July Voice 2013 by Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

FISHER’S ETHAN ALLEN

ILLINOIS BOND RATING

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July 2013 | Volume 26 | No. 7

Introducing

Rockford University

SKILLED TRADES REMAIN HARDEST JOBS TO FILL ManpowerGroup released the results in May of its eighth-annual Talent Shortage Survey, revealing that 39 percent of the more than 1,000 U.S. employers surveyed were having difficulty finding staff with the right skills, down from 49 percent in 2012. Nearly half (49 percent) of U.S. employers recognized that these talent shortages impacted their ability to serve clients and customers. The top 10 hardest jobs to fill were: 1. Skilled Trades 2. Sales Representatives 3. Drivers 4. IT Staff 5. Accounting & Finance Staff 6. Engineers 7. Technicians 8. Management/Executives 9. Mechanics 10. Teachers

Institution continues its evolution in education By Dr. Robert L. Head, Rockford University

“What’s in a name?” That was a question first posed by Shakespeare through his innocent muse, Juliet Capulet. No sooner had the thought crossed her lips, than she riposted with a beautiful and enduring answer, declaring, “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” She was of course referring to the love of her life, going on to say, “So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d, retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title.” And so it is that we agree with Juliet – an appropriate inspiration for a 166-year-old institution of excellence that is committed to providing an education grounded in liberal arts learning. For 121 years, our “sweet smelling rose” (first founded as Rockford Female Seminary) embodied to the best of its ability and capacity, that which was called Rockford College. In recognition of the institution’s continuing evolution and our abiding responsibility to uphold, protect and advance its charter of 1847, the Board of Trustees put forward a bold yet appropriate call for Rockford College to take on its new identity as Rockford University on July 1, 2013.

Diverse Programming, Diverse Student Body For 166 years we have been proud to serve as Rockford’s institution of higher learning, whatever its name: we can’t wait to embrace the opportunity and responsibility of being its university. And, I believe that we come by it honestly. After a careful study and considerable discussions with students, more on page 3

The Chamber honors Women in Business

Employers said they had trouble filling positions due to candidates’ lack of technical competencies/ hard skills (48 percent), lack of workplace competencies/soft skills (33 percent) and lack of available candidates (32 percent). Steps they were taking to fill critical positions included expanding training and development for existing staff (23 percent), recruiting more from untapped talent pools (20 percent) and appointing people who lack the skills today, but have the potential to learn and grow into a job. Visit www.manpowergroup. us/talent-shortage for more information.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Chamber Founder’s Day Celebration

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

July 11 • Rockford University For more info, see page 30

PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

By Paul Anthony Arco If there was a reoccurring theme of

“I don’t think we always appreciate

Commerce’s annual Women in Business

the things we have to balance in our lives

Expo and Luncheon, it was the need for

– our work, family and volunteer work,”

women business leaders to lend support

said Shannon Scheffel, executive director more on page 4

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

Martha Mertz, founder of Athena International, spoke of the award program she created to recognize women leaders.

the

to one another.

Rockford

Chamber

CORRECTION TO JUNE VOICE The first full paragraph of the “Rockford post office adapts to changing times” story on page 5 in the June, 2013 Voice incorrectly stated that destinating standard flats go to the Chicago Network Distribution Center. They instead go to the Chicago Metro Surface hub.

July 2013

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

Northern Illinois Business Hall of Fame to induct Schmeling Construction Co., Rockford University At the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Founder’s Day Celebration on Thursday, July 11, two local organizations that have been part of the historic fabric of the business community will be added to the prestigious Northern Illinois Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame to date has 57 inductees, with last year having added Estwing Mfg., Congressman Don Manzullo, and Holmstrom-Kennedy, LLP to its membership. For this year, the Hall of Fame will be inducting Schmeling Construction Co., and Rockford University.

Founder’s Day Celebration

Plan to attend! Thursday, July 11 Rockford University Burpee Commons 5050 E. State St., Rockford

About Schmeling Construction Co. Emil more than 100 years ago: Honesty, to-College Since 1903, Schmeling Construction Co. has built a reputation for providing clients with high quality craftsmanship and unbeatable integrity. Emil W. Schmeling, an industrious German immigrant, began as a general contractor in Rockford in 1903. Emil’s first large-scale project was the construction of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rockford. As word spread of Schmeling’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship the business grew. By 1922, Emil divided the business among his five sons: William, Walter, Elmer, Albert and Robert. After years of building a strong foundation, E.W. Schmeling and Sons Construction Division became Schmeling Construction Co. in 1970, retaining the old-world values that earned their reputation of trust. Today, Schmeling Construction Co.’s award-winning business continues to build on the principles established by

Integrity, Excellence, and Commitment. Roger, CEO and third generation, and his son Stephen, president and fourth generation, continue to uphold the Schmeling tradition and values in the construction industry.

About Rockford University In 1844 Reverend Aratus Kent, brother of Germanicus Kent, founded the Rockford Female Seminary and became first president of the board of trustees both of Rockford Female Seminary and Beloit Men’s College. In 1847 - Rockford Female Seminary received its charter. The city of Rockford had grown to a population of 2,500 residents. 1847 is the official founding date of what is now Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, an independent, coeducational, liberal arts institution located in Rockford, Ill. The university offers over 80 majors, minors and programs, a Return-

Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

program in management studies, master’s programs in business and teaching, and several community education programs. Among its many accolades, Rockford University is one of only 11 institutions in Illinois with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, has been named a University with a Conscience, and is designated a Best in the Midwest university by the Princeton Review for seven years running. Rockford University’s mission includes providing an education “grounded in liberal arts learning and complemented and extended by professional and practical experiences.” Rockford University and its faculty and alumni represent a tremendous asset to the region’s business community and are very deserving of entrance into the Hall of Fame.

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July 2013

Rockford U.

Continued from front page alumni, faculty, staff and friends, we are proud to say that the name Rockford University appropriately defines the diversity of our student populations and the maturity of our academic structure, bringing clarity to our standing in a global community, while strategically positioning us for advancement in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Rockford University celebrated its 159th and last commencement as a college on May 29 with 362 degrees awarded to students from 19 states and countries such as Brazil, China, England, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Ukraine and Bosnia. Degrees awarded were 268 baccalaureate, 60 MAT and 34 MBA. The diversity of our current student body of approximately 1,350 scholars exemplifies a university’s student demographic, with growing populations of traditional-aged undergraduates, adult undergraduate learners and students in our graduate programs. The maturity of our academic structure is represented by undergraduate programs in the traditional liberal arts and sciences, as well as those in professional programs like nursing, business and the performing arts. We also provide two graduate programs. Offered through those programs are master’s degrees and certifications in business and education. We also serve the area’s adult-undergraduate population with a popular and productive adult accelerated degree completion program, in which students are able to earn a bachelor’s of science in management studies (BSMS).

Investments to Heighten Students’ Experience Over the last seven years we have invested more than $7 million in our campus infrastructure. We have deepened our community commitment through increased and responsive public/private partnerships. All of this progress has run parallel with seven consecutive years of positive operating income and solid enrollment growth, last year reaching our highest fallundergraduate enrollment in 12 years. All of our work has been supported

by a two-phase strategic plan, rooted in stability and dedicated to the proposition of creating and sustaining institutional excellence that is supported by a culture of confidence and change. But, we are not done yet. There still is more to do. In the coming year, we will conduct capital upgrades and modernizations to the Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center and to the Seaver Physical Education Center -- upgrades totaling $5 million. But, those upgrades won’t live in isolation. They are intended to kickstart an era during which we will redouble our efforts to provide the very best in student experience, forming the basis and focus for much of our programmatic and capital improvements over the next several years. And so it is, as Rockford Female Seminary gave rise to Rockford College, and as Rockford College is now lifted to University, the value-proposition remains the same. It is seen through the hopes and aspirations of our students and evidenced by the successes of 15,000 living alumni around the world, 5,200 of whom live and work within a 40-mile radius of campus. They are leaders of industry, drivers of commerce, entrepreneurs, educators and advocates for citizens of every kind. We know that much of our success has been derived from our ability to provide an intimate and nurturing atmosphere in which lives are transformed. We are bound to retain those elements and the one-on-one relationships that have been a hallmark of our reputation. In that way we will continue to live up to Juliet’s paraphrased observation, that “A college by any other name will smell as sweet.” I close with an interesting observation made during the last year. The word university is derived from the Latin “universitas magistrorum et scholarium,” nearly translated as, “community of teachers and scholars.” Rockford Female Seminary, Rockford College, Rockford University, and whatever it may be named in the future, has and always will reflect that definition. It is my belief that because people embody the institution, Rockford University will continue to manifest that spirit now and when those who follow us will need to confront and define our identity 50, 60 or 100 years from now. I look forward to our continuing evolution and am so proud to be a part of this timeless process by serving Rockford’s university. n Dr. Robert L. Head is Rockford University’s 17th president since June, 2008.

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.

July 2013

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Women in Business Continued from front page

of the Harlem Community Center. “Having this opportunity to get together really encourages you.” The event is held every year to recognize women-owned and -managed businesses. More than 350 people turned out and 40 businesses represented at this year’s event, which was held on June 20 at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort. “It’s the only time of the year we get to do this,” said Lindsey Oswald, manager of strategic accounts at Meridian Printing and Promotions. “I’ve been at this event for five years, and there are women I still haven’t met. A lot of times you see a company’s logo, but you don’t know what they do. When you come here, you gain a sense of how passionate they are about what they do.”

Expo attendees had an opportunity to meet new contacts and view a variety of womanowned businesses. PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

LoRayne Logan, founder and president of workplace, was named Woman Business Owner of the Year.

Logan, Scheffel, Wallace Receive Annual Awards Three business leaders were honored during the luncheon for their professional and personal contributions. LoRayne Logan, founder and president of workplace, was named Woman Business Owner of the Year. At age 10, she Shannon Scheffel received the Manager of designed checks for her future company. the Year award. She has overseen substantial This year, workplace, an employment growth at the Harlem Community Center. service, is celebrating 25 years in business. As a woman-owned staffing/search firm, workplace recently received Women’s Business Enterprise certification. Logan’s business has been recognized in Forbes and Fortune magazines as a leading provider in the executive search firm and staffing agencies category. “Owning a business has enhanced me in every way,” Logan said. “Some days I smile, other days there are tears. But it’s been a joy.” Shannon Scheffel received the Manager of the Year award. Scheffel has Rebecca Kinison, owner of Kinovate Heating, led the Harlem Community Center for Cooling and Indoor Air Quality, was named 11 years and has overseen substantial as this year’s participant in the ATHENA growth. The center has grown from one PowerLink® mentoring program. to three facilities, and tripled its annual budget to $1.5 million. Stacy Wallace, marketing manager “I just love what I do and I love the organization,” she said. “It’s nice to be recog- of LDR Construction Services, Inc., was nized by others for the work that you feel is recognized with the Woman Business so important. In the non-profit world, there Leader of Tomorrow award. A Rockford are sleepless nights and difficult decisions native, Wallace moved back to town to make. To have others appreciate what five years ago, after spending a decade you do makes it all worth it.” working and living in Portland, Maine.

“This was a tremendous group of honorees,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “The common trend is that LoRayne, Shannon and Stacy are thoughtful leaders who are concerned about other women and their community.”

Kinison Named ATHENA Participant

Stacy Wallace, marketing manager of LDR Construction Services, Inc., was recognized with the Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow award.

Susan Johnson and Teresa Maloney of Kids Spot, Inc., the 2012-2013 ATHENA Powerlink® recipients, receive their award from Lisa Carter of PNC Bank for their successful completion of the program. “Coming back home was a challenge,” she said. “When I came back, it was like starting from scratch. I had to get to know so many new people. But it’s nice to be back in a supportive community like Rockford. I don’t think people always realize how supportive our town is.”

Rebecca Kinison, owner of Kinovate Heating, Cooling and Indoor Air Quality, was named as this year’s participant in the ATHENA PowerLink® mentoring program, a national program that pairs participants with a panel of business experts to help grow their company. In fact, the luncheon’s keynote speaker was Martha Mertz, founder of Athena International. Thirty years ago, Mertz was the only female member of the Lansing (Mich.) Chamber of Commerce, when she created the Athena award as a way to recognize women leaders. More than 6,000 awards have been given out by the organization in the last three decades. “Women need to be dedicated to the idea of changing the world,” she told the audience. “Women need to grow – even in the worst of times – advocate for something, no matter how small, and create a vision for themselves. We’re all at different levels of leadership.” “She really hit home her message,” Wallace said. “The opportunity is there for women, we just have to step up and take it.” The expo and luncheon was presented by The Women’s Center at Rockford Health System. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center was the gold sponsor, Humana was the Women-In-Business Awards sponsor and PNC was the ATHENAPowerLink® sponsor. n

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July 2013

Final rule delays choice of health coverage for small business employers The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 4 released a final rule that delays for one year the implementation of a provision related to health insurance exchanges that would allow small businesses to let their employees choose coverage from a number of plans. The final rule provides that the federally facilitated Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) will allow employers to choose one plan from a range of plans to offer their employees in 2014; however, SHOPs will not allow small businesses to let their employees choose coverage from a number of plans until 2015. This is a change from CMS’ previously proposed transitional policy, which stated that in 2014 SHOPs will have the flexibility to decide whether employers can let their employees choose from a number of plans. In previously submitted comment

letters, ABC, as part of the Small Business Coalition for Affordable Health Care, emphasized the importance of allowing qualified small employers to select a level of coverage under which a qualified employee may choose an available plan. This option would allow employers to essentially offer a defined-contribution option and permit employees to choose the plan that best fits their individual and family needs. Small employers view this as a significant first step toward providing freedom to individual employees to select the health care coverage of their choice within a specified range of plans. Rather than being forced to limit their employees to a single plan, small employers will be able to make a range of choices available and be free to run their business rather than running their insurance plan. Source: Associated Equipment Distributors (AED)

Rockford goes to Paris Air Show A delegation from Rockford and the

Chicago

Rockford

International

State of Illinois stand in front of the Boeing

Airport, Ingenium Aerospace, Ingenium

Dreamliner at the Paris Air Show, June

Technologies, Midwest Aero Support and

17 to 23. The Rockford Area Aerospace

American Procession Assemblers.

Network and the State of Illinois

The goal was to generate new business

Department of Commerce and Economic

opportunities

and

forge

technology

Opportunity hosted a booth at the show to

partnerships. Participation matched Gov.

promote the region’s aerospace strengths.

Pat Quinn’s goal of doubling Illinois

They were joined by: Clinkenbeard,

exports by 2014.

MaryJo Hare, Jan Bowman, Kathy Velasco, Judy Emerson, Emily Austin Hahn and Teri Watts serve food on May 8 to homeless veterans in downtown Rockford.

Rockford Chamber Advantage Club serves meal to homeless veterans

New members invited to apply for power networking group By Judy Emerson, Rosecrance Health Network Members of the Power Advantage Club, who regularly participate in community service projects, prepared and served dinner to homeless veterans on May 8 at an outreach program in downtown Rockford. The Veterans Drop-In Center is an all-volunteer program that was created about two years ago to provide meals and offer needed assistance to vets who are struggling in Rockford. The drop-in center is located at 413 N. Court St., in a space used by Shelter Care Ministries’ Jubilee Center during the day. Every weekday evening, homeless veterans can come to the drop-in center to socialize and get a meal. They also get advice about benefits to which they’re entitled, and every few weeks, they can get a free haircut. They also have access to anger management classes, Tai Chi, acupressure, massage and one-on-one counseling with a retired pastor.

Filling a Community Need Pat Ambrose, who retired from the American Red Cross after years as service coordinator at the homeless shelter, created the Veterans Drop-In Center because she saw a need that was not being met by other agencies. Ambrose, a volunteer, keeps the center afloat with donations of money, food and services. Community groups and individuals

have stepped up to take responsibility for regularly providing some of the meals. Other days, the veterans who come to the center dine on leftovers from previous nights. Ambrose makes the food stretch to serve anywhere from 20 to 30 veterans each night, and nobody leaves hungry. Power Advantage Club volunteers served spaghetti and meatballs, salad, vegetables, bread and brownies with ice cream. They provided enough food for two nights and brought fruit for the veterans to take with them. The group plans to volunteer again later this summer.

Dedication to the Community The club also has volunteered or financially supported the Rockford Health System Toy Drive, Rockford Rescue Mission, Rockford Park District and Walter Lawson Home. The Power group exemplifies the purpose of Chamber Advantage Clubs, which are made up of business owners, decision makers and sales associates dedicated to networking and referring business to one another. The group is in the process of developing marketing materials to improve its referral capability. In addition, the Power Advantage Club has chosen to use its resources as a group to support our community. The Power Advantage Club is accepting new members, and visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Teri Watts at teriw1214@gmail.com.

July 2013

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Rockford ranks high in manufacturing employment

Photo by Sherry Pritz

Instructor, Virg Brinkmeier, (right) assists TechWorks student, George Davis.

Fastenal weighs in on TechWorks’ workforce training Next step, assembly training program By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab Joe Garteski, operations manager of Fastenal’s Loves Park location, is extremely satisfied with the quality of entry-level CNC machine operators TechWorks (TW) supplies. Garteski stated, “I believe this program is absolutely beneficial to the community and local manufacturers. It provides both displaced workers and people seeking a career change an affordable option in obtaining a basiclevel of education in the area of CNC operations. Its affordability and quality of education has created a great pool of career-oriented applicants for local manufacturers.” Fastenal supplies fasteners for aerospace, defense, power generation and petroleum-related customers. It truly believes in TW’s ability to deliver people with the expertise necessary to enter the advanced manufacturing field, which is prominent in our region. Its confidence in the program was demonstrated when Fastenal donated a Doosan lathe, resulting in students having the opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment. The Doosan lathe’s tooling was donated by Sandvik Coromant. Fastenal’s ongoing commitment of routinely providing new equipment also speaks volumes.

Filling Workforce Gaps What’s on the TW workforce training horizon? In response to its advisory board’s request, EIGERlab currently is creating a new assembly training curriculum and credentialing program to fill the gap in the region’s workforce. In today’s high-tech manufacturing field, assembly positions now incorporate computer skills, teamwork skills and critical thinking skills, which will result in higher wages. In addition to the fundamentals, including job readiness training, the new Assembly Level I Skills Program will include such basics as: inventory and materials control, use and care of tools, basic lean skills, MMI/HMI computer skills, and process understanding/ troubleshooting. Fastenal plans to continue its local expansion, which will include hiring additional TW students. “With the quality of the students completing the program, including the sound fundamentals being taught, I will absolutely consider hiring additional TW grads for our open machinist positions,” Garteski said. “I look forward to TW grads becoming future Fastenal employees.” Sherry Pritz is marketing coordinator at EIGERlab/Rock Valley College.

The Rockford metropolitan area was named one of the top 20 “Best Cities for Manufacturing Jobs” in a recent study because of the area’s manufacturing employment growth. Rockford placed 19th overall and fifth in the Midwest in the NewGeography.com study, released in May. Rockford improved nine spots from the site’s 2012 study. Cities were ranked based on criteria including long-term, mid-term and short-term manufacturing job growth and momentum. “They identify those places where the market tells us the best storylines for manufacturing are being written,” site editors Joel Kotkin and Michael Shires wrote in May. From 2010 through 2012, the Rockford metropolitan area added approximately 4,600 manufacturing jobs, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That represented a 17.4% increase in manufacturing job growth. About one in five Rockford-area residents work in manufacturing. “Manufacturing is the bedrock of our local economy, and we’re glad to see employers rebounding from the recession and strengthening,” said Mark Podemski, vice president for development for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. “What’s particularly encouraging is that the growth has been across several industries, as our economy becomes more diversified.”

Employers Report Expansion Plans A major driver of the manufacturing growth in the Rockford area has been the expansion of the Chrysler assembly Mark Podemski RAEDC plant in Belvidere and its suppliers. Additionally, the region’s aerospace cluster has been expanding in recent years, including growth at Woodward, B/E Aerospace and Forest City Gear. In fact, Woodward broke ground last month on a second campus here, which is expected to double the company’s local workforce. The growth is projected to continue. More than 30% of the 125 employers surveyed last year in the RAEDC’s Voice of the Customer program reported they plan to expand capacity in the next three years. Those companies expect expansions at their facilities that represent a potential 453 new jobs. “Manufacturers find success here as a result of the strong industrial infrastructure combined with several unique workforce development programs that are helping to create the skilled workforce needed by manufacturing employers,” Podemski said. For more information on how the RAEDC and its partners can help you grow your business, contact Mark Podemski at 815-987-8118.

Help for Rockford area companies looking for skilled employees By John Strandin, Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance Some of the biggest companies in Illinois are using a new tool to find skilled employees, and that same tool is available for Rockford area employers. Illinois Department of Employment Security launched Illinois JobLink last year to connect jobseekers with companies with job openings. Currently, there are more than 40,000 jobs posted by Illinois companies, including about within 25 miles of Rockford. For jobseekers, JobLink pulls in open positions from elsewhere on the Internet, creating one of the most complete listings of available jobs. A quick check indicates more than 3,800 unfilled jobs in the Rockford area.

Linking Employers with Job Seekers Businesses are encouraged to create an Illinois JobLink account to post job openings, search for employees or explore the database of resumes. Employers also can get help from one of The Workforce Connection business account representatives for free. Individuals filing for Illinois unemployment benefits are required to create accounts and post their resumes for employers. Currently, there are nearly 70,000 resumes of available workers posted on the site.

Local employers are beginning to make use of the service. “Whenever I need to hire someone, the first place I go is the Illinois JobLink,” said Luanna Grimes, J.L. Clark human resources manager. “It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it helps our community get back to work.” J.L. Clark has used Illinois JobLink to make four new hires over the last several months. Area aerospace companies also have begun using Illinois Joblink to connect with students and individuals interested in potential internships. JobLink is one of many services available to area businesses through The Workforce Connection and the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance at little or no cost. Visit www.illinoisjoblink.com. The business service team at The Workforce Connection can help recruit and assess potential employees and connect employers with available funding for training. Business team members can help with area labor market statistics and provide more information about WorkKeys and the National Career Readiness Certificate. Contact The Workforce Connection, 815-395-6688, or visit www. theworkforceconnection.org. John Strandin is public relations & grant development manager at Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance.

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July 2013

Revitalizing Illinois manufacturing Rockford student For decades, Illinois has been an experience and skills to move new product team ties for second acknowledged global leader in innovation, development into market diversification commerce, education and technology. and expansion. in worldwide This challenge can be overcome by Yet over the past 20 years, Illinois has lost competition more than 350,000 manufacturing jobs. implementing a plan to rapidly facilitate The Royal Narwhals, a group of Rockford Christian School 7th and 8th graders, teachers and parents, traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to accept its award for second place in the Global Innovations competition for its invention, the Magnetic Plug Adapter (MPA). Almost 2,000 teams from around the world, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Spain and Israel, competed as a part of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Lego League Robotics Program. The winner was announced at the U.S. Patent office in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday, June 18. This year’s FIRST competition challenged teams to invent something to aid senior citizens. The Royal Narwhals’ solution, the MPA, came after witnessing an elderly man at a Rockford senior expo who had trouble plugging in his computer. The team devised an adapter in two pieces that conducts electricity through magnets. One piece plugs into the wall, and the other into the appliance cord. The two ends can be placed together, enabling those with low vision or poor hand strength to use their electronic devices without lining up prongs in the outlet. A slight tug pulls the MPA apart from the wall, lowering the chance for tripping. The team’s middle school students were: JJ Bergstedt (7th), Connor Ciembronowicz (7th), David Gartner (7th), Konnor Gottfred (7th), Leah McInerney (7th), Dalton Morris (7th), and Grant Singer (8th). Coaches were middle school science teachers, Mike Manke and Julie Rohl. Rohl had received in May National Teacher of the Year by the Challenger Learning Centers, sponsored by NASA.

These declines reflect a 20th century business culture based on business expansion, which may not reflect the needs of the entrepreneurial, technology-based companies driving the next-generation economy. State policy leaders acknowledge that a healthy manufacturing sector is critical for economic revitalization. Manufacturing is the largest source of innovation, and the bulk of Illinois’ merchandise exports — 93 percent — are of goods manufactured in the state. New ideas and technologies are commercialized and made successful by manufacturers. Without the income generated from manufacturing, demand for services declines, driving down state and local tax revenues and impacting quality of life for all Illinois citizens. Nearly 50 percent of the state’s economy is either directly or indirectly linked to manufacturing. Illinois manufacturers face many critical challenges in remaining healthy job providers for citizens. Fierce international competition, changing workforce demographics and complex global supplier networks are forcing companies -- large and small -- to reassess their markets, products, services and business strategies. Even growing manufacturers are having difficulty finding skilled labor to meet the demands of a high tech manufacturing environment. What can we do to keep manufacturing relevant? Restoring the competitiveness of Illinois manufacturing will require complex changes, culture shifts, and adoption of emerging strategies driven by revitalized public-private strategies.

Outmigration of Technology Illinois’ universities and research centers have produced some of the most important technological inventions of our era, yet commercialization into viable job-creating enterprises too often has occurred outside of Illinois. The state’s smaller manufacturers often lack the

“high growth” potential manufacturers to achieve new levels of performance through market innovation, expansion and technology acceleration.

The Untold Story of Innovation Every day, manufacturing leaders in Illinois re-tool their existing processes, refine their products and services, or alter their business models to provide goods and services to customers in new domestic and international markets. They do it without fanfare and, often, without outside intervention for the survival of their companies. Despite these widespread achievements, there persists a general belief that the small and mid-sized manufacturer is incapable of achieving profitable innovation. This challenge can be overcome by systematically celebrating entrepreneurial success, creating a channel for innovative manufacturers to share their innovation best practices with one another, and positioning Illinois as a welcoming, supportive home for manufacturing growth and expansion.

Strengthening Global Supply Chains For years leading up to the global recession, Illinois’ small and mid-sized manufacturers did not face marketing and sales challenges. But after losing up to 70 percent of business from traditional customers, many manufacturers are left to reassess their current markets and diversify to fill their sales pipelines. These firms, located from Rockford to Chicago to Carbondale, employ the most workers and are key producers of components and parts that go into the planes, construction equipment, automobiles and electronics shipped around the world. Illinois possesses a unique opportunity to leverage the state’s headquarter operations to build supply chains. In addition to the pressures facing companies in traditional Illinois supply chains, emerging market sectors and

supply chains in areas such as sustainable technologies, medical devices, nutraceuticals, among many others, represent growth Amy Fitzgerald opportunities for IMEC Illinois to seize if its manufacturers are prepared to participate. This challenge can be overcome in two ways: ■■ Strengthening the competitiveness of global supply chains that have critical headquarter and/or logistical decisionmaking within the state. ■■ Defining high growth subsectors and investing in resources to increase business opportunities for Illinois suppliers within these sectors. “We have a real opportunity to leverage Illinois’ vast industrial assets and create the next generation of high tech manufacturing companies, said David Boulay, IMEC president. “With support from all key stakeholders, we can provide the environment for manufacturers to innovate, invest in new technologies and modernize their business processes, and create more high-wage jobs here.” Even as manufacturers undoubtedly will face challenges, they will continue to learn and adapt to the evolving manufacturing climate in Illinois and the United States. It will be imperative to incorporate new ways of thinking, new strategies for internal and external growth, unique ways to promote learning and more efficient ways to develop the future workforce. This workforce will understand the importance of advancing the industrial climate and expanding opportunities both personally and professionally. To learn more about supporting Illinois manufacturers and being a catalyst for transformation, contact the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, 888-8064632 or visit www.imec.org. Amy Fitzgerald is marketing manager at IMEC. Manufacturing Update is sponsored by IMEC

July 2013

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Big three credit rating agencies all agree

Downgrade puts Illinois at the bottom of the credit pile Exerpted from reports on www.fitchratings.com, www.chicagobusiness.com

New York-based Fitch Ratings, one of the big firms that issues reports to investors on creditworthiness, lowered Illinois’ rating in June to “A-” from “A.” Ratings based on Illinois appropriations also went to “BBB+” from “A-.” This gives Illinois the lowest general obligation bond rating of any of the 50 states. According to the report, the “A” rating reflects the challenges faced by the state in achieving budget balance despite the significant revenue-raising action taken in fiscal 2011 to realign its financial operations, as well as the sizeable unfunded pension liabilities putting increasing pressure on the state’s operations. Illinois is judged based on the extent to which it takes action in the near term to bolster pension-funded levels and reduce the growing impact of pension payments on the budget. Illinois’ core “A-” rating now matches the one Fitch gave California, but with the “negative” outlook, it actually is worse. Moody’s Investors Service, another major credit rating agency, also downgraded Illinois in June for failing to resolve its $100 billion pension debt crisis – lowering the state’s credit rating to A3 from A2 and maintaining its “negative” outlook. The New York-based firm said it “now assumes the government will not take action to reduce the state’s pension liabilities any time soon.” Ted Hampton, Moody’s vice president and senior analyst, said the agency’s previous rating “included a certain degree of optimism or expectation that the state would vote on some sort of reforms that might lead to a more manageable level of pension funding.” Standard & Poor’s decided at this time to leave Illinois’ rate unchanged, yet in January it already had downgraded Illinois to A- with a negative outlook, after the Illinois General Assembly failed to pass pension reform during the fall veto session. S&P decided in June not to further lower its rating, saying: “The May 31 outcome was in line with our expectations in January, so the current rating of ‘A-’ and the negative outlook on the state’s $28 billion of outstanding

general obligation bonds are unaffected by the most recent round of pension reform deliberations that kicked the can down the road yet again.” All three credit rating agencies now agree in giving Illinois — already with the lowest credit rating of any state — the lowest rating possible for upper-mediumgrade investments. Illinois is six notches below Moody’s best possible AAA credit rating, and only three notches above junk bond status. “Without significant reforms, substantial growth in both unfunded liabilities and in annual funding burden are likely in coming years,” Moody’s said. “This trend may coincide with the expiration of most of the income tax increases the state imposed in fiscal 2011 to help cover pension costs. As a consequence, its payment backlog will likely remain large, despite some recent signs of improvement. An A3 rating, while very low for a U.S. state, is consistent with the General Assembly’s inability to steer the state from a path to fiscal distress.”

Pension Reform Proposals in the Works Several pension reform proposals have been presented by Gov. Pat Quinn and various legislators that would adjust benefits for existing employees, increase employee contributions, limit cost of living increases, and increase the retirement age. Aspects of the various proposals currently are being considered

in the legislature and a number of pieces of legislation have passed in either the house or the senate -- a positive development. In light of the recent credit downgrades, Gov. Quinn has called lawmakers back for a special session in June to deal with the pension matter.

on the Chicago metropolitan area

Key Elements Driving the Rating

resilient non-durables, and is less

■■ The budget has stabilized, despite the income tax increase. ■■ There is need for a long-term solution to the increases in annual pension payments. ■■ The accounts remains.

payable

backlog

■■ The state’s debt burden is above average and has risen over the past few years with issuance for operational purposes. GO pledge strong: There is an irrevocable and continuing appropriation for all GO debt service, and continuing authority and direction to the state treasurer and comptroller to make all necessary transfers from any and all revenues and funds of the state. The state funds debt service in advance by setting aside 1/12 of principal and 1/6 of interest every month for payments due in the ensuing 12 months.

Moderate Economic Growth One credit strength for Illinois is the large, diverse economy centered

-- the nation’s third largest business and transportation center. Illinois’ economy gradually has shifted, as has the United States’ in general, away from manufacturing to professional and business services. The remaining manufacturing sector includes more concentrated in the auto sector than are surrounding states (Indiana, Michigan and Ohio). While the state economy was not as negatively affected by the recession as some neighboring Midwestern states, it did contract faster than the national economy. Total non-farm employment declined 4.9 percent in 2009, versus the national rate of 4.4 percent and essentially matched the U.S. rate of decline at 0.8 percent in 2010. Modest growth resumed in 2011 with year-overyear job gains of 1.1 percent, followed by 1.2 percent growth in 2012. Illinois’ job recovery continues to be weaker than the national recovery. U.S. non-farm employment grew 1.7 percent in 2012. The

state’s

unemployment

rate

typically has exceeded that of the United States over the past decade and was 114 percent of the United States’ at nine percent as of January. Wealth levels remain above average. Per capita income is 105 percent of the national average -- 16th among the states.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

July 2013

Member Profile PROFILE By Paul Anthony Arco When V. Stewart Fisher opened Fisher’s Carriage House in 1970, he had a saying about the importance of customer service. “We care about your home almost as much as you do.” That attitude remains alive today for the business now known as Fisher’s Ethan Allen. Fisher’s son, Roger Fisher, joined the company after college, two years after the business opened at its current location at 4720 E. State St. Twenty years ago, the store underwent a major renovation and now stands at 23,000 square feet. “I started out cutting grass and delivering furniture, and I’m still here 42 years later,” said Roger, who bought the business from his father in the late 1980s. “I’ve enjoyed running a business that helps other people. A home is an important part of someone’s life.”

Customized Design Ethan Allen is one of the largest furniture stores in the industry. The company makes customized furniture, such as upholstered furniture, sofas and chairs, which is custom made in a selected fabric. The Rockford store is a licensee of Ethan Allen’s, one of 295 design centers and studios across the country. The furniture store is unique because of the capabilities offered by its design

(Left inset) Roger Fisher is the secondgeneration owner of Fisher’s Ethan Allen. (Left) Fisher’s Ethan Allen stocks merchandise from the corporate store such as this furniture from the “Fresh Colors” collection.

Fisher’s Ethan Allen:

A fixture in the Rockford furniture industry center. “Our staff will come to your home and meet with you,” Roger said. “We take digital photos and come back to our store and come up with a complete floor plan, including furniture, draperies and wallpaper.” Longtime customer Kimberly Schmitt of Rockford purchased her first piece of furniture from Ethan Allen in 1989. “The quality of the furniture is number one,” she said. “I can find unique pieces and work them into our traditional setting. Ethan Allen is genuinely interested in what the customer wants.” The local furniture store and home design center buys nearly all of its merchandise from the corporate store. Any local orders received by the corporate office are processed, handled and delivered by

the Rockford location. “Name recognition is everything,” said Roger, who employs seven full and parttime employees. “The name Ethan Allen is prominent in the furniture industry, and it’s the quality of the product. But what sets us apart is our service. We provide excellent customer service.”

Changing Industry Landscape Plenty has changed in the furniture industry since the business opened 43 years ago. For starters, the landscape is different. Many of the company’s local competitors have closed their doors, but not for obvious reasons. “It’s not been competition within the industry, but competition from other areas,” Roger said. “The travel industry has

hurt, in the sense that people travel more. The technology industry also has had an impact. Some customers would rather spend their money on a monthly cell phone bill, for example, rather than on a nice piece of furniture.” Still, Ethan Allen continues to succeed where others don’t, thanks, in large part, to its loyal customer base. Many second and third generation customers continue to purchase – in person and online – even as styles and tastes have changed over time. “These days, trends tend to be a little more contemporary classic,” Roger said. “It’s more of an eclectic style in our collections. We have far more finish options, and we do more with color.” Roger gives credit to his father, who passed away years ago, for creating a local fixture within the furniture industry. “We had some great conversations,” he said. “I miss that.”

FISHER’S ETHAN ALLEN Roger Fisher, owner 4720 E. State St., Rockford 815-397-0394 www.ethanallen.com

July 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Thank you, volunteer leaders! Many chamber members give back to the community by volunteering at a notfor-profit organization. The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is one of those groups that is fortunate to benefit from the expertise of exceptional volunteer leaders. At our recent annual meeting, the bureau introduced new board officers, welcomed new board members and thanked outgoing leaders. Serving as officers for one-year terms are: • Darrell Snorek, RACVB chairman; LaMonica Beverages, Inc., vice president, sales • Linda Heckert, RACVB vice chairman; Northwest Bank, senior vice president • Gary Strakeljahn, RACVB treasurer; First Rockford Group, director of outside business • Einar Forsman, RACVB secretary; Rockford Chamber of Commerce, president & CEO Joining the RACVB board of directors are: • Marco Lenis, Vocational Rehabilitation Management, president • Ben Holmstrom, William Charles Construction, president • Bill LaFever, Bill Doran Company, president • David Anderson, Anderson Japanese Gardens, founding family • Bryan Wickline, Rockford Aviators, president • Roberta (Bobbie) Holzwarth, Holmstrom & Kennedy, partner • Stacy Bernardi, Winnebago County, director of economic development • Jamie Getchius, City of Rockford, alderman • Dianne Parvin, Winnebago County, board member • Don Thayer, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, president Outgoing RACVB board members were thanked: • Janyce Fadden, RAEDC president • Solomon Foley, State Farm agent • Darrin Golden, IBEW 364 business manager • Sue Mroz, Winnebago County director of regional planning & development

• Patrick O’Keefe, Eclipse marketing manager

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

What Makes a Good Board Member? RACVB Board Chairman Darrell Snorek has definite thoughts about what makes a good RACVB board member. “We look for people who ask questions, who want to know how can we improve, and what if we try this? Our board members all have expertise in different areas, particularly as it relates directly to the visitors bureau. Some board members know about infrastructure, others about the hospitality industry. Diversification is what makes ours a very strong board.” Snorek continued, “I’m very excited to work with this board. We are starting with fresh opinions and fresh views. I have high expectations of them, particularly with the successful Reclaiming First initiative and the soon-to-be-opened Downtown Sports Complex.”

Multi-Generations of Service The Rockford Region has been very fortunate to have strong volunteer leaders from the business community for centuries. Several of our new board members are the second- or third-generation members of their families to be highly active in the community. David Anderson and Bobbie Holzwarth are examples of volunteer leaders who represent multi-generations of community service in the Rockford area. Ben Holmstrom’s father, John T. Holmstrom III, served on the RACVB board of directors and was the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s board chair; Ben’s grandfather, John Holmstrom Jr., also was a Rockford Chamber of Commerce board chair.

Steadfast Appreciation for Volunteer Leadership Hats off to all who volunteer to help make our community better, richer and stronger. We deeply appreciate your time and treasure. John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Ben Holmstrom, new RACVB board member; Patrick Hoey, RACVB board member; Darrell Snorek, new RACVB board chair at the May 29 RACVB annual meeting.

July 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Great service is great business

Customer service isn’t a “what.” It’s a “who!” Over the past several years, we have seen the significant rise of Software-asa-Service (SaaS) in American business. While centralized applications have been available in one form or another since the dawn of the computer age, this most current iteration (and indeed the term SaaS itself) is only as recent as the early 2000s. Software-as-a-Service refers to a software delivery model in which the software itself, and often the data that accompanies it, are housed remotely in the cloud. Users access the software, the hardware infrastructure, support tools, and all the data, from a remote device typically as simple as their web browser. It can be tremendously advantageous to a user who can access the “meat” of their application without making a significant investment in hardware or software. It is very common in the CRM (customer relationship management) space, and a number of other business applications. In the early years, centralized computing often was confined to users within the same company, or at least on the same network. The explosion of bandwidth availability and the proliferation of application developers have led to significant growth in the use of SaaS. According to a Gartner Group Estimate, worldwide SaaS sales topped more than $10 billion in 2010, were expected to rise more than 20 percent in both 2011 and 2012, and likely will exceed $21 billion by 2015. It is big business, and it just might be able to add significant value to your business. But importantly, it seems fair to point out that, despite what we’ve all called it for 10 years or so, software is NOT a service. Software is software. Service is service.

It’s Still About the People Most of us readily can relate an example or two of pretty good (or pretty lousy) customer service. But in almost all cases, we will relate a story of an individual … a person who behaved in a particular way at a particular time that left us with a feeling of great satisfaction or great frustration. Our feelings will be personal. They may extend to the business in general, but they will quite commonly begin with our experience with a real person, or occasionally, the complete lack of a real person. Whether at home or in the workplace, we have become much more accustomed to interacting with phone prompts, keypads, touch-screens, etc., and we might agree that these have made some routine tasks much simpler. But our experience of customer service has changed dramatically.

John J. Morrissey Morrissey Family Businesses

When was the last time you completed a task strictly by interacting with a website, leaned back with satisfaction, and exclaimed, “Wow, that was great customer service!”? You see, good customer service isn’t a “what.” It’s a “who!” It is the people we encounter in business that are capable of providing us with satisfaction, with delight, with “wow,” with raving fans. Software simply can’t stir us in the same way. Importantly, the people we encounter in business must be provided the right tools for the task. That software application might very well have a critical role to play in the entire eco-system of client satisfaction. But the software itself cannot become a substitute for the service. Think of it this way; having the right people without the right tools is a poor recipe. Is it any better if you have the right tools, but lack the right people?

Five Keys to Quality Customer Service This is not intended as a rant against good, helpful software, or a tilt at the windmill of technological advances. Rather, it is a call to remember the role that people play in assuring our customers and clients are well-takencare-of. It is a reminder that we must continue to educate people in the art of great customer satisfaction. It is a call to appreciate the role that face-toface, personal interaction can play in attracting and retaining clients. And it is an encouragement to seek in our businesses the value that comes from doing business with our neighbors. Finally, here are five simple keys to quality, personal, customer service that can’t generally be duplicated by software: ■■ Greet customers with enthusiasm and a smile (even if it is just your voice). ■■ Listen carefully. Dissatisfied customers are great teachers. ■■ Over-deliver. Go the extra mile. ■■ Don’t just make good customers. Make good friends. ■■ Learn and practice the art of a good apology. John J. Morrissey is a principal of the Morrissey Family Businesses, local providers of accounting, tax, human resource management and payroll services. The views expressed are those of Morrissey’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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July 2013

Manpower measures employment outlook for third quarter Manpower released the results in June of its Employment Outlook Survey, based on interviews with 18,000 employers in the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Active Chicago Area Job Market Chicago employers stated expectations to hire at a healthy pace in the third quarter, with 21% of companies expressing plans to hire more employees, and 7% expecting to reduce staff -- for a Net Employment Outlook of 14%.

“Employers’ hiring expectations for the third quarter are similar compared to the second quarter when the Net Employment Outlook was 15%,” said Manpower spokesperson Anne Edmunds. “Compared to one year ago when the Net Employment Outlook was 19%, employers are less optimistic about their staffing plans.”

Moderate Job Market Expected for Illinois Employers in Illinois stated expectations to hire at a respectable pace in the third quarter, with 18% of the

companies expressing plans to hire more employees and 9% expecting to reduce staff -- for a Net Employment Outlook of 9%. Among survey participants, the Illinois employment outlook is the fourth weakest in the nation. “The employment forecast for the third quarter is slightly gloomier compared to the second quarter of 2013 when the Net Employment Outlook was 12%,” said Manpower spokesperson Anne Edmunds. “Employers expect weaker employment prospects than when the Net Employment Outlook was 16%.”

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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July 2013

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Tracking your social media ROI How can it be done?

If used properly, social media is a tool that can be used to help your business achieve levels of success that may have been unattainable before its inception. But what does it all mean if you can’t evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts? Luckily, social media sites such as Facebook now are utilizing metrics that are easily accessible and measurable. Facebook’s metrics show your page’s growth and progress from one month to the next and even explain some of the more complicated statistics. Again, this all sounds great, but these measurements mean nothing unless your efforts in social media bring about some type of return on investment (ROI) and growth in business. By applying certain metrics, your business’ social media ROI can be determined, and you can gain a better understanding of how effective your campaign has been.

What’s Your Reach? First, determine how many people your business page can potentially engage through social media. One might assume that your page’s reach is determined simply by the number of followers it has. While it is true that your followers will

be most directly engaged by your social media updates, their followers will also see your content whenever they engage with you. So, your reach is much more broad than just your followers. Your reach is determined by the total of followers your followers have. For example, if your Facebook and Twitter page are followed by 500 people and each of those people has an average of 200 followers, your potential reach now is at an astounding 100,000 people!

Engagement per Follower Social media engagement is determined by all of the activity on your business’ page, which includes (in Facebook’s case) every like, share, comment and click. This is a crucial metric when it comes to determining your ROI for social media. The engagement per follower statistic is able to tell you, in a nutshell, how well your followers or fans are responding to your posts. The success of your posts are determined by how much your audience is interacting with them, whether it’s simply hitting the “Like” button, adding their own input through comments or sharing the post with their own followers. We’ll take a look

at how you can create more engagement among your audience later in this article.

Sentiment Analysis In the social media spectrum, sentiment refers to how your brand is perceived among your audience, whether positive or negative. Sentiment analysis provides one of the most honest forms of feedback available today. It determines exactly what customers are saying about your company, and there is no incentive for them to do so other than to share their opinions. By paying attention to the sentiment among your audience, you gain a very valuable insight to the mind of your consumers. Thanks to sentiment analysis, you can effectively market and sell to your target consumers, tailor product updates to specific needs or wants of the customer and improve your customer service. All this can be done by simply paying attention to exactly what people are saying about your company on social media networks.

Set a Goal To truly determine ROI on your business’ social media endeavors, you

first must set a specific goal of Doug Burton what you’d like KMK Media Group to see your page accomplish. Once you’ve established goals, apply the metrics! When determining ROI for social media campaigns, more thought should be given to what the numbers and metrics lead to rather than the actual numbers themselves. For example, does an increase in social media engagement lead to more website visits? If so, do these website visits lead to increased income? Is there a direct correlation between increase in business and increase in social media activity? Does a greater amount of followers on your page lead to a greater number of business opportunities? Facebook’s metric tools and Google Analytics have proven very useful for tracking social media metrics for businesses. Doug Burton is marketing manager for KMK Media Group. Like and follow Facebook.com/ kmkmedia and Twitter.com/kmkmedia for more social media and marketing tips! The views expressed are those of Burton’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

July 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

The art of mastering your business’ online reputation Always respond – whether news is good or bad Public relations efforts normally are put into place to enhance a business’ reputation. With the rise of social media and customer review sites, public relations efforts have shifted gears to focus on businesses’ online reputation management. It was actually a public relations firm called Weber Shandwick that claims to have coined the term “reputation management” back in 1997. The concept initially was intended to broaden public relations outside of traditional media such as TV, radio and print.

Whether you receive rave reviews or comments from dissatisfied customers, remember you still have control over how you respond. Over the past decade, businesses have witnessed a merger of public relations and online reputation management. In addition to traditional PR vehicles, such as press releases and newswire services, there are other ways to push influential

information about your business across the Web: ■■ social media ■■ blogs ■■ customer review sites Creating influential content can give you a feeling of control over how you want your customers to perceive you. But what happens when you lose that control? The general public now has become a world of professional bloggers and critics with the ability to publish content across the Web -- about YOUR business. The types of content they can publish include: ■■ Negative comments on your social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) ■■ Poor comments on your blog ■■ Negative reviews on customer review sites (TripAdvisor, Yelp, Angie’s List)

Handling Your Online Reputation Online reputation management allows you to relinquish some of the control and improve your image in the public. The most powerful tool you can have is to be aware of what is being posted and the ability to respond quickly. In public relations terms, we call this rapid response

and crisis management. In addition to responding quickly to negative content, it is important to continue to spread positive messages about your company. Your business can benefit from posting content daily and treating all customers as if they were members of the media. Try to post daily on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Remember, you are not just engaging in the community and with your customers, but with the media alike. For example, when a business posts information on its Facebook page, it can catch the eye of a local reporter. Local reporters often run stories in local newspapers from ideas they pick up on social media sites. This is what we call free press, and it can all stem from a simple Facebook post. Business owners now face the “friend or foe” issues with online review sites. Online review sites such as Yelp and Angie’s list have the potential to bring more customers to your business. On the flip side, negative reviews can be devastating. Whether you receive rave reviews or comments from dissatisfied customers, remember you still have control over how

you respond. Recognizing Kaijsa Kurstin those who are Propel Marketing dissatisfied with your product or service is proven to increase your credibility. A good piece of advice -- always comment or respond to both positive and negative reviews. Try to connect with dissatisfied customers offline to learn about their experience and invite them to come back with an incentive or discount. And remember, any customer can be a blogger, critic or journalist. As a business owner, you should be concerned with your online reputation and how you manage it. The people who engage with your business online are more than just customers; they are members of the public media. You never know when a little post or tweet will land you front-page coverage. Kaijsa Kurstin is marketing manager at Propel Marketing with 15 years of marketing/PR experience. The views expressed are those of Kurstin’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

July 2013

FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

AMB Development Group, Milwaukee, designed Rockford Orthopedic Associates’s new clinic. Stenstrom, Rockford, was general contractor.

Rockford Orthopedic Associates celebrates new clinic opening Rockford Orthopedic Associates, founded in 1967, announced the grand opening of a new, 70,000- sq. ft.-medical facility at 5875 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 17. The new building will house 10 physicians and about 200 employees, and offer services including knee and hip joint replacement centers, a new spine center, a rheumatology/ osteoporosis center, a same-day injury

walk-in clinic with MRI and digital X-ray, and an occupational medicine center. “This new clinic will provide some of the highest quality medical services and technology in the stateline area to our clients,” said CEO Don Schreiner. “It’s all about improving the patient’s quality of care and that’s exactly what this new facility will allow us to do.”

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July 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE UPDATE EMPLOYMENT LAW

The following is current Illinois legislation in employment law, and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s positions. Medical Marijuana (HB0001) Creates a medical cannabis pilot program as an alternative treatment for serious diseases causing chronic pain. Sponsor: Rep. Lange (D-Skokie)/Sen. Haine (D-Alton) Status: Passed House and Senate Illinois Chamber Position: Reviewing Unemployment Protection (HB0011) States that any unemployed individual who is eligible for unemployment

benefits or who is no longer eligible for extended benefits cannot have their gas or electric turned off by any public utility company, cannot be denied by any pharmacy the refusal to dispense prescription medication, shall not be sentenced for failure to make child support payments, and/or any mortgagee to institute foreclosure proceedings. Sponsor: Rep. Flowers (D-Chicago)/ Sen. Collins Status: Passed House 73-30-0/ Placed on 3rd Reading Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose

Workers’ Compensation Definitions (HB0107) Defines “accident” and “injury.” Injury includes the aggravation of a preexisting condition by an accident arising out of and in the course of the employment. Sponsor: Rep. Kay (R-Edwardsville) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Support

Sponsor: Rep. Kay (R- Edwardsville) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Support

Workers’ Comp. for Previous Injury (HB0111) Limits cumulative awards for partial disability to 500 weeks. Sponsor: Rep. Kay (R-Edwardsville) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Support

Apprentices-Local Public Works Projects (HB0924) Requires contractors and subcontractors who bid on local government prevailing wage work to comply with state “responsible bidder” requirements that include mandatory USDOL-approved apprenticeship participation. The bill also requires contractors to include in each bid the total number of straight-time work hours to be performed by minorities and women for each craft or type of worker or mechanic needed to execute the contract. Sponsor: Rep. Hoffman (D-Belleville)/ Sen. Raoul (D-Chicago) Status: Passed House 60-50-3/ Postponed – Labor and Commerce Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose

Unemployment Insurance Misconduct Definition (HB0139) Redefines “misconduct” by deleting language requiring that a violation of a reasonable rule or policy of the employing unit be deliberate and willful. Also deletes language requiring an Workers’ Comp. for Partial Disabilities instruction from the employing unit be (HB0108) explicit. Objective findings in medical records Sponsor: Rep. Tracy (R-Quincy) are taken into consideration in Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee determining a partial disability. Illinois Chamber Position: Support Sponsor: Rep. Kay (R-Edwardsville) Construction Service Payment Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee (HB0923) Illinois Chamber Position: Support Amends the Employee Classification Workers’ Comp. for Repetitive Act requiring the reporting to the Illinois Trauma (HB0109) Department of Labor any payment in a Requires a written, signed and verified taxable year to a construction service notice of an accident to be given to provider for performing construction an employer. In regards to repetitive services. These reporting requirements trauma, a notice shall be given within 45 only will apply to contractors unable days of the date the condition manifests to comply with the responsible bidder itself. The notice must contain no defect provisions of state law, aka small or inaccuracy unless the employee contractors. proves otherwise. Sponsor: Rep. Hoffman (D-Belleville)/ Sponsor: Rep. Kay (R-Edwardsville) Sen. Noland (D-Elgin) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Status: Passed House and Senate Illinois Chamber Position: Support Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose

Workers’ Comp. for Carpal Tunnel (HB0112) States that an employee with an injury involving carpal tunnel would be able to return to work without restrictions. Licensed physician shall determine the impairment level of a permanent partial disability. Sponsor: Rep. Kay (R-Edwardsville) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Support Workers’ Comp. for Intoxication (HB0113) Employees may overcome the assumption that intoxication was the proximate cause of an injury with valid evidence that intoxication was not the proximate cause.

Clean-up of Social Networking (HB1047) Amendment #1 provides that an employer may not request or require an employee or prospective employee to

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

July 2013

FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Legislative Issues to Watch provide a user name, password or other means to gain access to the employee’s or prospective employee’s personal social networking online account unless the account is provided by the employer or for use to access a communications device supplied or paid for by the employer. Sponsor: Rep. Durkin (R-Western Springs)/Sen. Connelly (D-Wheaton) Status: Passed House 69-35-2/ Subcommittee on Special Issues Illinois Chamber Position: Support Employment Discrimination Process (HB2493) Clarifies definition of “supervisory employee” for purposes of sexual harassment. Allows employers to ask employee or applicant of an arrest in which employee is out on bail or pending trial. Helps expedite IDHR ability to determine substantial evidence. An Illinois Chamber initiative. Sponsor: Rep. Turner (D-Chicago) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Support Workplace Violence Protection Act (HB2590) To protect its workforce, employers need tools such as limiting access to workplace venues for potentially violent individuals when appropriate red flags are indicated. HB 2590 creates a new act, which allows an employer to seek an order of protection to prohibit further violence or threats of violence by a person if: 1. An employee has suffered unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence from the person; and 2. The unlawful violence has been carried out at the employer’s place of work or the credible threat of violence can reasonably be constructed to be carried out at the employee’s place of work by the person. An Illinois Chamber initiative. Sponsor: Rep. Sandack (R-Downers Grove)/Sen. LaHood (R-Peoria) Status: Passed House and Senate Illinois Chamber Position: Support Employment Noncompete Agreement (HB2782) Establishes criteria for a valid noncompete agreement between an employer and an employee. Provides that a noncompete agreement may prohibit any solicitation of an employer’s existing customers, clients, identified prospective customers, and other employees during the post-employment restriction period. Sponsor: Rep. Morrison (R-Palatine) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Workers’ Comp. Insurance Fund Act (HB2919) Creates the Workers’ Compensation Insurance State Fund as an independent body corporate and politic for the purpose of insuring employers against liability for compensation under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Sponsor: Rep. Fine (D-Glenview) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Prevailing Wage Records (HB3223)

Significantly increases the information small contractors must provide on its certified payroll for work performed on a public works project. The new information to be included: gross and net wages, hourly wage rate, hourly overtime rate, start and stop times, hourly fringe benefit rates, plan sponsor and plan administrator of each fringe benefit. Union contractors would be exempt from reporting the fringe benefit information. Reporting of net wages may infringe on a worker’s privacy by disclosing wage assignments, child support, etc. Sponsor: Rep. Beiser (D-Alton)/Sen. Frerichs (D-Champaign) Status: Passed House and Senate Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Minimum Wage Increase (SB0068) Increases minimum wage. Language not yet introduced. Sponsor: Sen. Lightford (D-Chicago) Status: Postponed – Executive Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Family Medical Leave (SB1190/ HB0927) Allows family medical leave up to 12 weeks for birth or adoption of grandchild. Working with sponsor to amend the bill. Sponsor: Sen. Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights)/Rep. Gabel (D-Evanston) Status: Placed on 3rd Reading /Rereferred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Homeless Bill of Rights Act (SB1210) Creates the Homeless Bill of Rights Act. Sets forth certain rights of homeless persons. It would create a new discriminatory action in the Illinois Human Rights Act that may affect an employer’s ability to inquiry about an applicant’s housing status or address. Sponsor: Sen. Silverstein (D-Chicago)/ Rep. Welch (D-Westchester) Status: Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence House Amendment 1/ Passed House as Amended 76-33-0 Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Parkinson’s Disease (SB1253) Provides that any condition or impairment of health of a firefighter, emergency medical technician, or paramedic that results directly or indirectly from Parkinson’s disease resulting in any disability to the employee shall be rebuttably presumed to arise out of and in the course of the employee’s firefighting, EMT, or paramedic employment and shall be rebuttably presumed to be causally connected to the hazards or exposures of the employment, except as otherwise specified. Sponsor: Sen. Holmes (D-Aurora) Status: Re-referred to Assignments Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights Act (SB1708) Requires employers to make specific disclosures to domestic workers regarding terms of employment. Requires written contracts. Establishes provisions for duration of shifts, meal breaks, sleep and rest periods, paid

time off, and other matters. Senate Amendment #2 makes technical changes only. Sponsor: Sen. Silverstein (D-Chicago) Status: Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose Social Networking Accounts (SB2306) Senate Floor Amendment #1 provides that the restriction on an employer’s request for information concerning an employee’s social networking profile or website applies only to the employee’s personal account. Stipulates that in regards to an employee’s professional online account used for business purposes of the employer, nothing in the subsection shall prohibit or restrict an employer from complying with a duty to screen employees or applicants prior to hiring or to monitor or retain employee

communications as required under Illinois insurance laws or federal law or by a self-regulatory organization. Sponsor: Sen. Radogno (R-Lemont)/ Rep. Sandack (R-Downers Grove) Status: Passed Senate and House Illinois Chamber Position: Support Smoke Free-Privacy Exempt (SB2312) As amended, allows employers that provide treatment for patients with a cancerous condition to consider tobacco-use in their hiring policies for prospective employees. Sets forth protections for current hired and allows prospective employees to appeal any adverse action taken by their employer for violation of a tobacco-use policy. Sponsor: Sen. Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) Status: Lost in Senate 21-18-5 Illinois Chamber Position: Support

July 2013

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Rockford Public Schools focuses on preparing all students for the future This month, I am proud to become the superintendent of schools in a town to which I owe so much. Rockford is a great community. I was privileged to be raised by parents who instilled in me a sense of purpose and direction. All my life, I had a goal – an end – in mind. We owe the 28,000 students in the Rockford Public Schools as much. We need to design our school system with an end in mind for all students. I see my number one priority as preparing each and every student for college and the workplace. That preparation must start at an early age. It starts with giving every child access to preschool. We need to nurture each young child’s thirst for knowledge and encourage their curiosity, setting them on the right path for a successful education. We need to continue to guide them through elementary and secondary school, making sure they are transitioning through each phase with confidence and strong skills. And, in high school, we need to make sure they are fully prepared for the future – be it work, college or technical school.

Jefferson Students Organized Along Career Paths One of the largest transformations Rockford Public Schools is making to help that effort is already underway – the high school redesign. When school resumes this fall, Jefferson High School will be different. Students will return to a school that is organized into smaller learning communities according to student interest in a designated pathway for college and career readiness. Teaching and learning will be connected to real world applications through problembased learning, supported by community partnerships with partners from both the public and private sector. While only at Jefferson this fall, the concept will be fully launched at East, Guilford and Auburn for the 2014-2015 school year. It’s an innovative and exciting project that truly relies on our relationships

with the business community. We’ve already seen examples of how successful this partnership can be. Last fall, 300 professionals showcased 62 careers at our first annual Academy Expo organized by Alignment Rockford. The expo helped hundreds of students at Jefferson pick which academy they would enter this fall. This year’s Academy Expo will be moved from Jefferson’s gymnasium to the BMO Harris Bank Center to accommodate more than 5,000 students, 140 careers and more than 500 professionals. Last month, 52 local companies, civic organizations and post-secondary institutions welcomed more than 100 Rockford Public Schools teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff into their daily operation. Together, they brainstormed how to translate realworld work experience into classrooms. And just last week, thousands of community members and business leaders cleaned, painted, reorganized and redesigned Jefferson High School through Rockford Sharefest. These are just a few of the ways we are making a connection to the local business community. In the coming months, there will be more opportunities for you to help our students – at all ages. Whether you’re reading to elementary students, participating in the next Academy Expo or speaking to a group of high school students about your business, you are an important part of their education. My goal as the new superintendent is to take those young children who enter our buildings as wide-eyed, excited preschoolers and turn them into graduates leaving our system with that same eagerness about becoming a contributing member of the Rockford community. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of the Rockford Public Schools The views expressed are those of Jarrett’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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July 2013

Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

Educate yourself and your staff As leaders in the Rockford area, we all need to REALLY commit to continuing to learn new ideas and educate ourselves and our staffs. If Rockford is going to be competitive on a world stage, we need our leaders and our workforce to embrace education, not as an end result (such as a degree), but as a journey that will continue throughout our careers.

I believe the Rockford area is poised to evolve like the caterpillar transforming into the butterfly. It can happen if we all commit to education and learning. What exactly do I mean by education? For this article, education is the pursuit of knowledge that will help you and others in your organization efficiently and effectively compete in an ever-evolving global environment. No easy task, but doable with the right support and encouragement. What exactly do I mean by learning? Learning is acquiring new skills or ideas to solve existing or new challenges that our organizations do and will face. In other words, it is finding new ways to solve old problems. It is embracing new ideas instead of protecting a “this is the way we’ve always done it” culture. Education and learning by these definitions do not necessarily mean obtaining a degree, although that is one path (and given that I work for Rockford University, I hope this is an option some consider). Education and learning also can mean more effective on-the-job training programs. It can mean keeping up to date in your industry through reading and attending conferences and trade shows. It can mean understanding your organization well enough to be able to explain it to others in three minutes or less.

True Commitment to Learning My belief is whatever is done to become better educated and embrace learning however, has to be deliberate, sustainable and an integral part of your organization’s long-term goals. So if you start a reading group, it can’t be something that is cast aside when work is busy. If you want your workforce to be more knowledgeable about your industry, your competitors or your business, then you need to

commit Jeff Fahrenwald to giving Rockford University people time weekly or monthly to do this. If you need people to improve their formal education, then you need to consider providing tuition reimbursement or paid time off to attend classes. If leadership or management skills need to be developed, then you need to seek out quality training programs, develop your own internally or give people time off to volunteer. In other words, in order to commit to education and learning, you must be willing to commit time and resources. Education and learning are not vested in degrees, but what those degrees represent. Education and learning are not one time or one shot occurrences and are not a quick fix. People need time to enhance an education and learn new things. Ideas need to be processed, evaluated and tried.

Starts with Us Finally we need to acknowledge that education and learning starts with ALL OF US! Too many times, I meet with leaders of organizations who want me to train “their people,” but who really need training themselves. If we truly believe that education and learning are important, than we have to commit to doing everything I mentioned above ourselves. When was the last time you attended a class (in person or virtually)? When was the last time you went to a training seminar or committed to reading a specific number of hours per week about things related to your organization or profession? What are your personal goals for education and learning? I believe the Rockford area is poised to evolve like the caterpillar transforming into the butterfly. It can happen if we all commit to education and learning. It is what we ALL must do to keep our jobs, grow our organizations, be competitive in a world market and to lead a full life. I hope you make this commitment and help lead this area into a brighter future. Jeff Fahrenwald is director of the MBA program at Rockford University. The views expressed are those of Fahrenwald’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

July 2013

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY

IGNITE

Young Professionals

IGNITE helps those new to Rockford make connections The virtues of networking

It’s always difficult to relocate to a new city. You don’t know where you’re going, where to eat, or what there is to do with your free time. But worst of all, for many people, relocating to a new city means being in a strange place without friends, family or even people to show you the ropes of your new town. I know firsthand what this is like. When I first moved to Rockford a year ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I had to use my GPS to get to work, I had no idea what Beefaroo was, and I didn’t understand why I saw sock monkeys everywhere. Thus, I speak from experience when I say that while relocating is difficult, it is especially difficult for those who come to Rockford without any prior connections to the city. To be sure, there are still things about Rockford that I am still learning, but it is no exaggeration to say that what helped me transition the most was the networking I did when I arrived. I’m sure that we’ve all heard of the virtues of networking. The importance of connecting with potential clients, customers, employers and colleagues is difficult to understate. For the recently relocated, however, networking takes on new levels of significance. For those who relocate while still seeking employment, networking not only puts you in contact with potential employers, but it has the effect of keeping you proactive in your job search.

Connections in a Tight Knit City For those like me who relocated to Rockford to take a new position, networking has other significance. I moved to Rockford from Chicago. Practicing law in Chicago, I must admit that I was never terribly concerned with meeting or getting to know any other attorneys. The legal community there was simply so large that even on the occasions where I

Population Clock As of June 18, 2013:

U.S. 316,075,181 World 7,092,576,915

Mark Middendorff is an associate at SmithAmundsen LLC, and a member of IGNITE. Visit www.igniterockford.com.

Visit us online at: rockfordchamber.com

Questions? 815-987-8100

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Mark Middendorff IGNITE

would attend networking events, it seemed as though my chances of ever dealing with or even seeing those attorneys again was infinitesimal. People who relocate to Rockford should realize that the dynamics here are much different than the dynamics in a city like Chicago. Here, it is impossible to presume that you will never encounter someone again. Attorneys, engineers, business owners and other professionals interact with each other on a routine and repeated basis. Networking allows the newly relocated to foster positive relationships with those individuals that they will work with for years to come. It also allows people who are new to the area to establish and build a reputation in these close-knit working communities. But perhaps the most important and most overlooked benefit of networking in a new city is the social aspect. When I arrived in Rockford, I joined Rockford’s IGNITE young professionals group. Through this group, I met a number of young professionals who, like me, were feeling their way around an unfamiliar city. I also was able to meet a number of Rockford veterans who clued me in to local activities, restaurants, festivals and events. Additionally, the groups themselves, and IGNITE in particular, host a number of social events throughout the year. For the newly relocated, these social events not only offer the opportunity to meet new people in low-key settings, but they also offer the opportunity to visit new restaurants and explore the city. Networking has helped me make sense of this city, and my place in it. To those who have relocated, I urge you to join a group, start networking, and see what this city has to offer.

n online registration n keynote speaker video clips n event photos n list of Chamber events

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Top 10 Most Populous Countries 1. China 1,349,585,838

6. Pakistan 193,238,868

2. India 1,220,800,359

7. Nigeria 174,507,539

3. United States 316,668,567

8. Bangladesh 163,654,860

4. Indonesia 251,160,124

9. Russia 142,500,482

5. Brazil 201,009,622

10. Japan 127,253,075

Midwest Manufacturing Output Decreased in April The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) decreased 0.5 percent in April, to a seasonally adjusted level of 95.9 (2007 = 100). The Federal Reserve Board’s industrial production index for manufacturing (IPMFG) moved down 0.4 percent in April. Regional output rose 3.3 percent in April from a year earlier, and national output increased 1.7 percent.

Monthly Index

% Change

Feb 13

Mar 13

Apr 13

Apr 12 - 13

Chicago Mfg. Index

96.1

96.4

95.9

CFMMI-Auto

97.7 99.6 98.7

 5.8

CFMMI-Steel

93.5 92.5 91.6

 2.0

CFMMI-Machinery 97.9 97.5 97.2

 1.0

CFMMI-Resource 91.6 91.4 91.5

 1.9

IPMFG

 1.7

 3.3

97.2 96.9 96.6

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Updated May 28, 2013

U.S. Indicators May, 2013 Consumer Price Index

 0.1 percent

Unemployment Rate 7.6 percent Payroll Employment

 175,000

Average Hourly Earnings

 $0.01

Producer Price Index

 0.5 percent

Employment Cost Index

 0.3 percent (first quarter, 2013)

Productivity

 0.5 percent (first quarter, 2013)

U.S. Import Price Index

q 0.6 percent

U.S. Export Price Index

q 0.5 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates—Region, State, Nation

Apr 13

Mar 13

Apr 12

Change/Mo. Change/Yr.

Rockford

9.9 11.8 10.9 q 1.9

q 1.3

Chicago

9.3 9.4 8.8 q 0.1

q 0.5

Illinois

8.7 9.4 8.5 q 0.7

q 0.2

United States

7.1

q 0.6

7.6

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security

7.7

q 0.5

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July 2013

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

Rockford College transitioned to Rockford University, and continues to serve as Rockford’s only four-year degree granting residential institution.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members. Judson University launched its first doctoral program, a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Literacy, which grows out of its master’s program launched in 2008. Candidates accepted into the three-year program will make a cohort of seven to nine participants. Visit JudsonU.edu/ literacydoctor. The Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association donated $10,000 to Rock Valley College for improvements and new equipment for its manufacturing and metrology laboratories used by manufacturing technology students in the RRVTMA apprenticeship program.

Rockford Health System initiated its new Family Centered Caesarean program, allowing mother and baby to bond immediately by placing baby skin-to-skin on the mother’s chest while surgery is finished. Traditionally mothers who undergo a caesarean wait several hours to hold their babies.

Beverly Peterson, The Salvation Army; Nancee Long, Rockford Lutheran Schools, and Amy Myers, CherryVale Mall, stand in front of the AmeriCAN flag displayed at CherryVale Mall in May to increase awareness of hunger.

KMK Media Group completed a 30-second television spot and oversized postcards with tear-off coupons for Pearson, as well as a new website for Court Street United Methodist Church at CourtStreetUMC.org. The Rock County Historical Society chose KMK to promote its inaugural LincolnTallman Father’s Day Eve Fun Dash 5K. KMK held a series of press conferences for Heartland Financial on donations from its Pink Ribbon Debit Card program. It was hired by Lucky Lips, an emerging Rockford cosmetics company, to design its logo and tagline.

equivalencies in the past year.

Rockford Park District received the Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award for the outstanding performance of its lifeguard teams at Magic Waters Waterpark and aquatics facilities during the 2012 season.

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., awarded the CherryVale Mall management team with the 2012 Green Team of the Year and Outstanding Brand Development Program.

The Rockford Icemen varsity team and coaches, part of Rockford Park District’s youth hockey program, captured the 16th Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois State Championship.

UTC Aerospace Systems’ Electric Systems received the MERLIN Award for Outstanding U.S. Investment in Germany from the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc., for investments in its facility in Germany’s Bavarian region.

The adult education program at Rock Valley College celebrated in May the graduation of more than 300 students who completed GED high school

The December, 2012, bachelor of science in nursing graduates at Saint Anthony College of Nursing passed the NCLEX-RN licensing exam (nursing boards) at 100 percent. The Testor Corporation announced a refocus of its efforts on its core products in hobby and crafts. Rockford’s new women’s hardball team, Rockford Starfires, played its first game of the season on May 18 against the Chicago Gems at Marinelli Field in Rockford. The league plays the same game as the Rockford Peaches in the 1940s.

The Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps celebrated five years of ministry to the Laotian population

of Rockford and the promotion of Captains Bruce and Betty Keobounhom to the rank of Majors. V2 Marketing Communications has been hired to complete a marketing research study to identify perceptions and develop marketing and brand images for Rock Valley College. V2 has been tapped to redesign the United Way of Rock River Valley corporate website at www.unitedwayrrv.org, including optimization for use on mobile devices. California Primary Care Association announced its membership as an affiliate member with theFranaGroup, a national health care consulting firm headquartered in Rockford. SwedishAmerican Medical Group broke ground on a new clinic in Rockton. Scheduled to open spring, 2014, SwedishAmerican Medical Group/Stateline will operate from a 20,000-square-foot facility on East Rockton Road. Hanson Professional Services Inc., ranked 18th out of 25 companies in the large-employer category on a list of 60 companies named the best places to work in Illinois by Harrisburg, Pa.-based Best Companies Group.

Rockford’s Out of the Box group, a community collaborative of 33 businesses and organizations, completed and displayed an AmeriCAN flag in May at CherryVale Mall. More than cans of food were donated and used to build the flag. The canned goods then were donated to The Salvation Army food pantry. The Greater Rockford Airport Authority approved an agreement with Apple Vacations to provide nonstop service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Jan. 27 to April 3, 2014. Tickets from Chicago Rockford International Airport to Puerto Vallarta go on sale Friday, June 1 at www.FlyRFD.com. Apple Vacations also added a second weekly flight to Punta Cana out of RFD. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), visited the Rosecrance adolescent substance abuse treatment campus while visiting Rockford in May to learn about the impact of drugs on young people and to discuss strategies to combat crime in a meeting with local and federal law enforcement officials, and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL). Rockford Park District opened Windsor Lake Activity Center, 7212 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park, with public access daily from sunrise to sunset for catch and release fishing (except for pan fish), kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Continued on page 24

July 2013

Business Briefs Continued from page 23 Rockford Spine Center joined health care leaders across the country in recognizing June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month by decorating a tree on its property with more than 250 bows, representing patients treated for scoliosis in the past year. Shelter Care Ministries acquired the agency formerly known as Careers ETC/Promiseland Employment Services and changed the name to Careers & MORE: Motivation, Opportunity Resiliency and Excellence. The agency assists individuals who have struggled with employment due to homelessness, criminal backgrounds, sketchy work history or other circumstances. Rockford Park District offers Time 2 Play Neighborhood Playground Programs this summer for ages 5 to 12, with staff who supervise games, water play activities and weekly field trips at 10 locations. Registration required at www.rockfordparkdistrict. org or 815-987-8800. SwedishAmerican Hospital celebrated its founding on June 6, 1911 with a weeklong celebration, including its “Giving Back to the Community Collection” for Rock House Kids and Noah’s Ark. Rock Valley College expanded its Aviation Maintenance Program -one of the new career options in the Advance Now career program. Up to 25 high school students in fall, 2014 will have an opportunity to complete some of the college-level coursework while still in high school. Rockford Park District presents the Sounds of Summer with free concerts Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m., at Sinnissippi Park Music Shell through Aug. 15 (except July 4). Local musicians also perform on Wednesdays, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens outdoor terrace through Aug. 7. Free music, magic, juggling, drama and comedy performances on Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m., at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell through Aug. 7. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict. org/soundsofsummer. Fehr-Graham & Associates, an engineering and environmental firm, is moving its offices downtown to the newly renovated Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. Rockford Park District held a celebration for a new outdoor lighting system at Aldeen Golf Club. The YMCA of Rock River Valley kicked off its 10-year, $20 million capital campaign to fund a new branch in Cherry Valley and to renovate existing facilities, which serve 35,000 people through seven area branches. One of the first projects is a new youth interactive center at the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA.

YWCA of Rockford received the YWCA USA 2013 Association Excellence Award for its impact in the field of racial justice. The second-annual Carrie Lynn’s Club Blue fundraiser in April netted more than $160,000 to treat abused children and their families in Boone and Winnebago County. In 2012, more than 600 children were served. Savant Capital Management ranked #22 in the top 100 RIAs in the country by REP., formerly known as Registered Rep magazine, and the third highest in total assets under management for Illinois-based firms. It also ranked the #34 RIA firm by InvestmentNews, moving up from #59 in 2012. The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the region’s first Rock River Cup, a national NXTsports boys lacrosse tournament with youth and high school divisions, in June at Sportscore Two. The tournament drew more than 3,000 players, coaches and fans; filled an estimated 3,250 hotel room nights, and generated an estimated $585,000. Barbara Olson Center of Hope celebrated 65 years of service to people with developmental disabilities in the Rockford area with a fundraising gala by the Blazer Foundation in May. It also received a grant from the foundation in memory of Cedric Blazer to buy a new 15-passenger van and to help fund a new phone system. Rockford Orthopedic Associates held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 17 for the grand opening of its new 70,000-square-foot medical facility at 5875 E. Riverside Blvd., which houses 10 physicians and about 200 employees. Rockford Bank & Trust pledged $12,500 a year for three years to support Rockford Bank & Trust Financial Scholars, a web-based, financial literacy education program for RPS 205 high school students using the latest in new media technology – Level 4 simulations, avatars, gaming and adaptivepathing. Alpine Kiwanis Club awarded $15,000 to local high school seniors for college this fall as part of the proceeds from its Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days in July, with each senior receiving $1,500. Members of Rockford Area Aerospace Network, a network of Rockford Area Economic Development Council, will attend EAA AirVenture 2013, July 29 to Aug. 4, in Oshkosh, Wis., to promote the area’s aerospace industry. More than 800 exhibitors and 508,000 visitors will attend from 71 different countries. Visit www. airventure.org.

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THE FOURTH OF JULY 2013

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

2.5 million 316.2 million Fireworks 56 $218.2

In July, 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation. The nation’s estimated population July, 2013

Number of signers to the Declaration of Independence.

million

The value of fireworks imported from China in 2012, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($227.3 million).

Flags $302.7 million

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document.

John Hancock

Dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation’s manufacturers in 2007.

Patriotic-Sounding Place Names

, president of the Second Continental Congress, was the first signer, with the largest and most famous signature – hence the term John Hancock, still a synonym for signature. Benjamin Franklin (age 70), Pennsylvania, was the oldest signer. Edward Rutledge (age 26), South Carolina, was the youngest. Two future presidents signed, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Both died on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration (July 4, 1826).

Fifty-nine places contain the word “liberty” in the name. Pennsylvania, with 11, has more of these places than any other state.

The most common patriotic-sounding word used within place names is “union” with 136. Pennsylvania, with 33, has more of these places than any other state. Other words most commonly used in place names are Washington (127), Franklin (118), Jackson (96) and Lincoln (95).

FOURTH OF JULY COOKOUTS

65.9 million Number of all hogs and

pigs on March 1, 2013. Chances are that the pork hot dogs and sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to 20.3 million hogs and pigs.

6.3 billion pounds

Total estimated production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2012. Chances are good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for nearly one-sixth of the nation’s total production.

Number of states in which the value of broiler chicken production was estimated at $1 billion or greater between December, 2011, and November, 2012. There is a good chance that one of these states — Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas — is the source of your barbecued chicken.

The British are Coming!

$109.8 billion

Dollar value of trade last year between the United States and the United Kingdom, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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July 2013

Forest City Gear’s new division, Roscoe Works, is dedicated solely to the production of precision turning.

Forest City Gear launches state-of-the-art turning facility Forest City Gear, 11715 Main St., began operations in June of a new, 8,500sq. ft. facility near its main facility in Roscoe. Roscoe Works, a new division of Forest City Gear, is dedicated solely to improving lead times and quality in the production of precision gear blanks. “That’s very good news for Forest City Gear customers,” said Larry Cass, general manager. “Roscoe Works gives us complete control over the quality and delivery of the blanks (and slugs) that are the ‘near net shape’ starting point for many of the gears we produce. “The types of projects we take on here at Forest City Gear for customers around the world have never been more demanding from a quality and delivery standpoint. If we start off a project with turned blanks out of tolerance, or are waiting for blanks from a supplier, this can ultimately create a devastating production bottleneck in our KanBan system where operations upstream are sitting idle waiting for product to arrive.” According to Cass, the new facility easily meets current capacity requirements, and gives the company room to grow. For example, a new Hardinge Quest RS 51 MSY (Super

Precision) Turning Center with 16 station turret, sub-spindle, and live tooling with C-Axis and Y-Axis gives Roscoe Works the ability to completely machine blanks and slugs in a single setup that includes all turning, milling and drilling operations. For faster production of larger blanks (up to 6 inches in diameter), Roscoe Works has installed a new Takisawa TT200G Twin Turret, Twin Spindle Turning Center. The machine can perform simultaneous turning of either identical, or first and second operations, simultaneously on twin spindles. A new Tsugami Swiss-Style Lathe and an Okuma CNC Vertical Lathe soon will replace two older machines and add even more capacity. For more than 50 years, Forest City Gear has been one of the gear industry’s leading sources for the development, manufacture and inspection of the highest quality gears, for use in applications that range from medical devices to motorcycles, airplanes to automation -- even the Mars Curiosity Rover. Visit www.forestcitygear.com or 815-623-2168.

July 2013 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in July, 2013.

20-YEAR MEMBER

5-YEAR MEMBERS

William Charles, Ltd.

ATI Physical Therapy Law Office of Jim Black & Associates Home Instead Senior Care Horizons Inc. Ideal Welding Systems, L.P. Ingersoll Machine Tools LTM Water Treatment Northern Illinois Vein Clinic Reno & Zahm LLP State Farm Insurance – Solomon Foley Stateline Youth for Christ Transitions Hospice USANA Health Sciences

15-YEAR MEMBERS First Northern Credit Union Montessori Private Academy Rockford Art Museum Rogers Brothers Galvanizing

10-YEAR MEMBERS Gleason Cutting Tools Corporation L & S Label Printing Northwestern Mutual Financial Network/The Kosnick Financial Group

July 2013

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the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Wendy Young

2. Robert Wimmer

3. Jeff Kaney

4. Scott Blank

5. Rusti Swanson

6. Kent Shantz

7. Dan Yesbeck

8. Matt Roegner

9. Mike Paterson

10. Diane Gustafson

11. Lynn Stafford

12. Raymond James

13. Jeannie Hill

14. Sue LaVine

15. Dr. Kathleen Kelly

16. Kayla Countryman

17. Dr. Rex Brown

18. Rachel Viel

19. Dr. Srinivas Kolla

20. Jennifer Deuth Fritts

21. William Waldorf

22. Michael Dal Pra

23. Bruce Graham

24. Julie Burfoot

BOARD APPOINTMENTS, RETIREMENTS Wendy Young (1), president, Forest City Gear, was elected to the American Gear Manufacturers Association’s board for a three-year term.

director of golf instruction. Matt Roegner (8) joined Alpine Bank as executive vice president & commercial banking manager.

Robert Wimmer (2), president and CEO of Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc., was appointed to the WateReuse Association board.

The radio stations of Mid-West Family Broadcasting in Rockford (WXRX, BOB-FM, B103, 100.5 NTA-FM and the new La Movida) welcomed Mike Paterson (9) at their new general manager.

Jeff Kaney (3), CEO of Kaney Group, joined the SwedishAmerican Health System board.

CYRS Wealth Advisors LLC hired John P. O’Connor as a new financial consultant.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS Comfort Keepers® promoted Kerry Huffman to training coordinator, and Davi Jakl to client care coordinator. Lifescape Community Services, Inc., hired Scott Blank (4) as food and nutrition services director. Riverside Community Bank hired Rusti Swanson (5) as vice president of underwriting. Rockford Mutual Insurance Company promoted Kent Shantz (6) to chief operating officer, and Dan Yesbeck (7) to information technology manager.

First National Bank and Trust Company hired Diane Gustafson (10) as vice president-commercial loan officer and Trish Jones as commercial sales administrator and promoted Debra Garde to vice president, credit administration.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Rockford College honored Lynn Stafford (11), associate professor of education, and Raymond James (12), associate professor of education, with 2013 Excellence in Teaching Awards.

Insurance Company, earned the Associate in Claims (AIC) designation, and Sue LaVine (14) the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters. SwedishAmerican Health System presented the Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award to Dr. Kathleen Kelly (15), chief medical officer and chief quality officer. Kayla Countryman (16), guest services associate at Wesley Willows, received a $1,000 scholarship towards her nursing assistant certification at Rock Valley College, in memory of former resident LaVada Johnson. Rockford Orthopedic Associates hired Rex Brown, M.D., CEAS (17), and Rachel Viel (18), MS, PT, CWcHP, to the practice as work conditioning/ industrial rehabilitation specialists. Cardiothoracic surgeon Srinivas Kolla, M.D. (19), joined the Heart and Vascular Center at Rockford Health System.

Northern Public Radio hired Robert K. “Bert” Gray as development director.

The Distinguished Fellows of the International Chiropractor Association presented Dr. Brant Hulsebus, Hulsebus Chiropractic Clinic, with a Distinguished Fellows certificate for service to the ICA and the public.

Larson & Darby architect Jennifer Deuth Fritts (20) and structural engineers William Waldorf (21) and Michael Dal Pra (22) were certified by the California Emergency Management Agency as safety assessment program evaluators.

Golf Shack hired Jay Appel as its new

Jeannie Hill (13), Rockford Mutual

CherryVale Mall and Edgebrook

25. Nancy Salsbury

26. Brandon Latino

27. Bonnie Arrington

28. Eve Whitaker

29. Greg Saunders

awarded the following with first prizes in its art contest for fourth and fifth graders. Fourth grade: Rachel Heal (most detailed), Ruby Garey (most original), Matthew Korcek (most community pride) and Leah Esparza (most inventive). Fifth grade winners: Bryant Cambron (most detailed), Rachel Stevens (most original), Isabella Dittman (most community pride) and Abbey Temple (most inventive). The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois gave $2,500 Howard D. Colman Scholarships to upcoming college freshmen: Joseph Cruz, Belvidere High School; Eric Hasse, Hononegah High School; Ian Hogshead, Rockford Lutheran High School, and Thomas Lynch, Boylan Catholic High School. The 2013 Howard D. Colman Scholar, who receives $30,000 over three years, is Ceyda Bertram, Guilford High School.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Bruce Graham (23) and Julie Burfoot (24), Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc., attended the Data Path Connections Conference on health care reform 2014. Graham also attended “Advanced Moisture in Buildings” by Restorx and the Pekin Insurance Inner Circle Spring Meeting. Nancy Salsbury (25) attended an Insurance Ethics class by Servpro. Brandon Latino (26) and Bonnie Arrington (27) attended a National Council on Compensation Insurance Producer workshop. Eve Whitaker (28) passed her test for API 28 Personal Insurance: Underwriting & Marketing Practices. Greg Saunders (29), Ascension Pro Services/Big Day DJ, attended the Online Radio Summit in May at Wizard Academy in Austin, Texas.

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July 2013

Tips to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses The onset of warm weather and rain means Winnebago County residents should start noticing increased mosquito activity. Above normal temperatures increase the proportion of birds and mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus (WNV) and the risk of the disease to humans. The best way to prevent WNV or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid bites. Precautions include practicing the three “Rs” – reduce, repel and report. REDUCE exposure. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in birdbaths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles. REPEL. When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. REPORT. Every WNV season, the

Winnebago County Health Department offers a phone line for residents to report the location of recently expired birds at 815-720-4245. Dead birds cannot spread WNV, but it is advised to avoid barehanded contact with dead birds and other animals since they carry a variety of germs. Use a shovel, gloves or double-plastic bags to place the carcass in garbage bag or can. Residents who want to speak to a health professional can call 815-720-4240. WNV is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. It is an infection that can cause serious illness, but most people infected have no signs or symptoms. Some may become ill three to 15 days after the bite. Those with mild symptoms may have a fever, headache, body aches, skin rash or swollen lymph glands, but those with serious symptoms such as encephalitis and meningitis should seek medical help right away as death can possibly occur. Persons at the highest risk for serious illness are those 50 years of age or older. For more information visit: Illinois Department of Public Health, www.idph. state.il.us; Center for Disease Control, www. cdc.gov.ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm, or Winnebago County Health Department, www.wchd.org.

New Chamber Members MEMBERS CEVENE CARE CLINIC Medical Office with Physical Therapy, Chiropractic & Neurology 6451 E. Riverside Blvd., Ste. 103, 61114 Json Keith 815-639-9900 www.cevenecareclinics.com

ELIZABETH SPADE INDEPENDENT WELLNESS CONSULTANT I am a Health and Wellness Consultant Helping Improve Others’ Health and Fitness Elizabeth Spade 815-721-9377

FRIENDS OF THE CORONADO Champion of the Historic Coronado Theatre as a Performing Arts Center and Community Asset 314 N. Main St., 61101 Beth Howard 815-847-6314

ILLINOIS JETS YOUTH TRACK AND FIELD ORGANIZATION Established in 2009 to Address the Growing Need for Intermediate to Elite Level Track and Field Development in Rock River Valley Area 721 Overture Way Roscoe, IL 61073 Monique Jones 815-977-0171 www.illinoisjetstc.com

NEW YORK LIFE - CHAD DEMARRE Working with Individuals and Business Owners to Design Strategies to Help them Plan for the Future 973 Featherstone Road, Ste. 130, 61107 Chad DeMarre 815-227-5200 www.chaddemarre.com

NORTHERN ILLINOIS CENTER FOR ELDERCARE, P.C. Holistic, Elder-Centered Life Care Planning Approach to the Practice of Law 1491 S. Bell School Road, Ste. 4, 61108 Oliver Wendell Nelson 815-227-1144 www.elderlawrockford.com

UNITED REALTY IL Full Services Real Estate Company Including Traditional Sales, Foreclosures, Commercial Leasing and Sales, and New Construction 7210 E. State St., 61108 Rose Schlickman 815-397-7700 www.unitedrealtycompany.com

ZAVIUS JEWELERS, INC. Unique, Custom Designed Jewelry 2636 McFarland Road, 61107 Gloria Walsh 815-654-4000 www.zavius.com

Tips for a cool summer indoors The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and Dry Otter Basement provides useful tips for saving on summer cooling and winter heating, and maintaining a healthy indoors. 1. Keep furniture and curtains away from warm air registers, allowing for adequate air flow. 2. For safety and efficiency, have your furnace/air conditioning unit checked annually. 3. Keep registers open. Closing them does not save money or energy. 4. Basic air filters should be changed regularly, and more often if someone in your family has asthma or breathing problems. 5. To prevent costly repairs and a service call, protect your outdoor condenser from leaves and debris as

July 2013

well as ice and snow, but leave enough space at the bottom to prevent mold and to keep rodents from becoming trapped in your unit. 6. Set your programmable thermostat, then don’t touch it. 7. To keep your home comfortable, humidifiers should be set at 20 to 30 percent relative humidity. 8. Running the blower or fan continuously helps prevent hot or cold spots in the home.

Creating a Healthy Home All homes should be safe and comfortable, not a place that makes families sick or endangers the stability of the home. People can have air quality

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problems in any kind of home, new and old. Many things in your home can cause air quality problems including flooded basements, basement with moisture, humidity and foundation cracks.

overlooked, and therein lays the

Basement’s Contribution to a Healthy Home

that sometimes proves to be a health

Most homeowners seldom think of their basement as much more than a storage area or perhaps a place for the laundry, a workout area or a playroom. An occasional “musty” smell is often

sensitive respiratory system.

problem. The vast majority of cellars throughout the United States have water and moisture seeping in through concrete walls and rising up through the floor. Iron bacteria are carried in the moisture and water that seeps into all basements and provide an ideal growth medium for mold and mildew. Basements with any degree of humidity are responsible for an unpleasant odor hazard for anyone with allergies or a

Information provided by SMACNA and Dry Otter Basement. Visit www.smacna-nil.org and dryotterbasement.com.

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

Bible School, July 8 to 12, 9:30 a.m. to noon, for pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Call 815-9626061.

find information and resources to stay in their homes at www. keepyourhomeillinois.org or call toll free 855-KEEP-411 (855-533-7411).

Wednesday, July 3

Wednesday, July 10

Sunday, July 14

Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents its Independence Day Spectacular, 8 p.m., and AllAmerican Picnic, 6 p.m., at the Bengt Sjostrom (Starlight) Theatre, Rock Valley College. Tickets available at 815-921-2160 or www. rockvalleycollege.edu.

Thursday, July 4

Rockford MELD presents its 21th annual MELD July 4th Classic Run at North Madison Street, Rockford. All races will start and finish in front of the Trolley Station. 8K Run at 7 a.m.; 2 Mile Run at 7:15 a.m.; 1 Mile Fun Walk at 8 a.m. Register at www. rockfordmeld.org or call 815-6336353. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, presents Kaboom! 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., July 4 and 5. For questions, call 815-963-6769 or visit www. discoverycentermuseum.org.

Saturday, July 6

Rock House Kids presents an evening with award-winning country gospel artist, Jimmy Jack Whitaker, 1325 7th St., Rockford, 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, but a free will offering will be taken. Includes dinner and silent auction. Call 815-962-5067.

Monday, July 8

Court Street United Methodist Church hosts a summer camp, Everywhere Fun Fair, Vacation

RVC Starlight Theatre’s presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, July 10 to 14; Xanadu, July 17 to 21; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, July 24 to 28, and Les Misérables, July 31 to Aug. 4. All shows are 8 p.m., at the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre. For tickets call 815-921-2160 or visit rvcstarlight.com.

Thursday, July 11

Rockford Public Library presents Finding Grants for a Non-Profit Organization, 2 to 3:30 p.m., main library second floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. Registration required. For more information, call 815-965-7606.

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, presents Picnic and a Movie in the Village. Call 815-397-9112.

Wednesday, July 17

Rockford Public Library presents Understanding How the Affordable Care Act Can Benefit You, 1 to 2 p.m., East Branch Friends community meeting room, 6685 E. State St. Program by Mary Hallock, community relations specialist, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Registration required. For more information, call 815-9657606.

Thursday, July 18

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, presents How Does Your Garden Grow, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For questions, call 815-963-6769 or visit www. discoverycentermuseum.org.

Northern Illinois SCORE, counselors to America’s small business, presents Grow Your Business with Social Media and Email Marketing, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at EIGERlab with facilitator Tammy Finch, Constant Contact. Visit http://bit.ly/ZHjxbu.

Saturday, July 13

Friday, July 19

Friday, July 12

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts a Clothing Drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at nine locations. Visit www. knib.org, www.Facebook.com/ KeepNorthernIllinoisBeautiful or call 815-637-1343. Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) hosts Keep Your Home, Illinois, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Giovanni’s Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Illinois homeowners can

Alpine Kiwanis Club of Rockford hosts Brat Days, July 19, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and July 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Edgebrook Center, Schnucks on East State Street and Schnucks at North Alpine and Harlem Road. Live entertainment. Visit www.alpinekiwanis-il.org. For large orders (50 or more) call 815979-5249. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, presents See

a Juggler, Be a Juggler, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with juggler Jason Kollum. Preregistration for shows and workshops recommended. To register, call 815-963-6769 or visit www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

Saturday, July 20

Rockford Public Library presents The Copperhead Threat in Illinois: Civil War Presentation by Michael Kleen, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Sullivan Center large multipurpose room, 118 N. Main St. Registration not required. Call 815-965-7606.

Wednesday, July 24

The Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Rock Valley College presents Navigating for IDOT Website, a workshop on government contracting, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford. Register at ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ Conferences.action (keyword: IDOT) or call 815-921-2091.

Thursday, July 25

Northern Illinois SCORE, counselors to America’s small business, presents Writing Your Business Plan, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at EIGERlab with Vernon Wanner. Visit http://bit.ly/13g2ADb.

Saturday, July 27

Gospel Fest With Sunday’s Best takes place at Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, 3 p.m. For tickets call 815-968-5222.

Sunday, July 28

Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, presents Family Fun Day in the Gardens. Call 815-397-9112.

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July 2013

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

CH Robinson Worldwide Inc., 1252 Bell Valley Road, Ste. 103, held a ribbon cutting and open house on June 13 in celebration of the relocation to its Rockford office.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University held a ribbon cutting on June 5 at 7479 Walton St., Ste. 4, Rockford.

Superior Environmental Corp, 4799 Colt Road, Rockford, held a ribbon cutting on June 19 to celebrate its grand opening.

Rockford Supportive Living, 2114 Kishwaukee St., held a ribbon cutting on June 5 in celebration of its new secured unit for Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/dementia care.

Comfort Keepers, 4835 Manhattan Dr., Rockford, held a ribbon cutting on June 12 to celebrate its expansion.

Rockford Orthopedic Associates held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 17 for the grand opening of its new 70,000-square-foot medical facility at 5875 E. Riverside Blvd., which houses 10 physicians and about 200 employees.

July 2013

Membership Renewals

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events

Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber in May, 2013. 12th Street Business Center ABC Catering Ltd., A Better Choice Catering Access Services of Northern Illinois Adams Letter Services, Inc./ Magnum Creative AFLAC - Andy Krauss Anpec Industries ARCO Machinery Movers/ MRS Industries Inc. B/E Aerospace, Inc. Beggin Tipp Lamm, LLC Belter Machinery Co., Inc. Birch Plumbing. Inc. Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc. BMO Harris Bank Center Bourn & Koch, Inc. Building Systems, Inc. Catalyst Business Solutions Chem Processing, Inc. CHIP Alumni of Rock River Valley Choice Furniture, Inc. ComEd, An Exelon Company Comfort Inn of Rockford Comfort Keepers Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild Rockford Court Street United Methodist Crown Machine, Inc. Danfoss Power Electronics Dedicated Fleet Services Der Rathskeller Discovery Center Museum of Rockford Dixon Automatic Tool, Inc. Eickman’s Processing Company Englewood Electric Supply Fiberglass Innovations LLC Field Fastener Supply Co. First Rockford Group Forever Green, Inc. Franchesco’s Ristorante Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Golf Shack Gruno’s Diamonds Gunite Corporation Hayes Beer of Rockford Heinzeroth Marketing Group Helen Hill Communication Hilton Garden Inn HR Green Inc. Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic Image Pro’s Asphalt Maintenance Co. Ingersoll Machine Tools Jerome S. Weiskopf, MD, PC John Morrissey Accountants, Inc. Johnson Controls, Inc. Kelly Services Krup Electric Company Lifehouse Properties –The Atrium, Assisted Living Community Lifescape Community Services/ Community Kitchen, Inc. LM Sheet Metal & Service, Inc. Mastercraft Exteriors of Illinois, Inc. McMAHON Meg’s Daily Grind Midland States Bank - Wealth Management Mrs. Fisher’s, Inc.

NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Necchi-New Home Sewing Center, Inc. New Leaf Remodeling Nexus Office Systems, Inc. North American Tool Corporation Northwest Bank of Rockford Orthopedic & Sports Therapy Institute - Byron Per Mar Security PG Display Production Tool and Supply Company Professional Steel Services, Inc. Red Mango - Spring Creek Road Red Mango - Machesney Park Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. Ring Container Technologies Rock House Kids Rock River Tower Apartments Rock River Valley Blood Center Rock Valley Culligan Rockford Area Pregnancy Care Centers Rockford College Rockford Coronado Concert Association Rockford Country Club Rockford Heat Treaters, Inc. Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc. Rockford Map Publishers, Inc Rockford Network of Professional Women Rockford Orthopedic Associates Rockford Sanitary Systems, Inc. Rockford Speedway/Forest Hills Lodge Rockford Structures Construction Company Rockford Supportive Living Rockford Urological Associates, Ltd. SCORE For the Life of Your Business Shelter Care Signs Now Singley Construction Staff Management, Inc. Stanley Steemer of Rockford Stateline Staffing Services, Inc. Stateline Youth for Christ Stephenson Veterinary Hospital, Ltd. Stillman BancCorp N.A. SVA Certified Public Accountants, SC Swanson’s Discount Vacuum, Inc. TAPCO USA, Inc. TBC Net, Inc. TGI Friday’s The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Illinois Chapter The Salvation Army Thermo Fisher Scientific Thrifty Boutique Resale Shoppe Thunder Bay Grille Todd Transit, Inc. TruGreen Two Men and a Truck UNION Savings BANK United Way of Rock River Valley Universal Die Cast Visions Lighting and Accessories

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JULY 2013 Monday, July 8

Ribbon Cutting, Old Chicago Restaurant, 6280 E. State St., 11 a.m. to noon.

Tuesday, July 9

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz. Wednesday, July 10 7:30 - 9:00 am Rock Valley College, Woodward Technology Center 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Breakfast Buzz “Healthcare Today…What is Really Happening?” Ryan Brauns, Senior Consultant, Public Practice Leader from Rockford Consulting & Brokerage will be the speaker. Sponsor: McGladrey

Wednesday, July 10

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street). Brent Brodeski, Savant Capital Management, will present. Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com. Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place, 815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@ carpentersplace.org. Thursday, July 11 4:00 - 7:00 pm Rockford University, Burpee Commons 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Chamber Founder’s Day Celebration

Thursday, July 18

IGNITE After 5: Jax Pub, 4160 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 23

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

Wednesday, July 24

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com. Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place, 815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@ carpentersplace.org. PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street). Saul Arteaga, Southern Wisconsin Interpreting and Translation Services (SWITS), will present.

Wednesday, July 31

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street). Mark Hunter, Winnebago County Health Department, will present.

AUGUST, 2013 Tuesday, August 6

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Wednesday, August 7

Join with fellow Chamber members at a special celebration.

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street). Paula Carynski, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, will present.

Sponsor: Rockford University (presenting); AT&T (supporting)

Thursday, August 8

Thursday, July 11

Ambassador Lunch Meeting, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Vito’s Ristorante, Inc., 1620 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Wednesday, July 17

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street). Bobbie Holzwarth, Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C., will present.

Business After Hours, Entré Computers, 4 to 7 p.m., 8900 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park. Celebrate Entré’s 30th anniversary with networking, food and entertainment with Harlan Jefferson Group.

Friday, August 9

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Rockford.

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EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events Tuesday, August 13

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz. Wednesday, August 14 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Giovanni’s 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Government Leader Luncheon Luncheon will highlight the key priorities for our region’s prosperity. Sponsors: BMO Harris Bank (presenting); AT&T, Humana, SwedishAmerican Health System (gold)

Wednesday, August 14

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street). Jody Schumacher, RK Dixon Office Supplies, will present. Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

July 2013

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place, 815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@ carpentersplace.org.

Thursday, August 15

IGNITE After 5: Onyx, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Onyx Bar & Grill, 1001 West Lane Road, Machesney Park.

Tuesday, August 27

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

Wednesday, August 28

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Wednesday, August 28

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place, 815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@ carpentersplace.org.

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Karen Keller Company: Professional Graphics Inc. Position: National Accounts/Project Manager How long have you been an Ambassador? Since February, 2013. What do you like most about being an Ambassador? I like being involved with the community by spreading the word about the benefits of being a member of the Rockford Chamber. It is a positive opportunity to meet others in business and promote Rockford as a good place to live, work or own a business.

ADVERTISERS Advertisers Index

Ahern Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . 12 Alpine Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Arc Design Resources . . . . . . . . 19 Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . 3 Broadmoor Agency. . . . . . . . . . . 23 Comcast Business. . . . . . . . . . . 11 First National Bank and Trust Company . . . . . . . . . 21 FurstSearch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 IMEC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Larson & Darby Group . . . . . . . . 12 Leading Lawyers Network . . . . . 14 McGladrey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 OSF Healthcare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Pathways EAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Propel Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren. . . 16

Rockford Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . 18 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . 20, 21, 25, 29, 31 Rockford Mass Transit District. . . 5 Rockford Memorial Hospital. . . . . 9 Rockford Orthopedic Assoc. . . . 19 Sikich LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Thayer Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Transformations Plastic Surgery.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Van Galder Bus Co. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Van Matre HealthSouth. . . . . . . . 18 Wipfli LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100.............................................. Direct Line Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO.......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Executive Assistant to the President.................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive............... 815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events.. ........ 815-316-4337 Cyndie Landis, Financial Assistant.. .......................................... 815-316-4300 Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance.. ..................................................... 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events.. ............................................ 815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Membership Development Manager..................... 815-316-4315 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator......................... 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Richard Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System

DIRECTORS Romero Bennett Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc. Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.

Vice Chair Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc.

Ryan Brauns Rockford Consulting & Brokerage

Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company

Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions

Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Darlene Furst Furst Staffing Jeff Hultman Riverside Community Bank

Penelope Lechtenberg Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College Paul McCann Stanley Steemer Pat Morrow Alpine Bank Amy Ott Chicago Rockford International Airport Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy Daniel Saavedra Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects Henry Seybold Rockford Health System

Pat Shaw McGladrey LLP Somchan Thatsanaphon K-I Machine Tool & Production Inc. Tim White UTC Aerospace Systems Jennifer Wood Sikich LLP

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

August 2013 Special Sections

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