to assist with the phenomenal efforts already happening here and help make the Rockford Region a top community.”

“We are tremendously pleased that this Rockford Area native returned and joined us last month, after working in Boise, Idaho and Chicago,” said RAEDC president Mike Nicholas.

Kuborn has held roles in real estate, marketing and development, and as director of marketing and PR for the Chicago Opera Theater. She’s a graduate of Northern Illinois University, where she obtained her bachelor of science degree in

with low-wage countries.

QRM Workshop in June

Bernie Luecke RVC BPI

By attending the two-day workshop, you will understand the hidden costs of long lead times and the power of short lead times while being able to define product families and implementing cells for low-volume or customized production. Capacity planning, which is the key relationship between utilization and lead time, will be explored as well as strategies for developing effective lot sizes and high-level MRP scheduling along with many other effective QRM concepts and procedures.

The workshop is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 at Rock Valley College main campus in the Woodward Technology Center. To register or for information, please contact me at 815-921-2067 or B.Luecke@RockValleyCollege.edu.

Bernie Luecke is director of the Business & Professional Institute at Rock Valley College. textile apparel and merchandising, with a minor in marketing. She is a graduate of Hononegah High School.

Kuborn has served on the boards of the Boise Young Professionals and Opera Idaho with civic and leadership roles with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra-Overture Council, League of Chicago Theaters, Step Up Women’s Network-Chicago, League of American Orchestra, Trey McIntyre Project, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Ada County, Rockford Area, and DeKalb Area Associations of Realtors, Realtors Political Action Committee, and the Women’s Council of Realtors.

Manufacturing News is sponsored by RVC BPI

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theVoice rockfordchamber.com

PERSPECTIVE Rockford University

Minimizing occurrence of fraud in the workplace Business owners and managers need to be able to create an environment where people “do the right thing” in relation to their job duties and the organization. In today’s competitive environment where margins are slim, part of this environment needs to be a workplace where the occurrence of fraud is limited.

It is important to know when it comes to fraud in the workplace that (1) it happens and (2) it hurts. The exciting part is by better understanding occupational fraud, the occurrence and resulting damage can be minimized. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), occupational fraud is “the use of one’s occupation for personal enrichment through deliberate misuse or misapplication of the organization’s resources or assets” (source www.acfe.com).

In simplified terms, occupational fraud is employees stealing from the company that employs them.

The ACFE performs a survey every two years, “Report to the Nations.” In the most recent 2012 report, it was estimated that the typical organization loses five percent of its annual revenues to fraud. Yes – five percent. Perhaps this seems high, but at even a quarter of a percent, every million dollars of revenue would mean losing

$25,000 to fraudulent activity. Therefore, difficult for such acts to occur. You can the question becomes, “what can be done see how the three items create the “perfect to prevent occupational fraud?” storm” for a fraudulent act.

An organization has the greatest The ‘Fraud Triangle’ ability to control opportunity. Does To better prevent fraud, one must your organization have documented understand the components typically processes, known and understood job found in such schemes. As theorized by descriptions, proper segregation of duties, the research of criminologist Dr. Donald proper background checks for new hires, Cressey, there are three factors that must restricted access to cash and credit cards, be present for an ordinary person to secure computer networks with proper commit fraud: passwords, and an effective employee ■■ Pressure/Incentive (or Motivation) handbook? Possibly most important, does your organization have a robust ■■ Rationalization system of checks and balances and other ■■ Opportunity The source of motivation could be management oversight procedures that from the inability to satisfy personal ensure opportunities that might exist for debt obligations, the desire for more fraudulent acts are minimized?

Motivation (including incentives and luxurious belongings, pressure to meet organizational financial targets, inability to pressures) is the hardest component for admit failure, etc. The second component an organization to control. Although we is rationalization. Fraudsters need to cannot control a majority of these factors, have the ability to rationalize stealing. by simply communicating and knowing An individual that commits a fraudulent your workplace team, a sound foundation act typically will not view his/her act as of the forces and issues that exist may be criminal. Rationalization could be as understood.

Concerning the ability to rationalize a simple as feeling underpaid and entitled to more from your organization. The final fraudulent act; does your organization have component is opportunity. Without an area a system to complete timely and regular of vulnerability (or window of opportunity) performance reviews? Are employees paid in an organization, it becomes more a fair wage? Do supervisors and managers

give regular constructive feedback of job Brian Huels performance?

Rockford University Does your organization give employees the feeling it truly cares about all of the individuals employed?

It is important to make sure your organization communicates with employees in an effective manner; including performance reviews results, pay adjustments, as well as the overall value of benefits received (retirement, paid time off, insurance, taxes and other benefits). An individual that is understood, respected and appreciated by an organization will have a much harder time finding a way to rationalize stealing from it.

Finally, as I like to say, fraudsters always want M.O.R. By understanding these three components: Motivation, Opportunity, and Rationalization; a deeper understanding of fraud can be gained and a conversation started as to better ways to prevent it from happening in your organization.

Brian Huels, CPA, is an assistant professor of accounting at Rockford University.

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

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9

June 2014

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

How Rockford first transformed itself through waterpower Area’s pioneers turn a transportation barrier into an asset

Shown is a view of the southeast part of Water Power District as seen from the east side. The district catalyzed Rockford’s economic growth in its early history.

With the positive community support for Transform Rockford, recently I was asked: How has Rockford reinvented itself? To me, this means going back to the ingenuity that resulted in Rockford’s economic growth – the Water Power District.

The following report details those earlier times.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 paved the way for settlement in the territory of Illinois. Land was the driving force. Young people and others seeking a new life came from the eastern United States looking for land to start their own farms.

Settlement in Winnebago County began in the 1830s. In 1834 Germanicus Kent and Daniel Haight each purchased sections of land on the west and east sides of the Rock River respectively.

Kent started a ferry and mill to attract other settlers to his community, Midway.

Settlers from New York and New England and immigrants from England and Canada soon arrived. The proximity to a river was attractive, as the settlers saw it as a link to New Orleans, the commercial center of the Midwest.

Farmers expected to ship their crops to the Crescent City using flatboats, and then return on steamboats heading north. These paddle wheelers traveling up the Mississippi River carried finished goods from the east for purchase by the farmers’ cash crops.

Connecting with Southern States As Carrie Meyer mentions in Founding Farmers, transportation was a chronic problem in northern Illinois.

During the mid-1830s, farmers in Winnebago County traveled to Savanna on the Mississippi for provisions. But most people walked. The stagecoach line was very unpopular, as most time was spent traveling on foot and assisting in hauling the coach out of mud holes.

The steamboat Gypsy was the first boat to travel to Rockford. To do this, it had to travel north on the Mississippi to what is now the Quad Cities, then

We often take for granted that history takes place like it was planned. But in reality Rockford’s history could have been very different except for the courage and determination of its citizens. ascend the Rock River against the current. On April 16, 1838, it left Alton, Ill., with a load of goods and passengers.

A few days later, while docking in Rock Island, the boat broke its lines, was swept across the Mississippi and damaged.

Some passengers disembarked and finished the journey over land; beating the Gypsy to Rockford. A few days later, Rockford’s residents saw smoke on the horizon, and hurrying to the riverbanks, witnessed the Gypsy’s historic arrival.

As the steamboat came into full view, it reached some rapids. Almost across, the boat suddenly turned, swung around and went down the river faster than it came up. After several attempts where it kept getting turned around, it surmounted the rapids only by pouring large amounts of lard in the furnace. It docked in front of the Platt & Sanford store, near the Masonic Temple site.

Few boats were willing to try to reach Rockford this way.

Early Attempts on the Mississippi The Rock River was proving to be a barrier to prosperity. These were difficult times. Starting with a national recession in 1837, known locally as the “starving times,” many farmers suffered economically, and many older settlers returned to their homes in the east. One witness reported that there were not 20 farmers with a suitable set of clothes to wear to church.

Farmers needed to find a market.

More and more turned to Chicago to sell their crops and animals. While traveling to Chicago still was difficult, once arriving, the city offered good prices — almost twice what other towns did. Soon trains of 20 to 80 wagons headed to Chicago as farmers banded together for mutual support.

This situation created a problem for

Rockford. Connecting to New Orleans did not appear viable, while at the same time farmers were turning east to sell their goods. What could Rockford do to create a bountiful economic future?

In the 1840s, the State Legislature passed laws allowing for the damming of rivers. Some of Rockford’s pioneering citizens, including Germanicus Kent and Daniel Haight, formed the Rockford Hydraulic and Manufacturing Company, selling company shares and clearing 80 acres of trees to build a wooden dam.

The site for the dam is one block north of present-day Park Avenue. It was completed in 1845 and soon supported several mills and a foundry. But in April, 1846, a swollen Rock River swept away 200 feet of the west end. The dam quickly was rebuilt. In 1847, 150 feet of the dam’s east end gave way, taking out one of the operating sawmills. The dam was built again. In June, 1851, the entire dam gave out, mills moved away and Rockford Hydraulic Company soon abandoned it. Once again, Rockford’s economic future seemed in doubt.

Citizens Pull Together for a New Future In July, 1851, a new group of citizen investors formed the Rockford Water Power Company. They consolidated their interests with the old company and planned a new dam, further south on the limestone bed of the old ford that had attracted Germanicus Kent in 1834.

The Water Power Company finished a permanent dam in 1853, 700 to 800 feet across with a millrace on the west side. The dam impressed Ralph Emerson, a new arrival to Rockford who soon became a prominent citizen. “I was astonished at the magnitude of the

undertaking.

David Byrnes Midway Village I knew that Museum to build the Lawrence (Mass.) dam required the heaviest New England capitalists, and I took it for granted that this was Eastern capital that was building this stupendous work.

How great was my astonishment to learn that it was being built by citizens of the town.”

New investor and foundry owner, Orlando Clark, relocated his business to the Power District and recruited more businesses. Clark convinced a Stephenson County farmer, John Manny, inventor of the reaper, to relocate his business to Rockford. Manny arranged for financial backing, and investors came together to build the reapers on commission; entering it into contests in the United States and Europe.

Soon the Manny Reaper Works attracted more businesses to Rockford.

Some companies supplied parts for the reaper. Others manufactured different kinds of agricultural equipment.

Rockford’s economy grew as it focused on making farm equipment. This continued until the advent of the furniture industry 21 years later.

Rockford as a city struggled to find its footing in the first 17 years of its life. The community was buffeted by the effects of a national recession. A greater threat to Rockford’s long-term economic wellbeing was the loss of New Orleans as a viable market. Losing farmers’ goods to Chicago, Rockford needed to find a new purpose. Persistent citizens and investors, who took on great risk, used the Rock River’s swift current to their advantage. While the first attempt failed, they continued to strive, learned from past mistakes and established Rockford as a city based on manufacturing rather than agriculture.

We often take for granted that history takes place like it was planned.

But in reality Rockford’s history could have been very different except for the courage and determination of its citizens. There are more stories like this about Rockford. Our community, especially its young people, should take note of and encouragement from these past victories and know about Rockford’s potential. For the quality of our future depends on understanding the best of our past.

David Byrnes is president of Midway Village Museum.

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

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June 2014

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Shown is an aerial view of the shotgun start of the golf classic taken by Brian Thomas Photography using a radio-controlled aerial device from ground level.

Networking on the green The Rockford Chamber Golf Classic on Monday, May 19 at Rockford Country Club was a great opportunity for networking. After a noon shotgun start, the event featured golf, lunch, oncourse contests, cocktail hour, dinner and awards.

Thanks to sponsors SwedishAmerican Health System (presenting), Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (gold), Weldstar Co. (gift), and The Alliance and General Mitchell International Airport (greens).

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

11

June 2014

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Mitigating fraud: Taking a lesson from Europe Banking industry considers how to secure debit/credit system Data breaches at major retailers have served as a catalyst for debate about a more secure debit/credit card system in the United States. Different groups have spun the facts to portray themselves either as hapless victims, or the saviors of a flawed system. As with most contentious debates, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Card processing requires four “players” per transaction: the consumer, card issuing bank, merchant and processor. The processor deposits money in the merchant’s account and charges the consumer’s account. The merchant pays a federally controlled fee for this service. The bank is paid that fee, and in turn pays the processor. The bank has other related expenses, one of them being monetary loss from fraud.

In the end, the bank hopes to make a small profit.

Data stored on a card’s magnetic strip is what fraudsters seek in attacks.

They use stolen data to make online purchases and counterfeit cards.

Protecting this data is the heart of the security debate. There are only two ways to do it: make data systems

impenetrable (impossible) or make the stolen data unusable.

If consumers don’t notice/report fraud, they stand to lose stolen funds.

When they discover the unauthorized transaction they must file a “dispute” with their bank. When a dispute is filed, it’s the bank that refunds the stolen funds, not the merchant.

So the merchant made the sale, the bad guy got the goods and the bank had to pay for it. Banks are clearly motivated to find a solution.

Adopting a More Secure Technology Magnetic strip technology can’t encrypt data; if hackers obtain data, it’s immediately usable for fraudulent activity. Merchant groups blame the banking industry for merchant’s systems being hacked. Yet everyone involved understands the insecure nature of the data and should be responsible for protecting it. The motivation behind the finger pointing seems to be about preserving the reputation of the merchant whose security failed.

Better protection of data is the

goal of everyone in this debate. Many advocate adopting the Chip and PIN technology used in Europe, where fraud has been dramatically reduced.

Cards transmit encrypted information to the merchant’s terminal, making it exceptionally difficult to counterfeit even if systems are hacked. A PIN further increases security.

Concerns remain. The chip does not prevent fraud with lost or stolen cards unless paired with a PIN. Chip and PIN does not protect data when paying for online purchases. On this, we remain where we are today with merchants storing at-risk data.

Still, Chip and PIN technology is much better than a magnetic strip and is compatible with systems worldwide.

Merchants have balked at converting for years because of the cost of new equipment, and their fraud liability is limited only to reputational risk.

Major card companies set an October, 2015, deadline for adoption by banks and merchants. Merchants are now on board largely due to the reputational hits they’ve suffered.

The U.S. banking industry hasn’t

pushed for a new

system

until recently, as

Dave Adkins Blackhawk Bank

fraud

didn’t represent a large risk. But as the remainder of the world became more sophisticated in card security, bad guys began to focus on the United States. The banking industry is intent on changing to the best format available to maximize security while maintaining convenience.

Our entire economy relies on the credit/debit system for accurate and secure

transactions.

The

interests

of merchants and banks are closely aligned in finding a solution. Industry groups need to quit finger pointing, agree on an acceptable format, and execute changes sooner than later.

Dave Adkins is executive vice president and chief operations officer at Blackhawk Bank.

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

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June 2014

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

We’ve heard your comments Plans for area’s schools

By the time the Rockford School Board chooses a facilities plan later this month, we will have heard from at least 1,000 community members in a series of 39 public meetings.

Of all the data that drive our decisions, those numbers are the most critical. We put the highest priority on engaging everyone in the process. In the next few years, we plan to invest $250 million in our school footprint.

That investment comes with a pledge: All students and staff will move into a newly renovated or new school.

But beyond that, it’s your plan. We wanted — we needed — to hear from you, and your perspectives are paramount.

Here are the questions we heard most frequently about the plan.

Why do you want fewer schools?

Isn’t smaller better?

Many of our elementary schools have empty seats. To keep these schools open — and in good repair — consumes too much financial and human capital.

We have tried to fill seats by putting special programs, such as bilingual, at lower-than-capacity schools. We think

a better approach is to concentrate those services closer to students’ homes. Another consideration: When schools are smaller, arts and special education teachers, and nurses and social workers must travel, splitting their time among buildings. We want to cut down on that travel, allowing staff to focus on students and being members of school teams.

To be clear: We aren’t talking about creating mega schools. The ideal size for an elementary school is 475 to 633 students, or three to four classes per grade level. We don’t do students any favors to assign them to smaller buildings that are inefficient and educationally inadequate. We get the most for our educational dollar when we have the best sizes and the best spaces.

and create a park or other green space.

We would be open to other community uses of the buildings, but those uses would have to be amenable to the neighborhoods, supported by detailed plans and be sustainable.

Won’t closing schools destabilize neighborhoods?

Why is the west side feeling the brunt of the closings?

Blight is the enemy of healthy communities. It’s our enemy as well.

Strong neighborhoods grow strong families and strong students. That’s why we have set aside $500,000 per closed school to demolish the building

The need for west side schools isn’t as great. The four schools most recently built in the district — RESA Middle School, and Barbour, Lewis Lemon and Ellis elementary schools — are on the city’s west side. Half of the already

I’ve heard the field houses swallowed up the money available for facilities.

Is that true?

It is not true. Only 11 percent — or $28 million — of the facilities investment has been spent on field house construction. Don’t forget, either, that these spaces will be available to the entire school community and not just athletes. The new spaces include classrooms, storage areas, offices, weight rooms and common areas.

completed additions are on the city’s west side as well (McIntosh, Conklin and Lathrop elementary schools).

Another consideration was the addition of three charter schools in the last five years. Two of these charters are on the west side and enroll a majority of west side students.

Thanks for your good questions, and the time you have spent giving us feedback.

In a world with limited resources, there’s a better, more sustainable way to educate our kids. We know it. You know it. We’ve had the privilege of hearing your perspectives. That has incredible value, and it has better equipped the school board to make its decision later this month. Thank you for standing alongside us as we plan for better schools.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

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

Community Vision Rally Wednesday, July 9th 6:30 pm at the Coronado Theater

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June 2014 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON ADVERTISING/MARKETING SERVICES

U.S. Treasury to support new community stabilization effort Up to $30 million to eliminate blighted properties, boost neighborhoods

Gov. Pat Quinn announced the U.S. Department of the Treasury will support the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) efforts to leverage up to $30 million of its federal Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) resources to eliminate blight in communities throughout the state.

“Our efforts to keep people in their homes have worked to stem the tide of foreclosures across Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “This new program will further stabilize neighborhoods by addressing abandoned and neglected properties that lure crime and reduce property values.”

IHDA will partner with eligible municipalities burdened with high vacancies to collaborate with not-for-profit organizations to implement the new “Blight Reduction Program” by this summer. IHDA was awarded $445 million in federal foreclosure prevention resources under the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s HHF. Illinois was one of 18 states and the District of Columbia to receive HHF funding.

In addition, the Governor: Launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN).

It’s a one-stop comprehensive, free resource to connect struggling homeowners with a safe and trusted source for assistance to keep them in their homes and help them from being victims of mortgage fraud. Visit www.keepyourhomeillinois.org or call 855-KEEP-411.

For more information about these programs, visit www.ihda.org.

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY U.S. Indicators April, 2014 Consumer Price Index



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

0.3 percent 6.3 percent

      

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Your business’ image is everything

Documenting your company story with images More than just a flattering photograph, a portrait is a powerful tool to help people remember you. The same can be said for how photography can assist your business.

Professional photography captures the business savvy of your organization, adds instant personality to your brand, and helps clients connect with you.

Having been a professional photographer for more than 20 years, it’s been interesting to see how customers’ photographic needs have changed. In the past, customers relied on photographs for printed marketing materials. Today, marketing is no longer just direct-mail glossy brochures, but a combination of print advertising, websites, social media, trade show displays and outdoor advertising.

In the digital world, images now are incorporated into interactive websites. Twenty years ago the majority of my customers wanted printed photographs.

Now a client wants and needs electronic images to incorporate into their various marketing and advertising campaigns.

The transition from film to digital cameras also has allowed the photographer to meet much tighter deadlines.

Aerial Technologies Offers Different Perspectives

288,000 $0.01 0.6 percent 0.3 percent (first quarter, 2014) 1.7 percent (first quarter, 2014) 0.4 percent 1.0 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates Region / State / Nation Nov 13

Dec 13

Jan 14

Feb 14

Mar 14

Rockford

11.4

11.7

12.9

12.1

10.9

Chicago

8.3

8.3

8.6

9.0

8.1

Illinois

9.0

8.9

8.7

8.7

8.4

United States

7.0

6.7

6.6

6.7

6.7

Aerial photography has become a much larger part of my business, and that too continues to evolve with emerging technology.

Strategically planned aerial photography provides a unique and often necessary view of a project.

Applications include site planning and development, construction progression, legal documentation, civil engineering, or overhead perspective of a property.

Images from the tried-and-true airplane platform offer higher-altitude perspectives.

The helicopter platform captures images from a lower altitude in restricted airspace for planes.

The newest option is Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also referred to as radio-controlled aerial devices.

This platform provides much lower altitude options, is less invasive and expensive than a helicopter, and can be flown inside a large facility.

Many businesses use the UAS to showcase outdoor attractions, events and landscaping projects, to name a few. These, along with more traditional ground photography services, enhance a company’s marketing options.

Telling the Company Story Many organizations use several different photographic platforms to create their marketing campaigns. For example, Company X uses images to tell the story of the growth of its organization. It starts with documentation of the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies, followed by aerial photos of the progression of the facility’s construction and completion for documentation and public relations.

Publicity portraits of new hires and photos of company products and services follow — showcased on the website and in marketing materials. In time, new product lines emerge and company’s facilities expand, requiring more photographic documentation for marketing. Annual reports are enhanced by images of the dayto-day activities of staff and customers to put the company in the best possible light.

Aside from quality, the value of a professional photographer in marketing initiatives is in having an expert trained to be creative and efficient with the latest technology and equipment.

Brian Thomas is owner of Brian Thomas Photography.

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

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security

Population Clock As of May 18, 2014

U.S. 318,063,844

Brian Thomas Brian Thomas Photography

World 7,166,794,839

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Above, an aerial photo of the Mitchell Park domes in Milwaukee, Wis.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2014

FOCUS ON ADVERTISING/MARKETING SERVICES 15

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Finding capital in the crowd Rules will define use of crowdfunding In today’s world, technology often innovates faster than lawmakers can legislate. Fast internet speeds, increased mobile internet access, and the popularity of crowdconnectivity websites have created new opportunities for entrepreneurs to raise funds and capital for their business ventures via crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding is the use of a website or other online platform to raise money for a project. Websites like IndieGoGo or Kickstarter allow anyone to upload a project to their site and ask the internet “crowd” to fund it via small donations of $5 to $1,000 or more.

Many of these projects offer perks to contributors for donating a set amount, such as recognition in the credits of a film or advance copies of a book. Even stars like Zach Braff of the television show Scrubs have turned to crowdfunding to help them realize their projects. In light of the successes of these projects, the potential upside for entrepreneurs is enormous. Instead of bringing on investors for a share of a business or making costly interest payments to financial institutions, an entrepreneur could solve his expansion needs simply by posting his capital request on an internet website and waiting for people across the world to fund the expansion.

However, entrepreneurs should be careful to avoid running afoul of federal and state securities laws.

Entrepreneurs generally can offer discounts, special promotions or “sneak peaks” in exchange for a contribution to the venture. However, they should avoid offering anything that might resemble debt or an equity interest in their business. If the business must pay it back or provide a share of the profit or income from the business, such a scheme will likely be considered a sale of a security and fall under the reach of federal securities laws.

New SEC Crowdfunding Rules Currently, entrepreneurs using crowdfunding must comply with the

Even stars like Zach Braff of the television show Scrubs have turned to crowdfunding to help them realize their projects. In light of the successes of these projects, the potential upside for entrepreneurs is enormous.

Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and their accompanying regulations, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which impose stringent filing and disclosure requirements prior to an entrepreneur offering his investment to the masses.

Failure to comply with these laws can subject an entrepreneur to harsh penalties, including million dollar fines or even jail time. As it stands now, offering an equity or debt interest via an internet site is illegal under federal and Illinois law unless another securities exemption applies.

If entrepreneurs are looking to generate start-up capital using crowdfunding, they should be aware of proposed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) crowdfunding rules, which are contained in SEC Commission Release No. 33-9470.

The SEC’s proposed rules have been released for a comment period, with the final rules expected in late summer or fall of this year. Once finalized, the SEC’s crowdfunding rules would allow for simplified disclosures prior to a crowdfunding offering. Note that the crowdfunding rules still require some disclosures, but once made, the entrepreneur is allowed to rely on the internet portal to otherwise comply with securities rules and regulations.

The proposed rules also limit the proposed offering to $1,000,000, with participation limits of approximately $2,000 per participant.

While the low ceiling on these offerings will dissuade some capitalintensive business ventures, a crowdfunding offering may provide a suitable alternative for some entrepreneurs worried about the onerous control requirements for venture capital investors. For those

entrepreneurs requiring larger or faster infusions of capital, Rule 506(c) of SEC Regulation D continues to provide an attractive safe harbor, provided the entrepreneur has the right connections to reach the high income individuals that Rule 506(c) limits offerings to. In any case, from a consumer side and from an entrepreneur’s perspective, crowdfunding bears some consideration in both structuring investments and for raising the business capital necessary to start and grow a business.

In Brief ■■ Entrepreneurs can offer discounts, special promotions or “sneak peaks” via crowdfunding sites.

■■ Entrepreneurs cannot offer equity

or

repayable

debt

via

Daniel Huntley WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

crowdfunding sites.

■■ The SEC is finalizing rules for entrepreneurs to offer equity or debt via crowdfunding sites, but those rules still require disclosures with the SEC. ■■ The proposed rules would permit entrepreneurs to raise up to $1,000,000 via crowdfunding websites.

■■ The SEC’s rules are expected to be finalized in late summer or fall, 2014.

Daniel Huntley is an associate attorney at WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, advising smallto medium-size businesses on corporate law issues, and also serves clients in trust and estates, real estate, and agribusiness law issues. He can be reached at dhuntley@ wilmac.com.

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

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June 2014 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON TRANSPORTATION/VACATIONS/STAYCATIONS SERVICES

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Swing into spring Some lessons learned

Last year was by far one of the worst playing years I have ever had. Normally, my ball striking was solid, but I never knew where my ball was going. In 2013 I had the dreaded two-way miss (left and right), and I seldom hit the ball solid. Not a great combination.

Remember that changes to the golf swing aren’t always overnight successes; it takes time to build muscle memory.

Throughout the winter months, I watched and read anything I could get my hands on in regards to the golf swing. (I constantly try to learn new concepts with the possibility of improving my teaching and my game.)

For years I was able to self-diagnose and figure out my issues, but this time it was different. While planning my trip to Arizona, I decided it was time to take a lesson.

During the drive to the course, I started to get a little anxious because the “what ifs” were setting in. What if my bad habits were gone? What if I didn’t agree with what he was saying?

What if I couldn’t replicate what he was telling me? What if… What if…

Because of my knowledge of the swing, I was fearful that I wouldn’t accept what he was telling me. I was afraid that I would get in the way of learning and improving. After a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts (I’m addicted to the coffee), I decided to clear my head and be receptive to whatever he had to say. I arrived to the course a little early, which gave me time to stretch, warm up and to see how bad it was going to be. To my delight, I was hitting the ball terribly! At least I could show him all

the issues I Ryan Niffenegger Rockford had.

Country Club For two hours we worked on all aspects of my game, and all I can say is the lesson was great.

Two days later I was standing on the tee at McDowell Mountain with a lot of confidence and although my score wasn’t great, I was encouraged on the direction my game was headed. I hit balls for at least an hour every day I was in Arizona; trying to emulate and ingrain everything I had learned. The work was starting to show.

On the flight back to O’Hare, I replayed the lesson over in my head, and then it hit me — if I had doubts and concerns about taking a lesson, how do others feel? In my case, I had to forget what I know about the swing and allow myself to listen to the instructor. I wasn’t there to debate the swing, I was there to improve.

Certainly I had questions throughout, but they weren’t questions of doubt, they were for clarity.

Taking a lesson takes a lot of trust and an open mind. You must consider why you are there. Do you want a quick fix or lay the groundwork for future success? Remember that changes to the golf swing aren’t always overnight successes; it takes time to build muscle memory. Practice is important, but it’s not about the amount of time you practiced, it’s about the quality of the practice.

Hopefully I have been able to shed some light on lesson taking and show that you’re not alone. This game can be very humbling.

Ryan Niffenegger, PGA, is head golf professional at Rockford Country Club.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2014

The historic Sinnissippi Park Music Shell is the venue for two free Rockford Park District summer entertainment series, Music in the Park and Imagination Station.

Sounds of Summer Rockford Park District hosts a number of outdoor concerts and entertainment for the entire family at a number of locations and over a number of days. Visit http://www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/index.php/ soundsofsummer for schedules of each concert series below.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

DOMINGO EN EL PARQUE

Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford Free music and entertainment, featuring local and regional artists, on summer evenings in the historic Sinnissippi Park Music Shell.

Levings Park at Montague Street and South Johnston Avenue A series featuring music, arts and culture of Rockford’s Latino community.

IMAGINATION STATION Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford A performance series for the young and the young-at-heart with free, daytime shows of music, magic, juggling, drama and comedy.

LIVE AT LEVINGS Levings Park at Montague Street and South Johnston Avenue All varieties of talents, including singers, dancers, rappers, comedians, magicians and more professional acts.

TUNES ON THE TERRACE Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford Relax and listen to local musicians on the outdoor terrace Wednesdays evenings, 5 to 7 p.m., in summer.

Free concerts of jazz, folk, Latin, country and more. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and food are available for purchase.

Golf

FAMILY GOLF AT INGERSOLL LEARNING LINKS Families with children of all ages can enjoy playing and practicing golf together at Rockford Park District’s four-hole Learning Links at Ingersoll Golf Course, 101 Daisyfield Road. The course features holes ranging from 60 to 105 yards, with open practice times on Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m., through late September.

Additional open times are Wednesdays, June 11 to Aug. 20, 4 to 7 p.m., and Fridays, June 20 to Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to noon (except during official tournaments and lesson activities).

Call 815-987-8834 to confirm hours. For more information, visit www.golfrockford.org or call 815-968-7529 (You Play).

Rockford Park District Golf Tournaments Guide The Rockford Park District Summer 2014 Golf Tournaments Guide is available for free at Park District Customer Service locations, golf courses and online at www.golfrockford.org (click on Tournaments/ Events). Included is information on: Youth Events

Mixed Doubles Classic

Tiger Cub Invitational

Aldeen Cup

Rockford Area Youth Tournament Series Boys Classic Girls Classic Youth Mixed Doubles Classic Adult Events

Women’s, Men’s and Senior Classic tournaments Online registration is available at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click My RPD) for most tournaments.

FOCUS ON TRANSPORTATION/VACATIONS/STAYCATIONS SERVICES

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Hot fun in the Summertime FREE Entertainment 2014 Friday Night Flix OUTDOOR MOVIES RETURN THIS SUMMER The fifth-annual Friday Night Flix, presented

by Xfinity, returns to downtown Rockford, mid-June through August. Free large-screen movies for families on the North Lawn of Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., beginning at sundown (about 8:45 p.m.).

Moviegoers can bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food, soda, beer and wine from on-site vendors will be available starting at 7 p.m. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a ticket for free popcorn.

The BMO Harris Bank Center arena floor will be the backup location for rain or inclement weather. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring lawn chairs if the movie has to be moved indoors.

The movie line-up for 2014: June 13 Frozen June 20 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted June 27 The Mighty Ducks (1992)* July 11 The Smurfs July 18 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 July 25 The Sandlot

Aug. 1 Aug. 8 Aug. 15 Aug. 22 Aug. 29

The Little Rascals (1994) Despicable Me 2 The Lego Movie Planes Monsters University*

*Indicates rain date not available

Music on the Mall Edgebrook and Mary’s Market Café present Music on the Mall at Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. Free live music Friday nights, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., May 16 to Sept. 19. First come, first serve seating, or bring your own chair. Visit www.edgebrookshops.com.

June 6

Tom Mac Group

Aug. 8

June 13 Ron E. Rawhoof June 20 Jodi Beach Trio June 27 The Groove Hotel July 11

jf. gaziano

& beatmerchants

Eddie B Jazz featuring Deirdre Fellner

Aug. 15

The Surf Band

Aug. 22

Paper Airplane

Aug. 29

The Firelight Dimmers

Sept. 5

Gaelic Fury

July 18

Rock Town Strangers

July 25

Dean Moriarty Jazz Band

Sept. 12 Between Planes

Aug. 1

Miles Nielsen

Sept. 19 Daniel and the Lion

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June 2014 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON TRANSPORTATION/VACATIONS/STAYCATIONS SERVICES

Fresh food shopping in the open air Farmers markets throughout the region

Parking lot behind 1416 N. Main St., Rockford. Features fresh produce, free range eggs, organic vegetables, plants, flowers and bakery items.

Contact Sandi Andresen, 779-5004167, sandre106@yahoo.com.

There are many advantages to buying locally grown food, according to the University of Illinois ExtensionWinnebago County, which released its list of 2014 farmer’s markets in the area.

For those concerned with increasing their intake of fruits, vegetables and other healthful edibles, nothing beats the taste of fresh, local food. Buying from local farmers keeps dollars circulating in the community, and the money spent goes directly to them. These relationships build a strong community.

Local food doesn’t travel far, positively impacting the environment with fewer carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials.

Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw for more information and take advantage of these local, open-air markets.

PECATONICA FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, June to October.

Municipal parking lot on the corner of Main and 4th streets. Small market features local growers specializing in fresh produce, flowers, honey and baked goods.

Visit www.villageofpecatonica.com.

ROCKFORD CITY MARKET Fridays, 3 to 8 p.m., May to October (3 to 7 p.m., after Labor Day).

BELOIT (WIS.) FARMERS MARKET

floral bouquets and hanging baskets.

Visit www.edgebrookshops.com.

100-200 blocks of Water Street and Water Street parking deck.

Offers farm-produced fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants (bedding, perennial, vegetable and herb), cheese, bakery, breads and grain, coffee and tea, and local wines and craft beers. Visit www. rockfordcitymarket.com.

HCC REALTY MARKET

ROCKTON RIVER MARKET

1240 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, at the corner of South Alpine and Newburg roads. Features a variety of fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more. Contact Tammy Buteyn, 815-398- 3350, tammy.buteyn@ heartland.cc.

Along the Rock River in downtown Rockton, on East Hawick Street across from Old Settlers Park.

Features farm-fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, herbs, potted and cut flowers, and other handmade items.

Visit www.rocktonchamber.com.

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June to October Located at 300 block of State Street and 400 block of East Grand Avenue, in the heart of historic downtown Beloit for more than 30 years. More than 85 vendors sell local produce, organics, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, fish, meat, eggs, cheese, herbs, bedding plants, fresh flowers and artisan crafts. Visit www.downtownbeloit. com.

BELVIDERE FARMERS MARKET AND CRAFTS

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May to October Located in Dodge Lanes parking lot, 1940 N. State St. Local vegetables, fruits and baked goods. Information on locally grown meat including beef, pork, chicken, turkey and eggs. Visit www.belviderefarmersmarket.com.

BYRON SUNSHINE PARK FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, May to October.

Sunshine Park, corner of Peru Street and Illinois Route 2. Features produce, flowers, fair trade items,

certified preserves and baked goods.

Contact George Fram, 815-2342932, gnfram@hotmail.com, or Doug Love, 815-234-2633.

EDGEBROOK FARMERS MARKET

Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May to October Edgebrook Shopping Center parking lot at the corner of North Alpine and Highcrest roads, Rockford.

Features fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, free-range meat and poultry delivered as ordered, cinnamonroasted nuts, fresh baked goods, plants (annuals and perennials), fresh

Tuesdays, 3 to 6 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June to October.

NORTH END COMMONS FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, May to October.

Rockford Public Library presents Fresh and Local: What is THAT? on Saturday, June 28, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., East Branch, Friends Community Room, 6685 E. State St. Meet with a local food expert at this monthly series throughout the summer for recipes, tips and tricks for using new produce. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Wednesdays, 3 to 8 p.m., May to October.

WINNEBAGO FARMERS MARKET Fridays, 3:30 to 7 p.m., May to October

Winnebago Village Park at Main and Benton streets. Features locally grown fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, cut flowers, potted perennials and baked goods. Contact Merri Carlson, 815-335-7617.

Preventative measures to keep summer pests at bay Warmer weather arriving to the region is great news after a long winter, but brings with it the return of a wide array of pests, as many insects remain dormant in the cold months of winter. Ants are some of the first bugs to reappear each spring and summer — quickly followed by bees, wasps, spiders, crickets, mites and beetles.

Here’s some tips when dealing with these tiny critters.

■ Tour your property for wasp and bee nests. Don’t forget to look in

attics, rafters and vents. If you do discover a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself. It’s too dangerous and should be left to a professional pest control company.

■ Next, look around your home’s exterior for cracks and holes in your foundation or openings around your windows. Many pest control problems can be traced to tiny openings around your windows.

Seal any cracks you find. Ants are especially determined when about finding new entry points, so tour your

home several times a year, resealing as you go.

■ Keep a clean kitchen, make sure your trash cans have tight lids, move your firewood pile away from your home and off the ground, and cut trees and shrubs away from your foundation to help prevent insects and other pests from getting into your home.

Remember, it is always easier to prevent a pest infestation than to try and stop a full-blown insect invasion.

Source: Pearson, www.pearsonph.com

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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June 2014

Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE New Laws for 2014

More than 200 new laws took effect on Jan. 1 in Illinois. For specific language of the laws, visit www. ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp.

TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, VEHICULAR REGULATION/SAFETY Construction Zone Speeding HB 1814/PA 98-0337 Creates separate offenses for speeding in a construction or maintenance zone when workers are present and are not present. Removes penalty of license suspension in construction zones when construction workers are not present and no danger of hitting a construction worker exists.

Window Tints SB 1524/PA 98-0153 Preempts home rule with respect to window tinting of automobiles.

State law establishes a maximum level of tint. The intent of this bill is to prohibit municipalities from mandating a lighter tint. This would prevent motorists for being ticketed while driving in cities they don’t normally visit.

Uninsured Motorists HB 2393/PA 98-0242 Eliminates the requirement that automobile insurers must provide information about the availability of uninsured motorist coverage when a policy is being renewed. Buyers must still be told about uninsured motorist coverage when buying a new policy, but not every time they renew coverage.

Driving on Restricted License SB 1735/PA 98-0285 Increases the penalty for driving while a license is suspended or revoked if the violation results in an accident that causes personal injury or death to a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense.

IDOT Flashing Lights HB 774/PA 98-0123 Allows the use of red or white oscillating, rotating or flashing lights on vehicles belonging to the Illinois Department of Transportation designated as Emergency Traffic Patrol.

Motorcycle Road Guard HB 1539/PA 98-0396 Provides that local authorities may certify persons to act as traffic control for special events. This is intended to allow local motorcycle groups to assist police in directing traffic during special motorcycle events. The persons must be obeyed in the same manner as a police officer, fireman or crossing guard when directing traffic.

Trucking Regulation

Alternative Fuel Vehicles HB 2695/PA 98-0442 Would require 25 percent of state vehicles to use alternative fuels by Jan. 1, 2016. Exempts the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Corrections. Also allows the Department of Transportation to construct and maintain at least one electric vehicle charging station at each rest area on state highways.

Secretary of State SB 1871/PA 98-0178 This is an omnibus measure requested by the Secretary of State dealing with out-of-state license cancellation, out-of-state traffic citations and security judgments less than $5.

exemptions from parking fees for disabled persons only apply to metered street parking and public parking areas and not publicly owned parking garages.

SB 925/PA 98-0512 Repeals the state regulation on the consecutive hours a trucker may drive. This is a cleanup bill, as current state regulations are outdated and federal law already regulates the hours truckers may drive.

School Bus Cameras SB 923/PA 980556 Allows school buses to be equipped with automated traffic law enforcement systems. These cameras would be designed to issue citations for motor vehicles passing a stopped school bus. This applies statewide. A House amendment diverts money that was originally set to go to school districts and changes the allocation so that more money will go to the municipalities where they are located.

Bicycles HB 3367/PA 98-0485 Allows bicycles and other human-powered, two-wheeled

vehicles to pass cars on the right.

This is to prevent police in certain areas from writing citations to bicyclists when the prohibition was intended for motorcycles only.

Speed Limits SB 2356/PA 98-0511 Increases the maximum speed limit to 70 mph on all interstates, toll highways and four-lane divided highways. The speed limit would be 65 for other highways. Provides that Cook and the collar counties may opt out of the higher speed limit via ordinance.

Police Privacy SB 1693/PA 98-0323 Would allow peace officers to provide their work address instead of a home address when applying for an Illinois Identification Card, a driver’s license or instruction permit.

Kelsey’s Law HB 1009/PA 98-0168 Creates “Kelsey’s Law” dealing with the issuance of Graduated Driver’s Licenses for minors with traffic citations. A 15-year-old girl, Kelsey, was walking with two friends on the side of the roadway one evening where there was no sidewalk. She was struck by a truck driven by a 15-year-old boy who had his instruction permit.

The boy was able to obtain his Graduated Driver’s License a few days later because the current form did not require him to disclose he had a pending traffic ticket.

IDOT Business Impact HB 2382/PA 98-0412 Requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to work with property owners, including residents, businesses, and other community members, before and during construction by considering various methods to mitigate and reduce project impacts. This could include, but would not be limited to, detour routing and temporary signage.

Disability Parking SB 1929/PA 98-0577 Requires an application for a metered exempt parking decal to provide evidence of permanent disability. Also states that

Golf Cart and ATV Highway Crossing SB 1530/PA 98-0567 Communities may permit a person operating a non-highway vehicle, such as a golf cart or an all-terrain vehicle, to cross a state highway at an intersection of the highway with another public street, road or highway. This was requested by a community that has a highway as the major street through the town and wants to be able to allow persons to cross the highway.

The bill also provides that racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes and racing kayaks are not required to carry personal flotation devices as long as they are participating in an event that the Department of Natural Resources has sanctioned as being personal flotation device optional.

Publishing Toll Violators SB 01214/ PA 98-0559 Provides that the Toll Highway Authority may maintain an online list of persons or entities owing the THA more than $1,000 for tolls, fines, unpaid late fees or administrative costs that remain unpaid after the exhaustion of, or failure to exhaust, the judicial review procedures under the Administrative Review Law. Each entry may include the person or entity’s name as listed on the final order of liability.

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theVoice rockfordchamber.com

IGNITE

Young Professionals

Exceling while remaining true to character

Visitors mean jobs Britney Lindgren IGNITE

Being yourself in the business world Breaking the “professional stereotype” has been one of my biggest struggles. “I get it guys, I don’t look the part, but let me tell you what I know and how I can help you, and we’ll really get somewhere!” is constantly going through my head.

I know I have great ideas. I know I’m more than a “pretty face who should just be getting sales for the business” (yes, someone said that to me).

So when I try to think about how people really view me, and how I can change their minds (or if I even want to) I find myself not wanting to change. I’m quirky, sarcastic, a little out there and definitely not scared to say what I’m feeling. Cute, right? Also: intimidating, strange, weird. I’m pretty fond of myself these days (insert photo of a younger, bullied Britney).

It’s taken me a long time to get myself to this point in my career, both as a businessperson and a human being in general. So far, I haven’t had too many people turn away because of who I am, and that’s a win in my book! Being able to stay true to my character, while being successful, is the best.

Representing Yourself Now some of you may not know me.

You may walk into my shop, Rockford Art Deli, and see me, Britney, a little lady standing a mere 5 feet, 1 inch.

You’ll see me smile and say, “Hi! How are you?” and know that I really mean it. You may also come up to me at some point and have a question. Upon further inspection there may be cause for you to think that I’m not in charge.

I definitely don’t fit the stereotype of a successful business owner. Don’t worry, this happens to me on a daily basis. I have stretched ears, a nose ring, ever-

changing hair colors. I wear all black almost daily and have a few visible tattoos. I also look about eight years younger than I actually am. The young kids would say I’m, “hashtag blessed.”

(I don’t understand most young-kidsspeak these days .

It’s sad to me that we’re raised to take the outside appearance as our first impressions of each other. It just means I have to work a little bit harder. And with working harder, comes more time spent convincing.

Is it all worth it? Our outer appearance can set the tone for the way people treat us. I definitely don’t have to look a certain way, and I don’t have to wear a specific type of clothing (suits? not me!), but do people look at me differently because of this? How we’re viewed from the outside can ultimately have an impact, positive or negative, on our businesses. Do we care? Do we continue forward as is? Do we set boundaries?

Well in any matter, I always stick up for the things I believe in, no matter how crazy I may seem. I always stay true to my values as a person and a business, and I never take things back. Having a “no regrets” type of attitude towards your work can be an outstanding asset, as long as you’re making sure you’re representing yourself at all times.

So don’t be scared to be yourself!

People will love you, or they won’t.

That’s the way of the world, my friends.

Britney Lindgren, Rockford Art Deli, is a member of IGNITE. Visit igniterockford.com.

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

Illinois experiences record-breaking number of visitors

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Each May the tourism and getting ready for a wedding and noticed hospitality industry comes together part of the hem of her dress had fallen to celebrate the power of travel. We out. The housekeeper not only brought have a lot to celebrate. a sewing kit to the guest, but helped Governor Pat Quinn announced mend the dress for her. that Illinois welcomed more than 103.5 million U.S. residents to the ■■ A waiter at a restaurant overheard state in 2013, the largest number an elderly couple discussing how to of domestic visitors to Illinois ever find transportation to their hotel. The and the third consecutive year of couple had walked to the restaurant record-breaking numbers. Our local from the bus terminal. The waiter was figures will not be out until later this at the end of his shift and drove the summer however, it’s exciting to see couple to their hotel. tourism continue to grow for the state ■■ In anticipation of a large group of of Illinois.

These numbers were released just visitors in town, a locally owned retailer before National Travel and Tourism extended the store’s hours, added extra Week, May 3 to 11, which was marked staff and provided fresh flowers with by events taking place in cities across every purchase. the state. We held our own Travel These small moments of Rally, celebrating travel and tourism. exceptional customer service leave The travel rally was an opportunity memorable experiences with our for us to thank our hospitality and visitors. And memorable experiences industry often lead to partners, as return visits. well as the If you’d like community, to nominate for welcoming someone for visitors to our a Great Day region. in Rockford Tourism is an integral Award, visit part of our gorockford.com We started an awards program economy, and to submit your called “Great Day in Rockford,” regionally nomination. provides which recognizes hospitality One nugget approximately industry employees for to leave you 3,000 jobs and with — there outstanding customer service. $326 million are about 3,000 in economic The winners go above and hotel rooms impact*. This beyond to provide exceptional in Rockford. is why we often experiences for their guests.

Let’s assume say “visitors that on a given mean jobs.”

Visitors don’t just put “heads in beds,” night 50 percent are occupied. And, they also spend money at restaurants for tonight let’s assume everyone is and gas stations, and go shopping sleeping alone. That translates into while they’re here. That’s tax revenue 1,500 visitors in town eating at our back into our community, and the restaurants, spending money in our generation of jobs for the region. stores and conducting business in Two years ago we started an the region. Together, they have a big awards program called “Great Day impact – and collectively that’s the in Rockford,” which recognizes hospitality industry employees for Power of Travel. outstanding customer service. The *2012 D.K. Shifflet & Associates Ltd. winners of these awards go above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences for their guests.

Some of the winners include: ■■ A housekeeper at one of our hotels was nominated for the Great Day award for going above and beyond in helping a guest in need. The guest was

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

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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June 2014

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Mayo Clinic Care Network, Woods Equipment Company to promote and publicize the I Make America Tour, and HALO Network, NFP, to promote and organize its golf outing and MASH Bash.

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

Transform Rockford, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful and Habitat for Humanity volunteers participated in the Great American Clean Up Day on April 26 in Rockford.

Woodward, Inc., reported net sales for second quarter, 2014, of $482.5 million, compared to $485.5 million in the second quarter of last year.

Financial-services firm Edward Jones won the 2014 TNS Choice Award for outstanding performance in investment services by TNS, a global research consultancy.

Wipfli LLP expanded its sustainability services to include Compass Assessments, S-CORE Assessments, Performance Improvement Assessments and Facility Audits.

Stateline World Trade Association recognized Leading Edge Hydraulics as the recipient of its 2014 International Trade Award for exploring opportunities in markets outside the United States and creating opportunities for area residents.

The Rockford Coronado Concert Association honored First Rockford Group for its years of support by dedicating the May 4 matinee performance of the Moscow Ballet to the Rockford real estate development firm.

KMK Media Group launched its newly developed website for the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center.

Rosecrance Foundation raised a record $575,000 through its annual benefit in April at Giovanni’s.

SugarCRM gave its 2013 Rising Star

Northern Illinois University students and faculty collect more than 15,000 pounds of gently used clothing and other items from two donation drives for Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, which translates into funds for 2,490 hours of training to people with barriers.

Award to Rockford technology firm Ticomix at its annual conference, SugarCon, in San Francisco.

Rockford Memorial Hospital and SwedishAmerican Hospital both received an “A,” or the Hospital Safety Score’s latest top grade in patient safety, as administered by independent industry watchdog The Leapfrog Group.

Rockford Park District received the 2013 Merit Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects Illinois Chapter for outstanding professional achievement for historic landscapes in the Sinnissippi Riverfront Park Renovation project, which included construction of Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens topped with a green roof, Eclipse Lagoon and Tea House, a new parking lot with “living wall,” a new boat dock, low maintenance landscaping, bioswales and rain garden features.

SwedishAmerican Health System’s marketing team received a silver award for an integrated marketing campaign on the opening of its SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center and bronze awards for two other cancer centerrelated projects: a brochure and the television commercial, “Latest Advance,” at the 31st annual

Healthcare Advertising Awards by Healthcare Marketing Report.

Behr Iron & Metal received the Business of the Year award from the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce in May 5. The company has recycled in northern Illinois for more than 100 years. Its Rochelle location is one of two new yards opened in the last year and a half. The other, in Bloomington, Ill., had its grand opening on May 9.

Rockford Park District unveiled in May a newly renovated, baseballthemed Talcott-Page Memorial Park Playground, 1128 Russell Ave. In March, 2012, the playground structure was vandalized and burned.

The park district worked with the Greater Rockford Baseball League to develop a playground improvement plan and the new equipment is constructed of steel and metal material to minimize vandalism potential.

Free Tai Chi class for Veterans every Tuesday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the VA Drop-In Center, 413 Court St., Rockford.

PR Etc., was hired by OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center to plan two community events to educate leaders on its partnership with the

SwedishAmerican Health System employees and Lincoln Middle School students worked in May to spruce up and beautify the surrounding neighborhood. Students also planted flowers and shrubs near the Ryan Jury Child Development Center.

Each of the Rockford Aviators 96 games this season will be available via live streaming through Meridix by computer, MacBook, laptop, tablet or mobile device. Click the “Listen Live” link on the Aviators homepage or the Sports page of 23 WIFR’s website to be directed to the broadcast.

Ignition Studio unveiled a new website for SC Aviation, www. scaviation.net, a private jet charter company with offices in Kenosha, (Wis.), West Chicago and Northbrook (Ill.).

Hanson Professional Services Inc., ranked 12th out of 23 companies in the medium-employer category on a list of 65 companies named the best places to work in Illinois.

Rockford Park District and the Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau received the 2013 Most Outstanding Project award from the Illinois Farm Bureau in Ag Literacy for the Ag Education Days at Lockwood Park in spring and fall for preschool to fifth grade students.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine entered into an agreement with the University of Wisconsin - Platteville to allow qualified UWPlatteville students to participate in guaranteed admissions into its master of science in medical biotechnology program.

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June 2014

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Laura Pomerene

2. Leslie Anderson

3. Steve Casper

4. Michael Gann

5. Jim Zuba

6. Dr. David W. Johnson

Laura Pomerene (1), First National Bank and Trust Co., was appointed to the YWCA of Rockford board.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley board added new members for three-year terms: Leslie Anderson (2), Steve Casper (3), Michael Gann (4) and Jim Zuba (5).

Saint Anthony College of Nursing added David W. Johnson, DDS (6); Linnette Carter, RN-BC, and Rev. Ken Wasilewski, to its board.

Rock Valley College board of trustees elected Frank Haney (7), board chairman; Lynn Kearney, vice chair, and Patrick Murphy, secretary.

Michael J. Chmell, M.D. (8), Rockford Orthopedic Associates, Ltd., was re-appointed to serve another three-year term on the College of Engineering Advisory Council at his alma mater, University of Notre Dame.

Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joseph P. Bruscato joined the YMCA of Rock River Valley for a three-year term.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS Heritage Credit Union promoted Anita Rauch (9) to CEO/president.

First National Bank and Trust Co., promoted Aron Bussan to vice president, commercial banking officer; Dan Mowers to commercial banking representative, and Erin Jury (10) to commercial credit manager and officer.

17. Jefree Schulte

18. Lolita Ontiveros

8. Dr. Michael J. Chmell

Management Association’s Credit Risk certification.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau board elected the following officers for one year: Darrell Snorek, chairman; Roberta Holzwarth, vice chairman; Gary Strakeljahn, treasurer, and Bill LaFever, secretary. Two new members joined for three-year terms: Tim Myers, WIFR TV, and Ken Strawbridge, YMCA of Rock River Valley.

7. Frank Haney

9. Anita Rauch

13. Tiffany Staman

10. Erin Jury

14. Mike Bacon

Dr. Fatimah Oloriegbe (11) joined the family medicine practice at Crusader Community Health, Loves Park.

The Rockford Aviators added Ryan Zimmerman, Gerardo Sanchez, Wander Ramos and Joey Wagman to its 2014 roster of players.

Corey Stout, PE, heads the expanded new office of Missman, Inc., a civil engineering and land surveying firm in DeKalb.

Chris Johnson (12) joined Alpine Trust & Investment Group as vice president and trust officer.

CareSource (formerly Rockford Area Pregnancy Care Center) hired Tiffany Staman (13) as executive director.

Mike Bacon (14), MPH, CPHA, public health administrator, Winnebago County Health Department, announced his retirement.

Williams-Manny hired employees for its employee benefits and commercial lines divisions: Jeanette Rowan, benefits administrator/ account executive; Holly Harris, benefits administrator/account executive; Jennifer Woods, benefits analyst; Shelly Wagner, wellness coordinator, and Nicole Hamilton, commercial lines rater.

19. Karla Talavera

20. Tom Doherty

11. Dr. Fatimah Oloriegbe

15. Jessica Richardson

12. Chris Johnson

16. Caesar Arturo

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford recognized fourth-year medical students from the Urban Health Program: Jessica Richardson (15), College of Medicine UHP Student Servant Leadership Award; Caesar Arturo (16), Outstanding UHP Student Achievement Award; Jefree Schulte (17), Outstanding Peer Mentor/Educator Award; Lolita Ontiveros (18), Emerging Leader Award, and Karla Talavera (19), Student Excellence Award for Leadership and Service.

Max Adolphson, Rock Valley College, was one of only eight U.S. community college students selected to participate in Research Experiences for Undergraduates, a 10-week National Science Foundation-funded research training opportunity for physics and astronomy students.

Tom Doherty (20), Rock Valley College, was the first student from a two-year college to win the Best of the Best award at the Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts for his film, The White Room.

Rusti Swanson (21), vice president of underwriting, Riverside Community Bank, completed the Risk

21. Rusti Swanson

22. Kevin Kubat

Rockford Park District recognized two seasonal employees, Taylor Hoffman and Joy Hyancinthe, as recipients of 2014 Rockford Association for Minority Management scholarships.

Kevin Kubat (22) was promoted to product analyst II in the research and development Department at Rockford Mutual Insurance Company.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau gave It’s A Great Day in Rockford Service Awards for March, 2014: to Judy and Dave Bieck, owners of Candle Crest Soy Candles; Chris Wachowiak, owner of Kryptonite Bar; Chad Bryden, Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, and Crystal Douglas, Wired Café.

Judson University gave Dr. Risé D. Jones (23) the 2014 D. Ray Wilson Volunteer Service Award, for contributions towards the greater good of the Fox Valley community (Elgin, Ill.).

Thomas C. Furst received Rosecrance’s pinnacle honor, The Castle Award, for almost two decades of leadership on Rosecrance boards, including chair of the Rosecrance Health Network Board for seven years.

Damian Czechorski (24), financial representative, Williams-Manny, was named to the 2014 Million Dollar Round Table.

Rockford Orthopedic Associates added rheumatologist, Andrew Jasek, M.D. (25), to its practice.

Jenna Dooley (26), Northern Public Radio, received the Donald R. Grubb Distinguished Journalism Alumni Award for 2014 at the Northern Illinois University Journalism Banquet in April.

Rockford entrepreneurs, Anne and Jim Wilson were awarded the Operational Excellence award by CK Franchising, Inc., the franchisor of Comfort Keepers.

23. Dr. Risé D. Jones

24. Damian Czerchorski

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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June 2014

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

25. Dr. Andrew Jasek

26. Jenna Dooley

27. Nancy Salsbury

28. Eve Whitaker

29. Jennifer Halvorsen

30. Dr. Mark Barba

31. Sean Beckmann, Ph.D.

32. William Gahan, Ph.D.

33. Michael Perry, Ph.D.

34. Kyle Stedman, Ph.D.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Scott Trenhaile, M.D., Rockford Orthopedic Associates, will provide advance technique instruction on shoulder surgery to a number of international groups over the next few months.

Nancy Salsbury (27) and Eve Whitaker, (28) Spectrum Insurance Agency, attended a Life Seminar by Grange Insurance for six CE credits.

Jennifer Halvorsen (29) completed a Pekin Insurance Mythbusting Commercial Lines class for 12 CE credits.

Mark Barba, M.D. (30), Rockford Orthopedic Associates, Ltd., completed advanced training on a less invasive hip replacement procedure known as the Anterior Supine Intermuscular Approach.

Dr. Hannah Orem, 1st Step Chiropractic S.C., presented the report she co-authored, “Outcome of an Infant with Chronic Constipation Following Upper Cervical Correction: A Case Report,” at the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association Spring Conference in Minneapolis.

Sean Beckmann, Ph.D. (31), biology, Rockford University, will present “Assessing the Intraspecific Systematics of the Cotton Mouse, Peromyscus gossypinus” at Evolution 2014 in June. William Gahan,

Ph.D. (32), and Michael Perry, Ph.D. (33), English, attended the Modern Language Association National Conference in Chicago in January. William Gahan, Ph.D., English, presented “Santayana and Shakespeare” at the American Philosophical Society meeting in Chicago in February. Michael Perry, Ph.D., English, led a panel in the Comics and Comics Art area at the American Culture Association Conference in Chicago in April. Kyle Stedman, Ph.D. (34), English, will present “33 1/3 Revolutions Per Minute — The Changing Face of Musical Rhetoric,” and participate in a panel, “Why Fandom Matters to Writing,” at the Computers and Writing Conference in June.

Chad Henry, senior vice president and financial wealth consultant, and Troy Oates, Upstream, volunteered as chefs for The Literacy Council’s 100 Men Who Cook and Brew event in May.

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Kay King Company: Servpro of Rockford Position: Marketing Specialist How long have you been an Ambassador?

Five years What do you like most about being an Ambassador? Being a Chamber Ambassador has allowed me to develop many friendships with fellow Ambassadors as well as valuable business relationships. As members of the Rockford Chamber Ambassadors we have the opportunity to welcome new businesses into the chamber, attend and support chamber events, meet new people and introduce them to other people they would like to know. Besides all that, being an Ambassador is FUN!

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June 2014

Community Events COMMUNITY

June 2014 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in June, 2014.

65-YEAR MEMBER Northern Illinois Optical Company

30-YEAR MEMBERS

Emery Air, Inc. Kadon Precision Machining Rock Valley Culligan Rockford Litho Center Staff Management, Inc.

25-YEAR MEMBER DB Schenker

20-YEAR MEMBER

SCORE For the Life of Your Business

15-YEAR MEMBERS

Fridh Corporation Rj Link International, Inc. Rockford Symphony Orchestra

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Bisconti Computers, Inc. CHIP Alumni of Rock River Valley Courtyard by Marriott/Rockford Ege WorkSmart Solutions, PC HR Capital Management Consultants KP Counseling, Inc. Rocknel Fastener, Inc. Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Fairfield Inn & Suites Franchesco’s Ristorante

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

Sunday, June 1

Rockford Park District hosts Trolley Good Time, May 31 and June 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Trolley Station, Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St., Rockford, to celebrate the summer opening of the railbased Trolley Car 36 and Forest City Queen riverboat. Rides/cruises, noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. both days.

Activities include a model train show, bounce house and magic show. Visit rockfordparkdistrict.org/ boatandtrolley or call 815-987-8800.

Wednesday, June 4

Rockford Public Library presents the Hire Me! Resume Workshop, June 4 and 5, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Nordlof Center computer lab, 118 N. Main St. Create and format a resume. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Friday, June 6

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, hosts Garden Fair 2014, June 6, noon to 6 p.m.; June 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit klehm. org or call 815-965-8146.

Monday, June 9

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful

Golf Play Day, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford. Reservations

by June 2 to courtney@knib.org, 815637-1343 or knib.org.

and crafters, the Rockford Etsy Team, Notions Nook Quilt Challenge, Books & Brushes Children’s Art Show and a live performance by Rockford Dance Company. Visit edgebrookshops.com.

Rockford Park District hosts Pickleball Instruction for adults, June 9 to 12, at Loves Park Playground.

Register at www.rockfordparkdistrict. org or call 815-987-8800.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Medication Collection, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Machesney Towne Centre, 8750 N. 2nd St., and 9 a.m. to noon, South Beloit Fire Station and Belvidere Township Building. Medications (prefer original packaging; patient name removed) and mercury-filled thermometers. No needles, sharps, illegal drugs or bio-hazardous materials. For more details contact 815-637-1343 or visit knib.org.

Tuesday, June 10

Presentation training sessions for the 8th annual FastPitch Competition take place June 10 and 12, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the EIGERlab. Participants must submit their business pitches in writing for pre-qualification by June 4 and will be notified by June 6.

Visit www.eigerlab.org/statelinefastpitch-competition or contact Sherry Pritz, SPritz@EIGERlab.org or 815-316-6357.

Rockford Park District invites hikers to join the Atwood Adult Hiking Club, 9 a.m., at Lockwood Park (Little Ponderosa shelter), 5201 Safford Road. Hike locations subject to change. Call 815-874-7576 to confirm, or if weather is questionable.

Visit rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Thursday, June 12

RAMP presents its fifth-annual Bad Pants Golf Open - 9 Hole Scramble at Timber Pointe Golf Course, Poplar Grove. Registration, 2 p.m.; shotgun start, 3 p.m. The event includes contest holes, drink tastings and silent auction. Register at 815-968-7467 or visit http://rampcil.org/bad-pantsopen-golf-scramble.

Northern Illinois University College of Business and the NIU Rockford Club present the 14th annual Golf Outing and Alumni BBQ Dinner at Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Registration, lunch, 11:45 a.m.; shotgun start, 1 p.m.; BBQ cookout buffet on the patio, 5:30 p.m. Proceeds go towards student scholarships.

Register at northernillinois.imodules. com/RockGolf 2014.

Friday, June 13

Northwest Community Center presents its Golf Playday at Atwood Golf Center, 8990 Old River Road, Rockford. Registration, 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start, 8:30 a.m. Lunch by Paninos and prizes for side games, including two hole-in-one prizes for $5,000 and $1,000. Register at www.golfdigestplanner.com/25574NWCCGolfPlayDay or 815-964-6885.

Children’s Home + Aid presents the 15th annual Jazz on the Rock “Roaring 20s Gala,” 7 p.m., at Rockford Country Club. Dress as a flapper, a gangster or come as you are.

Big Shot Soiree precedes the gala in “21” Club. Visit childrenshomeandaid. org/jazzontherock.

Saturday, June 14

Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, presents its Artsy Arts and Crafts Exhibit, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day includes work from area artisans

Monday, June 16

Mike Mastroianni’s Presidential Kick-off Reception, 4 to 8 p.m., in the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre Tent at Rock Valley College (parking in lot 1).

RSVP by June 5 to Brittany Freiberg at 815-921-4502 or B.Freiberg@ rockvalleycollege.edu.

Wednesday, June 18

EIGERlab/Rock Valley College hosts a public presentation by its eighthannual FastPitch keynote speaker, Joe Abraham, founder/CEO of bosiDNA. com, 5:30 p.m., at the University of Illinois College of Medicine auditorium.

Abraham will speak on entrepreneurial DNA and economic gardening (communities focused on growing existing privately held businesses).

Visit eigerlab.org/stateline-fastpitchcompetition.

Rockford Public Library presents Money Matters, 1 to 3 p.m., Rock River Branch, program room, 3128 11th St. Learn the steps for setting financial goals with Woodforest National Bank. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Saturday, June 21

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center hosts its Annual Ice Cream Social from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Barbecue sandwiches, chips, beverage, pie and ice cream will be served. Cost for meal ticket is $4.00.

Cost for pie and ice cream is $4.00.

Tickets may be purchased in advance in Fairhaven’s Main Office and will also be available at the door. Call 815877-1441.

Rockford Public Library presents Comedy Sportz, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St. Two teams battle for laughs and points in this improv.

Registration not required. Call 815965-7606.

Monday, June 30

Center for Sight & Hearing’s ninth-annual Gerald Broski Golf Outing at Forest Hills Country Club.

Registration, 11:30 a.m.; shotgun start for four-person scramble, 12:45 p.m. Box lunch, skill awards and dinner on the patio. Contact Lorena Merrick at 815-332-6823 or lmerrick@ centerforsighthearing.org.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2014

Membership: 101 MEMBERSHIP

The

VOI of

membership is greater than the ROI Membership is all about the Value of “I�

Investment Information Initiatives/Issues Influence Impact Introductions

Direct return for dues/non-dues Unique sources, timely and for members only Taking positions/ lead on what matters Ability to persuade and affect outcomes Direct result of initiatives, positive consequences Access to mentors, customers, peers

Interaction

Positive experiences, quality of conversations

Innovation

Cutting-edge ideas, opportunities, technology

Instruction

New skills or applications learned

Intelligence Insights Integration

New awareness, understanding, knowledge Lessons learned, breakthroughs Ability to implement ideas into business

ONLY the Rockford Chamber can provide all of this VOI!

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26

June 2014

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in April, 2014.

Accuride Wheel End Solutions Rockford Gunite Adams Letter Services, Inc./ Magnum Creative Aero Electric & Communications Co. Aikon Desktop Services Alpha Controls & Services Alpine Bank Al’s Tree Planting Ameriprise Financial Androck Hardware Corporation Arthritis Foundation, Heartland Region – Northwest Illinois Office Astro-Physics, Inc. AT&T Belter Machinery Co., Inc. Blackhawk Propane Company, Inc. BMO Harris Bank Center Cain & Company Camp Grant Museum Campos Construction, Inc. Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center, Home of CoCo Key Water Resort Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency Inc. Crown Machine, Inc. DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services Dickerson & Nieman Realtors Discovery Center Museum of Rockford Dixon Automatic Tool, Inc. Eclipse, Inc. Ekstrom-Carlson, Division of D&R Auto Chuck Manufacturing, Inc. Electrical Workers Union/Local 364 IBEW Four Corners Wellness Center Freed Plumbing, Inc. Gauerke Electric Company Gypsum Supply Company Hanson Professional Services Inc. Harlem Community Center Hilton Garden Inn Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Huntington Learning Center Hyzer, Hyzer & Jacobs In Home Medical Group LLC Ipsen, Inc. J.L.Clark, A CLARCOR Company JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Kaney Aerospace L/J Fabricators, Inc. LSP Industries, Inc. Macktown, A Living History Education Center Manpower

McGladrey LLP Mondelez International NAACP (National Association For the Advancement of Colored People) National Business & Industrial Centre, Inc. Northern Illinois Minority Companies Association Northwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council PG Display Prairie State Legal Services Inc. Preservation Pointe Condo Association Print Jet Production Tool and Supply Company Red Roof Inn Republic Mortgage Home Loans Rock River Valley Pantry Rockford Orthopedic Associates Rockford Process Control, Inc. Rockford Sanitary Systems, Inc. Rockford Supportive Living Rockford University Rockford Urological Associates, Ltd. Sandvik Coromat Co, Schneider Electric Sems and Specials Inc. Singley Construction Sjostrom & Sons, Inc. Sodexo Specialty Screw Corporation Spring Ridge Senior Housing Stanley Steemer of Rockford State Farm Insurance – Julie Weaver Stateline Business Journal Stenstrom Companies SupplyCore, Inc. TBC Net, Inc. Tebala Shrine Center Testor Group, A Division of Rust-Oleum Corporation the groundUP s.s.i. (gUs, inc) Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum Townsquare Media Rockford UNION Savings BANK University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County US Bank Valley Expo and Displays Van Sickle & McLaughlin, CPAs Vito’s Ristorante, Inc. WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau WQRF-TV/WTVO-TV Zion Development Corporation

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events JUNE, 2014 Tuesday, June 3

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road.

Linda Sandquist will talk about the United Way of Rock River Valley’s transformation and how to get involved. Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Wednesday, June 4

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Presenter is Jeff Makeever, patent attorney, Reinhart Boerner Van Duren P.C.

Friday, June 6

Ribbon Cutting & Open House, Safari Childcare, 4 to 5 p.m., 2239 Anderson Dr., Belvidere.

Tuesday, June 10

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Wednesday, June 11

Breakfast Buzz: One on One with Paul Logli, United Way of Rock River Valley, 7:30 to 9 a.m. NEW MEETING SPACE: Rock Valley College, student center atrium, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Sponsored by McGladrey.

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@ gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Rachel Thomann, Furst Pros, 815-997-1417, rachel.thomann@ furstpros.com.

Ribbon Cutting, Hilton Garden grand reopening and tours of newly renovated property, 4 to 6:30 p.m., 7675 Walton St., Rockford. Ribbon cutting, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 12

June Ambassador Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St.

Friday, June 13

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Registration required. Call Heidi Garner, 815-3164312.

Wednesday, June 18

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Presenter is David Schertz, CEO, Northern Region OSF Healthcare.

Thursday, June 19 10:00 am - 1:30 pm Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford

Women in Business Expo and Luncheon Expo, 10 a.m. to noon; lunch, presentation, awards, noon to 1:30 p.m. Announcement of 2014 award winners: Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow, Woman Manager of the Year, Woman Business Owner of the Year and Athena PowerLink.

Sponsored by Women’s Center – Rockford Health System (presenting); OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (gold); PNC (Athena Powerlink); Northwest Bank of Rockford (awards).

Tuesday, June 24

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Wednesday, June 25

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Rachel Thomann, Furst Pros, 815-997-1417, rachel.thomann@furstpros.com.

JULY, 2014 Wednesday, July 2

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford.

Presenter is Ron Clewer, CEO, Rockford Housing Authority.

Tuesday, July 8

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Wednesday, July 9

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Rachel Thomann, Furst Pros, 815-997-1417, rachel.thomann@furstpros.com.

Thursday, July 10 5 - 7:00 pm Midway Village Museum 6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford

Founder’s Day and Business Hall of Fame After Hours Sponsored by Rockford University (presenting) and SwedishAmerican Health System (hospitality).

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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June 2014

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events Wednesday, July 16

School Road, Rockford. Contact PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Presenter is Gary Caruana, retired.

Thursday, July 17 5 - 7:00 pm Aviators Stadium 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park

Rockford Chamber Night with the Rockford Aviators Rockford Chamber table at the gate to receive special $3 admission starting one hour before the game. This event counts for IGNITE Cup points!

Tuesday, July 22

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell

Wednesday, July 23

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@ gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Rachel Thomann, Furst Pros, 815-997-1417, rachel.thomann@ furstpros.com.

ADVERTISERS Advertisers Index

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Commerce . . . . . . 16, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26

Aspen Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Rockford Health System . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Ballard Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . 12 Broadmoor Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rockford Mass Transit . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Rockford Park District. . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Comcast Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

RVC BPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Dom’s Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Fridh Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 McGladrey LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Riverside Community Bank . . . . . . . . 4

Thayer Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Transform Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Rockford Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Van Galder Bus Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Rockford Chamber of

V2 Marketing Communications . . . . 15

Wednesday, July 30

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Presenter is Teresa Beach-Shelow, owner, Superior Joining Technologies.

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

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ............................................. Direct Line Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO ......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Executive Assistant to the President ................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology .................. 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive .............. 815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events ......... 815-316-4337 Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance ...................................................... 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events ............................................. 815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Member Relations Manager............................... 815-316-4315 Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager ............. 815-316-4336 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ........................ 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board Richard Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System

Weldstar holds a ribbon cutting on May 9 at 9710 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, with lunch, refreshments, prizes and tours.

Chairman Elect Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Darlene Furst Furst Staffing Jeff Hultman Riverside Community Bank

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer Pat Morrow Alpine Bank Amy Ott Chicago Rockford International Airport Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Laura Pigatti Williamson Rockford Park District Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Henry Seybold Rockford Health System

Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Pat Shaw McGladrey LLP

Somchan Thatsanaphon K-I Machine Tool & Production Inc. Josh Trust Rockford Register Star Tim White UTC Aerospace Systems Jennifer Wood CPA

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

July 2014 Special Section: Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic holds a ribbon cutting and open house on May 21 at 1877 Daimler Road, Rockford.

Do you have news to share?

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

Business Tool Box (Professional Advisory Teams) Employer Services For information on advertising, call 815 987-8100