June Voice 2015

AL GRACE’S NEAT SHTUFF

BE A PHAN OF THE REGIMENT

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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

ROCKFORD A TOP PLACE FOR TEACHERS

June 2015 | Volume 28 | No. 6

Celebration of 60th Class of

Leadership

Program

PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

By Paul Anthony Arco

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce presents the 2015 Leadership Rockford graduates.

Scott Demler couldn’t wait to get involved with Leadership Rockford.

“My company always sends someone to be part of the program,” said Demler, a financial advisor for Savant Capital Management. “I had to wait for a spot within Savant, and there’s a line of employees waiting behind me. There are so many benefits to getting involved – from the people you meet to the places

you visit. For me, this was a stepping stone to becoming involved with Next Rockford and Transform Rockford. The past eight months really opened my eyes to the good things going on around us.”

Nearly 300 business and community leaders turned out to Giovanni’s on May 14 to recognize Demler and other graduates of Leadership Rockford. This year’s class included professionals from local nonprofits, businesses and government agencies. It was the 60th graduating class of Leadership Rockford.

The guest speaker was Roberta “Bobbie” Holzwarth, a partner with HolmstromKennedyPC, a law firm that was established more than 100 years ago, and a founding member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Holzwarth is also a graduate of Leadership Rockford and a Transform Rockford volunteer.

“You could tell by the vibe in the room that people are really excited about this program,” said Einar Forsman, president

and CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity for someone within a company to reach outside of their organization. These days, we’re all hunkered down more than ever at work with various responsibilities. For employers to commit so much of their employee’s time to this program, says a lot about the impact of Leadership Rockford.”

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.

The Leadership Rockford class met biweekly from October to May to discuss topics ranging from transportation and economic development to education and diversity.

Continued on page 13

The city of Rockford ranked the 18th best place in the United States for teachers, according to research

by GoodCall using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Indeed. com and The National Center for Education Statistics. Analyst Paul Southerland set out to determine which U.S. cities still provide a good backdrop for teachers.

Metrics that earned Rockford its #18 spot on the list include: ■ High salaries ■ Low cost of living ■ High job availability ■ Strong educational values in the community Visit www.goodcall.com.

ROCKFORD CITY MARKET OPENS FOR SIXTH SEASON Rockford City Market, at the intersection of Water and East State streets in downtown Rockford, kicked off its sixth season with an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting on May 22 for the newly constructed market pavilion. In 2014, the Rockford City Market drew more than 75,000 people, making it the largest attendance for the market since it began in 2010.

This year will feature 65 vendors, including 12 new vendors, a second acoustic stage and later hours from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Women in Business EXPO AND LUNCHEON June 25 • Cliffbreakers

Chamber, RPD to Host Public Safety Forum

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

On Wednesday, June 10, the Rockford Police Department and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Council will host a special information session for the business community to provide a greater awareness of activities associated with crime and crime prevention. One key result of the Public Safety Survey taken by the Chamber last Fall was that the members expressed an interest in getting further educated on activities being done to fight and prevent crime.

“We really think this is a great session to ensure area businesses are getting good information as to what is happening in our community from a crime prevention effort,” said Pat Morrow, Chair of the Public Safety Council and member of the Chamber Board.

The session will be from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the University of Illinois – Rockford, 1601 Parkview Avenue in Rockford. Rockford Mayor Larry

Morrissey and Rockford Police Chief Chet Epperson will be there to lead the session, along with leadership team members of the Rockford Police Department. The topics for the session will include: ■ Review of current crime data and trends ■ Overview of the Geo-Policing Strategy ■ Review of ex-offender programs in for reintegration and workforce ■ Review of a concept of collective impact by community groups and leaders for engaging in crime prevention.

“This session offers an opportunity for business leaders to learn and share information that will empower them to be a partner in addressing crime that directly impacts their livelihood,” said Mayor Larry Morrissey.

There is no charge for this session but people are encouraged to register on-line at www.rockfordchamber.com/events to ensure adequate seating is available. For questions, call 815-987-8100. theVoice

SPONSORED BY For more info, see page 26

RACVB ANNOUNCES FIRST BOOKED EVENT AT DOWNTOWN SPORTS COMPLEX The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) confirmed the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) 6th Grade Girls Basketball National Championships as the first booked event for the new Downtown Sports Complex. The tournament, scheduled for mid-summer 2018, is expected to draw 100 teams from throughout the United States, totaling more than 3,500 attendees comprised of athletes, coaches, tournament directors and spectators. Lasting four to five days, the tournament is expected to generate $750,000 in economic spending. The RACVB, Rockford Park District and Rockford Wildcats will help host the event.

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June 2015

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Chairman’s Perspective VIEWPOINT

Women making an impact in the workplace Let’s face it: women are making their presence felt in the workplace.

According to Forbes magazine, 54 percent of corporate entry-level jobs are held by women, 37 percent of midmanagement and 26 percent of vice presidents and senior managers.

According to a survey regarding board positions, the numbers in our region are on target with what Forbes discovered. More than 150 board positions show: 54 percent of entry-level boards are female; 39 percent of midlevel boards are female; and 26 percent of high-level boards are female.

Women also face tremendous pressure in the workplace. You don’t need a survey to know that when women can confide in others who share similar challenges, that support becomes invaluable.

That’s why the Rockford Chamber of Commerce recently formed a group called Lead 360, specifically for women at an executive level. The mission of Lead 360 is to expand the impact and influence of woman business leaders in our region.

Members include top executive-level chamber members: C-Suite, presidents, vice presidents and top decision-makers of an organization. Participants tackle

workplace issues – financial, human resources and other issues – and work together to arrive at ways to improve those on-the-job experiences. Educational presentations are planned around these specific topics as well.

A subcommittee, Lead 360 Action Team, has come up with new ideas that could make an impact on our community.

Through various meetings, one thing was abundantly clear; there’s a critical need for more women in leadership positions.

There’s also a need for more women to serve on boards, which would, in turn, help propel women into higher-level leadership positions.

Taking Charge of Your Life When looking for a person, i.e. woman or minority for a board position, the all-too-frequent answer is, there aren’t any. Or, there aren’t enough qualified candidates. That perception needs to change.

And it starts with us. We, as chamber members and leaders of business, must take the lead to facilitate the change required. Our goals should be to: educate and coach women for leadership roles, advocate for positions

on community boards, show upward movement within entry level to highlevel board positions, and educate women on what the objections may be and how to overcome them.

There are other professional enhancement opportunities for women to consider. The chamber’s Business Women’s Council, for example, meets monthly to foster networking and education for women in business.

Meetings are designed to help women shape their dreams, achieve professional goals and generate positive results in their lives.

And every year, the chamber hosts the Women-in-Business Expo and Luncheon.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and share ideas with other professional women. This year’s event will be held June 25, 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Cliffbreakers Riverside Hotel & Conference Center.

The guest speaker is best-selling author Fawn Germer, whose presentation is entitled “It’s Not About Balance. It’s About Choices,” will offer practical tips on how to take charge of your life in order to be happy and successful.

When I think of local success stories of women-led businesses, I think about

Mrs.

Fisher’s

Chips. At a time when

women

business owners

Patti Thayer Rockford Chamber Board Chairman

were

practically unheard of, Ethel Fisher launched her company along with her husband, but found herself flying solo after the Great Depression. That same spirit of entrepreneurship should inspire all Rockford businesswomen to continue climbing the corporate ladder.

I believe in the power of mentoring and being mentored, and I look forward to the day when women in leadership positions become the norm. Having leaders with diverse perspectives is critically important to our future.

And so I challenge you, women in leadership positions, support women to be seen, to be heard, and to be considered for more positions of leadership within our community. I have had some women in leadership positions tell me their best mentors were men, so I do want them to be challenged as well.

Together, we can make the workplace better for everyone involved.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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June 2015

By Paul Anthony Arco The name Al Grace probably sounds familiar. Perhaps you’ve purchased a refrigerator or range from his appliance store. Maybe you’ve caught one of those wacky television and radio commercials promoting his business. Or, if you go back far enough, maybe you took in a performance that the musically-inclined Grace and his orchestra performed at a wedding or supper club decades ago.

Al Grace, whose birth name is Graceffa, was born in Italy and made his way to the United States with his parents, Luigi and Rose. After graduating from Rockford High School, he served a stint in the U.S. Army, before returning home to begin his career. He started as a service technician for Wilson Electronic, where he worked on small appliances, before branching out on his own. He opened Al Grace Appliance on 14th Street in 1962 and moved to 9th Street, where he stayed until 1999, when the business moved to its current location at 811 W. Riverside Blvd.

Today, the business is operated by his son, Lou Graceffa, and son-in-law, Brad Born. Graceffa and Born were both teachers, who had worked part-time for Grace in the 1970s, and eventually returned to devote their energy on the family business. “Al was already 44 when he started the business, and by the time things took off in the 1980s, he was in his 60s,” said Born. “At that point he felt it was best for Lou and I to steer the ship.”

Al Grace is an authorized dealer

Member Profile PROFILE

Appliances and other neat shtuff Al Grace Appliance celebrates 53 years of business

Al Grace’s son-in-law, Brad Born (shown) and son, Lou Graceffa, run the business at two locations in Rockford and Marengo. of brands including Jenn Air, Amana, Whirlpool, Electrolux and Kitchen Aid. About 80 percent of its volume comes from appliances. In addition, Al Grace offers a five-year warranty on all products that will be fully reimbursed to the customer if it goes unused.

Like any business, Al Grace has relied heavily on advertising to attract customers. But Al Grace has taken marketing to another level. Over the years, the appliance store has featured its founder in many humorous commercials including “The Peanut Sale,” “Amazing Grace” and “Rockford’s Most Interesting Man” campaigns.

“Al has a fun personality,” Born said. “And we like to have fun with our customers, as well as our approach to advertising. We wanted to do something to keep listeners and viewers engaged throughout the spot instead of just promoting one seasonal sale after another. Sometimes we push the envelope. But there are so many big box stores in Rockford. This was a branding strategy we decided to use in order to make Al Grace stand out. I think we’ve been pretty successful.”

There have been difficult times, however, especially during a sluggish 2008. “When the housing market took

a dip, about one-third of our business dried up,” Born said. “While the value of homes have dropped, people can’t afford to move so they’ve turned to remodeling, which has helped.”

Expanding Outside Rockford Despite its long-term success, Al Grace continues to reinvent its business.

Two years ago, the business opened a second store in Marengo, which gives customers in the Poplar Grove, Harvard and Garden Prairie areas better access to Al Grace products.

And now Al Grace is offering cooking classes in its Rockford location, led by a local certified chef, Diana Kramer.

“It’s great to see people having fun and to smell those amazing aromas in the store,” Born said. “It’s all part of the Al Grace experience.”

As for its founder, Al Grace remains in good health and, at 96, and still drops by the office every so often. “This has been a very satisfying business,” Born says. “We’ve met so many awesome people over the years. Hopefully, we’ve provided them with excellent service along the way.”

AL GRACE APPLIANCE Brad Born and Lou Graceffa, owners 811 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford 815-637-8676 212 Lindow Ave., Marengo 815-568-8848 www.algrace.com

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theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Board Profile PROFILE

Offering the perspective of a small, woman business owner

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

What do you want to contribute as part of the Chamber board?

What trend is most strongly impacting your industry?

I am excited to represent a unique niche as a small, woman business owner, and an entrepreneur who can contribute a voice that has a unique perspective on issues and challenges. Also, because our clients range from medium-sized businesses to large corporations, I am able to bring that perspective to the forefront as well.

We’re seeing that more and more clients need insight and direction when it comes to social media and digital marketing – two divisions of our industry that are changing rapidly. Also, more organizations are understanding that content is king – a company’s message is critical to its overall success.

Why do you think the Chamber is important to business and the community?

The Chamber is essential for our community because it brings together differing organizations and businesses to create a clear and distinct voice on matters such as education, politics, quality of life and economic development.

More organizations are understanding that content is king — a company’s message is critical to its overall success.

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

Chartwell Agency is an integrated communications firm that provides assistance to companies that are seeking to impact their top-line growth and overall efficiencies to make an impact on their profitability and reputation.

What is your business background/responsibilities?

Before starting Chartwell Agency 13 years ago, I worked for a variety of business-to-business, consumeroriented and non-profit organizations in developing and implementing strategic communications programs on local, regional, national and global levels.

What advice would you give to those coming up in your field?

There are three pieces of advice I always give young professionals: 1) ensure you have strong writing skills, 2) understand and leverage the power of networking and 3) whether in a professional or voluntary capacity, followthrough is key.

What book would you recommend right now and why?

I’ve been completely energized by “Why Work Sucks and How to Fix it.”

Although the title may sound negative, the book provides a positive and powerful way to rethink the work environment and increase ability to attract and retain employees.

If you could be or do anything else – what would you be?

I would be an author and write mystery novels.

What’s your favorite thing to do for fun?

My favorite thing to do for fun is absolutely hanging with my husband and our 4-year-old daughter. A close second is a tie between drinking wine and playing golf – ideally both at the same time!

What are you most thankful for?

I’m most thankful for my family.

They’ve given me the roots to keep me humble, the wings to let me soar, and the support I’ve needed to make both happen.

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.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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June 2015

Phantom Regiment: The corps’ community commitment Supporting Rockford’s Ambassador

Ahhh, the sounds of spring in Rockford, -- birds chirping, mowers revving to life, the din of road construction. And for those lucky to be within blocks of Rockford University, there are also the sounds of melodious horns and hard cadence of drums.

It’s time for the Phantom Regiment to get ready for another season.

The East State Street campus has been the pre-season home for the drum corps since 2003. The 150 members of the 2015 Regiment arrived mid-May and quickly settled in for several weeks of nearly non-stop practice and rehearsals.

As has been the case for many years, corps members come from all corners of the United States, as well as internationally. This year, performers come from Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Canada. This is due in part to the Regiment’s reputation as an elite corps, finishing in the top 12 for the past 40 years and becoming world champions in 1996 and 2008.

The nearly 60-year-old organization wears its identity as “Rockford’s Ambassadors” proudly, but they are equally gratified by what they’ve been able to give back to the community.

Best known for its annual “Show of Shows” (July 3 at Boylan High School), which attracts 3,500 fans from across the region, the Regiment does much more.

Building Local Support Less publicized, but just as impactful are the clinics annually organized and offered by the Regiment to local student musicians. The separate instructions cover brass, drums, color guard and skills to become a drum major. Wanting to give every student an opportunity, the corps provides clinic scholarships to 50 Rockford Public School pupils. Additionally, the organization has loaned instruments to area schools in need.

Still, it’s been an uphill battle for the corps to gain the regular and on-going support it needs to take an organization of this longevity, caliber and respect to a level of financial independence.

“We pride ourselves on providing a life-

changing experience to the young people who participate in all of our programs, but the ever-escalating costs always keep it challenging for the organization,” said Phantom Regiment Executive Director Rick Valenzuela.

They are doing better than previous years, being sustained on uniform and equipment sponsors, member dues, some fundraisers and only a handful of local sponsors. But the Regiment could be all of what its performance record implies — world class — if more local people and companies take notice and appreciation.

The grass root backing is already there.

Fans and families (or as the corps likes to call them – Phans and Phamiles) volunteer their time to tailor uniforms, work the food truck or perform the myriad of duties

required to put on a successful drum corps show. That includes assisting the Regiment when they march in the Leaf River parade (June 7) or Rockford 4th of July parade.

The gratitude for what the Regiment does and how they do it is evident by the standing-room-only crowds that typically attend the free Music in the Park performance (June 9) at Sinnissippi Band Shell and dress rehearsal (June 13) at Stillman Valley High School.

David Warren, conductor and a fourthyear Regiment member from Atlanta, Ga., said, “Our favorite performances happen here locally - from the concert in the park to our home show at Boylan.

It’s always great to hear the roar of our hometown crowd.”

However, the time has come to turn the applause into a promise.

The Regiment is proud to be from Rockford. Let’s show them how proud we are of them. To learn more go to www.regiment.org.

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Happy, healthy, active employees Team building in the great outdoors

By Kevin Versino, Rocktown Adventures

for an employee with a satisfying work/life balance.

We hear it over and over again. Happy employees are productive employees.

Article after article, blogger after blogger, will offer advice on how to make the workplace more engaging, how to make sure your employees are happy, and how to receive the highest level of productivity out of your employees. Although these are important considerations all year round, it’s a particularly critical topic to address as the summer months approach.

According to a recent study published in Entrepreneur, productivity drops 20 percent during the summer months.

Projects take 13 percent longer to complete and workers are 45 percent more distracted. It’s no surprise, really.

Families are out of their normal routines, often taking vacations and signing up for camps, etc. Not to mention, after seven long months of being cooped up, people are ready to get outside.

Corporate Team Building

Benefits of the Great Outdoors Why heed the call of the Great Outdoors? For starters, it’s probably a lot more enjoyable than walking around your office. But outside of enjoyment, there are tangible benefits to getting outside.

1. It can ease depression and improve your outlook. Nature walks are linked to enhanced mental health and positivity, as well as significantly lower levels of depression and feelings of stress. A study from Glasgow University showed that people who walked, biked or ran in nature had a lower risk of poor mental health than people who worked out indoors.

2. It can improve your focus.

According to a study published in Psychological Science, interacting with nature gives your brain a break from everyday overstimulation, which can have a restorative effect on your attention levels.

3. It’s good for your kids, too. For those of you who are parents, the benefits of getting outside are too great to ignore. A connection to the natural world can help your child develop their body, mind and spirit. For example, according to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, spending time outside raises levels of vitamin D; helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues. There is also evidence from a national study that demonstrates children’s stress levels fall within minutes of being out in open, green spaces. We all could use less stress in our lives and more time with our kids. An employee with a happy home life makes

Sometimes the best way to improve the team compatibility in your office or organization is to step outside your four walls. For example, your team may be struggling to agree on how to address a project at work. One way to break the stalemate is to give them an opportunity to work through an entirely unrelated team building activity in an entirely different setting. Whether it’s the ropes course at the YMCA’s Camp Winnebago or paddling at Rocktown Adventures, it’s team building in a way that you’ve never asked your team to work together before. Sure, employees may be intimidated at first, but you’d be surprised by how quickly they warm up to the activities once they get started.

Exposing your employees to something new will help build camaraderie through a shared experience. Developing new skills, while maybe not directly applicable to the day to day, will help build selfconfidence. These are benefits that will impact the bottom line.

For example, a team-building outing combines water- and land-based activities and range from two hours to all day long.

Outings begin with on-land instruction, where your team is introduced to basic paddling strokes and safety. After the instructional phase, your team heads out on the water for some fun. About half way through the paddle, kayaks are “beached” for some land-based activities, allowing your team the opportunity to talk about the activities they just did while grabbing a bite to eat.

On water activities such as “kayak hockey,” “kayak basketball,” and “sharks and minnows” and land-based activities such as the “helium stick” and “get ready, go” provide an opportunity for your team to participate in team-building activities set in a socially engaging environment.

With all the fun to be had out on the water, your team will forget this is actually a work exercise.

Make it a priority to mix up the routine this summer. Keep your employees happy and engaged. Enjoy the great outdoors — whether you’re looking for woods, water or open spaces, we’re lucky enough to have it all here in the Rockford Region.

Kevin Versino is general manager at Rocktown Adventures.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2015

Growing narcotics epidemic requires one more K9 officer Help Rockford Area Crime Stoppers ‘attack crime’

Crime Stoppers is working with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department to secure $76,000 for one more K9 officer. With the growing epidemic of narcotics in this area, police dogs have become a necessary tool for detecting narcotics during traffic stops, narcotics raids and school searches.

“Crime Stoppers’ mission is to help area law enforcement agencies, and the greatest help to the sheriff’s department is to secure the needed funds for this project,” said Board Chairperson Arles Hendershott.

We Need Your Help

Everyone is concerned about crime in this area and what can be done to fight it, but in order to do this we need everyone to step up, dig deep and help by donating, Hendershott said. A special GO FUND ME website has been established at www.gofundme. com/k9officer, or visit rockfordcrime stoppers.com and click on the “Attack Crime” link to make a donation.

“The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department is proud to partner with CrimeStoppers in an effort to raise

funds for expansion of our K9 Unit, which will be used to enhance our narcotic enforcement efforts and assist the newly formed Tac-Unit,” Sheriff Gary Caruana said.

Several area businesses are partnering with Crime Stoppers in this effort including: Lamar Advertising, Visible Outdoor Signs, Rockford Register Star, Comcast Cable, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, MS2/Meridian, WIFRTV, WREX-TV, WTVO/WQRF-TV, 1440 WROK, Blair Inc. Strategic Marketing Communications and KMK Media Group.

Rockford Area CRIME STOPPERS was founded in 1981 as a cooperative effort by Winnebago County citizens, civic leaders, the media and law enforcement officials to help reduce crime. It offers cash rewards up to $1,000 to individuals who call with information that helps law enforcement agencies identify criminal activity, solve crimes, recover stolen property or apprehend fugitives. No tax dollars are ever used for Crime Stoppers rewards.

The organization is funded through private donations. For more information, contact Patty Konstant, 815-319-6069.

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theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Survey highlights reveal positive outlook for growth, improving perceptions among businesses and sponsored by ComEd, were released April 29. The full report can be found at www.rockfordil.com/VoiceOfTheCustomer.

About the Program “I’ve long considered the RAEDC to be the gold standard of how to conduct business outreach; not just for the sake of doing visits, but for offering real tangible solutions to improve the regional economy,” says Ed Sitar, ComEd’s manager of economic and business development.

By Jennie Broecker, RAEDC Businesses in the Rockford Region are feeling increasingly more positive about education, community leadership and quality of life, and almost one-third of businesses plan to expand in the next three years.

Those are the two most significant business climate trends identified through the 2014 Voice of the Customer survey.

Results, conducted by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC)

Since 2004, the RAEDC

has held

confidential interviews with more than 900 companies, which in aggregate employ more than half of our region’s workforce.

The Voice of the Customer (VOC) program is a critical tool to understand the plans of businesses and match them with the resources that foster growth and success.

“This program not only gives us great insight into our local business climate and the factors that are driving decisions to expand, but it also gives us in-depth knowledge of the companies themselves --

allowing us to better connect them

to opportunities that fit their goals for growth,” said Terrance Hall, international trade and business development specialist at the RAEDC.

Expansion Plans In 2014, 35 percent of manufacturers and 31 percent of the 75 companies surveyed overall expect to expand in the next three years. Those anticipated expansions represent a potential $293 million in capital investment, 896,000 square feet of new space and 1,876 new jobs.

“The outlook, while lower than in 2012 and 2013, remains strong coming off three years of aggressive growth and historic wins,” Hall said.

Quality of Life

leaped from 3 percent in 2011 to 25 percent in 2014.

2. Positive perceptions of community leadership jumped from 6 percent in 2011 to 24 percent in 2014, with many citing the influence of the Transform Rockford movement.

3. Positive responses about our quality of life more than doubled from 2012 to 2013, and held steady at 24 percent in 2014.

The survey also identifies opportunities for improvement. While leaders feel better about our quality of life, remaining negativity can still present a barrier to growth. “Our work is not done in this area,” Hall said. “We need to double down on our efforts. We must continue to support initiatives that boost education, downtown development and safety.”

When it comes to quality of life, the Rockford Region is consistently lauded for its attractive low cost of living, proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee, and ideal logistics access for road, rail and air travel.

As well, three positive trends have How You Can Participate emerged over the past four years: quality If you would like your company to join of life, education and community in the VOC survey, contact Bea Miller at leadership.

1. Positive feelings about education bmiller@rockfordil.com or 815-969-4255.

RAEDC thanks Mark Podemski for 10 years of service

By Jennie Broecker, RAEDC After 10 years of service at the RAEDC, Mark Podemski stepped down May 1 as vice president for development. Podemski will be assuming the role of CEO for Ikon Electric in Loves Park, which provides lighting, products, services and costsavings assessments. “The opportunity to work with numerous community, company and organizational leaders over these past 10 years has been very rewarding,” he said.

RAEDC President Mike Nicholas said Podemski has been a proud supporter of the Rockford Region and its businesses -- and a strong force within the organization to help it achieve its mission of improving our area’s economic strength. “We wish him the very best in this new venture and are happy that he will remain in the Rockford area,” Nicholas said.

Achievements during Podemski’s tenure include: ■ Establishing a vibrant business visitation and retention program and personally participating in more than

“I cannot thank Mark enough for his commitment to business expansion and retention, which drives the majority of our community’s primary job growth,” says RAEDC President Mike Nicholas.

500 Voice of the Customer business retention visits.

■ Serving as part of a regional team over the past 10 years that has delivered more than 16,000 new and retained jobs, more than $1.3 billion in investment and more than 13 million square feet of new or renovated space.

■ Leading numerous innovative programs such as the Continuous Improvement Series, International Trade Missions to Sweden, Mayor and Chairman Coffee Talks and several supplier symposiums, to name a few.

The Board of Directors at Rockford Area Economic Development Council has begun the process to fill Podemski’s position. The position is posted at http://tinyurl.com/raedc-vp.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com June 2015

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TechWorks Appreciation Breakfast, June 18 Saying ‘thank you’ to those who support the mission Jon W. Lundin, the founder of TechWorks, would be extremely proud to know that TechWorks is still providing individuals employment through the foundational skills for CNC mill and lathe. Even though TechWorks, now located at Rock Valley College’s Stenstrom Center for Career Education, 4151 Samuelson Road, is on its third location, it has been improved and strengthened with each move.

TechWorks’ new location at SCCE has a central office along with a remodeled classroom accommodating up to 10 students with an overhead projector, whiteboard and individual laptops for student use. Adjacent to the classroom is the CNC “Hands On” lab with state-of-the-art machinery, including a Doosan, DMG Mori Seiki and two YCMs. Two things that have remained the same with TechWorks are Administrative Assistant, Deann

Sharkey, and Training Specialist, Gordy Blaisdell. Both Sharkey and Blaisdell continue to do an outstanding job getting TechWorks students registered, tested and employed upon graduation from the six-week “Fast Track” program. Scott Wallace, Ken Trimmer and David Butts have added to the continued success of TechWorks through their expert training skills and industry knowledge.

Supporting TechWorks In its new location, TechWorks has successfully graduated 22 students, with a class of nine newly registered trainees starting on June 8 with a graduation date of July 17. The success of TechWorks does not end with graduation of the newly skilled students but rather is the beginning of the program’s impact on local manufacturers. Resumes of the graduates are e-mailed to local

manufacturers that have been compiled over the years with the intention of scheduling interviews for open positions.

I was informed by one of our manufacturers who has hired eight TechWorks students to date that, “We always look to hire TechWorks graduates first due to the thorough screening, testing and evaluations the students are subject to. TechWorks graduates are skilled and ready to work.” The local manufacturers who have and continue to hire our TechWorks students make up the other half of this successful equation.

On Thursday, June 18, an appreciation breakfast will be held at the Stenstrom Center, 4151 Samuelson Road, beginning with registration at 7:30 a.m. The breakfast will be a way for TechWorks to say “thank you” to all of those community members and

manufacturers that have supported our mission through hiring of students, Bernie Luecke RVC BPI advisory board participation, donation of equipment and volunteerism. Special guest speaker, RVC Provost Carmen Coballes Vega, will offer remarks. An open house with guided tours will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for those unable to attend the breakfast portion.

For those looking to attend the breakfast and/or open house, please RSVP to Deann Sharkey at 815-921-2192 or D.Sharkey@RockValleyCollege.edu..

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

Manufacturers in the News Woodward enters into joint venture with GE Woodward, Inc., has entered into a joint venture with General Electric, which was addressed at an informal question-and-answer session on May 27 at its Rock Cut campus.

Woodward’s strategic 50/50 joint venture encompasses the design, development, source, supply and service of the fuel system for GE’s large commercial aircraft engine lines, including components from the fuel inlet up to the fuel nozzle, for the GE90, GEnx, GE9X and all future large commercial engines developed by GE Aviation. Woodward will be the preferred supplier to the joint venture.

“This adds more work in our Rock Cut Campus,” said Sagar Patel, president, Aircraft Turbine Systems, Woodward, Inc. “It’s more than just a win-win for Woodward and General Electric. It’s a win for the Rock River Valley community as well.”

Manufacturing Day set for Oct. 2 Manufacturing DaySM, a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, although officially on the first Friday in October, is set this year for Oct. 2 The mission of MFG DAY is to addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. This will allow manufacturers to begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.

Visit www.mfgday.com.

Packaging Tape, Inc., becomes Rocket Industrial Packaging Tape, Inc. (PTI), was renamed Rocket Industrial effective June 1. The company stated that it has grown in scope since its beginnings in 1957 when it sold only packaging tape. It’s evolved into selling thousands of different types of packaging and industrial supply products from hundreds of world-class brands.

Manufacturing News is sponsored by RVC, BPI

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June 2015

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Attracting young talent tough for non-college towns

Crime stats show progress — but many miles to go

By Alex Gary

the violent crime per 1,000 rate dropped to 13.8.

If you Google “Rockford and crime” you quickly find just on the first page of search results stories where Rockford ranked ninth on the Most Dangerous Cities in America list and two Rockford neighborhoods were among the 25 most dangerous in America.

If you are a family considering moving to Rockford for work or a company executive considering whether to expand or relocate to the city, it’s hard to look past just that search page.

And the headlines in May weren’t all that positive. People woke up May 16 to the news that 10 people had been shot overnight at three separate locations.

Even in Rockford’s most difficult places to live, this was eye opening. Yet when you look at FBI crime statistics trends you find good news. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, Rockford appears to be making progress.

■ In 2013 and 2013, both based on half year data, the rate has continued to drop, to 13.4 per 1,000 people in 2013 and then to 11.9 per 1,000 in the first six months of 2014 data.

If the final six months of 2014 data shows the same results; that’s a 20 percent improvement in the violent crime rate in just five years and should be celebrated.

Of course, the goal of Transform Rockford is to be a catalyst to turn Rockford into a top 25 city by 2025. To compare where Rockford was in 2014, compared with the cities Rockford would like to be compared with, shows quite a gap.

Earlier this year, Livability.com, a site Transform Rockford looks at because of its comprehensive data, published its 2015 list of 25 Best Places to Live.

Of those, the FBI, which publishes data for cities with populations of 100,000 or more, had statistics on 15 of Livability’s top 25. As you can see from the list below, Rockford has a ways to go to compete with these cities in the crime category.

■ In 2010, there were 2,283 violent crimes reported when the city had an estimated population of 153,331. That computes to 14.9 violent crimes per 1,000 people.

■ In 2011 and 2012, based on full year data in 2011 and half year data in 2012,

Livability’s Top 25 Cities

Alex Gary is a Transform Rockford volunteer.

(Jan. to June, 2014)

Livability rank, city

Violent Population Crimes

Rate per 1,000 people

#1, Madison, Wis.,

242, 523

794

3.3

#2, Rochester, Minn.

109, 675

182

1.7

#4, Boulder, Colo.

102,828

256

2.5

#6, Berkeley, Calif.

116,217

346

3.0

#7, Santa Clara, Calif.

332,848

1,238

3.7

#9, Boise, Idaho

214,330

602

2.8

#14, Bellevue, Wash.

127,678

148

1.2

#15, San Mateo, Calif.

100,440

214

2.1

#17, Overland Park, Kan.

180,555

274

1.5

#18, Salt Lake City, Utah

190,246

1,312

6.9

#21, Pasadena, Calif.

139,003

348

2.5

#22, Fargo, N.D.

111,101

364

3.3

#23, Ventura, Calif.

108,204

240

2.2

#24, Fort Collins, Colo.

150,066

252

1.7

#25, Sunnyvale, Calif.

148,160

156

1.1

No rank, Rockford, Ill.

150,209

1,784

11.9

To calculate the rates, we took the violent crime reported in the first half of 2014 and doubled it to come up with an annual number.

By Alex Gary

Boosting College Enrollment

Rockford has a number of college options, from Rockford University and Rock Valley College to smaller, niche educators such as Rasmussen and Upper Iowa.

But Rockford does not have a large, four-year, public university, which has led over the decades to a “brain drain.”

Essentially, many more of the area’s top college-bound high school students each year end up leaving Rockford for college than our area college options attract to the area.

The problem is exacerbated by the loss of major corporate headquarters that used to bring new talent to town. In the 1990s, Winnebago and Stephenson counties were home to the corporate headquarters of Sundstrand Corp., CLARCOR, Woodward Governor, AMCORE Financial and Newell Co. Sundstrand was bought out

by Hartford, Conn.-based United Technologies. CLARCOR, after buying land on Rockford’s far east side for a new headquarters, instead moved to Tennessee. Woodward is completing a new manufacturing campus in Loves Park, but the company now is run out of Fort Collins, Colo.; Newell Co. became Newell-Rubbermaid and relocated to Atlanta, and AMCORE didn’t survive the banking meltdown during the Great Recession and now is part of the Canadian-based Bank of Montreal.

What all this means for the future is that Rockford will have to be creative in attracting talented young professionals to the area. The Massachussetts-based American Institute for Economic Research shows just how creative Rockford has to be.

The institute studied migration patterns of college-educated millennials – those 22- to 35-years-old – to see which metro areas were doing the best job in attracting young professionals. The study weighed factors such as racial and ethnic diversity, education levels, rent, earnings, labor market conditions, percentage of commuters who walk or bicycle to work as well as the number of restaurants and bars per capita.

Rockford, of course, will never be Washington, D.C. or Boston. It’ll be difficult, unless Rockford somehow lands a major college campus or makes a concerted effort to work with its current colleges to boost enrollment, to become a serious attraction for young talent.

Of the 10 metros that topped the small or smaller metros, nine are essentially college towns (Ithica has Cornell, Fort Collins has Colorado State, Bloomington has Indiana) and the 10th, Trenton, N.J., is nestled next to both the New York and Philadelphia metro areas.

Alex Gary is a Transform Rockford volunteer.

Top metropolitan areas by size

Major metros 1. Washington D.C. 2. San Francisco/Oakland, Calif.

3. Boston 4. San Jose/Santa Clara, Calif.

5. New York City

Small metros 1. Ann Arbor, Mich.

2. Fort Collins, Colo.

3. Gainesville, Fla. 4. Lincoln, Neb. 5. Trenton, N.J.

Midsize metros 1. Bridgeport/Stamford, Conn.

2. Honolulu 3. Provo/Orem, Utah 4. Albany, N.Y. 5. Portland, Maine

Smallest metros 1. Iowa City, Iowa 2. Ithica, N.Y. 3. Lawrence, Kan. 4. Champaign-Urbana, Ill. 5. Bloomington, Ind.

Transform Rockford honors volunteers On May 11, Transform Rockford spent a night saluting the hundreds of volunteers in the area that have given considerable time to help create a unified vision for Rockford’s future.

More than 200 volunteers came to the Prairie Street Brewhouse for the celebration, which was hosted by Woodward CEO and Rockford native Tom Gendron. More than 10,000 people either volunteered to be part of the visioning process or came to a community vision event.

“To have all of you here is great. That means we have a movement,” Gendron said during the event. “That’s what

we were striving for when we started Transform Rockford.”

Gendron and Transform Rockford acknowledged several volunteers for efforts above and beyond the call of duty.

Those recognized were Chuck Konkol, Linda Zuba, Ron Clewer, Jazz Keyes, Ed Koscak, Scott Anderson and LoRayne Logan.

This year, Transform Rockford, with the considerable help of the people named above, is moving from establishing a vision to 14 issue-focused teams identifying and defining the strategies necessary to attain that vision.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2015

Rockford Chamber Golf Classic 2015

Golf Classic sold out event The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic was a sold-out event with more than 145 golfers enjoying a beautiful but windy day on May 18 at The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford. Awards were given during a buffet dinner following golf. Longest Putt went to Dave Sobojinski, Longest Drive Men to Tom Matus and Closest to the Pin Women to Beth Howard. The winning foursome was Dave Beto, Jeff Beto, Ned Gillette and Amos Yoder.

Thanks goes to sponsors: SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (presenting), Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (gold), Blackhawk Bank (gift), OSF Healthcare (photo), and The Alliance and General Mitchell International Airport (greens).

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Spotlight on Women & Minority Business Leaders

June 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

IGNITE

Young Professionals

IGNITE: developing leadership diversity in the community It is a crazy exciting time to be part of IGNITE. We’ve launched the secondannual IGNITE Cup, which I’m sure you’ve heard about. We have more than 100 participants vying for the bragging rights and the coveted cup, which will be handed out at the end of the event. It has been amazing to see so many young professionals become involved in the community.

IGNITE Cup has changed from last year; we’ve gone from tracking IGNITEsponsored event participation to Rockford local participation. The way the point structure is set up, the teams can benefit by being active in the community and promoting local Chamber businesses. If you have a group of young professionals visit your establishment, ask them if they’re part of IGNITE Cup. If they are, take their picture and have them post it to the IGNITE Facebook page and hashtag your business! A little free advertising never hurt, right?

As a leadership team, we’re always wondering what we can do more for our community. Recently, leadership and diversity have been large parts of our meetings. We’ve discussed how we can reach our membership and better serve the organizations that our members come from. We’ve given tours to several young doctors considering the Rockford area and feel that is something we can offer to the companies in the region.

Diversity has always been a key issue in the business community. Especially with Sheryl Sandberg and Lean In becoming such a prevalent part of popular culture and society in general. When I go to an After 5 (which is our take on the happy hour), I always look around to see what type of individual we’re attracting.

I’m happy to say that when I look at our group, I see a great mix of men and women who do a variety of things from sales to engineering and pretty much everything

Andrew Hendrickson IGNITE Rockford

in between. We have people from the Rockford area and others whose career or family has brought them here.

The point is, we’re a diverse community.

IGNITE is no different, and we’re always looking for ways to improve.

Community Engagement Our Involve and Educate committees work to develop our membership into the leaders of tomorrow. Involve has really gotten off to a great start over the past year by implementing monthly community events and Quarterly Updates on Topics of Engagement (QUOTE). We go out in the community to learn about issues facing the area and how we can become more involved.

We’ve helped out with the Rockford Public Schools, the Veteran Drop In Center, held a non-profit forum, and more.

Great leaders are aware of issues facing the community and are actively involved in helping with the solutions to those issues.

Educate holds a monthly lunch outside the box where young professionals learn about a specific topic and have the opportunity to become more involved in a cause or with an organization of interest.

We are always looking for speakers and facilitators for our events, so if you would like to get involved, please let a member of the IGNITE leadership team know.

We’d love to learn more about the businesses in our community and how we can help your organization’s young professionals to enjoy and prosper in Rockford. Ultimately, we’d like to help develop the next generation of leaders in the community Andrew Hendrickson is staff accountant at Wipfli LLP and a member of the IGNITE Leadership Team.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

June 2015

Celebration of Leadership (continued from front page)

The program started with a teambuilding experience at Stronghold Castle in Oregon, and included a trip to Springfield to meet with state legislators. Other highlights included visits to the Coronado Performing Arts Center, SwedishAmerican and Rockford University. The class heard from various keynote speakers every other week throughout the program.

As part of their service, participants volunteered for community projects with various nonprofit organizations, such as The First Tee of Greater Rockford, Ski Broncs, and Lydia House. Nearly $70,000 was raised among seven fundraising projects.

“We have great leaders and great opportunities within Rockford,” said Vee Jevremovic, manager of education programs and events for the chamber.

“The best way to become involved is by meeting and hearing from other leaders who are fully engaged. Making connections is the best thing to come from Leadership Rockford.”

Aaron Potter is a two-time boomeranger.

The Winnebago native lived and worked in the U.K. before moving back to the Rockford area. Then, he left for South Bend, Indiana, for a few years, before returning again. These days, Potter is the director of finance at Bergstrom, Inc., and the first employee from his company to take part in Leadership Rockford.

“This program allowed me to reconnect and, at the same time, put me into action,” he said. “What I’ve discovered is that as

a volunteer, I can make just as big of an impact in the community as I can serving on a board.”

Leadership Rockford moderators were honored during the luncheon. The outgoing moderators were Mary Beth Clausen, The Morrissey Family Businesses; Chuck Meyers, Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District; and Kika Young, Forest City Gear. The incoming moderators are Gabe Chappell, Associated Bank; Derek Erwin, Raymond James Associates, and Jessica Hayes, Manpower.

The chamber will begin taking applications for next year’s Leadership Rockford class in June. The program runs from October to May. For more information, contact Vee Jevremovic at 815987-8100.

The presenting sponsor of this year’s program and luncheon was PNC Bank.

Graduation sponsors were Associated Bank, Axberg, A Div. of Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc., Fehr Graham, FIELD, HolmstromKennedyPC, McGladrey LLP, OSF Healthcare, Raymond James, Reno & Zahm LLP, Rockford Housing Authority, Savant Capital Management, SwedishAmerican, A Div. of UW Health, and UTC Aerospace Systems. theVoice

Spotlight on Women & Minority Business Leaders

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June 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Spotlight on Women & Minority Business Leaders

What is leadership?

Is it a learned trait or something you’re born with? Does it come with an influential title, or can a leader influence from the bottom of the organizational hierarchy? Perhaps the most basic definition, proposed by Jeff Fahrenwald at Rockford University in an earlier edition of The Voice, is that a leader is someone who has followers.

Here’s what some leaders in history think…

“The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” Colin Powell “Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.”

Marian Anderson

“Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together.”

Jesse Jackson

“Leadership and learning are “indispensable to each other.”

John F. Kennedy, speech prepared for delivery in Dallas the day of his assassination, Nov. 22, 1963

“The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it.”

Elaine Agather

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”

Peter Drucker

“Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”

Harry S Truman “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.”

Stephen Covey

“I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”

Ralph Nader Source: www.quotationspage.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Mentoring – an old practice in current demand A duty to society

“Understanding how to become a productive citizen in this new country and society could not have happened without the mentoring given to me …”

In 1984, when I arrived as a young Colombian architect to the land of opportunity in the United States, I encountered a different culture, language, society, and substantially different customs. I was basically lost!

Understanding how to become a productive citizen in this new country and society could not have happened without the mentoring given to me by people like my father-in-law Bill Specht, Bill Graham, Ed Ware, Jim Sanger, Chip Williams and John Anderson.

These six individuals provided me with diverse perspectives, experiences and opinions on how to be an active citizen, community member, businessperson and entrepreneur in this society.

The lessons I learned from them are represented in what my architectural practice is today, in the person I became, and in how I have contributed to this, my community.

A common theme in the advice received was that it was my duty to mentor others; a recommendation I have implemented in my architectural practice, personal life, church and throughout my community volunteering. Intentionally, I have shared my experiences with many in order to provoke different ways of thinking, problem solving, designing, understanding and learning.

Advice, Encouragement Mentoring is an old practice dating back to Homer’s Odyssey. Although the mentoring that the young Telemachus received from Athena when he needed advice and orientation is not the same guidance for today’s individuals need, mentoring is a necessity and the duty of many in today’s society.

It is my hope that my mentoring relationships have produced critical benefits to the people I have interacted with as much as the critical benefit I have received from them during these years. These experiences have involved the following.

Critical Benefits of Mentoring ■ Advice. This could be the most

Daniel G. Saavedra Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects

important benefit a mentor can give.

Although a person can receive advice in many different ways, as a mentor, you can help to discern and evaluate so the best decision possible can be taken.

■ Skill Improvement. This could be from showing a different way to do a task to how to communicate better so they understand the task at hand.

■ Venting. Because the frustrations of owning a business will bring stress to people in many different ways, releasing frustrations with business partners, associates or employees can cause instability in the organization. They need a trustworthy person to express their frustration in a confidential matter.

Your job as a mentor in this case is to listen, evaluate and advise.

■ Networking. Your mentor can help you with the contacts you need in the community to make your business relationships more successful. Your mentor will not make the contact but will make the referral and give you advice on the best way to approach that new relationship.

■ Confidence. When you have a credible mentor, the result is seen in the strength of your confidence when you face a decision-making moment.

■ Encouragement. As a mentor you can share the type of struggles you had when you started. This way you can teach that all of us have similar difficulties and provide examples of how to solve them in a productive way.

■ Honesty. Self-descriptive. Stay away from those who manipulate power and positions. You are better off in the long run, even in defeat, to act honorably and with respect in all situations.

Your expertise is needed by many.

Don’t be afraid to share with others what your life, family and business organization have given to you. Pass your experiences on to others, but do it without expecting anything in return. Do it because it is your duty in society. Your community will be better with your participation.

The persons you mentor may have an easier integration into their networks and organizations, and they can develop their own ability to mentor others.

Daniel G. Saavedra is co-founder and president of Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects, Rockford.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Spotlight on Women & Minority Business Leaders

June 2015

Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

The power, pervasiveness of silos

Communicating despite the differences In my last class of the semester in the MBA program at Rockford University, “Gender Relations in Organizations,” my students and I were discussing their final exams; business cases they had written and were required, as part of their final grade, to present to the rest of the class. I was excited about this particular class, as I had read their cases and felt that they did an excellent job of covering a spectrum of issues with regards to gender and how it can impact negotiation styles, power brokering, communication and leadership. As a result, I was looking forward to hearing how the discussion would go and what people would find most compelling.

Idea Silos As sometimes happens, the discussion began veering off track to associated issues regarding a lack of understanding of others in general, not just gender differences. As we were discussing these issues, the question was raised regarding how to deal with someone you perceived as having a different view from yours. A variety of different responses were given but in the mix was the response of “I’m done with you. I have nothing to say.”

I asked if that would further the discussion, whereupon I heard, “It doesn’t matter. I can’t deal with that person.” So the solution was to remain in what I would call an idea silo. No exchange necessary. No question asking and answering. No further curiosity.

Done, just done.

I brought up the idea that if we refuse to interact with each other, things don’t get better, they get worse. I posited that when people have differing ideas, perhaps they have them because of their experiences or something they heard and that, if you ask questions and try to understand and explain, they might alter their perspective. Or, heaven forbid, you might alter yours!

Also, perception is not always reality, and if you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

I was discouraged but not surprised by their reactions. After all, that is the example we see all around us. We live in an increasingly opinionated society where there are sides to issues and you must take a stand (forget not having an opinion one way or another – that’s not allowed). Once you take a stand, you must declare “enemies” of those people who are not in your idea silo. This is the societal version of the organizational silos we see that can cripple an otherwise successful business.

From Silos to Wide Open Fields

Andrea Gibbs Rockford University

Discussions, no matter how tedious they can become, are good to engage in as we almost always walk away from them with a different understanding of what it means to communicate across all kinds of differences, from gender to culture and everything in between. It is true if we are dealing with coworkers, suppliers, supervisors or customers.

How does this relate to commerce? I believe as our community goes, so go our businesses. If we can’t talk to each other in our society, we won’t be able to do it in any of our organizations, business or otherwise. Our organizations will not learn, nor will they grow!

The cornerstones of free speech are curiosity, civil discourse and mutual respect. We must uphold these values in our organizations and our communities because the consequences of not upholding them do not bode well for our businesses, our neighbors or ourselves. Providing argued reasoning and thoughtful debate in an open forum is a behavior that will benefit us throughout our community. The alternative to open discussion silences reason, compromise and eventually our collective efforts.

Part of argued reasoning is asking yourself why you hold your opinions. In so doing, you examine your perspective and begin to understand your position is based on your experiences and perceptions; some of which are defendable, some of which may be more tenuous. My students and I were studying gender differences but this concept applies to everything that influences us. Once you examine your perspective with its pros and cons, then it may be easier to see another perspective. Also, perspectives are nuanced and complicated. Rarely does anyone fit into a nice, clean box.

Again, as we discovered with gender, it is infrequent that a communication is purely a function of one’s gender.

It is possible we may choose to remain divided; to stay in our idea silos. If so, asking questions is probably unnecessary. If, however, we choose to begin the process of understanding and acceptance, the way home is to start the discussion.

Andrea Gibbs is an adjunct professor in the MBA program at Rockford University.

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

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June 2015

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Where Are They Now? In 2008, the Rockford Chamber launched the 40 Leaders Under 40 awards program to honor those movers, shakers and up-andcomers who make things happen.

Here’s a look at what some of them are doing now!

(left) In 2008, Broecker (then Pollock) was the editor of Rockford Woman magazine and deputy managing editor of the Rockford Register Star.

(left) In 2008, Swanson (now Erdman) was the general manager of the local non-profit Christian television station, Total Living Network TV51.

(above, right) Broecker speaks at the Bring Back Our Girls rally at the peace plaza last May. “I worked with the YWCA to organize that because the kidnappings in Nigeria hit close to home for me after traveling to the country in 2010.”

(above, right) “I’m not a businesswoman at the moment, and my life is quite different than when I was running the TV station. I am taking care of three very active children, three years old and under. My oldest has special needs, and I’ve been challenged in ways very different from when I was a businesswoman.”

Jennie Broecker

others. Even when we thought the answer was going to be “no,” more times than not, the answer was “yes.”

What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry? Love what you do, make sure you are being fulfilled and use the greatest of your talents.

Who is your role model and why? Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church.

He is humble, doesn’t get caught up in fame, power, money or success and continues to challenge himself and the church in new ways every day.

Where are you now? I am the communications and marketing coordinator for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), where we position our community for growth, promote what our region has to offer in the global economy and share the positive news that has been building.

What did you take away by becoming an honoree? I was fortunate to network with a diverse group of up-and-comers who aren’t afraid to lead or to be themselves.

What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? That I am capable of many things, with the support of my family and friends.

What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry? Be relevant to your audience, be valuable to your employer and be happy at least part of every day.

Who is your role model and why? I was fortunate to learn from hardworking, loving parents. But if I had to pick a famous role model, Melinda Gates sets an admirable example as a mom, businesswoman and philanthropist.

Any key turning points in your career or family? I got divorced. I traveled to Nigeria on a Rotary International mission trip. I got promoted to a corporate position, created an amazing 60-person operation and got laid off, all in two years. I almost moved. And I reinvented my career with an organization that pairs passion with purpose. So, yep! All of them made me a better person.

Holly Swanson Erdman

Where are you now? I am now married with three kids and live in the western suburbs of Chicago.

What did you take away by becoming an honoree? I was humbled to receive this award. It made me want to give back more to the community and help out wherever I was asked.

What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Working for a non-profit and having very limited resources, you had to lean on

David Anderson

Where are you now? Today I am managing the daily operations of Anderson Japanese Gardens. I continue to be active with Next Rockford and still sit on the YMCA board. I joined the RACVB board about two years ago.

What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? I have had the opportunity to participate on several notfor-profit boards, which has allowed me to meet and interact with many of Rockford’s great leaders. I have learned so much by watching how they conduct themselves and express their feelings during board meetings. Many of these relationships turn into close personal friendships.

(left) In 2008, Anderson was managing Spring Creek Development Group, a real estate development firm, and involved in Next Rockford and serving on the boards of the YMCA of Rock River Valley and The Literacy Council. (above, right) “There are a lot of talented ‘young people’ making a difference in Rockford. It’s an honor to have been nominated and eventually selected as one of the people who are working hard to make Rockford a better place.”

What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry? The Japanese gardening community is pretty small, as you can imagine.

I’d tell people who are considering becoming involved in a visitor attraction that it is a deeply rewarding industry. Anderson Japanese Gardens has a profound positive impact on thousands of people every year. For each guest that impact is different, but what we aim to achieve is to have guests leave feeling upbeat and energized.

Who is your role model and why? Boy, that’s a challenging question to answer. The characteristics of a role model are easier for me to define. People who have a positive attitude, who are humble and who are creative so they can overcome challenges. I also look to people who are good listeners and who ask for input to understand different perspectives before making a decision.

Any key turning points in your career or family? Kids. … I have four of them now. Before kids, the first thing I would do when I got home from the office was to fire-up my laptop. Not anymore. I still work from home in the evenings and on weekends, but not nearly to the extent that I used to. There is always a lot of energy around the house, which is mostly a good thing.

A FEW QUESTIONS FROM 2008 WE ASKED AGAIN …

Name the adjective that best describes you.

Determined (or loud!) Jennie Broecker Active. Holly Swanson Erdman

What do you like to do “off the clock”?

What’s your hidden talent?

None. You’ve seen my cooking on Instagram.

Jennie Broecker If I’ve driven a car somewhere just once, I can always find my way back. Holly Swanson Erdman

Read. Go to the gym. Spend time outdoors with my If you weren’t doing what you are now, daughters. Jennie Broecker what job would you want?

Playing sports was always my thing. Now I’m enjoying teaching my kids how to play. I can’t wait I might like to start my own business. I just don’t until they’re old enough to ice skate and ski! Holly know what it is yet. Jennie Broecker Swanson Erdman I would like to run another not-for-profit and make a difference in people’s (or animals’) lives. Holly Swanson Erdman

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June 2015

Thank you, leaders!

Apple founder Steve Jobs once said, “If you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful ... just figure out what’s next.”

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Leadership Over the past 30 years of the RACVB’s existence, the bureau has done something pretty good ... we’ve had great leaders. They have pushed our organization to do more, try more and ultimately succeed more so that we have a community that is more appealing to both residents and visitors.

The bureau’s successes are due in large part to the astute and long-term focus of the leaders who founded the bureau -initially as the Tourism & Conventions Committee of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, which became the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in 1984 – and the RACVB boards of directors who had both the vision and sense of urgency to set a speedy pace.

Leadership Inducted Into Tourism Hall of Fame

Jim Pirages, the longest-serving chair of the RACVB board of directors, represented past board chairs when the group of 13 former chairs was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame. annually for our sites, attractions and events. That’s the most visitors yet in our history.

Since 2011, the hospitality and leisure industry has led the Rockford area as the fastest-growing sector in job creation, with a more than 11 percent growth rate. Locally, leisure and hospitality jobs are at a record level with about 13,900 jobs. Put another way, one in 10 working adults is employed in the arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodations or food service sectors.

We often say that “Tourism Means Jobs” and these statistics confirm that.

In recognition of their legacy and contributions, the RACVB founders, represented by former Rockford Mayor John McNamara, and the RACVB board of director chairs, were inducted into the RACVB Tourism Hall of Fame at our recent annual luncheon meeting. In addition, On The Waterfront, represented by its longtime CEO Becky Genoways, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.

All three groups personify the concept of leadership.

Among the names on the official incorporation document dated Sept. 27, 1984 were Vance Barrie, Brian Blair, Mark Bonavia, Jody Cicio, Paul Logli, Martha Mitchell, Carl Nelson and Carol Pollack.

Additional leaders instrumental in creating the RACVB were Mayor McNamara, Winnebago County Board Chair Gene Quinn, Mayor of Loves Park Joe Sinkiewicz, Roy Fridh, John Holub, Doug Logan, Earl Palmer and Rex Parker.

The 13 past RACVB board chairs are Brian Blair, Vance Barrie, Mark Bonavia, Jim Pirages, John Nolte, Brian Brown, Shawn Carney, Jeff Smith, Bob Rhea, Rena Cotsones, Mark Stefanic, Linda Heckert and Darrell Snorek. Nine were represented for the induction.

The RACVB is profoundly grateful to those who came before us, leaders who were instrumental in leading our bureau.

We’ve had exceptional volunteer board members and chairs. They helped craft and shape the vision of the RACVB.

Perhaps what we are proudest of is the enhanced quality of life for residents that comes with a strong visitor economy. A place a person wants to visit is a place a person wants to live. Cities that prioritize destination promotion, and also coordinate these efforts with economic development initiatives, are better positioned to compete for new investments, corporate relocations and a talented workforce.

Our board has always pushed us to encourage the development of new products that appeal to residents and attract visitors.

Thanks to an invaluable group of leaders, many worthy products and projects have moved forward that now or soon will enhance our quality of life and draw more visitors. Recent examples include the now-under-construction downtown sports complex, expansions at Sportscore Two, our Forest City Beautiful initiative to beautify the Rockford Region, world-class sculptures to enhance downtown Rockford and much, much more!

Successful Outcomes: More Visitors, More Jobs

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

How has the bureau done? How are we doing? Back in 1984, 4 million visitors came here to see our sites and attractions.

Now, 6.7 million people visit the region

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

Enhanced Quality of Life for Residents

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

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill.) held a ribbon cutting at his Rockford district office on May 4 at 725 N. Lyford Road, Ste. 3.

Associated Bank held an open house and ribbon cutting on May 6 at 4400 Center Terrace, Rockford.

Meijer held a ribbon cutting on May 19 at 2013 McFarland Road, Rockford.

Rock Valley Credit Union held a ribbon cutting on May 21 for its new location inside Meijer at 2013 McFarland Road, Rockford.

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June 2015

Recipe for student success

Equal parts commitment, leadership … and passion I thought about passion when I heard about the company culture at Zappos, the online shoe company.

If there’s a formula for sustaining student success, it goes like this: equal parts commitment from community partners, central office leadership and school building leadership, and teacher-leaders.

But there’s one more important ingredient: passion.

I thought about passion when I heard about the company culture at Zappos, the online shoe company.

New hires at Zappos are given a choice during training: If they want to stay, great. If they don’t, the company offers them $2,000 to quit. The company figures $2,000 is cheaper than having employees around who are not invested in success.

I also thought about passion at Auburn High School when I spent a Saturday morning in May as part of a panel judging senior seminar (or Capstone) projects. The 16 Renaissance Gifted Academy students did yearlong academic projects, which they had to boil down to 10-minute presentations with a five-minute Q and A from the judges. Andrea Wallace won a $1,000 scholarship for her project about transitioning middle school students to high school. Other projects ranged from how the evolution of marketing and advertising has paralleled the evolution of technology to how writing styles bridge the gap between separated minds.

While only one student could take home the top scholarship, all of the students exuded passion for their topics. The success of the seminars demonstrated the formula for sustaining student success: Community partners: At Roosevelt Alternative High School, where three students also did Capstone projects, community agencies such as Remedies Renewing Lives and Rock House Kids helped. The students learned about the pervasive problems of homelessness

and domestic violence. They learned how solutions require commitment, research, a high level of training, and a passion for moving the needle on complex and difficult problems.

Central office and school building leadership: Dave Carson is our executive director of college and career readiness at the Rockford Public Schools. He knows how the discipline and critical thinking required in Capstone projects is great training for college or careers. The passion for the Capstone concept sustained Carson’s work on a larger, districtwide implementation of Capstone projects.

We hope to begin Capstone classes at each of our high schools in two years.

Teacher-leaders: John Rauh is a teacher in Auburn’s Renaissance program who advised the 16 students over eight months of senior seminar work. That required more than skilled teaching. It required passion for guiding students through their first experience with independent academic study. “I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Rauh said. “They were wrestling with quite a bit beyond simply attempting to say something noteworthy.”

As I head into my third year as superintendent, I have gained insight into what it takes to develop a highperforming public education system. It takes the passion of people like those I have mentioned above. It takes people engaged in teaching. People engaged in leadership at the central office level and school building level. People engaged in community partnerships.

Building a culture around excellent education is more important than selling shoes online. But like the executives at Zappos, I have a question for the Rockford community (although I don’t have a check): Are you all in?

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.

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the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Roberta Holzwarth

2. David Anderson

3. Bryan Davis

4. Sylvia Baker

5. George Ralph

6. Charles Box

7. Tracy Richter

8. Bradley Anderson

9. Joshua Brown

10. Rich Benjamin

11. Kelly Brendel

12. Stacy Jones

13. Shane Heeren

14. Meghan Moss

15. Michael Hughes

16. Christina Anderson

BOARD APPOINTMENTS The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau board of directors elected new officers for one-year terms beginning May, 2015: Roberta Holzwarth (1), chairman; David Anderson (2), vice chairman; Gary Strakeljahn, secretary, and Bill LaFever, treasurer. It approved new board member, Bryan Davis (3), for a three-year term.

Sylvia Baker (4), RN, clinical education specialist, Rockford Health System, was elected to

serve on the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) board.

Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners elected the following officers for one year: Ian Linnabary, president; Jack Armstrong, vice president, and Julie Elliott, secretary.

Rockford Bank & Trust appointed George Ralph (5) as board chairman and former Rockford Mayor Charles Box (6) as vice chairman.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS Tracy Richter (7) joined Associated Bank as senior vice president private banking, Bradley Anderson (8) as vice president portfolio manager and Joshua Brown (9) as assistant vice president relationship manager.

Geoff Roemerman was promoted to vice president retail market manager.

Rich Benjamin (10) was promoted to director of athletics at Judson University and also will continue his role as head baseball coach. Former director Joel Cotton stepped down but continues his role as head men’s basketball coach.

SwedishAmerican welcomed new advanced practice nurse, Kelly Brendel (11), APN, who joined Dr. Arthur Breck at the Byron Clinic for extended patient care and enhanced chronic disease management.

Stacy Jones (12) joined Alpine Bank as a mortgage lender.

RAMP hired Tiffany Warren as development associate - major gifts.

Mike Roche was named member services manager of The Alliance.

Shane Heeren (13), Rockford Mutual Insurance Company, was promoted to vice president of marketing and sales.

Blackhawk Bank promoted Meghan Moss (14) to assistant vice president, business banking, and Michael Hughes (15) to mortgage planner.

Laura E. Wilhelmi was named director of development for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

George Hausermann, First National Bank and Trust Company, was promoted to senior vice president, senior technology and operations officer.

The Greater Rockford Airport Authority hired Michelle Faye Cassaro as the new chief financial officer of Chicago Rockford International Airport.

Rockford University promoted Christina (Tina) Anderson (16) to senior vice president of business & chief financial officer and Ryan Cushing to director of information technology.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Dr. Joshua Kannankeril was chosen by the senior class to win the James E. Rebel Award, for dedication and enthusiasm for learning medicine and personal sensitivity towards others at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford’s first combined Convocation for the College of Medicine and Masters of Science in Medical Biotechnology class of 2015 in April.

Mike Brown (17), president and CEO of the YMCA of Rock River Valley, was named a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Young at Heart festival organizers announced at Harlem High School that junior Stephen Cain’s artwork was chosen for this year’s festival buttons and promo materials. He won $100.

Judson University alum George Heller, business marketing, and his team won the $1,000 grand prize for Judson’s first-ever Shark Tank.

Heller presented a business plan for an automated home fire suppressant system that can detect and put out a fire. The team also incorporated its business and has a design patent pending.

Entré Computer Solutions named Toby Burton (18) as its Employee of the Quarter.

Judson University honored several of its 202 graduates during its 73rd commencement ceremonies in May in Elgin, Ill.: Christopher Simon, management major, Student Service Award; Alexandra Paige Raines, secondary (English) education major, President’s Scholar Award; Kiel Cross, communications management major, Student Service Award;

Continued on page 21

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June 2015

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

17. Mike Brown

18. Toby Burton

19. Doug Slater

21. Kyle Kite

22. Jon Gallas

23. Megan Gearhart

(continued from page 20) Jaimee Bartha, a master of arts in organizational leadership candidate, Ames Leadership Award, and Wayne Pearson, master of business administration major, charter W.R. Meadows Inc. Business Award.

Dr. Ramaswamy Kalyanasundaram, professor of microbiology and immunology, head of the biomedical sciences department, and assistant dean for research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, received up to $2,342,954 over four years for research to evaluate a lymphatic filariasis vaccine. He aims to eradicate lymphatic filariasis after a five-month sabbatical in his homeland of India.

Chandra Lopez of Rock Valley College traveled to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in May as a part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars project.

Doug Slater (19), Rockford Mutual Insurance Company, earned the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) designation.

Attorney Stephen Balsley, Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera, received the Service Above Self Award from the Rockford Rotary.

Laura Gray (20) was named Comfort Keeper of the Month for April, 2015

by Comfort Keepers Northwest Illinois.

Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners awarded Alison (Ali) Gorman, a student at SIUEdwardsville, with Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship for young women. The $2,500 annual scholarship is renewable for up to four years for a total of $10,000.

Deryk Hayes, Rockford Housing Authority, completed the first component of the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities Executive Leadership Institute at the University of Michigan. Bridget Weeks completed the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Rockford program. Ron Clewer, CEO, earned a Certificate in Executive Leadership from the Alliance for Strong Families

20. Laura Gray

and Communities Executive Leadership Institute at the University of Michigan.

Judson University selected five incoming freshman as World Leaders Forum Student Scholars: Sam Carani, business; Taylor Hiland, pre-med; Davis Hitch, biology; Kyra Patterson, secondary education (mathematics), and Melodie Rivera, secondary education.

OF GENERAL INTEREST John Frana, president of theFranaGroup, presented “Life Lessons for Becoming an FQHC/ FQHC Look-Alike” at the National Council for Behavioral Health in Orlando, Fla.; outlining what Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike status can mean to community mental health centers.

Bruce Graham, Spectrum Insurance Agency, attended “Principles of Building Construction and Estimating” by RestorX. Graham, Brandon Latino, Nancy Salsbury and Shirley Geiser attended “Additional Insured Endorsements and Certificate Issues” by Pekin Insurance.

Kyle Kite (21), Klaas Financial, inc., visited Barcelona and Paris for his one-year MBA program through Northern Illinois University.

Scott Trenhaile, M.D., presented “Rotator cuff augmentation with scaffolds - clinical application” to 400 attendees at the First European Symposium of Biomaterials in Orthopedics and Spine in April in Poznan, Poland.

Jon Gallas (22), PT, DPT, CSCS, and Megan Gearhart (23), PT, OCS, Rockford Orthopedic Associates, Ltd., authored a research study, “Conservative Management of Tarsal Syndrome in the Competitive Distance Runner,” to be published in the latest edition of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice.

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

June 2015

Community Events COMMUNITY RSO, Anderson Japanese Gardens present Symphony Saturdays The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is launching its family-friendly series, Symphony Saturdays, this summer with Anderson Japanese Gardens.

The educational program introduces the four-instrument families of the orchestra (string, woodwind, brass and percussion), to children in an up-close and personal presentation with professional RSO musicians.

Families attending the four, hour-long sessions from 10 to 11 a.m., learn about the orchestra, engage with professional musicians and hear live music in an intimate setting at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Monday, June 1

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., hosts The LEGO® Exhibit through June 21 with colorful LEGO® bricks and sculptures set among tropical plants, LEGO® contests and elaborate displays by area LEGO® clubs. Visit www.nicholasconservatory.com.

Dates for Summer, 2015:

Tuesday, June 2

Rockford Park District presents a free concert, Navy Band Great Lakes Wind Ensemble, with 34 active duty musicians, 7 p.m., at Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., in celebration of Navy Week. Call 815-987-8800 or visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/oprec.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts a Crayon Collection, June 2, 2 to 5 p.m., and June 6, 9 a.m. to noon, at 4665 Hydraulic Road, Rockford, or 13125 N. 2nd St., Roscoe. Broken crayons are recycled into new shapes for the next academic year. Visit www.

Knib.org or call 815-637-1343.

Wednesday, June 3

Rockford Public Library presents Three Week Class for Men on Men’s Health, noon to 1 p.m., on June 3, 10, 17, Montague Branch, Connie Lane Room, 1238 S. Winnebago St. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Friday, June 5

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden presents the 22nd annual Garden Fair at 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, on Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 50 vendors will showcase flowers, yard art, gardening tools, vintage furniture, reclaimed wood products and handmade organic soaps. Call 815-965-8146 or visit klehm.org.

Saturday, June 6

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County hosts a free Fishing Event designed especially for families and kids, 8 a.m. to noon at Four Lakes Forest Preserve, 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica. Limited quantity event t-shirts, commemorative photos and “largest fish” prizes.

Monday, June 8

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts a Golf Play Day, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford. Visit www.Knib.org or call 815-637-1343.

Tuesday, June 9

Wesley Willows and Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center invite the public to attend a showing of the award-winning movie, “I’ll Be Me,” which portrays the life and career of great American music Icon, Glen

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Bodacious Brass, June 13

Spectacular Strings, Aug. 8

Wonderful Woodwinds, July 11

Powerful Percussion, Sept. 12

Cost is $10 per student, which includes garden admission for the accompanying guardian, per each session. Visit www.andersongardens.org or call 815-229-9390.

Campbell, 7 p.m., at First Free Evangelical Church, 2223 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Buy tickets at 815-316-1500.

Thursday, June 11

Women of Today’s Manufacturing hosts Rise & Shine with Rockford Process Controls, 7:30 to 9 a.m., at 2020 7th St., $15 (members); $20 (non-members). Registration required at www.wotm-rockford.com/event/ coming-soon/.

Next Rockford General Membership Meeting, 7:30 a.m., at the YWCA, 4990 E. State St., Rockford. Features Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey and Winnebago County Chairman Scott Christensen. Interested Gen X/Y welcome to attend. For questions contact Scott Anderson, sanderson@ rustoleum.com or 815-904-2407.

Lifescape Community Services presents its 22nd annual (and final) Senior Follies on June 11 and 12.

Shows on June 11 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and June 12 at 2 p.m., at Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. Call 815-963-1609 or visit Alpine Bank locations.

Saturday, June 13

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts a Flag Collection, 9 a.m. to noon for respectful retirement at 4665 Hydraulic Road, Rockford, or 13125 N. 2nd St., Roscoe. Visit www.Knib.org or call 815-637-1343.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra hosts its family-friendly Symphony Saturdays: Bodacious Brass, 10 to 11 a.m., at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road. For tickets visit www.andersongardens.org.

Sunday, June 14

Rockford Public Library presents Ruby Harris and the Wavehunters, 2 to 3 p.m., at the Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St. The jazz and Motown event features Harris’ latest CD “Almost Home” with three Grammy wins. Harris performed before President Bill Clinton at the Democratic National Convention. Seating limited to the first 280. Registration not required.

Granite City Food & Brewery, 7140 Harrison Ave., Rockford, is Tapping its new Gold Fever Belgium Golden Strong Ale, 4 to 6 p.m., with complimentary samples. Father’s Day Brunch reservations available for June 21, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 815-3327070.

Wednesday, June 17

YWCA Rockford presents its 2015 symposium, Cultural Competency and Beyond, with a free kickoff community presentation with keynote Theodore Shaw, 6 to 8 p.m., at Rockford University Maddox Theatre, followed by a workshop on June 18 on racial and social justice, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at RPL Nordloff Center. Visit www.ywca.org/rockford. Click events.

NIU EIGERlab presents its FastPitch competition, Rockford’s version of “Shark Tank,” 5 p.m., at NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State St., with guest speaker and founder of Sittercity.com, Genevieve Thiers.

Sittercity is America’s first and largest network to connect parents with caregivers online – from childcare and pet care to home care and tutoring.

Visit www.eigerlab.org/fastpitchcompetition/.

Thursday, June 18

RAMP presents its sixth-annual, nine-hole Bad Pants Golf Scramble at Timber Pointe Golf Course, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove.

Registration is 2 p.m.; shotgun start at 3 p.m.; dinner to follow. Contest holes, on-course drink tastings and silent auction. Register at 815-968-7467 or visit rampcil.org. Click on Events.

Friday, June 19

Judson University hosts the SOAR Leadership Conference for high school students, June 19 and 20, at the Elgin, Ill., campus, 1151 N. State St. It aims to equip and inspire high students, ages 14 to 18, for a life of ministry leadership. Register at JudsonU.edu/SOAR.

Saturday, June 20

Sylvan Learning presents a STEM Bash, 1 to 4 p.m., at 6330 E. Riverside

Blvd. Aimed at grades 1 to 6 and includes activities, prizes and refreshments. Visit www.Sylvan Learning.com or call 815-899-8909.

Rockford Public Library presents Fresh and Local-Charitable Growing, 2 to 4 p.m., East Branch, Friends Community Room, 6685 E. State St. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Children’s Home + Aid presents its 16th annual Jazz on the Rock event at the Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Includes dinner, cash bar, live and silent auctions, raffle, dancing and live entertainment by After5 Jazz.

Purchase tickets at 815-720-2106 or childrenshomeandaid.org/ jazzontherock.

Friday, June 26

Rockford Park District hosts a Sip n’ Sail Trivia Cruise aboard the Forest City Queen riverboat, 324 N. Madison St. Includes cash bar of beer and wine from Rockford Brewing Company and market display of food. Luxe Productions will lead trivia as you cruise the Rock River. Winning team will receive a 32-oz RBC Howler. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/boat.

Saturday, June 27

Rockford Park District hosts its Vodka Chicken Dinner Cruise with Rockford Brewing Company food and drink on the newly remodeled Forest City Queen riverboat, 324 N. Madison St., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/boat.

Tuesday, June 30

Oak Street Health is joining Sylvan Learning in a Grand Opening/ Ribbon Cutting, 11 a.m., at 301 E. State St. To attend call Vanessa Hall, 773-391-1295.

Rockford Park District presents Music in the Park, “Celebrating Our Nation’s Heroes Through Music,” a patriotic concert performed by the Rockford Concert Band, 7 to 8:45 p.m., at the Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St. Call 815-9878800 or visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/oprec.

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June 2015

New Chamber Members MEMBERS

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

EDWARD JONES JEN REISINGER

Non-profit dedicated to raising health education and awareness to fight heart disease.

210 W. Chapel St. Rockton, IL 61072 Shondra McLarty 925-705-5287 www.heart.org

What’s it like to get undivided attention from a financial advisor in Rockford? Let me show you.

210 N. Mulford Road, 61107 Jen Reisinger 815-873-1117 www.edwardjones.com/en_us/fa/ index.html/&CIRN=530793

ARCH APOTHECARY

ILLUMINATION.IO

Luxury cosmetic boutique with exclusive make-up and skincare lines that offers beauty services.

6876 Spring Creek Road, 61114 Betsy Branca 815-639-9515 www.archapothecary.com

A cybersecurity consulting firm with deep experience in penetration testing and responding to network intrusions.

P.O. Box 650 Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Joe Granneman 779-235-0410 www.illumination.io

BRIGHTBILL/ERICSON EYE ASSOCIATES Lasik, IOL, cataracts, optical services.

2929 McFarland Road, 61107 Tara Vanden Branden 815-654-2020 www.6542020.com

DSW SHOE WAREHOUSE A leading branded footwear and accessories retailer offering a wide selection of brand name and designer footwear and accessories for women, men and kids.

6636 E. State St., 61108 Carrie Mokros 815-315-1063 www.dsw.com

MURPHY’S PUB AND GRILL The best place to have an everyday sport bar experience with great food and daily specials.

510 S. Perryville Road, 61108 Viki Bilich 815-986-0950 www.murphyspubrockford.com

QMI Rental floor mats, towels, linens, mops 214 N. 4th St., 61107 Brent Flaming 815-964-7167 www.qmiadvantage.com

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

The Literacy Council received a $15,764 check at Napelton’s Subaru from the Share the Love event. Those buying new Subarus could direct a $250 donation to one of three national or one local non-profit. In Rockford, 83 percent voted to send the funds to The Literacy Council.

Chicago Rockford International Airport passed its annual Federal Aviation Administration inspection with zero discrepancies or deficiencies. The airport is in compliance with all of the requirements of 14 CFR Part 139, the Airport Certification Manual and the Airport Operating Certificate.

Rockford Rescue Mission broke ground in April on Pitney Place, a 25,000-sq.-ft., 120-bed facility for the nearly 150 women and children turned away each year due to lack of space.

The ground floor will house the Women’s Crisis Center, an emergency shelter; the second floor a Women’s Life Recovery Program. Estimated completion date is Valentine’s Day, 2016. program. Rockford Housing Authority has administered 86 of the VASH vouchers.

Rockford Spine Center was the only organization from the Midwest region featured in the March 30, 2015 issue of Newsweek’s “Surgical Insights” section recognizing premier surgeons in spine, bariatric and vision surgery.

The Rockford Park District in April presented $80,000 in grants to 24 local organizations offering recreation programming for people of all ages and abilities in 2015.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois awarded a $2,500 grant to Aquin Catholic Schools’ Interact Club from the In Youth We Trust Grant Program for random acts of kindness. Students filled plastic Easter eggs with candy and a message to please be kind; and distributed May baskets, table tents, giving plates and yard signs.

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County donated materials, equipment and staff labor to assist with cleanup and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the April 9th storm. Two truckloads of surplus fencing material were transported to Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere, which sustained destroyed buildings and enclosures, to safely hold surviving animals until permanent structures were rebuilt.

Arborists and a technician assisted the town of Fairdale with debris cleanup.

V2 Marketing completed corporate websites for Jensen Law Office, LLC at jensenlawofficellc.com and Rockford Foundries at rockfordfoundries.com, including company information and optimization for mobile devices.

Kiwanis Club of Rockford awarded $20,000 in education grants to 13 local high school seniors in April.

SupplyCore won a $1 billion contract from the U.S. Department of Defense over the next five years to support the U.S. military’s South Central region. The company seeks to hire at least 40 more employees.

Plans are to further support

Anam Campus, comprised of Anam Care and Anam Glen in Rockford, hosted a food drive in May to benefit Rockford-area seniors.

SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, and its employees raised $61,395 for families affected by the April 9 tornados. Employee donations given in April were matched

by SwedishAmerican Foundation and SwedishAmerican Hospital, which presented checks to Rochelle Community Foundation and the DeKalb Community Foundation.

Rockford Health Physicians cut the ribbon on its new clinic at 1747 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere, with 30 percent more square footage, exam rooms and office space.

Services will include family practice for adults and children, convenient care, lab and x-ray.

Rockford urban renewal initiatives through its development company Joseph James Partners, and to continue its leadership of the Rock River Development Partnership, which established the Rockford City Market in 2010.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center filed an Application for Permit for a Certificate of Need with the Illinois Health Facilities and Review Board for construction beginning as early as August of a new, $85 million, four-story pavilion attached to the existing hospital.

The pavilion would include 78 private rooms for medical and surgical beds. The hospital’s semi-private rooms would be converted to private rooms for no change in the number of 190 licensed beds. It also would include ambulatory services on the first floor, including PromptCare, mammography, ultrasound and bone densitometry, and a retail pharmacy. Construction could be complete by early 2018.

SwedishAmerican’s Diabetes Self-Management Center obtained American Diabetes Association Multi-Site Recognition for its Brookside specialty endocrinology department for meeting national standards for its self-management education programs.

Woodward, Inc., reported financial results for second quarter of fiscal year 2015 ending March 31, with net sales of $493.2 million; an increase of 2.2 percent from second quarter of last year.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced $65 million to help more than 9,300 homeless veterans with rental assistance through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)

Northern Illinois University’s Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy, along with Housing and Dining and the Golden Key International Honour Society, partnered with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois to collect gently-used unwanted items in special donation bins at residence

halls as students cleaned out their rooms. The Give and Go! Project since 2012 has diverted 32,000 pounds of items from area landfills.

Gov. Bruce Rauner stopped at the Two Men And A Truck office in Loves Park in April to meet with owners Bob and Cory Christensen and their wives, Marg and Nicole, as part of his Illinois Turnaround tour. Other elected Illinois officials, John Cabello, Dave Syverson, and Joe Sosnowski, also were in attendance. Gov. Rauner met employees of all three locations, Rockford, Peoria and Quad Cities.

SwedishAmerican was named a recipient of the 2015 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics.

University of Illinois Extension used money it received from the Dr. Louis and Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for its Rockford 4-H Tech Wizard’s Project. In partnership with Rockford Public Schools and the YMCA of Rock River Valley, 144 students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades at West Middle School’s Afterschool Achievement Program joined Tech Wizard at no cost.

Boylan Catholic High School held a groundbreaking on May 12 for the Lou and Irene Bachrodt Center for Health and Fitness, the first phase in a three-phase renovation of the school’s physical education facilities.

Rockford Area Crime Stoppers, Inc., is working with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department to secure $76,000 for one additional K9 officer. Police dogs help detect narcotics during traffic stops, narcotics raids and school searches. Visit www.gofundme. com/k9officer or www. rockfordcrimestoppers.com. Click Attack Crime.

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County opened an USFGAcertified, 18-hole FootGolf course, a combination of soccer and golf, at Atwood Homestead Golf Course, open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 3:30 p.m. to dusk. For tee time, call 815-623-2411.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford graduated 82 students with bachelor of science in nursing degrees and 12 students with master of science in nursing degrees.

Fehr Graham received two 2015 Public Works Project of the Year designations at the American Public Works Association Illinois Chapter Conference in May: its Gifford Tornado – Water Treatment Plant project for the disaster or

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

25

June 2015

Business Briefs BUSINESS emergency construction/repair category and replacing the bridge carrying Windsor Road over Interstate 57 in Champaign, Ill., for the transportation category.

More than 50 4-H teams competed in this year’s Illinois 4-H State Robotics Competition before 1,000 on the University of Illinois campus in May; each programming one or more Lego Mindstorm robots in simulated Olympic sporting events.

Winnebago County was represented

by Winnebago Mindstormers Team #1 and #2 and Wise Owl Warriors (W.O.W.).

A partnership between the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter and Rockford Health System will provide individualized health care to local Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients. The ALS Multi-Disciplinary Clinic will open the first Friday of every month at Rockford Health System’s Brain and Spine Center.

Keith Country Day School ranked 14th out of 3,880 private high schools in Illinois. It was the only private high school in Winnebago County to land in the top 15.

Rankings were based on key student statistics and more than 120,000 opinions from 16,000 students and parents.

OSF HealthCare ranked in the top 20 percent of large health care systems in the United States by Truven, an independent health care analytics research company, based on patient safety, patient mortality, readmission rates, average length of stay, complications, and overall patient satisfaction.

Comfort Keepers introduced the new SafetyChoice™ line of technology products with monitoring devices that can detect certain activities by persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementiarelated illnesses, and a portable PERS device with GPS technology.

This allows seniors to live independently at home — with or without in-home care by a caregiver.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services awarded $2,329,167 in Affordable Care Act funding to clients of theFranaGroup to help establish four new Federally Qualified Health Centers in Illinois, Indiana and Kansas. Awards ranged from $487,500 to $704,167 to each clinic in the first year.

First National Bank and Trust Company earned for the 15th consecutive quarter BauerFinancial’s 5-Star Superior rating as one of the strongest banks in the nation for capital, loan quality and profitability.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau reported that the United States Bowling Congress 2015 Midwest Women’s Bowling tournament will take place over seven consecutive weekends for the first time in Rockford. More than 4,000 bowlers from Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois are expected at The Cherry Bowl and Don Carter Lanes for an overall economic impact of $450,000.

Rock River Valley Blood Center will feature Hot Dog Wednesdays at donor centers in Rockford and Belvidere through Sept. 9. Ice-cold slushies also will be offered to donors each day throughout the summer at Rockford locations only.

Donors through Sept. 5 will receive a coupon for a free small McCafé beverage from participating McDonald’s restaurants.

Colorwave Graphics, LLC, designed, produced and donated all the event signs, banners, custom floor decals and selfie backdrops for The Literacy Council’s 100 Men Who Cook & Brew annual fundraiser in May. It designed and produced a 10 x 20-foot, modular fabric display for United Technologies Aerospace Systems used at Rockford Airfest and within UTAS, Plant 6. It wrapped a customized Ford F250 in a series for Greenlee, a Textron Company.

Membership: 101 101 MEMBERSHIP

Chamber Participation – It’s About Time!

Did you realize you can derive significant benefits from your chamber membership in little or no time?

In less than 2 hours, you can…

■ Attend a quarterly Chamber 101 & Speed Networking event ■ Attend a monthly Breakfast Buzz ■ Write an informative, educational article to submit to The VOICE

In less than 1 hour, you can…

■ Answer a few questions for the “Business Shorts” section of The VOICE ■ Stop by a “Business After Hours” or a “Good Morning Rockford” networking event and make some new business contacts ■ Support a new member at a Ribbon Cutting and meet other members

And even if you have NO TIME to get involved, the Chamber still offers you…

■ Business referrals from the Chamber’s website, annual Membership Directory and from Chamber staff members in response to inquiries received at the office ■ Information and advocacy on legislative issues of importance to your business ■ Complimentary promotion of news about your business in the “Members in the News”, “Business Briefs” and “Community Events” section of the VOICE ■ A way to keep up-to-date and in-the-loop with your copy of The VOICE and our E-newsletter ■ Assistance with special events ■ Services and programs that provide our smaller businesses with access to better prices and discounts, normally available only to larger businesses ■ Valuable resources and implements important initiatives to help members grow their business

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Hank Ritts

Company: North American Corporation Position: Account Executive

How long have you been an Ambassador?

Three months. I became an ambassador directly after joining the chamber

What do you like most about being an Ambassador? Meeting other chamber members and learning about them personally and about the business that they are in professionally.

Contact Diane Navickis at dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com to find out more about member programs and opportunities!

26

June 2015

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in April, 2015.

12th Street Business Center Accuride Wheel End Solutions Rockford Gunite Adams Letter Services, Inc./ Magnum Creative Akerman Shoes Al Grace Appliance & TV Alpha Controls & Services Al’s Carpet Flooring & Design Center Astro-Physics, Inc. AT&T Beefaroo, Inc. Blackhawk Propane Company, Inc. Butitta Brothers Automotive Cain & Company Chartwell Agency Circle Cutting Tools Danfoss Power Electronics Dedicated Fleet Services Eickman’s Processing Company Electrical Workers Union/ Local 364 IBEW Employee Benefit Association of Northern Illinois G & O Landscaping Inc. Gauerke Electric Company Gitz-Meier Remodeling/Restorx Grace Funeral & Cremation Services Hampton Inn Rockford Hampton Properties (Leasing Office) Highcrest Centre I. Spinello Locksmiths, Division of Nate, Inc. Kennametal L/J Fabricators, Inc. Leading Edge Hydraulics LSP Industries, Inc. Lydia Home - Rockford Mack Paper Company, Inc. McGladrey LLP Meridian (Rockford) Meridian (Loves Park) National Business & Industrial Centre, Inc. Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association

Northern Illinois Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association NTS Technical Systems P. A. Peterson Center for Health Patrice and Associates Pepper Creek/Fourth Street Greenhouse Phones Plus.Biz, Inc. Plastic Parts International Inc. Pumilia Family Dental Group Rock Valley Compounding Pharmacy Rockford Consulting & Brokerage Rockford Coronado Concert Association Rockford Gastroenterology Associates, Ltd. Rockford Metal Polishing Co. Rockford Orthopedic Associates Rockford Process Control, Inc. Rockford Public Library Rockford Radiology Associates Rockford Sanitary Systems, Inc. Safari Childcare Schafer Gear Works Rockford, LLC Service Machine Company, Inc. Singley Construction State Farm Insurance - Julie Weaver Stateline Business Journal Staybridge Suites Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC & NYSE SupplyCore, Inc. SWITS, Ltd. Testor Group, A Division of Rust-Oleum Corporation The Buchanan Group - Soul News Network Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum Townsquare Media Rockford Transformations Plastic Surgery Van Sickle & McLaughlin, CPAs WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Winnebago County Medical Society

June 2015 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

40-YEAR MEMBER

Englewood Electric Supply

35-YEAR MEMBERS

Cellusuede Products, Inc. Rock River Valley Blood Center

30-YEAR MEMBERS

Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics P.C. Crown Machine, Inc. Freed Plumbing, Inc. Warner Furniture Refinishing Jerome S. Weiskopf, MD, PC Womanspace, Inc.

25-YEAR MEMBER

JC Milling Co., Inc. Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc. UPS

15-YEAR MEMBERS

Kelce & Company MFG, LLC – Mary-Stuart Carruthers SPX Hydraulic Technologies

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Humana Raymond James & Associates Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. Servpro of Rockford

5-YEAR MEMBERS

The Atrium – Meridian Senior Living NAACP 20-YEAR MEMBERS Nexus Office Systems, Inc. Access Services of Northern Illinois Ring Container Technologies Axberg, a Division of Black Diamond Rockford Country Club Widmer Interiors Plumbing & Mechanical Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera Roto-Rooter

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events JUNE, 2015 Tuesday, June 2

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Kathryn Pomerene, owner of Sugarjones Inc., presents “Running a Successful Business.” She will speak on starting a home-based business and how she grew it into a storefront.

Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Wednesday, June 3

Manufacturers’ Council Meeting, Wednesday, June 3 7:30 a.m.

Taylor Company, 750 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL. Plant tour to follow meeting.

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Speaker is Matthew Simpson, community impact manager, United Way of Rock River Valley.

Tuesday, June 9

Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815-887-9013 or nnelson@ thehsb.com.

Wednesday, June 10 7:30 - 9:30 am Rock Valley College, Woodward Technology Center 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Breakfast Buzz Jimsi Kuborn, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, presents “Long-Term Sales and Commitments.”

Sponsored by McGladrey.

Wednesday, June 10 Public Safety Council Session, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford. The Rockford Police Department and the Rockford Chamber Public Safety Council will talk about activities associated with crime and crime prevention.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey and Rockford Police Chief Chet Epperson will lead the session.

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

Thursday, June 11

June Ambassador Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Rosecrance

Health Network, 1601 N. University Dr., Rockford.

Business After Hours, Kryptonite, 5 to 7 p.m., 308 W. State St., Ste. 110, Rockford.

Friday, June 12

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Gary Caruana will give an update on his activities and initiatives since becoming Winnebago County sheriff. For information on joining, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Wednesday, June 17

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Speaker is Kris Kieper, president/CEO, YWCA of Rockford.

Tuesday, June 23

Robb Zbierski Seminar ‑ Memory Training Workshop, 7:30 a.m. to noon, Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford. Upon completing this memory-training workshop, you are guaranteed to experience a 300 percent increase in your ability to recall information.

Tuesday, June 23

Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815-887-9013 or nnelson@ thehsb.com.

Wednesday, June 24

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

Thursday, June 25 10 am - 1pm Cliffbreakers Conference Center 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford

Women in Business Expo and Luncheon

Fawn Germer, bestselling, Oprahfeatured author, speaker and business consultant, presents “It’s Not About Balance. It’s About Choices.” Event concludes with the announcement of the 2015 award winners: Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow, Woman Manager of the Year, Woman Business Owner of the Year and AthenaPowerLink®.

Sponsored by Women’s Center - Rockford Health System (presenting), OSF Healthcare (gold), Northwest Bank of Rockford (Women-In-Business awards); PNC Bank (AthenaPowerLink); V2 Marketing Communications (bronze).

Continued on page 27

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events (cont.)

Monday, June 29

Ribbon Cutting, Mosaic, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1111 S. Alpine Road, Rockford (inside the Fifth Third Bank building).

Tuesday, June 30

Ribbon Cutting, Blackhawk Bank, 4 to 6 p.m., 2475 N. Perryville Road, Rockford.

JULY, 2015 Wednesday, July 1

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Speaker is Paulina Sihakom, market executive, PNC Bank.

Wednesday, July 8 7:30 - 9:30 am Rock Valley College, Woodward Technology Center 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Breakfast Buzz

Speaker is Rebecca Epperson, Chartwell Agency.

Sponsored by McGladrey.

Wednesday, July 8

Ribbon Cutting, Brookdale Rockford, 11 a.m. to noon, Emeritus at Rockford, 1545 Temple Lane, Rockford.

Tuesday, July 14

Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815-887-9013 or nnelson@ thehsb.com.

Wednesday, July 15 5 - 7 pm Rockford University 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Chamber Founder’s Day Celebration

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS

Alpine Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

MercyRockford Health System. . . . . 5

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Arc Design Resources, Inc. . . . . . . 12

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . 19

A-Sign Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Axberg, Div. of Black Diamond. . . . 15

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

BMO Harris Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Rockford Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . 7

Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . 23

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

Broadmoor Agency, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . 6

Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . 7, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Wednesday, July 15

(Continued from page 26)

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Speaker is John Morrissey, principal/president, The Morrissey Family Businesses.

Tuesday, July 28 Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815-887-9013 or nnelson@ thehsb.com.

Wednesday, July 29 PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Patrick O’Keefe, communications manager, Transform Rockford, presents “Why Engaging Your Community Matters.”

Good Morning Rockford!

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, 7:30 to 9 a.m., 1601 Parkview Ave. Includes hot breakfast and tours.

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

Children’s Home & Aid. . . . . . . . . . 19 Comcast Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Gary W. Anderson Architects. . . . . 13

Thayer Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 15

Illinois Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

UPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Klaas Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

V2 Marketing Communications . . . 13

McGladrey LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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

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, Vice President, Member Investment.. .................. 815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events.. ........ 815-316-4337 Crystal Larson, Financial Assistant/Administrative Support.. ............ 815-987-8100 Joy Moriarty, Vice President, 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 Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Vice Chair Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Darlene Furst FurstStaffing Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems Dr. Robert Head Rockford University Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

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

Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Immediate Past Chairman Richard Walsh Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP

Sponsored by Rockford University (presenting); and AT&T (hospitality).

Rockford Park District. . . . . . . . . . . 15

HolmstromKennedyPC. . . . . . . . . . 12

Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products

Join in the celebration of the Rockford Chamber’s 105th birthday and learn who is inducted into the Northern Illinois Business Hall of Fame.

Do you have news to share?

27

June 2015

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Henry Seybold Rockford Health System

Mike Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Patrick Shaw McGladrey LLP

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer of Rockford

Laura Pigatti Williamson Rockford Park District

Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank Amy Ott Chicago Rockford International Airport Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates CherryVale Tim Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy Dan Ross Williams-Manny Insurance Group

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

July 2015 Special Sections:

Advisory Teams for Business / Estate Planning For information on advertising, call 815 987-8100