July Voice 2020

the

Celebrating 110 years!

THANK YOU TO OUR 110-YEAR-MEMBERS!

July 2020 | Volume 33 | No. 7

PAGE 30

of the rockford business community

Congratulations to this year’s graduates!

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce 46 professionals have graduated from the 66th Class of Leadership Rockford, sponsored by PNC Bank. They join 1,898 others who have been a part of the program since 1967.

Leadership Rockford has served as a valuable leadership development tool for area employers for years.

One of the Rockford Chamber’s primary missions is to ensure there is a pipeline of leaders that are in a strong position to provide leadership in their business and for our community. Leadership Rockford helps participants understand Rockford from a holistic point of view. By becoming informed and engaged citizens, graduates are positioned to find collaborative solutions to opportunities within our community. This level of community leadership is vital to all aspects of our community and we applaud and thank those who have participated in or supported the program.

As a nod to their hardwork and dedication, the July & August issues of The Voice will highlight graduates from this year’s program as well as the volunteer work each group of participants worked on. Though COVID-19 derailed many plans — the connections, relationships and networks — participants have created among themselves, community leaders, and non-profit organizations that will far outlast the virus.

Read more starting on page 14 of this issue.

32 proven tips for working from home New skills and a new approach is needed

By Alyson Taylor

THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY

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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

Working from home is becoming increasingly common. With the explosion of cloud technology over the past decade, it’s easier than ever to communicate, collaborate and be productive while working remotely.

During the COVID-19 crisis, millions of people found themselves working from home for the first time. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey went so far as to tell employees that they could work from home permanently.

What most people don’t realize, however, is that working from home is significantly different than working in an office. You can’t take what you did at the office and simply transfer it to your home. New skills and routines are needed — a new approach to managing your teams during crisis, and managing your own work, too.

It’s like when Michael Jordan switched from the NBA to Major League Baseball. The things that allowed him to succeed at basketball didn’t totally transfer over to baseball. He needed a different toolset.

In this article, we’re going to provide you with 32 proven, time-tested tips for succeeding while working from home.

Ready?

Let’s get started.

#1 – Set A Schedule And Stick To It When you work from home, the boundaries between work and rest tend to get blurred. If you’re not careful, you may find yourself working too much and not taking enough time to rest.

Creating a daily schedule puts firm boundaries around your workday. You know when you’re going to start work, when you’ll take breaks, and when you’ll stop for the day. This allows you to get into a daily rhythm. You spend less time trying to decide what you’re going to do, which reduces the amount of decision fatigue you experience and increases productivity.

Make your schedule clear to your coworkers so that they know when you’re on and off the clock.

Google Calendar allows you to create shared calendars so that people know what you’re doing on each day of the week.

The Calendly app makes it simple to agree upon meeting times without sending dozens of emails back and forth.

#2 – Quit At Quitting Time When you work in an office, you leave the building and go home at the end of the day, which puts a hard stop on your work. You don’t have this hard stop when you work from home.

Continued on page 3

RVC CHOOSES BELVIDERE SITE FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER After considering 21 possible locations, the Rock Valley College District 511 Board chose a location off Business State Route 20 near Route 76 in Belvidere for its Advanced Technology Center. It will be the first facility the district runs outside of Winnebago County.

The district encompasses all, or part of, Boone, Dekalb, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.

The Belvidere ATC project development met all of the requirements contained in the request for proposals: cost, RMTD bus access and completion date.

“The project is half the price and 50 percent larger than the next most viable location, which means we have resources and available space for other projects that will serve our students and community,” said Jarid Funderburg, chairman of the RVC Facilities Committee.

The Advanced Technology Center will house curriculums teaching the latest technology skills to run machines and match the requirements for area manufacturing jobs, as the sector continues to need workers. It will be large enough to house RVC’s automotive and truck driver training programs.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! CHAMBER

Golf Classic

MONDAY, AUGUST 31 Rockford Country Club For more information, see page 29 SPONSORED BY

HELP FOR THOSE WHO CARE FOR KIDS State Senator Steve Stadelman joined Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and child care providers, local officials and parents for a visit to Rock River Valley YMCA Children’s Learning Center to announce a $270 million Child Care Restoration grant program, part of the state’s Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Fund. The program will support child care providers as they continue to watch children across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Build a sense of community

Expert advice on how to support your employees during a crisis EINAR FORSMAN Rockford Chamber President

In the best of times, employees often look to their company’s leaders as a source of information, clarity and guidance. During a crisis like COVID-19, a leader has an even greater responsibility to support their teams and assuage their growing concerns.

According to a Gallup study, what people need most from leaders during unpredictable times are trust, compassion, stability and hope. Lily Scanlon, a principal at Korn Ferry, echoes this finding, noting that employees need management to provide a sense of stability and a vision of the organization’s future.

“We may not know what the immediate future looks like, but leaders are responsible for visioning the future and communicating that vision to employees so they know how to act,” said Scanlon.

“Employees are looking for a leader who demonstrates a clear path forward and what the impact will be on the company and employees,” added Maria Rosati, CEO and founder of Eminence Communications Inc. Here are a few steps you can take now and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provide regular company updates as your circumstances evolve

During any crisis, leaders must provide frequent updates to ensure that everyone in the organization is up to date. This is especially important during COVID-19, when new statistics and safety guidelines are being issued constantly.

“These

updates

should

balance

providing helpful information — the status of business operations, closures or

adjustments

to

operating

hours,

shifts in business operations … and the corresponding impact to the various business functions, etc. — without oversharing,” Scanlon said. “Assuming no significant changes, these messages should be provided every one to two weeks.”

You may also wish to share information about company-provided resources and benefits, as well as resources in the local community.

“Put the safety of your employees above all else,” Scanlon added. “You’ll want employees to feel you genuinely care for them more than the bottom line.”

Check in with your employees and be accommodating of their personal challenges

Your employees may be facing new and evolving challenges during the pandemic.

They may be working parents with kids at home. They may be responsible for caring for elderly parents. Their partners or household members may be essential frontline employees who don’t have the same luxury of working from home.

For this reason, Dave Hill Jr., founder of Go 2 Market Coach, recommended that leaders check in with their team regularly on an appropriate personal level.

“Your employees likely have concerns about the health and financial well-being of other family members and friends, so now is an especially tender time,” Hill shared.

“Even a casual, ‘I’m thinking of you and hoping your family is safe’ goes a long way.”

If your employees are dealing with personal situations, it may be more difficult for them to juggle a “typical” 9-to5 workday. Scanlon said it can be helpful to make accommodations for these team members, such as providing flexible work hours or adjusting meeting times.

Staying connected and bringing some positivity into your (virtual) workplace can help relieve some of the anxiety and tension your team is likely feeling at home.

“Most of us are working remotely, and employees want and need to feel connected to a community at this time,” said Rosati.

You can stay in touch with employees through formal messaging, video conferences, virtual happy hours or informal catch-ups, said Scanlon. Similarly, Hill suggested holding weekly virtual “office hours” where your team can drop in and catch up with you.

“We are all craving human contact and interaction,” he added.

Be kind to yourself and get help if you need it

While supporting employees should be a top priority for you as a leader, it is equally important to take care of yourself, so you can be the best leader possible for your team.

“Like the in-flight oxygen mask, you have to take care of yourself first in order to weather the storm and help others,” said Hill. “There are people to reach out to for support, depending on what you need. Many other leaders are also facing unprecedented unique challenges and we need creativity, self-care and support to make it through.”

Source: Nicole Fallon, ACCE Contributor

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

WORK FROM HOME Continued from front page

You may find yourself keeping an eye on your inbox or thinking about projects through the night, even though you’re technically done working for the day.

This is a sure recipe for burnout.

We already know that a majority (70%) of employees say their company needs to do more to prevent burnout. But you can do your part to prevent it, too.

At the end of the day, stop working completely. Close out browser tabs, shut your laptop, and tidy up your workspace so that it’s clean for the next morning.

Then give all your attention to the remainder of your evening.

If you don’t have a hard and fast quitting time, work items will probably carry over into your rest time.

#3 – Get Dressed One of the great advantages to working from home is that you don’t need to get dressed up. No suit and tie.

No jacket and skirt. You can dress in clothes that are comfortable.

However, don’t work in your pajamas, as tempting as that may be. The old adage of “dress for success” has real merits. The simple act of getting dressed mentally prepares you to tackle the day.

It creates a hard boundary between lounging in your PJs and work.

Additionally, what you wear has a

July 2020

significant effect on your self-perception.

One study showed that wearing more formal attire made people feel like they had more authority and were more competent.

#4 – Communicate Expectations To Those Around You Those at home with you (roommates, kids, etc.) need to know what you expect from them. They need to know when and where you’ll be working, and they need to respect your work time.

If you don’t establish these boundaries, all sorts of things will begin to impinge on your work time. A roommate needs a ride. A child wants you to play with them. As much as you’d like to do these things, you simply can’t while you’re working. Author Glenn Fleishman recommends: ■ Having a conversation with family or

roommates so that they know how you’ll be working ■ Sticking to a regular schedule so that everyone knows when you’re working ■ Having some sort of sign or signal that you’re working (closed door, headphones, etc.)

#5 – Observe Routines Most of us have routines and rituals that we perform before we start working. We drink coffee, exercise, read the headlines, etc. Going through these routines signals to our brains and bodies that it’s time to start working.

They become habits and create mental “grooves” of sorts. These mental grooves make it easier to actually get started.

Additionally, routines have been demonstrated to improve sleep cycles, which consequently help reduce stress and improve mental health.

As much as possible, try to create and

LET YOUR Voice BE HEARD The Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages member submissions for The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community.

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

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

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

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

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observe similar routines when you work from home. Create a pre-work ritual that helps you get in the right headspace to be productive. Maybe that ritual involves drinking a cup of tea and going for a jog.

Maybe it involves meditating using an app like Headspace or Calm.

The more you utilize routines, the easier it will be to get your workday started.

#6 – Take Regular Breaks When you work from home, it’s easy to forget to take breaks. You just keep working, maybe even going so far as to eat lunch while working. This is a sure recipe for burnout and exhaustion.

Throughout the day, your body goes through multiple cycles of high and low energy called “ultradian rhythms.” These cycles occur every 90 to 120 minutes and play a large part in how productive you are. At the peak of a cycle, your energy is highest and at the trough its lowest.

The implication is that you’ll be most productive if you work with your body instead of against it. Focus on getting things done when energy levels are high and then give yourself space to recover.

Include regular breaks in your schedule and be sure to take them.

Resist the temptation to just keep going.

Your body and brain need to rest and recharge, and taking breaks allows this to happen.

Continued on page 21

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

 Destination

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Clean Hands, Open Doors pledge boosts consumer confidence

Like many of you, my family and I emerged slowly and carefully over the past few weeks from the necessary isolation and limited consumer options brought about by COVID-19 restrictions.

In June, we happily and cautiously embraced outdoor dining at some of our favorite local restaurants and enjoyed having more choices for retail shopping and personal care services.

My family’s confidence in venturing out is in direct proportion to how transparent area establishments are in following best practices in public health; scientific standards that are designed to help our economy rebound in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

I believe wholeheartedly in a statement made recently by Dr. Sandra Martell, director of the Winnebago County Health Department, who has been our local public health guru guiding us through the crisis. She said: “We, collectively, hold the key to opening safely.”

In a recent lunch chat, she reminded me and other participants of this inescapable reality: We need to learn how to co-exist with COVID-19 until we develop effective treatments for the illness AND until there is a vaccine. In other words, for the foreseeable future.

That’s where a new initiative called CLEAN HANDS, OPEN DOORS comes in. The program is designed to raise consumer confidence and spur the economy by increasing transparency about cleaning and sanitation protocols at public and private institutions in this region. More than 200 area retail outlets, government entities, restaurants, hotels/ motels, professional offices and personal service businesses already have taken the CHOD Pledge. We’re asking you to join them in helping protect yourself, your staff and your customers by taking the pledge.

to return to work and, once again,

Employing Best Safety Practices

com to see which organizations and

RACVB developed the program in collaboration with the Rockford Region Rebounding Tourism & Hospitality Group, one of several local groups tasked with helping specific segments of the economy rebound from the impact of the virus. I co-chair the Tourism & Hospitality group with Anne Weerda, executive director of Burpee Museum of Natural History. In developing the Clean Hands initiative, our committee wanted to offer tools to the community to increase confidence that it is safe

patronize local businesses.

Businesses that take the pledge will become part of an information pipeline about best practices for public health protocols and they will have access to information shared among area businesses. Also, they can use resources and materials we’ve already developed, including signage and a logo that can be posted at the business or displayed online.

When consumers see the logo, they know that the business has pledged to abide by best practices in seven areas: Face Coverings. Require staff to wear face coverings when interacting with guests. Require customers to wear face coverings, if medically able.

Clean

Hands.

Implement

staff

protocols for rigorous hand washing and provide hand-sanitizing or handwashing stations for customers.

Sanitation.

Follow

Centers

for

Disease Control guidance for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, equipment and other elements in our environment.

Social Distance. Reduce occupancy and ensure staff and guests practice social distancing guidelines of six feet.

Wellness Checks. Conduct wellness screenings of staff and limit contact with other staff and guests.

Training and Protocols. Train staff on safety procedures and implement protocols to increase guest well-being (example: no touch credit/debit cards, adjusted traffic flow in buildings).

Public Health Guidelines. Adhere to all orders and directives issued by the CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health and our local county health department.

Go

to

www.rockfordcleanhands.

businesses already have taken the pledge. Then, please join us. As Dr. Martell has said, we all play a role in maintaining public health while helping our economy rebound.

John Groh is president/CEO of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and serves as chair of the Davis Park Task Force. www. gorockford.com.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

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The new school year will be different from the spring in three major ways: we will introduce new material, we will resume grading, and we will have assessments.

DR. EHREN JARRETT Superintendent RPS 205

Seamless learning in classroom and remote settings A brave new world for educating

We at the Rockford Public Schools spent two weeks last spring listening to our families about what worked and what didn’t work in remote learning.

It was a challenging time for everyone, but we are building on what we learned to start the school year strong. For 2020-21, we are creating a roadmap to reopening that will provide us flexibility to protect health while advancing learning.

I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you what the start of the school year will hold. Short of that, let me describe the differences between the remote learning of last spring and what we’re anticipating for the fall.

During the spring, no new grades were earned and no new material was offered.

Teachers did a phenomenal job making sure education continued. They also helped students who had fallen behind to catch up.

Before I give you a peek at what’s ahead, allow me to share just a few of those remarkable efforts by teachers.

Kate McFaddin, an English teacher at West Middle School, not only learned how to use virtual tools like Screencastify to make Zoom lessons more accessible for her

students. She established something called “Mental Health Monday” so students could check in with her about how they were faring without the routines of school.

Like McFaddin, Ambre Martin went above and beyond to help her students during a difficult time. A third grade teacher at Constance Lane Elementary, she mailed home craft supplies to students so they could make Mother’s Day gifts online together. For virtual read-aloud sessions, she added personal touches like images of her pet dogs and her stationary bike trainer.

Teachers missed their students. Students missed their teachers. Students missed each other. We heard that repeatedly in surveys on remote learning. We knew the relational aspect of education was huge, but it was even bigger than most of us realized.

We are planning for the new school year with that in mind.

Building Relationships The sad reality of this pandemic is the virus likely will be with us in the fall, despite our best efforts at preventing its spread. So our first priority is to take the

safety precautions we need, and to provide face-to-face learning when we can.

However, we are prepared to move back and forth between in-person learning and remote learning.

We are prepared to blend what we call synchronous learning with asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning is virtual “face-to-face” -- such as, the ability to have all 30 students on a Zoom call. Asynchronous learning is when a teacher prepares a video students can watch or materials they can complete at their convenience.

In addition to a safe and healthy learning environment, we heard from surveys that both students and teachers want more synchronous, or live, learning so they can be in relation with one another.

The new school year will be different from the spring in three major ways: we will introduce new material, we will resume grading, and we will have assessments.

Students will also benefit from our strategic planning on technology. We will issue each high school student a device to take home. Each elementary and middle school student will be assigned a device

at the beginning of the year. Either way, students will lose less instructional time checking in and out of devices. We have also aimed to narrow the digital divide by assuring as many students as possible have access to the Internet, whether via WiFi at home or a mobile hotspot.

To help make the transition to this brave new world of educating, our Institute Days in August will be all about remote learning.

We are grateful to our teachers for being innovative, but we want to help them as much as possible with standardizing our approaches and aligning them with best practices.

Even if we have to alternate between classrooms and remote settings, our goal is the same: seamless learning. “See” you in August!

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

Facebook announces $800 million investment in Illinois community for new data center Facebook announced June 30, 2020, that, as part of their commitment to invest in America, the tech company’s newest worldwide data center will be built in DeKalb, Illinois, bringing an investment of more than $800 million. The Facebook DeKalb Data Center will be among the most advanced, energyand water-efficient data center facilities in the world, supporting an estimated 100 operational jobs and hundreds of construction jobs.

“There are many variables that enter into the decision process for data center locations, and DeKalb provided many compelling reasons for Facebook to bring our newest data center to Illinois,” said Rachel Peterson, Vice President of Data Center Strategy for Facebook.

“This new state-of-the-art data center will advance the State of Illinois’s commitment to growing technology and renewable energy

throughout our state,” said Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Michael Negron. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, more companies continue to make Illinois a destination – based on the talent of our people, access to education and amenities, and our continued investments to modernize shared infrastructure.

This 907,000 square foot facility, the 12th Facebook data center in the U.S., will be supported by 100% renewable energy, will use 80% less water than the average data center, and, once completed, will be LEED Gold certified. As one of the largest data centers in Illinois, the Facebook DeKalb Data Center will accelerate opportunities for the community to attract skilled jobs, while increasing the northwest region’s competitive digital edge.

Gov. Pritzker announces $900 million in community, business grants Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on June 17 a more than $900 million package of state grant programs to support communities and businesses impacted by the pandemic and recent civil unrest. The new package will be granted through more than 10 programs and four state agencies and operate with equity requirements; ensuring that disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) receive their fair share of support.

New Business Interruption Grants Program The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is launching the first round of Business Interruption Grants; providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19-related closures.

The application for the BIG program is available through the DCEO and will award up to 3,500 businesses that experienced limited ability to operate due to COVID-19-related closures.

DCEO will begin distributing funds to qualifying businesses in early July. Of at least $540 million in grants for small businesses, $270 will be set aside for childcare providers.

Priority will be given to small businesses that have been heavily restricted or completely shut down during the pandemic and are located in disproportionately impacted areas that have experienced recent property damage due to civil unrest, exacerbating the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Businesses must also have been in operation for at least three months prior to March 2020.

The Breakdown Businesses in DIAs – $20 million.

1,000 grants of $20,000 each to businesses located in a subset of DIAs recently experiencing significant property damage.

Bars and Restaurants – $20 million.

At least 1,000 grants of up to $20,000 each for bars and restaurants unable to offer outside service.

Barbershops and Salons – $10 million. 1,000 grants of $10,000 each.

Gyms and Fitness Centers – $10 million. 500 grants of $20,000 each for gyms and fitness centers that have lost significant revenue due to COVID-19.

Distressed Capital Program The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s new economic recovery program will provide $25 million to support Illinois businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during the recent protests and demonstrations on or after May 25, 2020. Applications are available through the DCEO. The program will reimburse the costs to repair structural damages,

including repairs to storefronts and entrances, improving electrical systems and restoring exterior work.

It will prioritize small businesses, women- and minority-owned businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact – such as grocery stores – and businesses in communities that have experienced historic disinvestment.

The Rebuild Distressed Communities NOFO will solicit applications from regional and local organizations that will perform outreach, coordinate local qualified vendors and provide funds to cover the cost of repairs and building improvements for businesses in their region. The Distressed Capital Program also includes provisions to ensure BEP-certified contractors, including minority- and women-owned businesses, are the first in line to do the repair work.

Property Alleviation Strategies The Department of Human Services will provide $32.5 million to immediately mitigate poverty in Illinois and respond to the needs of hard-hit communities by COVID-19 and the civil unrest. It will support more than 73,000 people across the state by building upon contracts and services to target communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Actions began in June and extend through the summer.

Specifically, the IDHS strategies will provide: Unemployed Adults. Stipends of up to $4 million to help rebuild businesses.

Summer Youth Providers. More than $6 million to empower and engage youth and help rebuild communities.

Food Banks. $2 million to expand the capacity to feed hungry families in the hardest hit areas.

Illinois Black and Brown Farmers. $1 million to increase the availability of fresh food and produce.

Mental Health Services. $2 million to help meet the increased demand for crisis services and better serve diverse communities.

Community-Based Organizations. $5 million to provide small grants for healing circles, restorative justice circles and other healing activities.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. One-time $500 payment to help ensure food security, totaling $11.5 million.

Additionally, the Department on Aging will expand the Emergency Senior Services Funds, providing up to $5 million to support senior residents in need of meals, groceries, medicine and medical care. Funding will assist seniors who may not have been able to access necessary supplies due to damages to physical locations in their communities.

The department will utilize the statewide case coordinator units throughout the aging network to take referrals from all aging providers for services.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

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profile

MEMBER PROFILE

Bugs begone

The Schlichtings were honored as the company’s highest grossing first-year franchise in the 2018 class.

Fighting off pesky insects is Mosquito Joe’s business

By Paul Anthony Arco When Jake and Elyce Schlichting traveled to Michigan three years ago for a family wedding, little did they realize the trip would be life-changing for them as well as the happy bride and groom.

“When we got there we spent the day with Jake’s family, hanging out in the backyard,” said Elyce. “They lived in dense woods full of pine trees, but we noticed there weren’t any bugs. I asked his uncle why and he said, ‘We use Mosquito Joe, a spraying service that specializes in mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.”

On the six-hour trek home, the Schlichtings started searching for a similar service in the Rockford area to hire for their own home. Much to their surprise, not only could they not find one, but they discovered that a Mosquito Joe franchise was available for purchase in northern Illinois.

That’s when the wheels started spinning for the Belvidere couple.

“We both always talked about owning our own business one day, we just never knew what business that would be,” said Elyce. “We always admired people who took these kinds of risks and after lots of

back and forth we quickly realized that we never wanted to see a Mosquito Joe van, and it not be ours.”

When they got home, the couple inquired about ownership. The Mosquito Joe corporation, with more than 100 locations across the country, invited the couple to a discovery day in Virginia Beach. “We left there more excited than ever,” said Elyce. “Two weeks later, we were franchise owners.” They started the business in their basement in 2018, before relocating to a Rockford office last year.

The Schlichtings mainly focused on serving the Rockford area before expanding to the Janesville and Crystal Lake markets. Their coverage area includes south of Madison, Winnebago, Ogle, Boone and McHenry counties.

The couple has up to 20 seasonal employees. Elyce’s mother, Debbie, who spent 37 years in customer service, has come out of retirement to help out, serving as office manager.

Various Treatment Plans Mosquito Joe offers synthetic and all-natural treatments for commercial and residential properties. Prices vary depending on how much property is

treated and the amount of foliage on the property.

The technicians come out approximately every three weeks, depending on the type of program the customer has signed up for.

The business is fully operational for six to seven months a year, depending on the weather.

Customers receive anywhere from 8 to 14 treatments starting in the spring until October. There are accelerated programs as well as special event sprays for holidays like Memorial Day and Fourth of July and even backyard gatherings. The company has a 95 percent removal rate by the third spray.

“We will tackle just about anything,” Elyce said. “The more foliage, trees and landscaping, the better the program works.”

Running a franchise isn’t for everyone.

There are corporate responsibilities to adhere to in addition to the grind of day-

to-day activities. In addition to overseeing the local franchise, the couple maintain full-time jobs. Elyce works in medical sales while Jake is an operator for a local union.

“We have to stay organized and prioritize things, it’s a lot of juggling,” said Elyce. “Fortunately, we’ve hired a lot of great people in the office, and we have an amazing group of technicians.”

The couple was honored as the company’s highest grossing first-year franchise in the 2018 class. Since then, they have received two more company awards and recognized at the annual corporate convention in Cancun, Mexico. “We’re very competitive, and it’s that drive that keeps us moving,” said Elyce. “Sometimes we feel beat down and exhausted, but it’s all worth it. We love our customers and we really care about providing the best possible service for our customers.”

MOSQUITO JOE OF ROCKFORD – CRYSTAL LAKE Franchise Owners: Elyce and Jake Schlichting 4788 Colt Rd., Rockford 815-315-9692 Rockford-crystallake .mosquitojoe.com

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SPECIAL SECTION House to Home – Business Builds

July 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

GUEST COLUMNIST

How to avoid real estate cyber scams JEAN CROSBY Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Real estate transactions an ideal target

Phishing, hacking, wire fraud — these are all ways people attempt to steal from others online. As real estate searches and transactions move more and more online, the chances of being caught up in a cyber scam have become even greater.

By now most people have heard of the Nigerian prince scams or phishing emails asking for social security or banking information, but many people don’t know that they need to watch out for possible scams when buying or selling their home. Cybercrimes have become increasingly sophisticated over the years, and the people perpetrating them focus on situations where a lot of money is changing hands, making real estate transactions an ideal target.

The National Association of Realtors® recently warned consumers about one example, a wiring scam during the closing stage of the home buying and selling process. Hackers will break into the email accounts of consumers and real estate professionals to get details about a real estate transaction. The hacker will then send an email pretending to be the buyer, seller, real estate agent, attorney or someone else involved in the closing process and say there has been a lastminute change and provide new wiring instructions; the instructions send the closing costs funds directly into the hacker’s bank account.

Several hundreds of thousands of dollars have been placed in fraudulent offshore accounts from the Rockford market area due to false wiring instructions.

While it may seem like there are several ways for a criminal to take advantage of a consumer online, there are just as many ways’ consumers can protect themselves.

Here are a few tips to help home buyers and sellers recognize and avoid real estate scams.

Do Not Send Sensitive Information Via Email Do not send banking information, your social security number or anything else that could be used to comprise your identity over email. If you absolutely must send personal or sensitive information via email, only use encrypted email. When it comes to cybercrime, one cannot be too cautious.

Do Not Click on Unverified Email If you do not recognize the name or email address of the sender, do not open the email. Beware of any attachments or downloadable files from unknown email addresses; they can contain viruses or provide a way for a hacker to access your computer.

Do Not Use Unsecured Wi-Fi It may seem harmless to check banking information using the free WiFi at your local coffee shop, but using an open connection can leave you vulnerable to hackers and scammers. Only access sensitive information on your home computer or on a secured network.

If You Suspect Fraud, Tell Someone If you suspect that fraud has or is in the process of occurring, contact all parties connected to the transaction immediately.

Unfortunately, often there is nothing that can be done to retrieve money stolen in the scam, however, you should still report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.

Jean Crosby is owner and managing partner at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate.

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

South Main corridor to be part of a big revitalization effort

U.S. EPA to provide technical assistance to the City of Rockford The City of Rockford seeks public comment on a neighborhood revitalization strategy for an area surrounding the South Main corridor, to be led in part by a team of professionals from the U.S. EPA Land Revitalization Program. The area is slated to benefit from a $300,000 U.S. EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant awarded in 2019, as brownfields – the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants – complicate the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of these properties.

Approximately 870 properties in Rockford meet the definition as brownfields.

In addition to revitalizing residential areas and other redevelopment, the strategy will engage area stakeholders to promote the use and growth of valuable

assets, such as Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Tinker Swiss Cottage, Graham-Ginestra House, Ethnic Heritage Museum and Rockford Park District facilities.

Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties will increase local tax bases, facilitate job growth, use existing infrastructure, take development pressures off undeveloped, open land, and improve and protect the environment.

Send your comments to Robert Wilhelmi, City of Rockford brownfields redevelopment specialist, at Robert. wilhelmi@rockfordil.gov or 779-3487425. For details on the city’s Brownfields Redevelopment Initiative, visit https:// rockfordil.gov/city-departments/ community-and-economic-development/ long-range-planning/brownfields.

Law eases financial burden for some property owners As the state moves toward the next stage of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, some property owners will see financial relief under a measure recently signed into law.

“Residents across Illinois have faced severe financial hardships over the past few months, and property taxes are often a burden for families living on fixed incomes,” Stadelman said. “Any form of relief during these times can help alleviate some of the pain people are experiencing.”

Under the legislation, local businesses and residents will see property tax relief in the form of: ■■ Empowering county governments to approve 2020 homestead exemptions for those with disabilities, veterans with disabilities and senior citizens, as long as the property had been granted this exemption for 2019.

■■ Allowing counties with fewer than 3 million residents to waive interest penalties and fees for late property tax payments due in 2020 ■■ Deferred property tax sales.

The legislation took effect on June 5.

NEW EQUITY-DRIVEN GRANT PACKAGE Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on June 17 a more than $900 million package of state grant programs to support Illinois communities and businesses impacted by the pandemic and civil unrest, particularly those in disproportionately impacted areas.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program The $150 million program launches August and runs through 2020. Grants of $5,000 grants will provide emergency rental assistance to Illinois tenants disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The governor also has extended the ongoing residential eviction ban through July 31 to provide a smooth transition into the assistance program.

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program The $150 million program for eligible Illinois homeowners also runs August through 2020. Grants of up to $15,000 help with mortgage payments.

Homeowners who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic also will be prioritized in the grants process. The assistance will be paid directly to the mortgagor’s loan servicer on behalf of the homeowner.

Visit www.ihda.org/about-ihda/covid-19-housing-resources-information for full details.

THEVOICE VOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

SPECIAL SECTION House to Home – Business Builds

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Trustee Program’s first online auction generates big sales Second auction to take place in July

Over the next 10 years, the properties sold in this auction will create approximately $1 million in new tax revenue to our taxing bodies.

Properties that otherwise would have continued to contribute to urban blight were sold during the Region 1 Planning Council’s first auction in May 2020 as a part of the Winnebago County Trustee program. This is the first time in the program’s history that properties were made available for online review and bid; generating $410,000 in total property sales In October 2019, the Region 1 Planning Council was appointed as the selling agent for the Winnebago County Trustee program. According to state statute, parcels in the program are publicly-owned tax-delinquent parcels with no tax buyer.

Roughly 800 parcels went up for sale during the May 2020 auction. Similar to a traditional auction, bid amounts were visible and updated regularly to reflect the current highest bid. Minimum bids began at $500 for vacant lots and $1,000 for parcels with a structure. Bidding ended for this first auction cycle on Friday, May 22; generating the following results: ■ 163 total properties sold, including 114 in the City of Rockford. This comprised 78 structures and 85 vacant lots.

■ 53 of the properties had been in the County Trustee program for two or more years.

■ $410,000 in total property sales, making the average sale price about $2,500.

■ Nearly 2,000 unique users went to the auction website (the majority in the final days of the auction).

■ Over the next 10 years, the properties sold in this auction will create approximately $1 million in new tax revenue to our taxing bodies.

Reducing Blight “This is a big win for taxpayers,” said Mayor Tom McNamara. “The auction results have exceeded our own high expectations for the transition to R1 as the agent for the program. This is a great step forward for the City of Rockford’s goal in taking blighted properties and transitioning them to productive taxpaying parcels for our neighborhoods.

Thank you to the R1 staff for their leadership and perseverance.”

“I’m simply grateful that the county board made a wise decision,” said South

Beloit Mayor Ted Rehl.

“At a time where local governments throughout the region are recovering from the pandemic, it is great to see the investment made into our neighborhoods through the success of the most recent auction,” said Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury. “I’m thankful to the R1 staff and county board for working together to approach this program in a better way.”

“Blight reduction and neighborhood revitalization are critical, especially in the underserved areas of Winnebago

County,” said Winnebago County Chairman Frank Haney, recognizing the importance of blight reduction as a tool to increase the tax base. “The improved results are due to a new approach that addresses property maintenance, allows for improved online services and greater bidder participation and competition – all supported by a new partnership of local taxing bodies and a single, local point of accountability at R1. This is a huge win for residents and our taxing body partners as well.”

Auction in July Region 1 Planning Council expects to reopen bidding for another Winnebago County Trustee auction in July 2020, while showcasing the latest properties to be sold through the Northern Illinois Land Bank.

For more information on Winnebago County Trustee auctions, visit www. r1planning.org.

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July 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Survey of commercial realtors looks to first quarter, 2020 Early to determine virus’ impact on commercial real estate The next year likely will show some shifts in the commercial real estate market, as the coronavirus and unprecedented economic challenges and decisions affect people’s buying decisions.

The National Association of REALTORS® Research Group released its Commercial Real Estate Trends & Outlook in April, 2020; discussing trends in the small commercial market (transactions typically less than $2.5 million). The survey went to 75,000 commercial REALTORS® and members of affiliate organizations, April 1 to 8 -1,463 responded about their transactions in the first quarter of 2020.

Current Conditions This latest report shows the very early impact of the coronavirus pandemic on commercial real estate. On average, respondents reported a 1 percent decline in their commercial sales volume in 2020 Q1, compared to transactions in the same period last year. On average, respondents reported a 2 percent decline in the dollar volume of new leases compared to the level one year ago.

Across the multifamily, industrial, office, retail and hotel sectors, a lower fraction of respondents reported higher sales transactions and new lease volume on an annual basis in 2020 Q1, compared to the fraction of respondents who reported an increase in sales and leasing activity in the prior quarter. Respondents reported that commercial prices rose at a slower pace of 1 percent from one year ago. Other price indicators show prices are softening.

The Green Street Property Price Index, which is compiled from high quality properties in REITs portfolios, fell slightly by less than half a percent in 2020 Q1 from the prior quarter.

Respondents reported higher vacancy rates for: ■ office, 10.5 percent; ■ retail, 10.1 percent; ■ multifamily, 5 percent.

Vacancy rates in industrial properties were flat at 5 percent. A lower fraction of respondents reported an improvement in access to financing: 57 percent reported an improvement in debt financing conditions compared to one year ago, and 53 percent reported an improvement in equity financing conditions.

Projections Based on Impact from Coronavirus Pandemic Multifamily Properties Demand for multifamily properties, especially class B/C, and rents will likely increase in the next 12 months.

The concentration of job loss in these sectors has an impact on the multifamily market because food service workers, housekeeping and personal care workers are more likely to be renters compared to other occupational groups. Only 51 percent of food service workers are homeowners and only 58 percent of housekeeping and personal care workers are homeowners; compared to the national rate of 64 percent.

The large but temporary loss of jobs will make saving for a down payment for a home purchase more difficult. In NAR’s Flash Survey, (April 5 to 6, 2020) 59 percent of NAR members reported that buyers are delaying a home purchase for a couple of months. These factors will increase the demand for rentals. Class B/C properties that are more affordable will tend to be in higher demand than Class A, due to as households work through improving their financial positions.

NAR’s Market Survey for First Quarter, 2020 “Did you observe an increase in the following developments in your primary market compared to one year ago? Of NAR members who responded “yes,” the percentages they saw: Transit-oriented development: 60%

Repurposing of Retail Malls: 54%

Smart home technology: 49%

Opportunity Zone Fund

Senior housing: 56% Group-living: 41%

Micro-apartments: 23%

Parking-free apartments: 31%

Construction outside CBD: 64%

Co-working/flex spaces: 47% investments: 46%

LEED Certification: 30%

WELL Certification: 14%

“Did you see an improvement in these conditions in your primary market area compared to one year ago? Of NAR members who responded “yes,” the percentages they saw: Local economic conditions: 58% National economic conditions: 51% Obtaining debt /equity financing: 57% / 53% Zoning regulations: 29%

Hiring and cost of labor: 24% Obtaining and cost of raw materials: 21%

Source: Commercial Real Estate Trends & Outlook, April 2020, National Association of REALTORS® Research Group.

Industrial Properties

but there could be a slow progression as

Demand for industrial properties and rents will likely increase in the next 12 months.

The retail brick-and-mortars were already buffeted by the rise of e-commerce sales prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

As of 2019, e-commerce sales accounted for nearly 12 percent of retail sales, from 1 percent in 2000. The shift towards online shopping during the coronavirus period may result in a change in buying behavior for consumers that can only favor e-commerce sales. Industrial warehouses that are part of the critical logistics for e-commerce will benefit from this shift. The demand for data centers will tend to increase given the increasing demand for online/virtual transactions and data security.

some shoppers stay away from enclosed

Retail Properties Demand for retail properties and rents will likely decrease in the next 12 months with a large potential for the adaptive reuse of vacant malls.

Retail nearly came to a complete stop, as more than 47,000 retailers across the United States temporarily shut their doors or adjusted store hours in an effort to help slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

This disruption can potentially lead to a permanent shuttering of these stores, which is more severe than the 9,350 big retailers that closed in 2019.

Retail operations and foot traffic in retail stores and malls could normalize,

malls; wary of being infected. There is a large potential for repurposing the vacant malls, such as for health care armories or medical care centers.

Office Properties Demand for office space and rents will likely decrease in the next 12 months.

The federal government and the Federal Reserve have put in place several measures to contain the economic fallout and keep businesses afloat. These measures will help retain current tenants.

However, some businesses may shutter permanently, especially businesses who don’t have the office and business tools in place to avail of the small business loans (Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster loans).

Businesses will also likely put on hold new hiring of employees, given the uncertainty of a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic and until after a vaccine is found. Leases will likely become more short-term, and businesses may opt for smaller office spaces because they don’t want to carry that rent burden if another pandemic strikes.

Demand for co-working space may fall as freelancers decide to just work from home rather than in co-working spaces.

NIBCA Article

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SPECIAL SECTION House to Home – Business Builds

GUEST COLUMNIST

DAVID ANSPAUGH NIBCA

Looking to fourth quarter to gauge industry Vaccine, Presidential election, public spending all factor in

Industry experts define the fourth quarter of this year as the key determinant of the health of construction for the next five years.

Uncertainty is usually a negative for any industry, and to some extent, it has been for area commercial construction.

However, this uncertainty has brought with it some unexpected opportunities.

For example, with so many businesses closed and seeking to be prepared for a new post-COVID-19 reality, a number of construction projects have been created where contractors have been able to work efficiently and un-impeded. Many construction users have considered these investments crucial to their long term success.

While some opportunities have arisen, a return to normalcy in the marketplace is essential to sustained profitability. Industry experts define the fourth quarter of this year as the key determinant of the health of construction for the next five years.

The uncertainty needs to give way to a clear and pandemic-free path with market stability, economic and political definition and consumer spending.

Specific guideposts and guard rails in the fourth quarter will largely determine the near-term future of construction in the greater Rockford area.

First, of course, is the common perception of the health of our citizens.

If, as hoped, a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 is available or “just around the corner,” the impact will be felt in all aspects of life including consumer spending. With construction being a “lagging indicator” of economic growth, the impetus from consumer confidence will be felt in the last three

quarters of 2021. Without this fourth quarter “bump,” the turnaround could be delayed until 2022 or beyond.

Uncertainty Until Further in Election Other elements of the critical fourth quarter include the Presidential election. Because of the huge differences in economic policies held by the likely candidates, markets around the world are awaiting the choice of the electorate.

While business will adapt to either pathway forward, they are unlikely to commit large construction dollar plans until the air clears.

Public spending is also behind a curtain of doubt. While the State of Illinois has created increased revenue streams for vertical construction, some of the capital producers are not producing at present. Casinos are closed, sports betting has few sports to bet on and cannabis sales are lagging.

Add to that a scarcity of school and government facility construction, and it is apparent that the consumer is king and uncertainty threatens the kingdom.

Interesting times for all, and the construction industry is along for the ride.

David Anspaugh is executive director of the Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association (NIBCA).

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

July 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

5 Demographics Trends

Changing Commercial Real Estate Development Today’s demographic changes present challenges for commercial real estate developers, but they also offer lucrative opportunities to firms creatively adapting to new demands.

Commercial real estate development firms that cater to more modern lifestyles can make significant strides in today’s market. After all, broad changes in where we live and work create different needs in retail, office space and multifamily housing.

Several economic trends are influencing demands in commercial real estate. In addition, advancements in technology have had a significant impact on the commercial real estate industry in several ways.

Amid these broader trends, here are five specific demographic changes impacting commercial real estate development:

the U.S. labor force, where they are taking senior positions.

Millennials are moving to the suburbs with different needs in office and retail space than previous generations. As retail consumers, millennials’ shopping habits have veered to the internet. So, they look for experiences and services like entertainment and dining when they visit physical locations.

In terms of office space, millennials increasingly want to work close to home, or work remotely from their homes. So, their ranks are driving a higher demand for shared office space.

Within residential, millennials are proving less interested in owning homes as they prefer the benefits of renting and are often too bogged down by student loan debt to secure a mortgage.

Homeownership plunged from 2005 to 2015 and is now at one of the lowest rates 1. Household Formations in decades, which increases the demand The Urban Land Institute expects for rentals in multifamily housing. household formations will increase 86 percent in the next decade to about 4. Women in the Workforce 12.5 million households. Millennials, Like the millennial generation, the rise while forming households more slowly of women in the workforce, including in than past generations, are expected to executive positions, is also driving demand drive much of this growth. Renters are for flexible office space and suburban on track to comprise 58 percent of new amenities. The rising number of female households, which will drive demand for executives is expected to have a profound multifamily housing. impact on community building over the Household formation trends should next decade. create more retail activity in the suburbs.

Women hold roughly 47 percent of Even as downtown city living undergoes a all jobs in the U.S., up from 38 percent revival, the suburbs are on track to draw in 1970, resulting from the changes in 79 percent of the wave of new households. the nature of work in the United States.

Increasingly, younger new households want They are part of today’s growing remote communities that mix the best of city and workforce, preferring flexibility in their suburban living with cohesive walkable schedules. retail and commercial space. Developers This means commercial developers can also expect more demand for retail need to rethink the office space and centers that emphasize experiences over amenities in which they offer, moving away straightforward shopping. from the traditional work space. Now, companies are gravitating toward offices 2. Aging Baby Boomers with fewer square feet per employee, so Commercial developers should smaller offices and shared working spaces see ample opportunities in building are in higher demand. projects geared for younger retirees as the Baby Boomer generation transitions 5. Migration Toward the South to retirement age. An estimated 10,000 Over the next decade, the southern Baby Boomers will reach age 65 every regions are expected to draw 62 percent of day through 2030, at which point all the household growth in the U.S. members of that generation will be of The South, with its more affordable retirement age. Essentially, about 18% of housing markets, is also attracting a the population will be looking for new younger demographic that will cause activities to fill their days in the next 12 a higher demand for rental housing years.

Real estate opportunities here include and townhomes. The South offers an specialized apartment buildings with environment known for its easy tax policy amenities like on-call doctors and bike and more relaxed regulatory environment. racks. Retired Baby Boomers, a generation Now, about 40% of the U.S. population lives of “active adults,” also gravitate toward in the South.

Club Med-style communities with ample wellness programs and activities.

3. Growing Millennials Demographic trends in the millennial generation will have a number of impacts on commercial development demands.

Now, millennials are forming families, and they comprise the largest generation in

The Bottom Line While many of today’s demographic changes threaten commercial developers’ traditional projects, they also create new ways for developers to profit. By adapting to these shifts, commercial real estate can evolve toward more lucrative opportunities.

Source: PNC Insights, March 4, 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

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C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Businesses have countless human resource, marketing, finance questions MIKE MASTROIANNI SBDC

SBDC and partners work to provide guidance through reopening phases

As businesses reopen, there are a number of questions and concerns that have arisen that small business owners would like to express. We have said in the past that the SBDC has been assisting businesses with PPP and EIDL loans, information sharing, assistance to sustain businesses and access to funds for help.

It has acted as a sounding board for concerns of businesses closed due to COVID-19.

In Phase 3 of Restore Illinois, there were openings for groups of 10 or less, some education, childcare, parks, places of worship, salons, retail and bars and restaurants for outside dining — all with restrictions and safety precautions.

As businesses open again, and then expand capacity in Phase 4, Governor Pritzker has identified the guidelines as law; cities can be more restrictive, but not

less restrictive.

Questions to Address Businesses are going to need help with human resource issues and concerns, digital marketing, and finances and budget. The SBDC has requested assistance from the SBA to get supplemental funding to provide more expertise and assistance in these areas, at no cost to the businesses, since the SBA and the Chamber, along with some financial institutions, are currently covering the costs.

There have been many questions raised regarding HR. The SBDC is working with Transform Rockford, the City of Rockford, the Rockford and Parks Chambers, its partners with Launch 815 (EIGERlab Innovation Network, Rockford Public

It doesn’t have to be an “either-or,” but can be a “both-and.”

Library, and many others), and Mayor McNamara’s task force for reopening.

We co-chair the small business committee. One of its subcommittees is working on HR questions and suggested answers/suggestions/best practices. We know that not every question can be answered, as some will depend on the existing policies of the organization, but we are working with the city and attorneys to see if we can create FAQs and suggestions to assist businesses in the start-up phase and in creating new realities.

Some examples of questions include:

■ What if a business wants to hire

■ Are there ways of limiting liability on the part of the bar, restaurant or small business for those who choose to go in, and then come down with the virus?

owners in their efforts to re-open, advance

■ What should be done if someone refuses precautions?

org.

■ If the employee goes back to work, and has a sick child from the virus, how long must they shelter in place? Can they work from home? Will they use family leave? Benefit time? Will they be paid?

support for your marketing and budgeting

back a younger worker rather than an older worker who MIGHT have more likelihood of contracting the virus? Is this still covered under the ADA, and is it discriminatory?

■ What if a patron refuses to wear a mask or other safety procedure?

We would like to ask that you send your questions to us, so that we can see what types of answers we can provide, and what kind of suggestions we can give to help employees and small business to the other phases of Restore Illinois, and do so safely.

Send questions to info@rockfordsbdc.

Look for future articles to address and finance needs.

Mike Mastroianni is director at the Illinois Small Business Development Center in Rockford.

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SPECIAL SECTION Leadership Rockford

July 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Graduates & Group Projects: Kerstin Butler Director of Marketing & Business Development Tyson and Billy Architects/Bradley and Bradley Architects

Matt Lynch Director of Marketing MembersAlliance Credit Union

Mike Ramos Area Manager Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois

Non-profit Partner: Winnebago County CASA Group members created an Organizational Plan for CASA that addresses the organization and volunteer objectives, a training plan for volunteers, marketing and sales plan, volunteer survey, a sample letter for a request to speak and social media examples. The group also identified and created a contact list for specific target markets for future speaking engagements. CASA received the documents in multiple formats to allow for easy updating in the future.

Alen McVeigh Branch Manager, AVP Illinois Bank & Trust

Daniel Wade Attorney Holmstrom KennedyPC

Janessa Wilkins Resource Development and Community Engagement Manager HomeStart

Non-Profit Partner: Stateline Youth for Christ Group members volunteered their time helping plan after school programming, annual banquet and golf outing events. While many plans are currently on hold due to COVID-19, members built longstanding relationships with the organization and plan to continue their volunteer work and efforts in the future.

Kelsey Carroll Senior Engineer Operations - Aircraft Turbine Systems / FMU Woodward, Inc.

Michael Rathbun Associate Director Discovery Center Museum

Ged Trias Director of Design Larson & Darby Group

Non-Profit Partner: NAMI Group members worked on a trivia night fundraiser for NAMI that was forced to go virtual amid COVID-19. Emphasis was on fundraising as well as mental health awareness.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

Leadership Rockford Graduates (continued from page 14)

Gemma Fletcher, PT Director of Case Management Van Matre Rehabilitation Hospital Encompass Health

Jonathan Fuller Investment Research Analyst Savant Capital Management

Matt Giebel Owner Express Employment Professionals

Chelsie McMaster New Business Sales Executive WinMan Advanced ERP Systems

Non-Profit Partner: Rock House Kids Group members each served dinner to Rock House Kids guests, volunteered to assist kids try on and select coats during the winter coat drive, and assisted in planning and fundraising for the Rock-NBowl event including securing raffle baskets, lane sponsors, day-of volunteering and event promotion.

Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Pat Moran, PE Mechanical Engineer Larson & Darby Group

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019/2020 MODERATORS

Drake Grindle, CPA, CFPÂŽ, MAS Financial Advisor Savant Capital Management

Breane Lyga Content Manager/ Executive Producer 13-WREX

Theresa Kegley Owner & Coach Movement Fitness

Be sure to check out the August Issue of The Voice to learn more about our remaining Leadership Rockford graduates!

SPECIAL SECTION Leadership Rockford

15

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SPECIAL SECTION Leadership Rockford

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

LEADERSHIP ROCKFORD GRADUATES (continued from page 15)

Katie Bryant Insurance Advisor CoyleKiley Insurance Agency

Matt Carlson Senior Tax Manager RSM US LLP

Chris Lewis VP Workforce Development Rock Valley College

Sarah Russell Student Advisor Rasmussen College

Non-Profit Partner: Northwest Community Center Group members worked to brainstorm multiple projects with Northwest Community Center that met the needs of the Center and were in alignment with mission.

Projects were focused on engaging youth as well as seniors, marketing and fundraising events, and general location improvements.

Kevin Horstman Managing Broker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Doug Warren Trust Officer Midland States Bank

Kelli Meier Person Banker Northwest Bank of Rockford

Victor Zamora Associate Attorney Reno & Zahm, LLP

Non-Profit Partner: Golden Apple Foundation Group members volunteered their time helping the process of selecting the winners for the Golden Apple. Each member participated in classroom observations to evaluate teachers that were nominated for the Golden Apple Award. Work on a potential fundraiser for the end of the year banquet was disrupted by COVID-19.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

SPECIAL SECTION Leadership Rockford

17

Leadership Rockford Testimonials from this year’s graduates What was the biggest take-away you gained from Leadership Rockford?

There are so many more people involved or looking to make a difference in the community than what you might see within the scope of what you are regularly exposed to.

Matt Lynch Leaders take action. Leadership Rockford allowed us to learn about every aspect of our community, but learning is only the first step. We each need to get involved in the areas that spoke to us most.

Chelsie McMaster Rockford has a rich history and there are many cutting edge companies that are doing some dynamic work that can sustain and propel this community into the coming decades.

Chris Lewis There are so many opportunities to step up and get involved in our community. The program gave a comprehensive understanding of the different facets of the organizations, government entities and businesses that make up the Rockford area.

Kerstin Butler

My biggest take-away from Leadership Rockford is that every personality is different and rather than trying to get people on your page, most times, we as leaders need to be able to jump around in the book in order to meet people where they are and work with them in order to obtain the common goal.

Janessa Wilkins

Which leader did you most enjoy hearing from? What about that leader inspired you?

They really all brought interesting, compelling, sometimes, shocking perspectives to the table. Jennifer Cacciapaglia’s talk was a sobering illustration of the scourge of domestic violence on our community. Listening to Sheriff Caruana and talking with the deputies of the sheriff’s office during our tour of the Winnebago County Justice Center really exposed the challenges they face in operating that department and running that facility.

Towards the end of the program, during the waning days of the quarantine, I was really taken by the forthrightness of Chairman Haney and Mayor McNamara and also Jay Sandine talking about their challenges but also their optimism about the future.

Ged Trias

David Gomel from Rosecrance.

His dedication to the mission of Rosecrance is obvious and the reason for their success. Learning how they find ways to serve anyone who needs assistance is inspiring.

Michael Rathbun I really enjoyed the history/ architecture tour with Gary Anderson and the education session with Dr. Jarrett. I particularly enjoyed these two sessions because they gave me a better understanding of Rockford’s history and how public officials today are working to improve Rockford’s future.

Jonathan Fuller I was most impressed by Jennifer Cacciapaglia, from the Mayor’s Office of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention. She has an infectious passion for the work she does, and her breadth of

knowledge of the most effective ways to fight domestic violence was really encouraging that this is a problem that is being tackled.

Doug Warren

If someone asked you if they should participate in the Leadership Rockford program in the future, what would you say to them?

If you want to meet more professionals in the area and get to know the community, you should definitely join Leadership Rockford.

I have lived in Rockford my entire life and I learned so much about this community that I didn’t know before starting this program.

Victor Zamora

Interested in participating in the next Leadership Rockford class?

Visit our website for dates and to learn more!

Due to COVID-19, our next class starts in January 2021, but registration is open now! www.rockfordchamber.com/leadership-rockford

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SPECIAL SECTION FutureCare

legislative

July 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

Some Illinois Healthcare Laws The following are some healthcare laws that took effect in 2020. For more details on any of the following, visit www.ilga.gov.

REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT IN HOSPITALS (HB 831/PA 101-0043) Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to notify the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services of all reports involving children alleged to have been abused or neglected while hospitalized, including while hospitalized in freestanding psychiatric hospitals, as necessary for the IDPH to conduct its licensing investigation.

PREVENTIVE STD ACCESS FOR MINORS (HB 2665/PA 101-0214) Permits health providers to prescribe preventative, or prophylactic, treatments such as HIV PrEP medication to minors aged 12 and older without parental consent.

Previously, parental consent could only be waived in the event that the minor

was seeking health care services, or counseling, related to the diagnosis, or treatment, of a sexually transmitted disease or substance use disorder.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE INFORMATION AT UNIVERSITIES (HB 3404/PA 101-0217) Requires each public university and community college, beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, to make information available on all mental health and suicide prevention resources at their institution to its students.

SIDS CORONER REPORTING (SB 1568/PA 101-0338) Requires the use of a form by coroners for Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) Syndrome and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) cases that details pertinent information concerning the death. Requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to publish current information regarding SIDS and SUID. Requires county coroners to ensure an autopsy is performed when an infant younger than two years has died suddenly and unexpectedly following investigation. Also requires death certificates to list cause of death as “sudden unexpected infant death or sudden infant death syndrome”

instead of just “sudden infant death syndrome” in the appropriate cases.

PHYSICIANS PHARMACEUTICALS INFORMATION (HB 3097/PA 101-0278) Requires the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop, in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago, a program designed to provide physicians prescribing under Medicaid with an evidence-based, noncommercial source of objective information about pharmaceuticals to assist prescribing physicians in making appropriate therapeutic recommendations.

MENTAL HEALTH INSERVICE TRAINING (SB 1731/PA 101-0350) Allows school districts to use the Illinois Mental Health First Aid training program, established under the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act to provide required biennial in-service mental health training for teachers and administrators. Those who have obtained the training elsewhere can present a certificate of successful completion to the school district to satisfy the training requirements.

IDPH HEMORRHAGE TRAINING (HB 2895/PA 101-0390) Requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to ensure that all hospitals require specified employees to complete educational training on the management of severe maternal hypertension and postpartum hemorrhage. Provides for continuing education, and requires hospitals to demonstrate completion of the training of new hires with a certificate from DPH. Requires DPH to ensure that all hospitals require all current and new staff who provide care for pregnant or postpartum women to receive implicit bias training and education in cultural competency.

Provides that DPH shall provide support for the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative to develop an initiative to improve birth equity and reduce peripartum racial and ethnic disparities; support the initiation of a statewide perinatal quality improvement initiative; and ensure that all hospitals develop protocols for timely identification of all pregnant and postpartum women in the emergency department and for appropriate and timely consultation of an obstetric provider to provide input on management and follow up.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

Health insurance renewal?

LAURIE S. MILLER 2HB

Prepare now to cut costs, negotiate additional services

SPECIAL SECTION FutureCare

Pros/Cons of Self-Funding During a Pandemic Year Migrating from a fully-insured plan with a consistent monthly premium to a self-funded plan has advantages and disadvantages. Doing so during such a volatile year as 2020, demands extra evaluation and caution.

Advantages of a self-funded plan include savings on some premium taxes and ACA fees and the ability to have more control over your benefit plan design. Selffunded employers can select a best-in-class third party administrator, medical provider network and prescription drug manager.

And in a good claims year, a self-funded client might save thousands of dollars.

Disadvantages include uneven cash flow (monthly claims accommodation policies can be purchased) and the concept of a “laser”. “Laser” means that the self-funded employer is exposed to additional risk due to a known high-cost claimant.

Self-funding can be rewarding as long as you have an experienced and competent broker/consultant who can mitigate the risks as well as having extensive knowledge about pros/cons of all types of self-funded plans, including level-funded, reference based pricing and group captives.

With the majority of health insurance It All Starts With an renewals looming in the third and fourth Accurate Census quarter, employers are receiving mixed Any employee benefits renewal or messages on the impact the COVID-19 proposal starts with an accurate census. pandemic will have to their benefits This could be a moving target due to the budget. extended timeframes of the amended Payroll Protection Act, which may delay Multi-Line Discounts, Multi-Year Rate Guarantees, call-backs.

Forward-thinking benefit consultants Transition Credits or brokers may market benefit plans with Relaxed eligibility rules, rate passes and premium credits are three of the most a current employee census that could be common ways insurance carriers have markedly different by the time the coverage eased the burden on employers during this is placed. Carriers typically reserve the right to re-rate a group if the census differs time.

Group life, disability and dental by more than 10 percent, and no-one wants carriers have waived rate increases or an unexpected rate change!

In addition, due to the COVID-19 reduced premiums for 2020. Carriers are offering eligibility extensions — as long as pandemic, COBRA election periods have an employee was benefit eligible prior to been extended to “60 days” past the end the pandemic — they are still covered as of the national emergency. Self-funded employers in particular will need to keep Expert Negotiations long as their premiums are paid.

Some medical carriers are offering former employees on their radar in the Drive Down Costs premium credits based on the size of event a large claimant surfaces who no We advise mitigating any proposed the group from 10 to 15 percent and/or longer was thought a risk. And remember health insurance rate increase with offering multi-year rate guarantees and — any entity can pay the employee’s expert negotiations. For example, 2HB transition credits for qualifying groups.

COBRA premium. recently negotiated significant savings for

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three clients — over $167,000 in savings for a financial institution, $100,000 in negotiated savings for a 50-life self-funded manufacturing employer — and most recently: $127,000 in savings for a 250-life food manufacturer with no benefit changes.

An aggressive and knowledgeable broker/ consultant can save thousands of dollars!

Employee Enrollment Experience: Now Online and Pre-Recorded Technology Employers may be hesitant to host largescale open enrollment meetings. Make sure your broker/consultant offers free online open enrollment tools through an HR Connect System. This includes a Voice Over Powerpoint — in both English and Spanish. These tools work great for new hires or recruiting.

Mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on your benefits package with an accurate census, making sure the insurance products are appropriate for your business cash flow and risk appetite, utilizing an aggressive and knowledgeable employee benefits consultant for negotiations and improving the employee enrollment experience with online tools for a seamless technology solution.

Laurie S. Miller, MBA, is president of 2HB Human Resources & Benefits Solutions.

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

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SPECIAL SECTION FutureCare

July 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Comfort Keepers releases 2020 ‘State of Joy’ survey Responses show people valuing

simple pleasures

Each year, as part of the National Day of Joy, Comfort Keepers polls Americans on what brings them happiness and evolving attitudes on joy. This is especially relevant in light of events in our country and around the globe. The survey from May 5 to 11 polled 2,000 Americans; 1,000 of whom were 30+ years of age with at least one living parent; 1,000 of whom were 65+.

Joyful activities have changed since COVID-19 Many individuals are enjoying certain activities now, that they did not have time to do before COVID-19, including: Spending time with family 33% Reading 32% Taking walks 28% Almost three-quarters (72%) agree that technology has brought them a lot of joy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What brings joy in the Midwest?

Receiving a hug 65% Family dinner 64%

Watching a favorite movie/TV show 62%

Spending time outside 62% Listening to a favorite song 59%

Simple, sometimes mundane activities have become increasingly

more meaningful in today’s setting, as more people are spending a greater amount of time at home, away from the office, their

commute or the grind of their everyday lives. The majority are

participating in their simple pleasures alone. The national survey

found that more than half (57%) of all people aged 65+ missed hugs from their loved ones since being in quarantine.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

WORK FROM HOME Continued from page 3

#7 – Create A Dedicated Workspace Productivity is the result of habits, and numerous studies have shown that habits are the result of associations. We take action, observe the outcome, and then repeat that action if the outcome is good. The more we do this, the stronger the habit becomes.

When you enter your office or cubicle at work, you know that it’s time to be productive. It’s not time to stream movies or check social media. There is a direct association in your brain between your workspace and productivity.

Creating a dedicated workspace in your home can help you achieve similar levels of productivity. Having one spot where you always work creates an association in your brain between that spot and getting things done.

Your home workspace doesn’t have to be an entire room, it just needs to be a spot where you consistently work. It can be something as simple as a table in a corner. Pick a place where you enjoy spending time and then stick with it.

#8 – Make Your Workspace Comfortable You’re going to be spending a lot of time in your workspace, so do your best to make it comfortable. If you hate being in your workspace, it will be hard to be productive.

Get a chair you like that supports good posture. Make sure the space is well lit, preferably with natural light. Light a candle to keep things smelling nice and maybe put up a few photos.

Photo showing an organized workspace for working from home.

#9 – Get The Right Tools If you’re going to be productive from home, you need to have the right tools for the job. Trying to get things done without the right tools will cause you a huge amount of frustration.

You may need to buy a laptop or tablet or some other tool. You also may need to invest in a faster internet connection if you’re going to be transferring a lot of files or remotely controlling a computer at work.

And don’t forget communication tools. You’re probably going to need to chat with your coworkers and collaborate on projects. Applications like Slack, Google Docs, Dropbox, and Loom can help you stay in sync with people.

#10 – Keep A Task List When you work in an office, you’re constantly in contact with your boss, who helps you know what needs to be done when. When you work from home, that physical proximity is gone. You have an increased responsibility to identify important tasks and get them done.

Maintaining a task list can help you stay on task. Each day, before you

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start working, identify your three most important tasks. Work on your most important task first, and don’t move to something else until you’ve finished. Then go to your second most important task, and so on.

In his book The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, Gary Keller writes: “Getting extraordinary results is all about creating a domino effect in your life. Toppling dominoes is pretty straightforward. You line them up and tip over the first one…Highly successful people know this. So every day they line up their priorities anew, find the lead domino, and whack away at it until it falls.”

Using a task list helps you create the domino effect. It ensures that you get the most important things done every day, which leads to extraordinary results.

#11 – Do Important Work During Your Peak Periods There are points during the day when you work more effectively. When you’re able to think most clearly and get things done most efficiently. Maybe you’re freshest first thing in the morning or after lunch. Or maybe you’re one of those rare birds who is at their best late at night.

As much as possible, work on your most important projects during your peak periods of productivity. If you’re freshest first thing in the morning, don’t waste that time on relatively trivial tasks like email.

Focus your energies on the task that will have the biggest impact.

This is how author Stephen King produces best selling novels year after year. As Mason Curry notes in the book Daily Rituals: How Artists Work, King writes every day of the year starting at around 8:00 am, and he doesn’t stop until he reaches 2,000 words. Only then does he do less important things.

#12 – Don’t Multitask When you’re working from home, it’s easy to get sucked into the trap of multitasking. One minute you’re working, the next you’re cleaning up the kitchen or straightening the living room.

This kills productivity. Time and again, research has shown that multitasking makes you far less efficient. The effort involved in switching back and forth between tasks requires more mental energy, increases the chances of error, and increases the amount of time it takes to complete tasks.

As much as possible, try to stay focused on a single task. Work in discrete blocks of time and focus on only one thing during each block (known as “time blocking”).

Don’t let your attention be spread thin.

#13 – Use The Pomodoro Method For Productivity The Pomodoro Method is a wellestablished technique that helps you work in focused bursts and then give your brain a break. It works like this: ■ Identify your most important task.

■ Set a timer for 25 minutes.

■ Work on the task for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro session).

■ Take a five-minute break.

■ After four Pomodoro sessions, take a 15-20 minute break.

Using this technique keeps you on task, helping you give focused energy to the things that are most important. It also keeps you from working too long without taking a break.

#14 – Block Out Distractions There are unique distractions when you work from home. If you have kids or roommates, there may be a fair amount of noise. And if you don’t have an office where you can close the door, that noise will probably make it harder for you to get things done.

One relatively simple solution is to get noise-cancelling headphones and then listen to background music or ambient noise that won’t distract you. Some listening options to consider: ■ Brain.fm ■ Noisli ■ myNoise ■ Deep Focus on Spotify ■ Ambient Deep Focus on Spotify

#15 – Block TimeWasting Websites Few things kill productivity like the internet. One minute you’re working away, the next you’re sucked into the black hole of Facebook.

If you have trouble resisting the allure of certain websites, consider using an application that will physically prevent you from accessing those websites. Freedom and Rescue Time both allow you to block specific websites for set periods of time.

Simply identify which sites you want to block, how long you want them blocked, and then enjoy distraction-free productivity.

#16 – Respond To Messages In Batches In an effort to prove that you’re working diligently and being productive, you may be tempted to immediately answer every message you receive. Your inbox dings, you stop what you’re doing, and you fire back a response.

And while this impulse is understandable, it will make you extremely unproductive and distracted.

It’s hard to get much momentum when you’re constantly sidetracked by messages.

A much more effective solution is to respond to messages in batches. Set aside blocks of time every day when you will go through and reply to all your emails and chats. If your supervisor is concerned about this approach, explain that you’re trying to be more productive and give them your phone number so they can call you if something truly urgent comes up.

#17 – Get Outside When you work from home, you’re inside more than normal. You don’t have a commute and you probably have fewer

meetings to attend. If you’re not careful, you can spend all your time inside, which is bad for morale and for your health.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of being outside. It contributes to: ■ Reduced stress ■ Improved immunity ■ Increased focus ■ Better mental health ■ Improved short term memory Additionally, being outdoors increases the amount of vitamin D in your body, which is essential.

Approximately 42 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient.

Try to get outside your house every day. Go for a walk. Read in a coffee shop.

Grab drinks with friends. It may seem counterintuitive, but getting away from where you work will actually make you more productive.

#18 – Take Sick Days, Even While Working From Home Americans, in particular, seem to have a particular aversion to taking sick days.

In a culture of constant productivity, taking a sick day can seem like weakness.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

If you don’t take sick days, you may actually prolong your illness since your body can’t heal. This was demonstrated during the 2016 presidential election when Hilary Clinton almost physically collapsed due to pneumonia. Unable to rest, a cough morphed into something much more serious.

The moral of the story? Take care of yourself.

If you’re sick, take time off to rest and recuperate. Don’t try to power through.

Don’t try to get stuff done while laying in bed. Let your body fully recover. Your work will probably be subpar anyway.

Cut yourself a break.

#19 – Eat Healthy When you’re working from home, your pantry is never more than a few steps away. There’s a huge temptation to mindlessly snack, which can quickly turn into additional pounds.

There are a number of specific strategies you can employ to help you eat healthy at home: ■ Set specific times when you will snack and stick to those times rigidly ■ Stock up on healthy snacks that satisfy cravings but don’t add to the waistline ■ Prepare meals and snacks the night before so that you’re not tempted to just grab whatever is in front of you ■ Keep a water bottle close by to ensure that you’re hydrated ■ Use the “Healthy Plate Method” to help with portion control ■ Use an app like MyFitnessPal to help you track the calories you consume ■ Take a photo of a healthy meal to stay healthy while working from home. (continued on page 28)

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

community

COMMUNITY EVENTS

JULY 2020 TUESDAY, JULY 7 Midway Village Museum hosts two-hour History’s Mysteries Mini Camps for Kindergarten through fifth graders. Crime Solvers, July 7; Village Artists, July 14; Folklore, July 21, and History Explorers, July 28. Parent not required to stay. Pre-registration required by 4 p.m., the Sunday prior to the Tuesday programs at www. midwayvillage.com (click Learn, Summer Day Camps).

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 University of Illinois Extension presents Pickling Foods at Home, a free, online workshop at 1 p.m. Other Wednesday workshops are Preserving Apples at Home, July 15, and Processing Tomatoes at Home, July 22. Registration required at extension.illinois.edu/global/foodand-nutrition.

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens hosts Tunes on the Terrace virtual concerts, 7 to 8:15 p.m., on Wednesdays through Aug. 26. Grants from the Rockford Area Arts Council and Illinois Arts Council will pay the musicians impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Access on Nicholas Conservatory’s facebook page.

THURSDAY, JULY 9 Lea Evers, Edward Jones

Investments, hosts Dessert Club, a virtual market update/coffee chat with a brief market update and

opportunity to ask questions, bi-

weekly on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Call

815-623-8966 for dial-in instructions.

SUNDAY, JULY 12 NIU offers Online Theatre Arts

Camp Junior, grades 6 to 9, July 12 to 17, and Online Theatre Arts

Camp Senior, grades 9 to 12, July 19 to 24, delivered via Zoom. Includes show rehearsals, acting scenes,

theatre workshops, movie night,

dance party/game night, camper

talent show and Friday evening online video performance. Register early at 815-753-1450, go.niu.edu/

theatrejunior or go.niu.edu/ theatresenior.

TUESDAY, JULY 14 University of Illinois Extension

hosts a Recognizing and Managing Stress webinar with presenter, Pam

Schallhorn, on July 14 at 1 p.m., and July 28 at 5 p.m. Free, but

registration required at extension. illinois.edu/jsw.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

FRIDAY, JULY 17 Rockford Art Museum’s rescheduled date for ART X, 7 to 11 p.m., at 711 N. Main St. New fundraiser. Music by DJs Disco Chicken and James Chesney, food

by Abreo and cash bar by Prairie Street Brewing Co. Bid on one-of-akind experiences with artists, musicians, chefs and local celebrities at the live auction. Tickets at rockfordartmuseum.org/art-x.

MONDAY, JULY 20 Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois presents Lessons from Big Foot, July 20 to 24, one of its 2020 Summer Virtual Outdoor Experiences. Slay the Dragons takes place July 27 to 31. Open to Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts!

GEO boxes (supplies to complete activities) are included in cost and shipped to campers prior to event.

Registration two weeks prior to start date at www.girlscoutsni.org/camp.

Rockford Systems moved its Machine Safeguarding Seminar to a new digital format, 9 to 11 a.m., with a 10-minute break at 10 a.m.

Teaches how to safeguard machines at the point of operation to prevent injuries and meet OSHA and ANSI safety standards. Sessions take place July 20 to 24, Aug. 17 to 21

and Sept. 21 to 25. Visit www. rockfordsystems.com/product/ seminar or call 800-922-7533.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 Dale Carnegie presents a Winning With Relationship Selling course, July 22, 29 and Aug. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 4919 Blackhawk Road, Rockford. Develop skills to establish credibility, form essential relationships and active listening skills and crucial questions to identify opportunities, reveal customer needs and minimize challenges. To register or for questions, contact Rebecca Bledsoe, 309-224-8082 or rebecca. bledsoe@dalecarnegie.com.

AUGUST 2020 MONDAY, AUGUST 3 Center for Sight & Hearing hosts its 15th-annual Gerald Broski Memorial Golf Outing, 11:30 a.m., at Forest Hills Country Club.

Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Fourperson scramble, boxed lunch, driving range, valuable skill prizes and dinner. Fundraiser to purchase specialized eye equipment for veterans. Register at www.cshni.org/ events/golf-outing or 815-332-6834.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

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July 2020

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Lisa Johnson

2. Beth Howard

3. Blake Consdorf

4. Jeff Jacobson

5. Carlene Cardosi

6. Andrew Reed

7. Dennis Roop

8. Emma Korjonen

9. Joyce Fruit

10. Daniel Ross

11. Dr. Xue-Jun Li

12. Dr. Charles Welford

13. Michael Broski

14. Dr. Vitaliy Dobrogorskiy

15. Amy Jensen

16. Dr. Raymond Garcia

BOARD APPOINTMENTS The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners elected its officers: Scott Olson, president; Tyler Smith, vice president, and Jack Armstrong.

Outgoing Board President Ian Linnabary and Julie Elliott will continue to serve on the board.

Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford welcomed Lisa Johnson (1), director of business development for the northern region, OSF Healthcare System, to its board.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois welcomed Beth Howard (2) as a member of its board of trustees.

Dennis Roop (7), EVP head of commercial banking, Illinois Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., announced his planned retirement from the company effective June 30.

Emma Korjonen (8) replaced Linnea Bengtsson at Swedish Historical Society as international business developer for the Lidköping, Skaraborg and Rockford Midwest partnership.

Family Counseling Services has hired Joyce Fruit (9) as Business Manager. Joyce brings 25 years of experience in health care and nonprofit fields to the position.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois named Daniel Ross (10) as president; succeeding Jon Bates, who retired on June 30.

Bourn & Koch, Inc., named Blake Consdorf (3) as president.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Jeff Jacobson (4) was promoted to staff designer at Fehr Graham.

Xue-Jun Li (11), Ph.D., UIC Health Sciences Campus-Rockford, received a five-year, $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for a study to help people affected by a type of hereditary paralysis caused by degeneration in nerve cells.

Carlene Cardosi (5), LCSW, CADC, accepted the position of chief operating officer of Rosecrance, Inc. Blackhawk Bank hired Andrew Reed (6) as assistant vice president, regional banking center manager.

Wipfli LLP promoted Audra M. Moncur, CPA, ABV, to partner.

University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford presented its 2020 Distinguished Service Award to Charles Welford, M.D. (12), clinical

associate professor, and internal medicine physician at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Chiropractic Association based on Radiographic Procedure and Analysis.

Michael Broski (13), Entré Computer Solutions, passed the HIPAA testing requirements and was named the designated security officer for the company; a step required for Entré to become a HIPAA-certified IT organization.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra named Amy Jensen (15), Hononegah High School, as 2020 Outstanding Music Educator of the Year.

Alpine Kiwanis Club awarded scholarships to area youth for post-secondary education: Paige Lambright, Caitlin Corso, Allison Lowtharp, Brandon Harmsen, Kaycia Zimmerman, Alexis Belvidere, Joshua Lamkin, Jacob Link, Jenna Shattuck and Isabella Eitmontas. Doris Russo received a special nursing scholarship/Chuck Lantz Memorial.

Womanspace awarded Caitlin Corso with a $1,000 college scholarship for 2020.

Rockford Rotary gave Service Above Self awards to Reverend Ruby Martin, David Jones, Jim Nelson, Linda Niemic and Stella and Chuck Schroeder.

Vitaliy Dobrogorskiy (14), D.C., associate doctor, Upper Cervical Care Center-Rockford, successfully completed Level 2 Candidacy from the National Upper Cervical

Rockford IceHogs honored the following with team awards for the 2019-20 season: Brandon Hagel, Most Valuable Player & Rookie of the Year; Lucas Carlsson, Defenseman of the Year; Matt Tomkins, Unsung Hero; Dennis Gilbert, Heavy Hitter; MacKenzie Entwistle, Most Improved Player, and Collin Delia, Man of the Year.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Dr. Raymond Garcia (16), medical director, Rosecrance Harrison Campus, will be a featured guest on a medical leadership webinar hosted by the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Dr. Ayman Gheith and Dr. Akram Shhadeh, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, vascular & interventional neurology, neuro-critical care, donated $25,000 towards the OSF HealthCare Foundation Above & Beyond program, funded by mission partners (employees) for mission partners in need.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

economic development ED Talks:

Economic development on a personal level

Economic development hasn’t stopped The work of economic development is daily and non-stop. Since the beginning of 2020, the staff of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council have been consistently responding to Requests for Information (RFIs). These requests have continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have received formal requests for information from places such as Intersect Illinois and brokers or site selectors looking on behalf of a client. This is in addition to the informal requests from companies already located in our area.

These regional requests are related to available tax credits and incentives, information about shovel-ready property and available buildings for expansions.

Projects we have been asked for an RFI include warehouse and distribution solutions, aerospace connections, food manufacturing and metal manufacturing. Our region is perfect for these projects, and so many more due to our available space and skilled workforce.

About 60 percent of the projects have requested build-to-suit spaces ranging from 20 to 50 acres. One of the many

selling points for our region is our ability to provide build-to-suit solutions in a similar timeframe as refitting an existing building. This allows companies to get their product to market quickly from a facility designed to fit their needs.

One specific project was to connect a buyer, a bank, attorneys, a realtor and a municipality together to facilitate the purchase of an old existing building that will be refurbished and put to good use.

This is the work economic developers do every day. Create connections between companies to strengthen supply chains, help companies establish new supply chains and assist businesses already located here to find space that better suits their needs or incentives that can help them increase jobs for longterm sustainable growth.

These are the projects that we combine into key economic development measurements for our region. We are currently tracking these metrics from Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2020 as part of the Rockforward20/20 strategic plan.

The information below represents 125 won projects from Jan. 1, 2016 through June 10, 2020.

Intersect Illinois: State of Illinois Public/Private Partnership for Economic Development

Strategically located at the heart of the country, Illinois is the crossroads of commerce that puts businesses, people and goods within a four-hour flight of the entire North American market—not to mention nonstop service to more than 50 international destinations.

We bring new jobs, investment and economic prosperity to Illinois through dynamic partnerships and collaborations with companies, universities, organizations and the government to deliver a unified approach to economic development.

The 19th largest economy in the world, Illinois has grown and attracted some of the most innovative and iconic companies on the planet—including Amazon, Caterpillar, Boeing and Wrigley Company— thanks to its many advantages for business and talent.

Among the state’s greatest assets are its talent pool of nearly 6.5 million people—about a third of whom hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and one of the finest transportation and logistics networks in the country. Tax credits are offered by our partners at the state and local level to select companies considering alternative locations.

Intersect’s mission is to continue to bring new jobs, investment and economic prosperity to the state through dynamic partnerships and collaborations and to deliver a unified approach to economic development. www.intersectillinois.com

The ED Talks series began in May as part of the reimagining component of the Recover, Reopen, Reimagine discussion related to COVID-19. These monthly webinars are focused on answering questions related to creating a better environment at work, and employers that are better at leading.

Happening on the third Thursday of each month, the partnership between Rockford University and the RAEDC has created an opportunity for business owners, managers and even employees to join these calls. These webinar-based ED Talks are considerate of the limited amount of time people have available.

“We have really focused on providing high-quality information in a short timeframe, and the partnership with Rockford University provides highly qualified thought leaders to help regional businesses,” said Jarid Funderburg, VP for business and investment relations.

The most recent version, episode two, “Reengineering Your Workplace: Finding Balance after a Pandemic,”

questioned if it was time to “reengineer” businesses. Reengineering is the fundamental rethinking and redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in critical, contemporary measures of performance, such as cost, quality, service and speed.

Episode one, “Crises Leadership: How to Lead Your Employees Through Crises,” opened the conversation around workplace disruption and the trauma our employees may be going through as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar shared successful leadership techniques that can help a business, from the C-suite to the shop floor, in order to recover from the economic earthquake we are living through.

Both episodes were led by Mandolen Mull, Ph.D., chair of the Puri School of Business, director of the Degree Completion Program, and an assistant professor of leadership at Rockford University.

For upcoming topics and registration, visit RockfordIL.com/events.

IndustryWeek is looking for the best plants!

The Rockford Region has some of the best plants in the United States. Now is the time to toot our own horn.

This award was established in 1990 to recognize facilities that are leading the pack regarding enhanced customer satisfaction, increased competitiveness and creating stimulating and rewarding work environments. The goal is to encourage manufacturers to adopt work-class technologies, improve strategies and reach for the best practices.

The deadline has been extended to Aug. 15, 2020, and entry forms can be downloaded by visiting https://www.industryweek.com/page/ download-current-industryweek-best-plants-application.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Mercyhealth now is offering COVID-19 antibody testing at its hospital and clinic laboratories in Illinois and Wisconsin. The test detects antibodies in blood when the body is responding to a specific infection, like COVID-19. It may show if an individual has ever been infected with the virus, even if they did not have symptoms.

The antibody test is not a diagnostic test for COVID-19.

Rock House Kids received grants to help feed children and teens in Rockford from Rockford Cosmopolitan Club; the Walmart Foundation; $2,500 from ALDI, Inc.; $2,500 from Ironman Foundation; $750 from Northern Illinois Food Bank, and $2,900 and $3,000 from the United Way of Rock River Valley during the stay-at-home order and after, when it could resume regular hours.

RAMP received $2,000 from Boone County Community Foundation through its newly established Boone County COVID-19 Response Grant, and $1,500 from DeKalb County Community Foundation through the DeKalb County COVID-19 Response Fund.

Rockford Rotary honored Emmanuel Episcopal Community Soup Kitchen, which serves lunch every Saturday to 200-plus homeless and/or mentally ill people in downtown Rockford, with a Service Above Self award.

Riverfront Museum Park will receive major funding, thanks to a budget bill passed in May by the Illinois General Assembly that includes $13.3 million for the Illinois Arts Council Agency and $50 million for the Arts Alliance Capital Coalition for 36 projects dedicated to permanent improvement in cultural infrastructure across the state. This keeps the financial burden for upgrades and improvements from falling on Discovery Center Museum of Rockford, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Company and Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

For the fourth year in a row, OSF Wound Care, the outpatient wound center of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, received the Center of Distinction award, from Healogics®. The center had a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92 percent within 28 median days to heal.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing conferred degrees on May 14 to 86 students who completed their requirements in December 2019, May 2020 or anticipate completion in July 2020. The commencement ceremony for graduates will take place in August 2020, tentatively.

Rosecrance received funds from Freeport Community Foundation, the United Way of Rock River Valley and 815 Community Response Team towards unanticipated expenses for personal protection equipment,

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

cleaning and infection control measures, and equipment to deliver virtual and telehealth services. It also received a grant from the Champaign County COVID-19 Response Fund for telehealth equipment for clients in central Illinois who rely on the Mobile Crisis Response program for counseling and support.

survey exhibition of new contemporary art will be on view Oct. 9 to Jan. 31, 2021.

Rockford Rescue Mission opened its new Nettie’s Mercantile at the former Restoration Café at 625 W. State St. “Nettie” honors the late Nettie Golden, the mother of the rescue mission’s first Executive Director, Reverend Gerald Pitney. Monday through Saturday, it will sell new and repurposed furniture and home décor items, as well as gourmet coffee, tea, hot breakfast and lunch items, pastries and pies. It also reopened its thrift store at 2710 20th St., the closing of which created a funding deficit of $246,000.

V2 Marketing Communications redesigned and produced the AATH Annual Conference and Humor Academy into two virtual conference events. The events covered four days of keynotes and breakout sessions, along with public activities offered on social media.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center laboratory received accreditation from the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists based on a recent on-site inspection. It’s one of the 41 laboratories in the nation to be CAP-accredited for more than 50 years.

Chartwell Agency was hired by BioForward Wisconsin for public relations and social media. It won three awards in the 37th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards for Gilvydis Vein Clinic’s magazine advertising series, a birthday partythemed 50th anniversary celebration campaign for Beloit Health System and Rock River Valley Blood Center’s total advertising campaign without television. It earned first place in PR Daily’s 2020 Digital Marketing & Social Media Awards for Beloit Health System’s 2019 Annual Report.

Guilford Tennis Center, part of the Rockford Park District since 1973, will be maintained and operated by Rockford Public Schools to help the park district save on operational and maintenance expenses. The park district still maintains more than 70 public tennis courts.

Rockford Area Arts Council, in a partnership with New Genres Arts Space and United Way of the Rock River Valley, presents ‘New Ways’ summer programming led by local artists and educators and focused on animation, sound art and 3-D printing.

Visit www.newgenresartspace.com/ new-ways.

Discovery Center Museum offers four in-person STEM camps in July and August on natural disasters, chemistry, mini medical school, animal insides and invention makers for children 7 and older. For children 3 to 6, there’s three mini camps in July and August exploring water, math and insects. Visit www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

Panda Express® donated $26,784 worth of personal protective equipment to Mercyhealth’s frontline staff in Rockford and Janesville, Wis., including 8,640 KN95 respirator masks.

Swedish Historical Society is initiating a research project to identify Swedish-owned companies in the Rockford region -- both existing and from the past. Plans are to build a database of companies for historical research purposes and for featuring the region’s great industrial history.

Local companies are invited to forward their history, pictures and information to museum@ swedishhistorical.org or call Alix Fox at 815-963-5559 (press 0).

V2 Marketing Communications recently completed new promotional materials for FurstStaffing. The materials include presentation folders and detailed inserts for each division and will be used for business development and client presentations.

Natural Land Institute hosts its first-ever Family Nature Adventures through Aug. 10 with 13 free guided activities open to all and tailored to families with kids two to 14.

Rockford Public Library is offering 15- to 60-minute appointments to use computers at its Montague, Rock River or Rockton Centre branch locations. Customers are not allowed to bring companions or children at this time and must wear masks. Printing also will not be available at this time.

Per Mar Security Services moved up two spots to 20th in SDM’s 2020 Top 100 list for consumer dollars. This marks its 30th consecutive year ranking in the SDM 100 Report. It also ranked 18th in total annual revenue and 18th in residential customers in the 2020 SDM 100 Report.

Wesley Willows residents raised $5,000 for the Rock River Valley Food Pantry in May.

City First Church held a Pop-Up Market to feed 1,000 households on June 18; its fourth major food distribution to the area. Up to three semi-trucks were filled with food, thanks to its partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Midway Village Museum will offer one-hour guided walking tours to explore its outdoor Victorian Village once permitted to open in phase 4.

Purchase tickets at www. midwayvillage.com.

25

Rockford Art Museum’s 76th Rockford Midwestern Biennial juried

Blackhawk Bank presented $20,000 in grant money to seven local charities in the southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois area as a part of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago COVID-19 Relief Program.

U.S. News & World Report ranked OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Peoria, Ill., in the 2020-2021 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois Nephrology, led by Dr. Vimal Raj, was ranked one of the top 50 U.S. pediatric facilities.

Rockford Park District was one of three organizations in Illinois selected to pilot a new COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program to employ 100 area at-risk youth between 16 to 24 due to virus-related layoffs. The park district will receive $500,000 and aims to help them develop essential employability skills and at least 180 hours of entry-level work experience over the next few months.

Per Mar Security Services expanded its commercial security services to adapt to the needs of clients due to COVID-19, including temperature checks and pre-screenings by security officers, thermal imaging cameras and integrated security. Security officers also are handing out masks at retailers’ doors.

BauerFinancial, Inc., announced that First National Bank and Trust, Beloit, was awarded its highest (5-Star) rating for financial strength and stability. It has maintained this rating for 11 consecutive quarters.

Edward Jones ranked No. 1 among investment firms for customer experience in the US Customer Experience Index, 2020. This is the fifth consecutive year it has received the highest spot on the index from Forrester Research, an independent research firm.

WATT Global Media announced that due to ongoing health and safety concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, Poultry Tech Summit 2020 is transitioning into a digital experience, as Virtual Poultry Tech Summit, Oct. 20 to 22, 2020.

26

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

JANESSA WILKINS IGNITE

Community engagement will never look the same after 2020

Growing up in the 80s, I can remember fun things to do throughout the year, like attending On the Waterfront or Gus Macker tournament, theatre/play productions, serving food to the less fortunate, participating in neighborhood clean-ups, family picnics at the park, attending meetings with my mother and going to my neighbor’s house to play.

People didn’t mind working together.

People weren’t scared to let their children play outside or walk to the corner store with their friends.

Over the years, things have definitely changed. You don’t see too many people who will give a simple “hello” when crossing paths or even offer a head nod just to acknowledge another human being. Crime, stress, racism, poverty, education, hate and fear have taken over our society. Our leading voices have been silenced. Most statements are being taken out of context. People are so scared to have conversations with the fear of not being politically correct.

There’s an obvious uncomfortable feeling when you’re in a room with

people who don’t look like you. People would rather hold a grudge than to hold a conversation. Something has been lost.

That ‘something’ is different for everyone.

So where do we go from here?

As we adjust to our new reality in the face of COVID-19 and times of social distancing, isolation and quarantine, there are many factors to consider when thinking about getting involved in service and community engagement.

Meaningful community engagement is not about logging a certain number of hours or helping in a particular way -- it is about being responsive to community needs and realities, and considering if and where you might be able to help support those needs.

There are many who get caught up with organizations and the people who support those set groups. You don’t have to be a part of a particular organization or group in order to do something positive for your community. Young professionals are being challenged to think outside the box and adapt to new ways of working with others.

Get Out, Get Involved At HomeStart, a non-profit home counseling agency here in Rockford, we can assist with things like foreclosure prevention, buying or improving your home, credit, online homebuyer education: eHome & framework, financing options and down payment assistance, but we can’t solve all issues. The city and elected officials will only do so much.

It’s up to us as young professionals to work together as much as possible in order to get things done.

HomeStart meets with other organizations, such as Habitat For Humanity, United Way of Rock River Valley, Rockford Housing Authority, RAMP, City of Rockford employees, Jeremiah Development, YSN, Winnebago County Health Department and Region 1 Planning Council, every month to discuss what events are going on, how we can bring resources together in order to accomplish goals and give information on any new programs available that could help residents in the area.

Face-to-face interaction may come in the form of a computer screen, phone or tablet. Zoom, StreamYard and WebEx are becoming the new “norm” for business meetings. Young professionals can easily get more involved, since we now have the luxury of handling business while being on the go or even from the comfort of our home. Not only must we embrace the advancement of technology, but this is a prime time to get with those from younger generations and see what ideas they have and what different talents they are willing to bring to the table.

Going beyond that, let us teach them what we know. There are so many professions out there, and many are not exposed to them.

Understand that you may not get paid for the time you spend teaching someone a trade, but also remember there will be a point in time where you may no longer be able to take care of yourself. Your children and/or grandchildren will have to rely on someone else teaching them things, such as how to change a tire, unclog a sink, put on make-up, cook, build a house, etc. Now ask yourself, “Are they prepared?” If not, then it’s time to make time.

Let’s make change together. Let’s get out of our comfort zone, get out and ask questions, get involved and teach those willing to learn. It starts with YOU! Janessa Wilkins is resource development & community engagement manager at HomeStart and a member of IGNITE Rockford.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

R O C K F O R D

CENTER FOR

C H A M B E R

C O M M E R C E

Leadership Development

It’s my pandemic and I’ll cry if I want to CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber

Pandemics are funny, funny things.

They bring out the best in us… and the worst. They shine the bright light on disparities we would rather have wallow in the darkness. They force us to reckon with our own internal values and how those align with the mission and vision of our organization. They push our understanding of what’s “normal” and what’s really important. And they leave us tired, feeling isolated and completely shaken with anxiety and angst.

Pandemics are lonely beasts, which is ironic, because much like time, in a lot of ways, they are the great equalizer. Very rarely has there been such a sweeping event that touches every single person in every single part of the globe at, more or less, the exact same time.

But the degree to which the pandemic leaves a mark on your life can vary greatly.

O F

27

Some have lost loved ones. Some have lost businesses. Some have lost clients.

Some have lost sleep. Some have lost connection. Some have lost the ability to blindly think that we all experience the world in the same way and are now faced with decisions to make based on their newfound understanding. The level to which we have lost will vary; but, the fact is, we have all lost and, as such, we have all changed. Some for the better and some for the worst.

As we move back into the realm of the busy – back to our cars, our offices, our public spaces – we may not all move back the same way. For some, reunion with others will be filled with joy. For others, the rekindling of physical connection will spark anxiety, fear, and doubt.

As leaders, we are faced with, once again, another opportunity to get it right.

As employees weave their way back into a physical workspace, as clients venture into the aisles, or meetings begin to fill conference rooms and coffee shops, there will undoubtedly be a strange guest we’ve worked really hard to ignore all these years in the midst – Emotion.

For ages, we’ve pushed to keep emotion out of the workplace and out of the public eye. Women have been chastised for being too emotional. Men have long been praised for holding back any sort of human experience in front of others.

Organizations have touted management principles that encourage employees to leave their personal lives at the door.

But, let me ask: can we finally stop pretending that the workplace doorframe is a magical structure that somehow allows people to strip off their most human parts and enter the workplace free of mental baggage? Have we as a society been humbled enough to stop, pause and reflect and embrace that perhaps, just perhaps, humans have human emotions that aren’t easily compartmentalized just because our organizations’ managers don’t want to deal with the messy parts of employees.

COVID-19 is still active in our community and in our lives. While we are beginning to find ways to work in closer proximity to one another amidst

the virus, we aren’t done dealing with the emotional turmoil the virus has inflicted on so many of us. There may be tears in the workplace. There may be anger based on differing views. There may be fear.

There will certainly be exhaustion. I don’t think it’s possible to know what sort of emotion we as leaders may face, but I am certain that we will be facing more than we have before. And we will be facing other’s emotions while still dealing with our own.

Our organizations – and our leaders – need to be ready for this. Yes, the world of work has changed in physical ways. But we can’t forget about the emotional changes as well.

As we head back into each other’s lives in a more physical way, let’s remember to do so with grace. Let’s hold space for one another to walk through this next transition with care and understanding.

Let’s manage people not employees. Let’s change our organizational culture to really embrace the messy parts in safe ways – the tears, the anger, the anxiety, the conflict – that comes naturally in people’s lives. If we get the messy parts right, we just might get the business part right, too.

Caitlin Pusateri is vice president, leadership development at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

WORK FROM HOME Continued from page 21

#20 – Exercise Few things improve productivity like exercise. It clears your head, improves your energy, and lifts your mood. A recent study by Briston University evaluated the immediate impact of exercise on productivity, with employees comparing days they exercised versus days they didn’t.

On the days they worked out, the employees experienced higher levels of concentration, managed their time more effectively, and felt significantly more motivation.

The implications are clear. If you want to be productive while working from home, make exercise a part of your day.

Go for a walk or jog. If the weather is bad, download a workout app like Nike Training Club. Consistently exercising will make the experience of working from home significantly better.

#21 – Connect With People Loneliness is an occupational hazard when it comes to working from home.

You can’t casually chat with coworkers about sports or the latest movie you saw and many meetings happen virtually with video chat. It’s easy to become very isolated very quickly.

Prolonged loneliness and isolation can lead to a variety of health problems, including: ■ High blood pressure ■ Depression ■ Cognitive impairment ■ Anxiety ■ Heart disease ■ Obesity For the sake of both your physical and mental health, make an effort to connect with people a few times per week. Go to lunch with a friend or grab coffee with a neighbor.

If circumstances such as the COVID-19 crisis prevent you from connecting with people in person, take advantage of the many communication tools now available to us: ■ Zoom ■ Google Meet ■ Skype ■ Houseparty ■ Marco Polo Though virtual connection can never take the place of face-to-face interaction, it can be helpful for a period of time in keeping a healthy work culture alive.

you complete a task. Make it clear when you’re taking vacation days.

Communicate the same message via chat, email, video conference, etc. It’s better to over communicate than under communicate. Under communication leads to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and a lot of frustration.

whatever training you think will help you do your job better. This can be anything from online courses to conferences to books.

There are a number of online platforms that provide in-depth training on a variety of subjects, including:

#23 – Keep Written Messages Positive

■ Coursera

Tone and body language are lost when communicating digitally. People can’t see your face or hear your voice.

It’s really easy for people to interpret your words in a negative way even if you didn’t intend any negative connotations.

Writing in Inc., Jacquelyn Smith says: “… tone is easy to misconstrue without the context you’d get from vocal cues and facial expressions. Accordingly, it’s easy to come off as more abrupt that you might have intended –you meant “straightforward,” they read “angry and curt.”… For best results, avoid using unequivocally negative words (“failure,” “wrong,” or “neglected”), and always say “please” and “thank you.”

When communicating over email or chat, work hard to keep things light and positive. Maybe throw in a joke or your favorite GIF where appropriate. Little things like this go a long way in helping you maintain good relationships with your coworkers.

#24 – Clean Up For Video Calls A big advantage of working from home is that you can wear comfortable clothes. However, you still want to look professional during video calls.

Like it or not, your appearance is directly tied to your success. Research suggests that the way a person looks plays a really significant role in career advancement. As much as possible, try to look good when interacting with other employees, even if it’s just during a video call.

Don’t wear a ratty t-shirt and have your hair going all over the place. Put on a decent shirt, comb your hair, shave, etc. Make it clear that you really do care about the work you’re doing.

#25 – Use A VPN Whenever you use a wifi network that you don’t own, like at a coffee shop or library, you should use a VPN. A VPN gives you a secure internet connection, ensuring that someone doesn’t steal important company information. The last thing you want is to have a security breach, and a VPN helps prevent that.

Some effective VPN apps are:

#22 – Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

■ Hola (free)

Communication becomes even more important when you’re not working in an office. You’re not getting regular face time with your supervisor and coworkers and things can easily get lost in strings of emails and messages. You need to say things more than once.

Tell your boss and coworkers your schedule. Let them know when

■ NordVPN

■ ExpressVPN ■ Surfshark ■ CyberGhost

#26 – Get Educated Training and skill development programs often happen in the office, and you may miss out on these if you work from home. If this is the case, ask for

■ LinkedIn Learning ■ SkillShare

what hours you need to be available to what you’re allowed to use your company laptop for.

Make sure you’re crystal clear on these. Knowing exactly what your company expects from you can help you avoid misunderstandings. It also ensures that you and your supervisor are on the same page. If you have questions regarding certain policies, get clarity as

■ Udemy

soon as possible.

If you don’t intentionally seek out training, your skills may languish, which could cost you promotions and salary bumps.

#30 – Hold Yourself Accountable

#27 – Resolve Problems With Phone Calls

motivation are hugely important when

If you sense a problem starting to arise, don’t try to solve it via email or chat. Misunderstandings are common with these methods of communication and things can quickly get worse.

To navigate conflicts, hop on the phone or a video chat and have a conversation with anyone involved.

Kevin Hart, SVP and Managing Director at EMA Boston, says: “Holding people accountable or having a fierce conversation is best done in person. It gives you better understanding of tonality and allows you to observe body language. Also, there’s more room for two-way communication.

We encourage face-to-face meetings to resolve conflicts. If that is not possible, a phone conversation is the next preferred way to determine how to move forward.”

#28 – Ask For Feedback Your boss may be hesitant about you working from home, especially in the beginning. They might worry that you won’t be as productive or that you’ll spend work time watching videos on YouTube.

Yes, there are performance management systems that organizations use to check in on employees from time to time, but you still need ways to get more immediate feedback on a short-term basis.

One way to set your boss at ease is to ask for feedback on how they think it’s going. Ask them what they think is working and what isn’t. Take notes on the feedback and assure your boss that you really do want to be as efficient as possible. This can keep small problems from becoming much bigger ones.

Also, let your supervisor know of any unique challenges you’re facing that you don’t encounter in the office. Are you encountering any bottlenecks? Are there any tools you need? This kind of open dialogue will keep things running smoothly.

#29 – Get Clear On Company Policies Your company probably has specific policies and guidelines related to working from home, and in some cases the crisis has been a catalyst, prompting companies to upheave and shift their policies in an entirely new direction. New policies could include everything from

Self-accountability

and

self-

working from home. No one is looking over your shoulder ensuring that you get everything done. Temptations and distractions surround you. You need to hold yourself accountable for getting work done.

You also need to maintain a high level of motivation. In a normal office environment, there are “feedback loops” in place to help you stay motivated. You perform a task, talk to your supervisor or coworkers about it, and get feedback on your performance (if you use a performance management tool for this, it’s all the easier to check. This feedback then motivates you to perform at a higher level.

These feedback loops tend to be less present when working from home. You’ll only be successful if you maintain high levels of self-motivation.

#31 – Experiment It may take you some time to figure what works best for you when it comes to working from home. Don’t expect everything to fall neatly into place right at the beginning. You’ll need to find what works best for you and your style of working.

Feel

free

to

experiment

with

your schedule, workspace, task list, management tools, routine, etc. The beauty of working from home is that you have the freedom to change these things.

You can optimize your working day for maximum productivity.

#32 – Be Kind To Yourself It takes time to get used to working at home. It’s a new work environment that requires new skills. It will take time for you to find your groove. Some days will be less productive than other days, and that’s okay.

Show yourself compassion. Give yourself time and space to get acclimated.

Over time, things will get easier. Until then, be kind to yourself.

Alyson Taylor is marketing coordinator at Black + White Zebra Inc., an indie media publishing company based in Vancouver, BC. View at peoplemanagingpeople.com/topics/ proven-tips-for-working-from-home.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

July 2020

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

A special thank you to the founding members celebrating 110 years with the Rockford Chamber!

AT&T

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Barnes International, Inc.

Rockford Register Star

BMO Harris Bank

Rockford University

ComEd, An Exelon Company

Schmeling Construction Co.

HolmstromKennedyPC

Woodward

J.L. Clark

40-YEAR MEMBER

20-YEAR MEMBERS

Todd Transit, Inc.

J. Carlson Growers, Inc. Rockford Lutheran School

35-YEAR MEMBER First Midwest Group

30-YEAR MEMBERS Helen Hill Communication Midwest Mailworks, Inc.

25-YEAR MEMBERS Corporate Services, Inc. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden Northern Illinois Hospice Peterson Meadows The UPS Store

15-YEAR MEMBER Mid-West Family Broadcasting

10-YEAR MEMBERS Ingenium Aerospace LLC Rockford Heat Treaters, Inc.

5-YEAR MEMBERS Arachnid 360, LLC Feldco Windows, Siding & Doors WPS Health Insurance

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in May 2020 ABC Catering Ltd., A Better Choice Catering Allstate - J Ellis Agency

Alpha Controls & Services LLC Ameriprise Financial Aspire Financial Group Ameriprise Financial Joan Kelley, CFP, CPA Angler Motors Inc.

ARCO Machinery Movers LLC Auto Clinic of Rockford Inc. B & H Office Furniture Bourn & Koch, Inc.

Lonnie’s Stonecrafters, Inc. Macianos Pizza (Perryville Pizza, LLC) Magnuson, Inc. Midwest Community Bank North Park Rental Service, Inc. Northern Illinois Optical Company Paper Recovery Services Corp.

Per Mar Security Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. Rock River Valley Blood Center 6th Street

Cleo

Rockford Country Club

Court Street United Methodist Crown Machine, Inc.

DeMuth Steel Products, Inc Discovery Center Museum of Rockford

Fiberglass Innovations LLC FIELD

First Community Credit Union First Insurance Group

Fleet Feet Sports Rockford Flood Pros

Forever Green, Inc.

Freed Plumbing, Inc.

Perryville Road

Rockford Heat Treaters, Inc. Rockford Radiology Associates Rockford Register Star Rockford Separators, Inc. Rockford Spine Center Rockford Tech-Systems, Inc. Rockford Urological Associates, Ltd. Serola Biomechanics, Inc. Siena on Brendenwood Sosnowski Szeto, LLP Stillman Bank

Friends of the Coronado

Summit CPA Group, P.C.

Greater Rockford Italian American Association/Festa Italiana

The Pregnancy Care Center

Goldie B. Floberg Center

Harlem Community Center Highcrest Centre, LLC

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic

SVA Financial Group The Salvation Army The Terrace Senior Apartments Todd Transit, Inc. Two Men and a Truck

Huntington Learning Center

US Bank

IP Communications, Inc.

Womanspace, Inc.

Ingersoll Machine Tools

The Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Northwest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . . . . . .30 CoyleKiley Insurance Agency Inc. . . . . . .16 Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center . .20 Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois . . .16 HomeStart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 KMK Media Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau

aMBaSSaDOR DOR SPOTLIGHT Emily Plumb Holiday Inn

I work for Rock Hospitality, which is a hotel group that owns four hotels in the Rockford region, one in Beloit and one in Janesville. I specifically work at the Holiday Inn - Rockford & Holiday Inn Express – Loves Park as the corporate sales manager. Between corporate, group and transient business, our hotels offer amenities to fit every traveler’s needs.

I am new to the ambassador family, but I have already made new connections, and everyone who is a part of the group is very welcoming.

There are so many things I love about Rockford! Just a few are eating at local restaurants, trail riding at Rock Cut State Park and boating on the Rock River.

The Ambassadors is a great program to be a part of, especially if networking is a big part of your profession. Although being native to Rockford, there are so many companies that I never even knew were in town, and being an ambassador member has really opened my eyes to what Rockford has to offer.

OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 PNC Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Quartz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Ray King Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 14, 22, 26-27, 29-30, 32 Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Schmeling Construction Co. . . . . . . . . . . .10 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Larson & Darby Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . . . .15

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) . . . . . . . . . . 13

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

VOICE

Rock River Valley Blood Center -

Comfort Keepers

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Edward Jones – Erna Colborn. . . . . . . . . . .6

Boy Scouts/Blackhawk Area Council

Chuck Brauer Trucking Inc.

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July 2020

Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

the

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

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Chair Elect Dan Ross Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

DIRECTORS Brent Bernardi Alpha Controls & Services LLC Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Vice Chair Jean Crosby Samuel J. Castree Berkshire Hathaway Staff Management, HomeServices Crosby Inc. Starck Real Estate Doug Curry Treasurer Stenstrom Amy Ott Companies Boylan Catholic Don Daniels High School SwedishAmerican, A Immediate Division of UW Health Past Chair Richard Zumwalt Z Resource

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Terry Voskuil Woodward

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Denise Sasse RSM US LLP Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Nathan Bryant Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Teresa Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

AUGUST VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS Education Avenues (Set for Future Success)

Career Path

(Development, Coaching & Mentoring)

For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100

We’ve built it before, we can build it again. Building leaders, networks, community, workforce & business - that’s the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. We are here to help you & our community rebuild one brick at a time.

We Can Do This!