August Voice 2012

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

prairie view golf club

benson stone

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Proposal to Promote Advanced Manufacturing

August 2012 | Volume 25 | No. 8

Three inducted in Business Hall of Fame

Founders Day Celebration

By Paul Anthony Arco When someone turns 102 years old, it’s cause for celebration.

More than 300 members of the community turned out to commemorate the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s birthday, during the chamber’s first Founder’s Day Celebration, July 11, at Midway Village Museum.

During the event, three members were inducted into the Northern Illinois Business Hall of Fame. The 2012 inductees were U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo, Estwing Manufacturing founder Ernest O. Estwing, and Holmstrom and Kennedy founder

Photos by Brian Thomas Photography

Phil Frankfort (center) accepts the award on behalf of R.K. Welsh, founder of Holmstrom and Kennedy. Also pictured, (l) Rich Walsh, Chair-Elect and Einar Forsman, Chamber president.

R.K. Welsh. Estwing and Welsh were honored posthumously.

Also on hand were representatives from 15 founding and legacy members.

The chamber plans on making the Founder’s Day Celebration an annual event.

“We’re one of the few chambers in Illinois that has been around more than 100 years,” said Einar Forsman, president

The Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act A bullet dodged

By Henry J. Aaron, Brookings

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Health care reform is a drama in four acts. The first two acts — the Congressional debate leading to enactment of the Affordable Care Act, and the multiple court cases culminating in today’s Supreme Court decision — were nail-biters. The next two acts — the political debate that will culminate with the November elections, and the struggle to implement this enormously complex law — promise to be equally tense.

Few people correctly anticipated much about [the June 28] Court action. Most believed that Chief Justice Roberts would write the opinion of the court, whether or not the law was sustained. That expectation proved correct. But the final alignment is surprising — Roberts aligned with the four liberals — Justices Breyer, Ginsburg, Kagan, and Sotomoyor — to

and CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “Equally important, there are 15 companies that have been with us from the very beginning, who are longstanding members of the community.

That’s significant for us.”

Those companies are Aramark, AT&T, Barnes International, BMO Harris Bank, ComEd, Eclipse, more on page 4

sustain the law in its entirety, although not uniformly on the government’s reasoning.

Some aspects of the Court’s reasoning are bewildering. The tone of the separate opinions written by Justice Ginsburg and jointly by Justices Kennedy, Alito, Scalia, and Thomas bespeak ferocious behindthe-scenes disagreements within the court.

The outcome can be stated simply.

People must pay a tax if they fail to carry approved health insurance. States may extend Medicaid coverage as specified in the Affordable Care Act, but if they don’t, none of the funds for previously eligible Medicaid enrollees will be in jeopardy. All other provisions of the Affordable Care Act stand.

Sharp Disagreements Among the Justices Behind this seemingly simple outcome stand sharp disagreements over constitutional interpretation.

For starters, by a vote of 5 to 4, the Court rejected the federal government’s argument that it can use its power to regulate interstate commerce to require people to carry insurance. Congress can impose a tax on those who don’t carry such insurance, but the concept of ‘mandate’ really doesn’t arise. The more on page 5

A Rockford area collaborative has submitted a proposal for a highly competitive $2.1 million federal Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge grant focused on the region’s advanced manufacturing cluster. Led by Northern Illinois University, the team includes the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), EIGERlab, Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center, Rockford Regional Economic Development District, Rock Valley College, the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board, and Growth Dimensions of Belvidere-Boone County.

Successful applicants will be notified by Sept. 30.

The proposal is to establish the Rockford Area Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (RAAMA).

This will provide area small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies with individualized support solutions to enhance their capabilities in advanced manufacturing and marketing of products and services. It also will create the Rockford Area Advanced Manufacturing Institute (RAAMI) to develop industry credential-based training to develop the workforce needed to develop advanced manufacturing innovations.

Mark your calendar!

Mayor’s Business Luncheon August 16, 2012 • Giovanni’s For more info, see page 21

Michael Dell Then & Now

Business Facts uu Dell Computers was started by a 19 year old with only $1,000. uu In most advertisements, the time displayed on a watch or clock is usually 10:10. uu Colgate’s first toothpaste came in a jar. uu The founder of McDonald’s has a bachelor’s degree in hamburgerology. uu Harrods (in London) have three private wells to supply their water. uu Microsoft made $16,005 in revenue in its first year of operation. uu Duracell, the battery-maker, built parts of its new international headquarters using materials from its own waste.

Source: www.funfactz.com

2 August 2012

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

Report: U.S. states’ financial woes eroding services A report was issued on July 17 by the State Budget Crisis Task Force, a non-profit co-chaired by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker and former New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch. It focused on six states that encompass about a third of the U.S. population: California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Virginia.

The states’ financial problems aren’t just a result of the recession and slow recovery, the report said. They have built up over years.

Increased spending on health care and pensions are crowding out other funding.

Many states have already cut spending on public universities and infrastructure such as roads and public transit, Ravitch said at a press conference Tuesday.

California has cut its spending on state universities 12.5 percent in the past five years, the report said. South Carolina has reduced its support 30 percent in that period, the deepest cuts in the country. Florida and Iowa have cut higher education spending about 25 percent.

All that is making it harder for poorer Americans to attend college, Ravitch said.

Diminished aid from states has pushed up tuition. Concerns are rising that some leading public universities, such as the universities of Michigan and Virginia, “are moving toward de facto privatization with high fees that effectively exclude many highly qualified lower income students,” the report said.

To ease that burden, some states are providing more aid to needy students rather than spending directly on colleges and universities.

Long-term trends are squeezing state finances, the report said. Spending on Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor is growing much faster than state tax revenue. The Obama administration’s health care reform will likely accelerate that growth, it said. Medicaid already consumes a bigger portion of state budgets than does spending on elementary and high school education.

In addition, state and local government pension plans are at least $1 trillion short of what they need to pay for their pension promises.

Even that figure is based on dubious assumptions by many states about the

investment returns their pension funds will earn, the report said. Some studies using more realistic assumptions put the shortfall as high as $3 trillion.

Meanwhile, more Americans are buying goods online, which in many cases means they don’t pay state sales taxes. A rising number of states are demanding that online retailers collect the taxes. And consumers are spending more on services, such as medical care, that don’t pay sales taxes, and less on goods.

Higher gas prices and more fuelefficient cars mean Americans are buying less fuel, thereby reducing gas tax revenue.

Volcker acknowledged that despite these challenges, most states can still borrow by issuing bonds at low interest rates. That’s mostly because many states have constitutional requirements that they pay bondholders before they pay other bills.

The report recommends that states do more long-range budget planning.

They should also be more transparent about pension promises made to state and local employees. That would make it easier for voters to understand

what those promises Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber entail. And of Commerce they should build up bigger “rainy day” funds when the economy is healthy to limit the need for cuts and tax increases in recessions.

But now, in most states, the two parties are sharply divided on how to solve their long-term fiscal challenges, Ravitch said.

Republicans are largely focused on cutting pensions; Democrats are mostly concerned with raising tax revenues.

“There isn’t any negotiation going on,” Ravitch said. “To the best of my knowledge, no one is communicating with each other.”

Ravitch said he met with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner last week to brief them on the report’s findings.

The task force plans follow-up reports that look at each of the six states it studied. It will also issue reports on the specific budget challenges the states face.

To read the full report go to www. statebudgetcrisis.org.

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August 2012

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

The Dog Poop Initiative I know what you are thinking. What’s up with the title? What will this article mean to me? “The Dog Poop Initiative” is becoming an increasingly popular book for teachers, managers, trainers and CEOs. It describes itself as “a true story of scoopers and poopers, of pointers and heroes, of those who score real goals, and those who score zeroes.” I will not spoil the fun by describing the book in its entirety, but one thing I can tell you is that my experience in the Rockford Chamber’s Leadership Rockford this past year truly taught me how to be a “scooper” rather than a “pooper.”

When I enrolled in Leadership Rockford last August, I knew that I would have the opportunity to network with other individuals. To be honest, that was my biggest draw, especially because of the importance of networking for my profession. Based on its mission statement, the program promised to provide me with an “enhanced awareness of business, government and civic issues” facing our community and to “motivate direct involvement in business and community leadership.”

What does it take to lead? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “the ability to lead,” but really all a leader needs to lead is a group of followers. Plainly simple, anyone, based on this more vanilla definition has an opportunity to lead at some point during a lifetime.

Our Leadership Rockford group was asked on more than one occasion to provide our definitions of leadership, and here are some things we came up with: character, integrity, authenticity, one who takes risks, one who can balance optimism with realism, competence, and emotional IQ. I could type for days to provide thousands of synonyms for effective leadership, but that does not mean I know how to lead.

An Opportunity to Grow Beyond critical thinking and definitions, Leadership Rockford provided each of us with ample opportunity to grow as an emerging leader in the community. Every two weeks, it provided access to Rockford leaders and decision makers in a question-and-answer forum.

As a member of the group, I had the opportunity to ask my questions directly to leaders in government, education, healthcare and transportation, to name a few. I also learned from other individuals in the group as they shared their concerns or optimism for a certain subject.

Following each forum, our group discussed the most critical topics and brainstormed ideas on how to improve areas of concern and initiate change. I still can remember passionate exchanges as we talked about the future of RPS 205 or Rockford’s health care system. You

may be telling yourself as Jakob C. Loescher you read these Savant Capital sentences that Management talk is cheap.

I would agree with you. What’s talk without action?

In addition to bi-weekly private forums, we were challenged to put our “money where our mouths were,” and work within team structures to assist with projects for local non-profit organizations. Those we served included the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Lydia Home-Rockford, Provena St. Anne Center, Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity Inc., and Burpee Museum of Natural History. Over the course of nine months, every group met independently with the leaders of each organization to help with key initiatives. A few of the projects were very public, such as “The Arny Johnson Race” or “RSO on Tap.” Others were less public; cleaning up and recreating a nature trail for the residents at Provena St. Anne, or organizing more than half a dozen field trips for students at the Lydia House.

In addition to sweat equity, our Leadership Rockford class provided greater than $35,000 in fundraising efforts for many of these organizations.

As a result, the power of motivated individuals greatly and positively affected the Rockford community during 2011 and 2012.

Picking Up the Scooper At this point, you probably are wondering what happened to the “dog poop” in the story. The truth is, we have been convinced that we do not have to search long and hard to come up with reasons why the Rockford community is not the best place to live. Based on publications from various media outlets over the past few years, you already know that we have high crime, high unemployment, and an astounding obesity rate. These things will continue to get worse so long as there are poopers in the community who refuse to pick up the scooper, get their hands dirty, and give an effort to make this place better for everyone.

By engaging in Leadership Rockford, either as a participant or as a non-profit, you have the opportunity to learn how to scoop. Success is contagious, and I truly believe that by teaming up we have a better chance to force positive change in the places we live. My advice, stop being a zero and start being a hero.

Jakob C. Loescher, CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®, is a financial advisor at Savant Capital Management and was elected by his peers to serve as a moderator for the 58th Leadership Rockford class.

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4 August 2012

Founders’ Day Continued from front page

Holmstrom & Kennedy, JL Clark, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Rockford College, Rockford Register Star, Schmeling Construction Company, Schneider Electric, Whitehead and Woodward.

Businesses that are Part of the Community “We view our relationship with the chamber over the last 102 years as a partnership,” said Steve Schmeling, president of Schmeling Construction.

“The chamber is able to advocate for businesses on many different fronts where if we all did it individually we would be much less effective. We look at our membership and participation with the chamber as an opportunity for us to give back to the community.”

In addition to founding members, 40 percent of the chamber’s members are legacy companies who’ve been in business for 50 to 100 years.

“What you see, and what we appreciate, are well-tendered businesses who really understand the importance of community, as well as running effective businesses,” said Forsman. “It’s important for the chamber to have that backing and those resources, who give us strength to do things that are good for the Rockford region.”

The Business Hall of Fame was started by Junior Achievement in 1987. When the organization closed, the chamber stepped up to take on the recognition program. To date, there have been 54 inductees honored.

“People forget the impact these businesses had, whether they’re corporations or locally owned. They have large stable employment bases in the community, and they’ve achieved so many accomplishments. Listen to Estwing talk about their philosophies, employees and investment in the community. Look at R.K. Welsh, who was the first chamber board member, and a first school board member. This is what defines businesses that are part of the community. I think it’s exciting.”

Phil Frankfort agrees. He is managing partner for Holmstrom & Kennedy, the law firm started by Welsh in 1889. “You have to do more than just be here doing

Congratulations were on hand for Estwing employees, whose founder was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.

Windstream team members, the Founder’s Day presenting sponsor, along with (l) Mike Broski, Chamber board chairman, and Einar Forsman enjoy the day’s festivities.

Patti Thayer of Thayer Lighting talks with Paul Callighan and Sheila Bailey of ComEd, a Chamber founding member.

business,” he said. “We want to make the community a better place to live and work. We’re not alone in that. R.K. didn’t start this company for his own personal gratification. He was proud to be a founding member of the chamber.”

The chamber plays an important role in the community by promoting economic growth, advocating for the interests of business and providing service and educational opportunities for its more than 1,400 members.

“When you look at all the organizations who come and go and who try and do things for the community, you have one in the chamber that’s been a stable force,” said Forsman. “We don’t branch out in things we don’t belong in, but we do have an important role to play.

We are sought out by businesses to help support other activities and initiatives in the community.”

The event was presented by Windstream and co-hosted by founding and legacy members of the Chamber.

Since he was first elected to Congress in 1992, Manzullo has demonstrated a commitment to supporting small businesses, bolstering job creation and strengthening manufacturing in America.

“It’s quite an honor for me to be inducted into the Rockford Business Hall of Fame, and I would like to thank the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for this recognition,” Manzullo said.

Manzullo is the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, where he works to level the playing field for American manufacturers trying to compete overseas by increasing export opportunities. Over the years, he introduced many pieces of legislation to make U.S. companies more competitive and earned the reputation as a champion of manufacturing.

“Throughout my tenure in the House, I have been honored to fight for the small employers in the state line and around the country. Much of my work has been focused on my mission to strengthen manufacturing in America and create good-paying jobs for the people of northern Illinois.

About the Inductees ■■ U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo

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■■ R.K. Welsh Welsh was the founder of Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C., a Rockford law firm and one of the Chamber’s founding members.

Welsh was the first assistant to the principal of Rockford High School and served on the Rockford Board of Education. After decades of practicing law he was elected to a judgeship in the Circuit Court of the 17th Judicial Circuit in 1917. After leaving that post, he started a private practice with his sons, forming Welsh & Welsh. John Holmstrom, Jr., joined the organization in 1948. The firm expanded and changed names several times. In 1989, it merged with the law practice of John Foran Kennedy to become Holmstrom & Kennedy.

“This recognition means a lot to our organization,” said Phil Frankfort, managing partner. “We feel like we link back to what R.K. stood for. We’ve managed to continue that over all these years. In a lot of ways we identify with the Welsh and John Holmstrom, Jr., families – people who gave a lot to this community. We feel an obligation to continue what they did and we’re very proud of what they did.”

■■ Ernest O. Estwing Estwing founded Estwing in 1923.

After emigrating from Sweden in 1901, Estwing came to Rockford at 16 and began working as a machinist while attending school to learn English and take business classes. He was inventive and held several patents including one for a one-piece forged hammer and axe, which was the start of his company. He began manufacturing the hammers in his basement, before buying his own plant and machinery. Today, Estwing products are found in hardware and retail stores throughout the world.

Estwing had many hobbies, including chess, gardening and photography.

“This means a great deal to our family and company that my grandfather has been honored for his fantastic achievements,” said Marty Tuckett, Estwing’s chairman of the board. “We’ve had our ups and downs with the economy. But my grandfather always taught us never to spend money that we didn’t have. We’ve reinvented ourselves and managed to keep our heads above water.” n

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Affordable Care Continued from front page

distinction between a mandate and a tax is without significance as far as the Affordable Care Act is concerned.

The reason is that enforcement of the ‘mandate’ under the power to regulate interstate commerce depended solely on the ‘penalty/tax’ that the opinion of the chief justice leaves unaltered.

The incentive is extremely weak in either case. The charge is modest for most people. It can be collected only from overwithheld income taxes. It does not apply to many people — for example, those for whom the cost of insurance would exceed a certain share of income. The law provides no mechanism for collecting the ‘tax/penalty’ from people who owe no tax.

In brief, the incentive to carry insurance is largely hortatory for many people. In any event, whether the charge people are expected to pay is called a ‘penalty’ justified under the power to regulate interstate commerce, or a ‘tax’ under the government’s power to tax makes not a whit of difference in what the charge actually is or how it can be collected.

Interstate Commerce Clause The argument over whether or not the power to regulate interstate commerce authorizes the requirement to carry insurance is therefore important only because of its implications for federal legislation other than the Affordable Care Act. And it is important. Justice Thomas dissent underscores why. Although he wrote only for himself, he articulated a position, popular in the conservative legal community, that the power to regulate interstate commerce should be drastically curtailed. The other conservative members of the court were unwilling to sign on to his rather extreme position.

But they were nothing if not clear that the assertion of power to regulate interstate commerce under the Affordable Care Act is major legislative overreach.

[The June 28] decision says that the interstate commerce clause is not necessary to sustain the Affordable Care Act. But the Court clearly, if by only a 5-4 majority, rejected the government’s assertion that the Affordable Care Act is well within established precedent regarding the commerce clause, a view that had been the prevailing opinion among lawyers before this case. For 70 years, the Court placed few and minor limits on the power of the government to regulate economic activity under the Commerce Clause. This case suggests that this permissive era is over.

Question of State Sovereignty With respect to the extension of Medicaid coverage, seven members of the court, including two justices usually counted as liberals — Breyer and Kagan — ruled that it would be unconstitutional to penalize a state that refused to extend Medicaid coverage by curtailing current Medicaid matching funds.

The reasoning is bewildering.

Medicaid, it was argued, is so important to every state that curtailment of current matching funds would dragoon states into extending coverage. Under the Constitution, it is the states that are sovereign and grant only limited powers to the federal government. No action by the federal government can convert the states into unwilling instruments of federal purpose. The majority’s view is that the threat of cutting off Medicaid funding would do just that and is therefore unconstitutional.

Yet it seems clear that the federal government could have taken two legislative steps, both clearly constitutional, that in combination would have been equivalent to the Affordable Care Act. The first step would be to repeal title XIX of the Social Security Act, which creates Medicaid. The second step would be to enact a new title XIX, creating a new Medicaid program with exactly the coverage requirements in the Affordable Care Act. States would be free to join the new Medicaid program or not, as they chose. There could be no constitutional bar to the repeal of a law Congress duly enacted. Nor would the terms of the new Medicaid law be any different from those of the old Medicaid law, which states were free to join or not to join (one state, Arizona, remained outside the program for many years). In combination, these two legislative steps, each doubtlessly constitutional, would have done precisely what seven members of the Court decided the Affordable Care Act could not do — tell states that if they did not extend coverage as specified in the Affordable Care Act, they would lose current Medicaid funding.

‘The Broccoli Horrible’ The tone as well as the substance of the three major opinions — by the chief justice, Justice Ginsburg, and the joint dissent of Kennedy, Alito, Scalia, and Thomas — is striking. Justice Ginsburg attacks the opinion of the chief justice with brio and scorn. She writes that the Robert’s opinion suffers from ‘multiple flaws,’ uses ‘inapt analogies,’ and ‘spurious’ complaints, charges that his

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August 2012

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argument is ‘difficult to follow,’ accepts ‘specious logic, is ‘long on rhetoric’ and ‘short on substance,’ and says one aspect of his opinion ‘disserves future courts.’

In one amusing passage, she ridicules Roberts for invoking what she calls ‘the broccoli horrible’ — the suggestion that a health insurance mandate might pave the way for a mandate to eat a healthful diet, which is obviously beyond Congress’s constitutional powers.

Consider the chain of inferences the Court would have to accept to conclude that a vegetable-purchase mandate was likely to have a substantial effect on the health-care costs borne by lithe Americans. The Court would have to believe that individuals forced to buy vegetables would then eat them (instead of throwing or giving them away), would prepare the vegetables in a healthy way (steamed or raw, not deep-fried), would cut back on unhealthy foods, and would not allow other factors (such as lack of exercise or little sleep) to trump the improved diet. Such “pil[ing of] inference upon inference” is just what the Court refused to do in [two previous cases].

Unlike Justice Ginsburg, the four dissenting conservative justices do not explicitly scorn Roberts’ opinion. They simply disregard much of it, reserving their derision for the government’s claims — which just happen to be ones that Robert invoked. They agree that the commerce clause does not empower Congress to require anyone to buy insurance.

And, because the Affordable Care Act describes the financial charge imposed

on those without proper insurance as a ‘penalty’ imposed for violating a law that Congress lacks the power to legislate, that is the end of the story. The claim that the penalty is a tax is labeled as ‘feeble.’ The Government is the author of this ‘feeble’ argument, not the chief justice who based his reasoning on it.

Act III: The Presidential Election Thus ends Act II in the Affordable Care Act drama, with no intermission.

Act III was already well underway before Act II ended. It will see the obscenely well-financed political battle between supporters and opponents of the health reform law. They will contend over who will sit in the White House after next Jan. 20. Will it be the person who staked his administration on winning passage of health reform? Or will it be the person who actually once thought the same idea was pretty terrific but who now says it isn’t and has sworn to repeal it? Act III, like the first two, promises to be a down-to-the-wire cliff-hanger. Act IV — if there is one — will play out across 50 states where governors, legislators, and state civil servants will struggle to implement the most beneficial/ misguided [Choose one.] domestic legislation enacted in the last 77 years. n Henry J. Aaron is senior fellow, economic studies for the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform, Budgeting for National Priorities.

Visit www.brookings.edu.

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

6 August 2012

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2012 Stateline FastPitch Competition: Phase I of III complete

By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab Another Stateline FastPitch Competition is behind us, but phase II is just beginning! FastPitch not only is a competition; it’s a message to our region that EIGERlab, RAEDC, SBDC and RVC embrace entrepreneurship. According to Chris Wachowiak, entrepreneur and owner of Kryptonite, “It was an amazing opportunity of growth and exposure for aspiring entrepreneurs. I am extremely grateful, and I would urge those who have considered being an entrepreneur to attend or participate. For, remember, as in life, nothing ventured — nothing gained!”

For those who presented and attended the competition, it proved to be exhilarating! FastPitch was comprised of 46 presenters from Illinois and Wisconsin, including eight students who represented six colleges: RVC, NIU, UWW, Liberty University, Cornell and the London

School of Finance. In addition to the cash prizes and exposure, FastPitch introduced numerous potential entrepreneurs to the EIGERlab, RVC’s Small Business Development Center, and a host of other business development services housed in EIGERlab, and available throughout the region for assisting entrepreneurs throughout every phase of their growth.

Drum Roll Please – And Now for the Winners …

We’re proud to share that the first through third place winners, MySecureDelivery (IP & personal collateral security product), The RAT (Recess Access Tool for emergency extrications) and miPact (centralized connection to loan and borrow goods) all are in the start-up phase and well on their way to potentially creating additional wealth and jobs in our community and the State of Illinois. The winner in the student

Aerospace industry workforce shortage Many Rockford area manufacturers service the aerospace industry. One of the industry’s greatest needs is finding qualified talent during a national shortage of engineers, scientists and technicians, while it forecasts more than 30,000 new airplanes to be delivered in the next 20 years. The Joint Institute of Engineering & Technology -- Aerospace (JiET-A) combines three components to significantly increase the pipeline: academics; real-world experience and support through internships, mentorships and scholarships; and employment by local aerospace companies.

division, Ink Again (marker centrifuge), is in the beta test phase, with a product slated to hit the marketplace in 2013.

As anyone who has either participated or attended the competition understands, it takes a synchronized team of judges and volunteers to execute this huge undertaking. We appreciate everyone’s time and contributions! It was an extremely difficult competition to judge this year … the scores were crazy-close!

A special thank you to our judges … we understand your job was even more challenging this year. In addition,

the keynote address was provided by one of the founders of Savant Capital Management, Tom Muldowney, who delivered not only clever business poetry, but some valuable business insights.

Phase II and III of the competitions are slated for Aug. 8 in Janesville, Wis., and Aug. 29 in Sturtevant, Wis. To learn more on the competition’s details, visit eigerlab. org/events.html. One never knows -- you may see one of the contestants on ABC’s Shark Tank!

Sherry Pritz is marketing coordinator at EIGERlab-Rock Valley College.

Farnborough Air Show

By Carrie Zethmayr, RAEDC

into

the

regional aerospace workforce.

JiET-A Internship/ Mentorship Aerospace Companies

Matthew Simpson RAEDC

Thus far, six aerospace businesses have

MySecureDelivery accepts $5,000 as the first place winner of the FastPitch competition that took place on June 20 at NIU-Rockford.

committed

to

providing

integrated internship experiences: B/E Aerospace, Comply365, GE Aviation,

Hamilton

Sundstrand,

How JiET-A Works

Kaney Group and Woodward. This

JiET-A unites regional educational institutions and aerospace companies in a combined effort to enhance students’ experiences and guide them to a successful transition from school to the aerospace workforce.

Students attending four local participating colleges and universities (Northern Illinois University, Rock Valley College, Rockford College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) will have the opportunity to participate in high-quality internships that are integrated into their academic curricula. When the JiET-A students graduate, they will bring valuable skills and experience

three aerospace companies that will

is a mix of tier-one, tier-two and tierprovide a variety of work experiences for the interns.

JiET-A expects more aerospace companies to participate. RAAN (an RAEDC committee) is recruiting mentors

from

local

aerospace

companies.

To participate, and to receive more information, contact Bill Kroll, JiETA coordinator, a loaned executive from Hamilton Sundstrand, at bkroll@jiet. aero or call 815-969-4269.

Matthew Simpson is business development specialist at the RAEDC.

Midwest Aero Support, Machesney Park, and Regal Cutting Tools, Roscoe, exhibited at the Farnborough International Airshow, 2012, July 9 to 15, near London, England. They joined the Rockford Area Aerospace Network of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) exhibit booth, at the U.S. Pavilion.

Farnborough alternates with the Paris Air Show. The two events are considered to be the premier aerospace trade exhibitions in the world. The announcement was made at a June 27 news conference held at the State of Illinois building. This is the third year the DCEO has invited the RAEDC to share its booth.

The state tripled the previous exhibit space to 40.5 square meters and a customdesigned exhibit booth. “Over the last three years, interest in promoting this industry cluster has grown in Rockford and throughout the state,” said Adam Pollet, acting deputy director of the DCEO Office of Trade & Investment. “We are committed to providing a world-class platform to showcase Illinois companies like Regal Cutting Tools and Midwest Aero Support, as well as other companies in the Rockford Area Aerospace Cluster.”

repairs for commercial aircrafts. Customers include regional airlines like American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. It also does work for the U.S. Department of Defense and manufacturers like Bombardier and suppliers such as Hamilton Sundstrand. The company, founded in 1990 by Brent Johnson, president, occupies a 45,500-square-foot facility in Machesney Park.

Regal Cutting Tools, represented at the airshow by Dick Hartnett, general manager and vice president, makes industrial metalcutting tools for the aerospace, defense and automotive industries as well as smaller businesses. Its two manufacturing and warehousing facilities are in Roscoe and Loris, S.C. It’s one of the few manufacturers that can produce special metalworking taps within 24 hours. The company was founded in 1955 as Regal Beloit. In 2006, Regal Beloit sold the cutting tool business to YG-1, a Korean company.

Rockford Area Aerospace Cluster There are more than 200 companies in the aerospace supply chain in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, including four tier-one companies. This critical mass, strengthened by the region’s strong manufacturing skills, abundant engineering expertise and high productivity, is recognized as a preferred aerospace cluster.

If you have any questions, contact Carrie Zethmayr, manager of international trade at Midwest Aero Support provides the RAEDC, at 815-987-8118 or czethmayr@ electronics-component manufacturing and rockfordil.com.

Representing the Rockford Region

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

7

August 2012

Rockford Chamber signs letter supporting a STEM Visa Bill The Rockford Chamber of Commerce was one of 134 organizations nationwide to sign a letter, sent to the U.S. House of Representatives on July 11, in favor of the passage of a bipartisan STEM bill. The letter calls on Members of Congress to establish a green card program for outstanding foreign graduates of American universities with advanced degrees in STEM fields. The broad coalition of signers included U.S. employers, higher

education, and trade and professional organizations.

Foreign students receive nearly four out of every 10 master’s degrees awarded in STEM fields and about the same percentage of all doctorates.

These foreign graduates are in great demand by American employers, yet the United States currently selects only five percent of immigrants based on the skills and education they bring to the United States.

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: The undersigned organizations believe it is urgent for Congress to

pass a bipartisan STEM visa bill that establishes a green card program for outstanding STEM advanced degree graduates this year. Such a

reform will allow American companies to retain many foreign students

with advanced degrees in STEM fields to work in the U.S. and spur the creation and retention of high paying manufacturing and research jobs here in America.

Each year, graduate students who complete advanced degrees

in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from

Effective training through adult learning principles

Bernie Luecke RAEDC

Conducting a successful training program internally can be accomplished if you have a better understanding of how adults learn.

By understanding how adults learn, you then can tailor training to meet the particular characteristics of the participants. According to Shaun Killian, educator and executive coach from the Effective Leadership Development Community, there are six adult learning principles that should be considered in order to obtain the desired outcome.

America’s top universities are offered jobs here by U.S. companies.

Six Principles of Adult Learning

retaining jobs in a variety of sectors in our innovation economy. However,

As an adult, we learn when we are motivated to learn. We have choices as an adult and learning is one of them. Remaining status quo is satisfying to some, while learning a new skill or concept is motivating to others. If adults do not perceive value in what they are learning, then their motivation to do so decreases dramatically.

As an adult, we learn what we are ready to learn. The materials being presented to an adult learner must not be too difficult or too easy to comprehend. Utilizing their current experiences and moving them to the next level is key to the correlation of the new material being integrated.

Through this integration, the content also will build upon what was explored before.

As an adult, learning is more than simply increasing knowledge.

Knowing everything there is to know about a new concept or product is really great. Even striving to become the resident expert will be beneficial,

Hiring advanced degree STEM professionals is a key to creating and skilled foreign graduates, eligible for visas, are stuck in backlogs for

many years. These are highly educated professionals who will create jobs wherever they settle, whether in the U.S. or elsewhere.

A STEM visa reform would prioritize legal immigration status for

those earning STEM degrees from American graduate schools, without changing the annual number of legal permanent residents, and, in fact, could increase the educational status necessary to obtain already-

existing visas by transforming the visa lottery system. The employer verification obligation would continue, as under current law, for

employers to confirm that qualified American workers are not available.

We applaud the work of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith and others on the Judiciary committee to craft this type of

legislation, and note that Senator John Cornyn has already introduced similar legislation (S. 3185) to make this change.

Our organizations appreciate the strong sustained bipartisan

congressional work on this critically important issue. We also welcome the ongoing consultation on STEM visa issues with the business

community and other stakeholders by House and Senate leaders.

Together, the undersigned represent many American employers who

hire high tech professionals, as well as American high tech employees, American universities, and America’s leading trade and professional

organizations. We urge Congress to work together this year to deliver this critical, timely reform of our legal immigration system – a jobs bill that won’t increase the deficit.

but utilizing or implementing this new knowledge proves to be even greater.

It is important to remember that the transfer of knowledge is not the same as real learning.

As an adult, developing new skills and habits takes time. When embarking on learning a new task or job duty, it takes longer since this activity is new and requires specific concentration. If we repeat these actions over and over, they become easier with much less concentration.

Practice makes perfect and takes time.

As an adult, we get worse before we get better. Old habits die hard, but they can be eliminated and replaced with corrective actions. In many cases the entire aptitude must be reworked and learned all over.

The key is sticking with the new instructional agenda and refrain from resorting back to original, old habits.

In essence, you will fail before you succeed.

As an adult, learning is accelerated when we get feedback on our efforts. Reinforcing correct job functions or habits with positive feedback is critical and will ensure continued success. When praise is offered, constructive or corrective feedback also should be provided.

Hearing negative feedback can be difficult, but you don’t get any better without an honest critique.

For more information on adult learning principles or customized training, contact the Business and Professional Institute. For training assistance, please contact Bernie at 815-921-2067 or b.luecke@ rockvalleycollege.edu.

Manufacturing Update is sponsored by Rock Valley College BPI

8 August 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Visitor spending up 11.8 percent in Winnebago County According to new figures released by the State of Illinois, visitor spending in Winnebago County increased 11.8 percent in 2011, totaling more than $311 million*.

This is the first time expenditures have topped the $300 million mark since the prerecession level of $300.6 million in 2007 and is the highest amount ever recorded.

Visitor Spending The rate of growth in Winnebago County exceeded that of the State of Illinois and all of Rockford’s comparative markets.

Visitor spending in Winnebago County went up 11.8 percent, while the State of Illinois saw an 8.1 percent increase, and most of Rockford’s comparable markets increased at rates slower than the state average. Champaign saw visitor spending go up just 6.4 percent, and Springfield saw only a 6.7 percent increase. Winnebago County’s was the highest increase of all major metropolitan areas.

Tourism Supported Jobs Tourism supported more than 2,620 jobs in Winnebago County in 2011, up 1.1 percent over 2010. That’s just slightly below the state increase of 1.5 percent, and better than most of our comparative set, many of which saw a decrease in the number of tourism supported jobs. Only two counties in our comparative set, Cook and Peoria, saw increases of greater than two percent.

“RACVB exists to grow the region’s economy through tourism. It’s exciting to see visitor spending exceed pre-recession levels and out-pace growth at the state level. It means the tourism industry has recovered and is growing even stronger,” said RACVB Board Chairman Linda Heckert.

Local Tax Revenue The growth in spending benefits local municipalities. Local tax revenue resulting from visitor spending in Winnebago County grew 8.5 percent, totaling $5.07 million dollars in 2011. This increase was greater than our region’s comparative set and the state average of 4.9 percent.

12

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Rockford Mayor Lawrence Morrissey said, “The City of Rockford and our regional partners have worked hard to rebound from the recession. We’ve invested in the tourism industry and now see the positive impact of visitor spending, with its resulting job growth and increased tax revenue. This helps further energize the local economy.”

Contributing Factors The economic growth can be attributed to several factors. RACVB’s sales team continues to meet and exceed aggressive sales goals, booking nearly 95,000 future hotel room nights in FY11 and more than 102,000 in FY12. Rockford Region sites and attractions reported an increase in visitors in 2011. We’ve also seen significant investments in the Rockford Region’s tourism product, including the opening of the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, the recent expansion of the Discovery Center Museum and the Burpee Museum of Natural History, and the continued investment in downtown with Rockford City Market and Friday Night Flix.

Additionally, the third and fourth quarter of 2011 saw a surge in business travel due to the re-tooling of the Chrysler plant in Belvidere and the refueling at the Byron nuclear plant.

Continuing the Success When you invest in tourism, you import money. That money cycles through local restaurants, hotels and retail outlets, creating jobs and tax revenue. That is why it is important that we continue to grow the tourism product by investing in projects like the Reclaiming First sports plan, downtown development and the Laurent House. In this way, all residents of Winnebago County benefit from tourism.

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

Economic Expenditure Percent Change

Illinois

Winnebago

Will (Joliet)

Peoria

Madison (Alton)

Kane (Elgin/Aurora)

0

Jo Daviess (Galena)

2

Cook (Chicago)

4

Champaign

6

DuPage (Naperville)

8

Sangamon (Springfield)

10

*The figures come from a report by D.K. Shifflet and Associates for the U.S. Travel Association, commissioned by the Illinois Office of Tourism, a state agency.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

9

August 2012

IGNITE

Young Professionals

Living peacefully in a crowded workplace According to the American Management Association, a core challenge over the next decade will be to attract and retain a skilled workforce, as the labor market tightens and technology evolves.

One direct cause of workforce tightening is due to companies having to manage four generations of American workers.

Each group has its own distinct characteristics, values and attitudes toward work, based on generational life experiences. To successfully integrate these diverse generations into the workplace, companies need to embrace radical changes in recruitment, benefits and corporate culture that actively demonstrate respect and inclusion for its multi-generational workforce.

While the tightening of the workforce will not dissolve immediately, the negative effect can be minimized by creating a harmonious strategy for workplace communication, ultimately allowing knowledge to be smoothly transferred between generations.

This information is important, as this is a dilemma many of us encounter in our day-to-day interactions. In order to minimize generational difficulties in the workplace, we must acknowledge the differences. Once we understand what each generation’s values are, the type of leadership they are receptive to, and their communication styles, we can implement strategies that drive healthy communication in the workforce.

Let’s take a look at each generation.

The Veterans

handwritten notes are the preference.

Jazz Keyes IGNITE

Baby Boomers The workaholic mindset is typical of the Baby Boomer. If you have a group meeting on your calendar, chances are a baby boomer scheduled it, as Boomers embrace face-to-face communication.

Generation X Short, sweet and straight to the point. If you give a Gen X employee the structure, space and freedom to work, they perform effectively. Do not micro manageÂĄ Gen Xers. They are extremely informal and appreciate autonomy.

The favored communication for Gen Xers is email.

Generation Y Gen Y brings a fun, social and tenacious energy to the workforce. Gen Yers are extremely creative, and work is meaningful. Gen Yers get a rush from the pressure of having several goals to accomplish at once. To connect with a Gen Yer, consider social media or text messaging. If not, be prepared for heavy reliance on email and voicemail. With the world at their fingertips, communication on the go is a necessity.

As these four generations continue to interact, companies no longer can assume that high pay, basic medical benefits, and a 401(k) will secure the top talent. They must find creative ways to recruit and retain talent. A great way to get people to work together across the generations is to offer them an opportunity to educate each other on their history, characteristics, milestone events, culture, language and norms. Encourage dialogue within your organization.

Straighten up, have an erect posture, put your cell phones away and be ready to conduct business at the stated time.

Be prompt and prepared, because when working with a veteran, the expectation is that you respect authority and work hard. This generation is very traditional in its approach to communication. If you Jazz Keyes is executive director of want to say thank you to a veteran, dust IGNITE Young Professionals. Visit www. off your note pad and find a pen, because igniterockford.com.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

11

August 2012

PrairieView Golf Club

About Go for the Green!

For Rockford business people, golf and golf playdays are part of businessrecreational activity for networking with clients and prospective customers.

Starting with the April issue, we have been featuring member golf courses as well as golf, playday, and networking tips from the local professionals.

For advertising opportunities in this section, contact Lynette Jacques at 815-316-4317.

A hidden gem just down the road

By Paul Anthony Arco One of the most well kept secrets in local golf is PrairieView Golf Club in Byron.

PrairieView, which opened in 1991, was designed by James Spear and is owned and operated by the Byron Forest Preserve. The course has a staff of 45, led by Steve Murray, a PGA professional. Rated four stars by Golf Digest, PrairieView is surrounded natural beauty. On any given round, there’s a good chance golfers will see a goat or horse grazing on a green, or fox, deer or bald eagles watching the action on the golf course.

“The course has bent grass fairways, a variety of challenging holes, and a combination of open links and wooded areas,” Murray said. “The greens are tricky to putt. You always want to be on the correct side of the hole. It’s not a super tight course, but there are places you can’t hit balls on certain holes.

Playing PrairieView repetitively course really helps.”

In 2003, Murray was hired to oversee PrairieView after spending years at Aldeen Golf Club in Rockford. “Steve and his staff are very professional and always willing to help. He’s been instrumental in making it a better golf course,” said Byron resident Brian Silvers, who plays or practices at PrairieView five days a week. “We’ve seen big improvements that have led to an increased pace of play.

You can play a round in 3½ hours.”

PrairieView hosts 26,000 rounds of golf each year. The course draws golfers from Ogle County, Rockford and the Chicago suburbs. It’s also the site of approximately 70 play days and outings each season. PrairieView has a banquet facility with plenty of space for 200 guests. There’s also a practice facility that includes a driving range, chipping and bunker areas. The two PGA professionals offer both private and group lessons.

“Our goal is to provide a good product, to make sure golfers have a good time and come back,” Murray said. “We want them to play here more than once.”

Golfers praise PrairieView for its pristine condition. Murray said the credit goes to the 12-person maintenance staff who work long hours to make sure the course is in excellent shape. “We’re constantly making improvements to the course,” he said. “We put a high priority on making it the best it can possibly

PrairieView Golf Club course has undergone changes due to rerouting of some holes, planting new trees, and removing others due to disease. be. I’ve seen courses deteriorate, but if anything, we’ve gotten better.”

Changes to the Course, Changes to Playability If you haven’t played PrairieView lately, it may look somewhat different.

Among its many changes include rerouting some of the holes, planting new trees, and removing others due to disease.

“We added maples and oaks to areas that needed trees,” Murray said. “The back nine was too dense and populated, so we had to clear some of those trees away.

The playability has changed. The course is not nearly as open as it used to be.”

One of the best additions was a new patio deck area that was built four years ago, which offers guests an incredible view overlooking the golf course. “It’s a great atmosphere,” Murray said. “People hang out on the deck a long time just to have dinner and watch the sunset. We have people staying around longer, and they’re not just golfers.”

PrairieView is home to the golf teams

at Byron and Stillman Valley high schools. It plays host to regional and sectional high school tournaments, as well as the state amateur qualifier. And it has hosted the Region 4 junior college regional national qualifier, a three-day tournament held in October. “We try to attract a variety of tournaments,” Murray said. “It brings new faces out.

Hopefully they want to come back.”

Club Selection “One of the biggest mistakes I see

amateur golfers make is selecting the correct club to hit. First of all, most

golfers do not select enough club to

reach the flagstick. Most golfers don’t

know the exact carry distance for each of their clubs. They may remember the

one 8 iron that traveled 180 yards aided

by the wind, roll and perfect contact, but 180 yards isn’t an accurate distance for most people to hit an 8 iron.

Steve Murray, PGA professional

You must know how far you carry

Golfers at PrairieView take part in various club matches against other courses, such as Aldeen and Timber Pointe, giving members a chance to mingle with golfers from other golf areas. “They love it,” said Murray. “It’s the highlight of the year.”

Perhaps the most known event held at PrairieView is the Gold Medal tournament, which was moved a few years ago from the fall to spring, in order to attract younger golfers who were away at school. Each year, the Gold Medal attracts more than 80 golfers, including Silvers, who won the event two years ago.

“PrairieView is a beautiful facility,” he said. “It’s a great place to play or to practice at. It makes you a better player.”

Murray hopes other golfers feel the same way.

“A lot people think Byron is so far away,” he said. “We’re only 15 minutes away from various parts of Rockford.

Once you get here, hopefully it’s worth the trip.”

each club under ideal conditions and then factor other conditions, such as wind, elevation and firmness of the ground. Second, evaluate where

the ball is and how it’s resting in the grass. A golf ball coming out of the fairway in a perfect lie will not always travel as far as a ball sitting up in

the rough. Finally, remember you do not always strike the ball perfectly.

Allow for the ball to be slightly miss hit and select more club. There is nothing wrong with being past the pin in most cases.”

Prairie View Golf Club Route 72 and German Church Road Byron, IL 61010 815-234-GOLF www.prairieviewgolf.com

12

FOCUS ON EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES August 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Education Spending Facts

For more information, contact Diane Navickis, 815-316-4315 (direct), or dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com.

States that spent the most per pupil were New York ($18,618), New Jersey ($16,841), Alaska ($15,783), Vermont ($15,274) and Wyoming ($15,169).

States spending the least per pupil were Utah ($6,064), Idaho ($7,106), Arizona ($7,848) and Oklahoma ($7,896).

Illinois came in at $11,634, and the Rockford Public School District at $11,400.

Instructional expenditures accounted for the largest spending category for public education, totaling $317.8 billion in 2010 — 66.4 percent went to instructional salaries and wages.

Property taxes accounted for 64.8 percent of revenue from local sources for public school systems.

Total school system debt increased by 1.9 percent to $406.9 billion in 2010.

Looking toward a year of ‘firsts’ It may be hard to believe, but we’re just a few weeks away from the beginning of another school year. Soon summer will be gone, replaced with the routine of getting kids up and ready for school.

At Rockford Public School District 205, we’re excited about the beginning of this school year because, due to our Readiness Rocks initiatives, it will be a year of many “firsts.” Those “firsts” will help propel RPS 205 to a first-class rating in educational achievement in the years to come.

Readiness Rocks!

Last November, RPS 205 launched Readiness Rocks, five major initiatives that drive our district’s priorities and plans and are designed to create a school district that is first-class in achievement and pride.

Those five initiatives are: ■■ College for All ■■ Preschool for All ■■ Career & College Readiness ■■ 21st Century Learning Environments ■■ Seven Periods to Success This school year sees many of these initiatives begin to take root -- helping ground our sense of pride and moving us toward higher achievement for all.

Here is a sampling of the many “firsts” for our district this fall, as a result of Readiness Rocks:

Seven Periods to Success For the first time in more than 10 years, secondary students will have a sevenperiod school day that exposes them to the arts, foreign language and advanced classes; giving them a more well-rounded educational experience. Struggling students also can get additional help during the extra class period.

Preschool for All Dennis Early Childhood Center reopens this year, creating 400 additional spots for students to participate in our preschool program, which has been identified as one of the best in Illinois.

Hundreds of Sharefest 2012 volunteers stepped forward during the summer to help give the center a facelift in preparation for reopening.

As we continue to grow the program in years to come, all Rockford preschoolers will have access to the district’s early childhood program. This will allow students to develop essential learning skills at an earlier age, which studies show fosters success for a lifetime.

as an elective in preparation. The goal is to better engage students and make sure they’re prepared for college and the workforce when they graduate.

Students will select a college and a career prep academy to enter during their sophomore year. They still will have regular coursework, but it will be taught with a specific focus in mind, such as manufacturing, health sciences or engineering. The district’s other high schools — Auburn, East and Guilford — will implement an academy plan for sophomores in the 2014-15 school year.

As part of our effort to encourage college and career readiness, the district will create benchmarks for success that track the academic progress of students at each grade level. Outreach programs such as career shadowing and dualcredit college programs will better allow students to prepare for life after graduation.

21st Century Learning Environments The Rockford School District and the school board has approved a nearly $200 million 10-year facilities plan; making a commitment to create a 21st century learning environment throughout the district. The school board recently approved a transfer of 10 million dollars to start the district’s capital fund.

In the fall, voters will be asked to approve a bond sale that will allow us to improve schools significantly and possibly build new ones over the course of the next several years. The bond sale and school improvements will be made without a tax increase to homeowners.

Ready to Begin There’s so much more … the first year we have a few new, highly respected athletic coaches at several of our high schools … the first year our football teams will play on new turf in renovated stadiums at Guilford and Auburn high schools … the first year we can work together with our dedicated teachers and staff to make Readiness Rocks a reality.

It will take the support of the entire Rockford community to make Readiness Rocks a success. We’re convinced the support is there, and we appreciate the collaboration we’ve already received from the Chamber and many other business and community groups. Thank you for your efforts and support, and please help us celebrate our accomplishments as we prepare for a year of “firsts” in RPS 205.

Readiness Rocks!

College & Career Readiness

Dr. Robert Willis is interim superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

Jefferson High School will pilot the new High School Academies during the 2013-2014 school year. This fall, Jefferson freshmen will take a foundation class

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES

August 2012

13

Guest Perspective INSIGHT The backbone of the American economy: Family-owned businesses Family-owned businesses play an integral and important role in the economic development of a community and the economic development of a country. These businesses are vitally important for both job creation and job retention. From the mom-and-pop pizza parlor to the Fortune 500 company, family businesses are an economic force to be recognized and appreciated. These businesses should be encouraged and aided to develop, grow and prosper.

Fiscally strong and healthy family businesses are absolutely essential for a fiscally strong and healthy American economy.

To highlight the importance of familyowned businesses, let’s take a look at some empirical data from gaebler.com, an online resource for entrepreneurs: ■■ Family businesses account for a staggering 50 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

■■ Thirty five percent of Fortune 500 companies are family companies.

■■ Family companies are responsible for 60 percent of the nation’s employment and 78 percent of new jobs created.

■■ Over the past five years, womanowned family businesses have increased by 37 percent.

Less Than Half Go to the Next Generation These statistics illustrate the impact that family businesses have on the state of the economy, so it is imperative they survive and thrive from generation to generation. However, according to a Boston Globe article (May 4, 2003), only 40 percent of family-owned businesses survive to the second generation, 12 percent to the third, and three percent to the fourth.

There are any number of reasons family businesses don’t continue from one generation to the next -- lack of interest in continuing the operation, lack of business, lack of proper skill set, lack of an estate plan, burnout, sibling rivalry, etc. However, it is imperative that these businesses continue to make significant contributions to the communities in which they operate.

of the Rockford College Family Business Center is to create an organization that will support and strengthen family businesses in the region. The center enables family businesses to continue to prosper by providing members with opportunities to secure support services, networking opportunities, training, and other resources to aid in their growth and development.

Some of the key issues addressed at the Rockford College Family Business Center include: ■■ Leadership Development ■■ Succession Planning ■■ Estate Planning ■■ Management Training ■■ Conflict Resolution ■■ Research Support ■■ Networking Opportunities

Where Can Family Businesses Go for Assistance?

Successful Companies Learn from Successful Companies

A family business center, like the one at Rockford College, is designed to aid family-owned businesses with the challenges they face in a changing and complex business environment. The vision

The Rockford College Family Business Center provides business assistance, education, training, idea sharing, problem solving and value creation opportunities for its members.

Back to school health clinic In order to help ensure area children have required health services before the school year starts, Winnebago County Health Department presents “Grand Slam for Good Health,” its Back to School Health Clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 3 to 7 p.m., 555 N. Court St., Rockford.

The clinic includes physicals for pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grades, and students new to the district. School and sport physicals are $25. Immunizations are available for pre-K through 12th grades. (Tdap is required for 6th and 9th grades.) Required dental exams are available for Kindergarten, and 2nd and 6th grades (no charge), including dental cleanings, fluoride varnish treatments and dental sealants (income requirements).

Call for your child’s appointment, as times are limited and fill up quickly.

For physicals and immunizations — with or without dental exams — call 815-720-4370. For dental exam/dental services only, call 815-720-4275.

For more information, visit www.wchd.org or call 815-720-4213.

It links the past, present and future of family Steve Kadamian businesses to Rockford College the economic development of the region. Family-owned businesses, the backbone of the American economy, must continue to develop, grow and prosper from generation to generation and can be strengthened with the assistance of a family business center dedicated to its survival and prosperity.

For more information, contact Stephen G. Kadamian, Rockford College Family Business Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Contact 815-2264109 or skadamian@rockford.edu.

Steve Kadamian is an assistant professor of business and director of the Family Business Center at Rockford College. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in marketing, management, research, entrepreneurship and organizational communication.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

August 2012

FOCUS ON EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES

15

U.S. per pupil tops $10,600, Census Bureau reports The nation’s elementary-secondary public school systems spent an average of $10,615 per pupil in 2010, up 1.1 percent from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. District of Columbia public schools spent $18,667 per student in 2010, which is the most of any state or state equivalent.

States that spent the most per pupil were New York ($18,618), New Jersey ($16,841), Alaska ($15,783), Vermont ($15,274) and Wyoming ($15,169).

Illinois came in at $11,634, and the Rockford Public School District at $11,400.

Public school systems received $593.7 billion in funding in 2010, up 0.5 percent from the prior year. Of that amount, local governments contributed 44.0 percent, followed by state sources at 43.5 percent, and federal sources at 12.5 percent. In Illinois, local governments contributed a larger proportion at 54.6 percent, state at 31.6 percent and federal at 13.8 percent.

Bachelor’s Degree Attainment Tops 30 Percent In March, 2011 more than 30 percent of U.S. adults 25 and older had at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As recently as 1998, fewer than one-quarter of people this age had this level of education. Overall, the increase in the proportion of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher went from 26.2 percent to 30.4 percent.

Those With Bachelor’s Degrees Have Weathered Recession Better People with a bachelor’s degree have had lower rates of unemployment than those with less education in every month from January, 2008 to December, 2010.

This period included all but one month of the recent recession, which began in December, 2007 and ended in June, 2009.

The unemployment rate for high school dropouts reached a peak in January, 2010 (17.6 percent) and February, 2010 (17.9 percent). In February, unemployment for people

with a bachelor’s degree was 5.9 percent.

Science, Engineering Degrees Concentrated Along Coasts More than one-third of the nation’s 56 million bachelor’s degree holders held their degree in the broad field of science and engineering, including 4 million each in the social sciences and engineering and 3 million in biological, agricultural and environmental sciences. Nearly half the nation’s science and engineering degree holders lived along the East or West coasts.

Men held 87 percent of the degrees in engineering fields, while women held 76 percent of the degrees in education fields. Yet this might be changing with the generations, as fields with large proportions of men in the 65 years and over age group had smaller proportions of men in the 25 to 39 years age group.

High School Diplomas Versus GEDs Higher levels of educational attainment are associated with higher earnings. In 2009, the average monthly earnings for adults with a professional degree who worked full time were $11,927; the corresponding figure for bachelor’s degree recipients was $5,455.

Yet, one with lower levels of attainment may very well have higher earnings than those with higher levels, provided their degree is in a technical field. For instance, adults with an associate’s degree in engineering earned an average of $4,800 per month, while bachelor’s holders in education earned $3,800.

The 2009 report also addresses disparities in educational and occupational outcomes by mode of high school completion. In 2009, 16.9 million adults earned a GED certificate to satisfy their high school requirements.

While 73 percent of those who received a high school diploma went on to complete at least some postsecondary education, less than half (43 percent) of GED recipients pursued postsecondary schooling. Only five percent earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. By contrast, 33 percent of high school diploma

holders earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.

GED certificate holders earned less than high school diploma recipients at all education levels and across sex, race and ethnicity, and age. Overall, high school graduates earned approximately $4,700 in mean monthly earnings compared with GED certificate holders, who earned $3,100. This difference in

earnings is only partly because of lower levels of educational attainment of those who earned a GED certificate rather than a high school diploma. Among adults who attained a bachelor’s degree or higher, the mean earnings of those who earned a high school diploma were approximately $6,300, while the earnings of those who earned a GED certificate were approximately $4,900.

Area McDonald’s restaurants, WIB announce GED partnership McDonald’s restaurants in Rockford and Belvidere are teaming up with the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board to encourage individuals who did not complete high school to work toward their GED high school equivalency certificate.

Customers dining at area McDonald’s locations will see tray liners encouraging GED attainment and providing information on how to enroll in GED classes. In addition, information tables will be set up this month at participating restaurants during the lunch hour to provide information about GED prep classes and the testing process.

“Getting a high school credential does so much for individuals and their families in terms of self-esteem, and not to mention net worth over their lifetime,” said Linda Ballard, McDonald’s Corporation. “We at McDonald’s are proud to support the Workforce Investment Board and all they do help area residents and their families reach their goals.”

“We welcome our partnership with McDonald’s on this important issue,” said Paul Callighan, Workforce Investment Board chairman.

“Education is a key for individuals who are looking for work in our community, and this is a great way to get out the word about the GED classes that are available in the Rockford area.”

The Workforce Investment Board works to create a competitive, skilled and educated workforce with a system for citizens of Boone and Winnebago counties to gain meaningful employment responsive to the needs of business. In 2011, the board became the lead agency in a community-wide effort to increase GED attainment in the Rockford and Belvidere area. Visit www.theworkforceconnection.org.

GED Fair on Aug. 1 The awareness campaign leads up to the GED Fair on Aug. 1, 1 to 7 p.m., at the Rockford Career College/Heartland Church complex, 1130 S. Alpine Road. Individuals will be able to learn more about GED opportunities and locations and take a GED readiness assessment.

GED classes are offered at nearly 20 different locations through Winnebago and Boone counties.

There are about 150 classes offered each year, providing educational opportunities for more than 2,000 potential students. The event is part of the ongoing effort to increase GED attainment in the region.

The promotion coincides with Rock Valley College’s month-long period for pre-testing prospective students for fall classes. For more information visit www. rockfordGEDfair.com.

16

FOCUS ON EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES August 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Region filled with opportunities to further education while working

By Barbara Connors Statistics show higher education pays off. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with higher earnings. In 2009, the average monthly earnings for adults with a professional degree who worked full time were $11,927. The corresponding figure for bachelor’s degree recipients was $5,455.

People with bachelor’s degrees from January, 2008 to December, 2010 had lower rates of unemployment than those with less education. The unemployment rate for high school dropouts reached its peak in January, 2010 at 17.6 percent, and February, 2010 at 17.9 percent. In February, unemployment for people with bachelor’s degrees was 5.9 percent.

The Rockford Region has many options for professionals to advance their degrees while they work, if they choose.

Columbia College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, offers accredited, affordable bachelor’s degrees for working adults in business, psychology, human services and criminal justice, and master’s degrees in business, teaching

and criminal justice. Call 815-599-3585 or visit www.ccis.edu.

Concordia University’s Beloit Center, 2040 Sutler Ave., off I-90/39 has opportunities for adults to work full time while earning their degrees.

Classes are in an accelerated format and meet one night per week. With no outof-pocket costs for textbooks, students can earn certificates, and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of areas as well as Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Education degrees. Call 608-361-1830 or visit www.cuw.edu/locations/beloit.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Chicago-Rockford International Airport, 60 Airport Dr., Ste. 120, offers degree options such as associate’s in aeronautics and technical management, bachelor’s in aeronautics and technical management, and master’s in aeronautical science. Students can earn their undergraduate certifications in airport management and aviation safety. Call 815-969-4409 or visit worldwide.erau. edu/campuses-online/rockford.html.

Judson University, 1055 Featherstone Road, Rockford, offers accelerated

bachelor’s degree and certificate programs for busy adults, who can pursue their education while continuing to work.

Classes are one night a week, and a bachelor’s degree can be achieved in as little as 16 months. Call 815-399-3500 or visit JudsonForAdults.com.

Keller Graduate School of Management and DeVry University is one of the largest, private sector universities, with more than 90 locations.

The Elgin (Ill.) Center is at 2250 Point Blvd., Ste. 250, and offers a variety of career-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Call 847-6493980 or visit www.keller.edu.

NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St., provides continuing education and accreditation classes in a variety of academic programs. Most classes are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays. Credit courses, towards a degree, and non-credit professional development courses are available.

During the day, NIU-Rockford is a professional development, training, meeting and conference facility. Call 815-753-0835 or visit www.niu.edu/ regional/rockford/index.shtml.

Rasmussen College, 6000 E. State St., fourth floor, Rockford, offers bachelor’s and associate’s degree options, as well as certifications and diplomas, which can be earned in the classroom or online. The SUPPORT+ customized program helps students achieve their academic goals with degree planning, 24/7 technical support and career services assistance.

Call 815-316-4800 or visit www.rasmussen. edu/locations/illinois/rockford.

Rockford Career College, 1130 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 100, a nationally accredited, two-year college, offers nearly 25 programs in four general occupational clusters: business administration/ accounting, information technology, paralegal and health occupations. All programs are geared towards getting students into the workforce quickly.

Many continuing education courses are offered year-round, particularly in the health and veterinary areas, but also in professional development, business and technology. Courses meet on campus in the evenings or on Saturdays. Call 815-965-8616 or visit www.rockfordcareercollege.edu. more on page 17

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES

August 2012

Further education Continued from page 16

Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., has an accelerated degree completion program for adults in the workplace with some college credit, who want to finish their undergraduate degrees.

Adults can work full-time, while earning their bachelor’s degree in management studies in about 24 months in a cohort learning community of about 15 students.

For professionals already in the teaching field, new to teaching, or dreaming of becoming a teacher, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) has certifications, endorsements and master’s degree tracks to expand teachers’ skills. Adults also can come to Rockford College with any undergraduate degree and earn their teaching degree.

Busy professionals can earn their Master of Business Administration degree in a small classroom environment and can take up to four courses before formally enrolling in the program. Call 815-226-4000 or visit www.rockford.edu.

Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, offers non-degree credit certificate courses and programs for professional

development,

career

advancement

and preparation for state and national certification exams. Designed as shortterm, non-degree alternatives, these programs do not require an entrance exam for admission. In some cases, they can be used toward an associate’s degree. Participants are awarded a certificate of completion. Call 815-9213900 or visit www.rockvalleycollege. edu/Community/CPE/index.cfm.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing,

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Integrating the arts into education A program that fosters cognitive, social-emotional development

Maceo M. Rainey West Middle School

5658 E. State St., Rockford, offers opportunities to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Call 815395-5091 or visit www.sacn.edu.

Upper Iowa University-Rockford Center, 1161 Tebala Blvd., offers bachelor’s degrees in an accelerated format with 12 majors. Courses also are available via distance learning. Call 815-332-1414 or visit www.uiu.edu.

University of Illinois Rockford, A UIC Health Sciences Campus, 1601 Parkview Ave., houses the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, and the Crawford Library of the Health Sciences and offers advanced degrees is medical biotechnology and public health. Call 815-395-0600 or visit www.rockford. medicine.uic.edu. n

2012 Membership Drive Why: Increase membership to

17

strengthen the Chamber

■■Louder Voice ■■More Connections ■■Power in Numbers ■■Bottom Line - YOUR Chamber can do more for YOU

When: Month of September Benefits of Volunteering as a Team Member: ■■Recognition ■■Community Service ■■Business Contacts ■■Sales Training ■■Awards & Prizes ■■Complimentary Voucher to Attend a Chamber Luncheon For more information, please contact Diane Navickis, 815-316-4315 (direct), or dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com.

Have you ever wondered about the type of formalized educational program it took to produce creative talent the likes of artists such as: Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Willie Nelson, Diego Rivera, Picasso, Michael Jackson, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Michaelangelo, Denzel Washington, Sydney Portier, Mel Gibson, Michael Douglass, Eddie Murphy, Celine Dion, Selma Hayek, Halle Berry, Uma Thurman, Kim Cattrall, Marilyn Monroe, Demi Moore, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Rembrant, Claude Monet, Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello, Audrey Hepburn, Leonardo Di Caprio, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mick Jagger, Smokey Robinson, Carmen Electra, Oprah Winfrey, and countless other individuals who have found success and fortune in the fine and performing arts? And by the way, most of these individuals reached international fame and were millionaires by their 21st birthdays. Michael Jackson was the exception. He was a millionaire at 8 years old.

Arts integration differs from traditional arts education by the inclusion of both an arts discipline and a traditional subject as part of learning.

It is important to realize that at some point in their lives, these young and promising students were taught and instructed by an adult (teacher, parent, relative, community member, talent scout, etc..) who recognized their talents, developed their skills, and put them in position to show the world how gifted and talented they are. The rest, as they say … is history.

Educating Through the Arts All of which, brings me to my original point of emphasis. Arts integration is a term applied to an approach to teaching and learning that uses fine and performing arts as a primary pathway to learning. Arts integration differs from traditional arts education by the inclusion of both an arts discipline and a traditional subject as part of learning.

The goal of arts integration is to increase knowledge of a general subject area, while concurrently fostering a greater

understanding and appreciation of the fine and performing arts.

This is the primary aim of the CAPA (Creative & Performing Arts) program at West Middle School. However, with much emphasis placed on high stakes scholastic testing in the age of school accountability, the fine and performing arts usually are marginalized and undervalued in school districts across the country. Also, statewide budget cuts have had a devastating impact on a school district’s ability to invest in effective fine arts programs that develop and foster the natural creativity within young people.

Facts that Back the Arts Parents and community members, please be advised of three researchbased facts and conclusions that accompany exposing our students to the fine and performing arts: Socio-Emotional Development.

Studies show that students tend to be more academically engaged in fine arts classes. As a result, fine arts enhances self esteem, confidence and self awareness.

Socio-Cultural Awareness. Studies show that fine arts exposes students to various minority cultures and customs, which in turn creates team working skills and tolerance.

Cognitive Development. Studies reveal that exposure to the fine arts develops verbal skills, improves memory and impacts spatial reasoning.

For example, one hour a day listening to classical music can increase brain coherence, according to a national study.

In conclusion, parents and community members, please support our district’s efforts to continue our legacy of promoting the fine and performing arts at West Middle School in fall. Our staff, composed of dedicated professionals, is looking forward to identifying, developing and nurturing the talents of our community’s next generation of rising stars, who will go on to sustain our democratic way of life.

Maceo M. Rainey is principal at West Middle School. He affectionately is known as the “RtI (Response to Intervention) Principal,” and is an intervention specialist with a proven track record of transformational leadership.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

19

August 2012

PROFILE

Member Company Profile

Benson Stone’s two years of renovations resulted in its current home, complete with a four-story showroom, on 11th Street.

Set in stone

Benson Stone celebrates more than 80 years in local business

By Paul Anthony Arco One of the most consistent things in business is change. Andy Benson, president of Benson Stone Co., knows that better than most.

Benson Stone Co., was founded in 1930

by Andy’s great grandfather, Martin O. Benson and his grandfather M. Howard Benson. The father and son started out in the Indiana cut-limestone business, in a shop on 10th Street and 10th Avenue in Rockford. But selling only stone wasn’t going to allow the company to grow, so, over the years the company diversified its portfolio. While stone, brick, granite and marble remain an important part of the business, these days Benson Stone also sells furniture, flooring, home decor, fireplaces, landscape materials and barbecue grills.

“The diversity has served us really well in this economy,” said Andy, a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “My great grandfather and grandfather laid a solid foundation for our family business moving forward.”

Andy joined the family business when he was in high school and did everything from pulling weeds to making deliveries, working his way up the company ladder. He succeeded his father, Howard D. Benson, as president in the late 1990s. His father is still involved, as is Andy’s brother, Steve, who’s vice president. Andy’s wife, Kim, and son, Paul, also work in the company.

“My dad has always been hardworking and driven to continually improve things like equipment and showrooms,” Andy said. “We’re conservative in a lot of ways.

While we’re not overly aggressive, we have taken a few big leaps along the way.”

History of Expansion Since the landscaping and building stone business tends to slow considerably during the winter, Benson Stone decided to expand. It started in the 1980s, when Benson added fireplaces and woodstoves.

In the 1990s, the business opened a second location on East State Street to house the fireplace showroom.

Benson Stone made its biggest leap in 1998, when it bought the former

Andy Benson Rockford Standard Furniture building, which went out of business. Benson Stone, which closed its East State location in the process, spent nearly two years on a major renovation of its current home on 11th Street, which includes new offices, a four-story showroom, a community room for special events and a glass elevator.

The furniture showrooms were added in 2004, and most recently, a full flooring department was added in 2008.

“Seeing this location become what it is today has been very satisfying,” Andy said.

“We have so much more display space than before. It’s brought us awareness.

We’ve become a destination.”

That includes the addition of the Hearth Rock Café, a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. “We never thought we’d be in the restaurant business,” said Andy. “The initial idea was just to have coffee and pastries and a few tables, but it quickly grew to the point where we have tables on the second floor for overflow.

Our business has had greater buzz thanks to the addition of the restaurant. It keeps us top of mind when customers need to shop for furniture.”

There have been challenging times over the years. Like many companies, Benson Stone has had to tighten its budget, including personnel. Currently, the company has 55 employees.

“The home building demise in 2007 really hurt our brick and stone sales the most, as well as fireplace, granite and cabinet sales,” said Andy. “But our staff has been great, picking up additional responsibilities, and they really know our products. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve established over the years.”

Benson Stone Co. Andy Benson, president 1100 11th St. Rockford, IL 61104 815-227-2000 www.bensonstone.com

20 August 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Planning on purchasing equipment for your business?

Don’t miss out on the tax benefits

Harvey Sullivan U.S. Bank

Businesses have significant reasons to acquire and install capital equipment before the end of 2012, thanks to the continued benefits of the Tax Relief Act of 2010 and the Small Business Jobs Act. However, deductions are expected to be reduced even further in 2013, so it’s important to plan now to maximize this opportunity.

Bonus Depreciation

Highlights

■■ Applies to new equipment only that is in use in the United States this calendar year.

■■ The allowable Section 179 deduction has been extended to $125,000 on the cost of new and used equipment (and may be adjusted for the Cost Of Living Adjustment [COLA]).

■■ A 50 percent bonus depreciation of the cost of new equipment for a limited time and under certain conditions.

Because of the value of accelerated deductions vs. recovery over time, you may find it valuable to better understand these tax provisions and determine if they can work to your advantage.

Section 179 Deduction For 2012, companies can expense up to $125,000 (+COLA) as a deduction as long as total purchases do not exceed $500,000 (+COLA).

■■ Applies to new and used equipment.

■■ Can be combined depreciation.

with

bonus

■■ The maximum dollar-for-dollar phase-out threshold amount for 2012 is $500,000 (+COLA).

■■ Equipment acquisitions totaling $625,000 or more do not result in any Section 179 deduction.

■■ $1 buyout leases and EFAs typically qualify for Section 179 benefits, while FMVs do not.

Section 179 Commonly Asked Questions Can I lease (or finance) equipment and take the Section 179 Deduction?

Absolutely. In fact, this can be a very effective strategy.

How do I know if the equipment I am purchasing or leasing qualifies for the Section 179 Deduction?

Most equipment that businesses purchase or lease will qualify for the deduction. Covered items include machines and large manufacturing tools, business vehicles with a gross weight in excess of 6,000 pounds, computers and computer software, and office furniture.

The enhanced bonus depreciation benefit increases the amount of immediate write-off to 50 percent for capital expenditures and depreciable property (i.e., manufacturing equipment, computers, software, etc.).

■■ Equipment must be depreciable under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) and have a depreciation recovery period of 20 years or less.

Advantages of Financing Extend Beyond Tax Benefits Financing can help you stay within budget, preserve your cash and get the equipment you need sooner. In addition to the tax benefits of accelerated depreciation, other advantages of working with U.S. Bank Equipment Finance – Manufacturing Vendor Services include: ■■ Speed. For transactions of up to $350,000, a one page “application only” process with credit decisions made in as little as four hours.

■■ Minimal up-front costs. Financing products typically require no up-front costs and can cover 100 percent of the equipment, including freight, installation and sales tax.

■■ Variety of terms. Terms of three to seven years.

■■ Innovative programs. Short-term rental programs of 12 to 24 months, as well as tax leases for the lowest present value cost of ownership.

As you plan your next equipment purchase, talk with your tax advisor to learn more about the impact financing could have on your business in 2012.

Harvey Sullivan is a relationship manager for U.S. Bank Equipment Finance – Manufacturing Services Group, one of the largest equipment finance providers in the nation.

Contact harvey.sullivan@usbank.com, 847-5873667 or visit usbank.com/manufacturing.

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

Subject to credit approval. Other restrictions may apply.

U.S. Bank is not offering legal, tax or financial advice. You should consult with your tax advisor for the specific impact to your business. U.S. Bank is not responsible for and does not guarantee the products, service or performance of third parties. Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

21

August 2012

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Solar thermal: Should you consider the option?

Businesses that are interested in looking at alternative options for energy, such as a solar thermal energy system, should know they might be eligible to receive a federal energy investment tax credit (ITC) equal to 30 percent of expenditures, with no maximum credit amount. In addition, they might be able to place equipment on a special five-year accelerated depreciation schedule.

For 2012, businesses can claim a 50 percent first year depreciation of the eligible basis. As additional incentives, Illinois now offers 30 percent grants up to $30,000 for qualified solar thermal systems, and the federal government offers a first year 50 percent tax credit.

What is a solar thermal energy system?

It captures the heat energy of the sun, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and uses it to heat water. The system can be either an active or passive type. An active system comprises a solar collector (either a flat plate absorber or an array of evacuated tubes), heat transfer fluid and pump, a water storage tank with a heat exchanger, and a controller. The less expensive passive system relies on water heated directly by the sun, with the heated water rising to the top of a storage tank by natural convection. I’m going to describe the more common active system.

How Does a Solar System Work?

The sun’s energy heats a non-toxic, freeze-proof fluid, usually propylene glycol, in a solar collector mounted on a roof or any surface available to the sun. When a controller detects that hot water is needed, the fluid is pumped through a closed loop of pipes from the collector to a hot water storage tank, where it transfers its heat to the water in the tank. The cooled fluid is pumped back to the collector, where it once again is heated by the sun.

There are two types of solar collectors, flat panel and evacuated tube. The flat panel, basically comprising a thin panel of black-coated copper positioned just below a pane of glass, and copper pipes containing the heat transfer liquid, is the less expensive, but also the less efficient collector.

The more efficient evacuated tube collector consists of a series of glass tubes. Each tube surrounds a coated metal absorber plate. The space between the glass and the plate is in a vacuum to provide a greater degree of heat retention. Heat transfers from the plate to a copper tip at the end of the tube, which in turn heats the propylene glycol fluid. While the sun’s energy will be able to produce little if any heat in a flat panel collector on a cloudy day, the efficiency of the evacuated tube collector will be able to capture and retain enough heat to produce some hot water.

Can I Justify the Cost?

Randy Theien Trentec, Inc.

Heating interior spaces is the largest consumer of all your energy.

Solar thermal energy systems provide hot water, heating and air conditioning to account for up to 80 percent of your energy needs.

Lighting and appliances still are powered by electricity, and the HVAC equipment remains. The solar thermal system supplements existing hot water, heating and air conditioning systems. It is common to see a three- to eight-year payback for facilities that use a large amount of hot water such as hotels, water parks, public swimming pools, food processing plants, breweries, and buildings with radiant heating.

Solar Thermal vs. Solar PV A solar thermal system uses the sun’s energy to heat water, or more specifically, to heat the transfer fluid that heats the water, whereas a solar photovoltaic (PV) uses the sun’s heat to produce electrical current. A solar thermal system will heat the transfer fluid even on a cold cloudy day, especially in the evacuated tube system. The solar PV system, however, will produce substantially less electrical current on a cloudy day. The sun produces about 100 watts of energy per square foot of collector area. A solar PV collector can absorb and convert into energy only about one percent of these 100 watts, whereas a solar thermal collector can convert 70 to 85 percent of these watts to energy. This provides a much faster payback for the system.

Recapping Solar Thermal Any business that uses a considerable amount of hot water is a good candidate for solar thermal.

■■ Reduces gas or electric energy consumption to lower your utility bill ■■ Produces hot water even on cloudy winter days ■■ Integrates directly into your current water heating system – no replacement of components ■■ Minimal maintenance ■■ Helps the environment ■■ Free advertising ■■ Allows you to be independent of rising energy costs ■■ Attractive government incentives Randy Theien founded Rockford-based Trentec, Inc., representing Rabco Solar Thermal Solutions, in 1989. Contact randy@trentecinc.com or 815282-8000 or visit www.trentecinc.com.

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

22 August 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Members Caught on Digital ON DIGITAL

Jersey Mike’s held a ribbon cutting on June 19 for its new location at 1513 West Lane Road (Rte. 173), Machesney Park.

Circles of Wellness held a ribbon cutting on June 25 at 101 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center held a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of its newly constructed chapel/auditorium on June 26 at 3470 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

The 5,000-square-foot Richard and Geraldine Sjostrom Center is named after its major benefactor. The chapel can seat 260 and has banquet seating for 230.

U Save Liquor held a ribbon cutting on June 28 at 7904 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park.

Booker Washington Center and the YMCA of Rock River Valley held a grand opening ceremony on July 16 for the Willie D. Ashford Sr. YMCA Branch at 524 Kent St., Rockford, which will serve as a fitness area for local residents.

Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics held a ribbon cutting on July 20 at 535 Roxbury Road, Rockford.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

23

August 2012

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY Unemployment Rates—Region, State, Nation U.S. Indicators

May 2012

April 2012

May 2011

Change/Mo. Change/Yr.

Rockford

10.4

10.7

11.3

q 0.3

q 0.9

Chicago

8.6

9.0

10.1

q 0.4

q 1.5

Illinois

8.4

8.6

9.4

q 0.2

q 1.0

United States

7.9

7.7

8.7

0.2

q 0.8

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security

Midwest Manufacturing Output Decreased in May The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) decreased 1.0% in May, to a seasonally adjusted level of 93.4 (2007 = 100). Revised data show the index was up 2.5% in April. The Federal Reserve Board’s industrial production index for manufacturing (IPMFG) decreased 0.4% in May. Regional output rose 10.5% in May from a year earlier, and national output increased 5.4%.

Monthly Index

% Change

Mar 12

April 12

May 12

May 11 - May 12

Chicago Mfg. Index

92.1

94.4

93.4

 10.5

CFMMI-Auto

92.9

99.2

96.5

 22.6

CFMMI-Steel

90.2

91.4

91.5

 9.9

CFMMI-Machinery

92.7

93.3

92.9

 10.3

CFMMI-Resource

90.1

90.6

90.0

 2.1

National Index

95.1

95.8

95.5

 5.4

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Updated June 27, 2012

June, 2012 Consumer Price Index

q 0.3 percent

Unemployment Rate 8.2 percent Payroll Employment

 80,000

Average Hourly Earnings

 $0.06

Producer Price Index

q 0.1 percent

Employment Cost Index

 0.4 percent (first quarter, 2012)

Productivity

q 0.9 percent (first quarter, 2012)

U.S. Import Price Index

q 2.7 percent

U.S. Export Price Index

q 1.7 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Population Clocks As of July 17, 2012: U.S.

313,967,159 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

World 7,026,877,855

24 August 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Government Affairs LEGISLATIVE This summer, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn exercised his signature pen on a few pieces of legislation from the spring session. Also, according to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, rumors are that legislators won’t return to Springfield this summer to vote on pension reform. Instead, some are speculating they’ll vote on it during fall veto session -- to be scheduled after the November election.

$1.6 Billion Authorized for Next Phase of Illinois Jobs Now! On July 10, Governor Pat Quinn signed a law to begin the next phase of his Illinois Jobs Now! capital program. House Bill 4568 authorizes the Illinois Department of Transportation to proceed with $1.6 billion worth of road, rail and transit projects across Illinois. This next phase in Illinois Jobs Now! is expected to create or support an estimated 18,400 jobs.

The law dedicates $211 million in state funds to CREATE projects, leveraging $10.4 million in federal Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER IV) grants and a $136 million investment from freight railroads. The governor also announced $93.8 million to the

Chicago Department of Transportation to resurface almost 100 miles of major arterial streets throughout the city.

“CREATE is a first-of-itskind partnership among the U.S. Department of Transportation and Illinois, Chicago, Metra, Amtrak, and our nation’s freight railroads,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These investments will lead to faster service, more efficient operations and more capacity for future expansion.”

First passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in 2009, the six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital program in state history. Of the $14 billion in the program dedicated for transportation needs, $10.7 billion has been spent on projects that have improved 6,426 miles of roadway and 961 bridges.

The program so far has created or supported more than 140,000 jobs.

A complete list of Illinois Jobs Now! road, rail, and transit projects and the additional City of Chicago projects supported by the state is available at www.dot.state.il.us.

Law Passed to Increase Hiring of Veterans On July 9, Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law that will help more Illinois veterans find employment. The

Hiring Veterans Tax Credit will provide a significant additional tax credit for every unemployed Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan that a company hires.

Unemployment for young returning veterans was 30 percent in 2011.

Senate Bill 3241 raises the Illinois Hiring Veterans tax credit from 10 to 20 percent of annual wages and more than quadruples the annual cap from $1,200 to $5,000.

In addition, the new law also honors Gold Star families of fallen heroes across Illinois by making them eligible for the same property taxrelief available in some communities to the families of fallen firefighters and police officers. The law allows counties or municipalities the option of reducing or eliminating property taxes for a surviving spouse of a fallen Illinois soldier killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

President Barack Obama recently announced that more than one million service members will leave the military between now and 2016, with many thousands returning home to Illinois. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterans ages 18 to 24 nationwide have an unemployment rate roughly twice that of their civilian peers.

For more information, visit Veterans.Illinois.gov or call the Illinois

Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.

Political Scholarships in Illinois Abolished Governor Pat Quinn on July 11 signed a new law abolishing the century-old political scholarship program in Illinois. The Governor proposed to abolish the program in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and worked with the General Assembly to get it done this spring. Governor Quinn is committed to increasing college scholarships to students with merit who are in true financial need as well as restoring integrity to state government.

House Bill 3810 states that members of the General Assembly may no longer award higher education scholarships after Sept. 1, 2012.

Recipients nominated for the 20122013 school year still will be awarded their scholarships.

The bill also creates a task force to review all tuition and fee waivers offered by state universities, ensuring that taxpayer dollars funding these public institutions are being spent appropriately and helping those of merit in financial need. The task force must report its findings on or before April 15, 2013.

Visit www.illinois.gov.

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August 2012

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Thomas A. Huber

2. Anthony Phelps

3. Jeffrey M. Glass

4. Raymond J. Melton

5. Richard D. Wolfe

6. Dawn Elliot

7. Jody M. Cox

8. Nicholas A. Gill

9. Kay Wadsworth

10. Greg Doyle

11. Gardiner Rynne

12. Mitch Brechon

13. Bob Ryder

14. Julie Jacobs

15. Ben Link

16. John Mueller

Ricardo Viera was named as athletic director and Chad Carpenter as varsity football coach at Rockford Christian Schools.

Board Appointments Thomas A. Huber (1) was selected as chairman of the board and CEO of Union Savings Bank.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ new Board of Trustees appointments are: Judy Barnard, Market Works; Russ Dennis, Leading Edge Hydraulics, and Brenten Witherby, Rockford Local Development Corporation.

Larry Bridgeland, Mid-City Office Products; Jeff DiBenedetto, DiBenedetto & Associates, Ltd.; Jeff Layng, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.; Jim Lee, JML Agricultural Consulting, and Tom Walsh, Northwest Bank of Rockford.

Pam Maher, CEO of KMK Media Group, joined the Rockford Park District Foundation Board for a threeyear term beginning January, 2012.

Tom Canfield, vice president of commercial marketing and product development, TDS Telecommunications Corp., (TDS®) accepted a position on Cisco Systems’ Small Business Executive Exchange Advisory Board.

Anthony Phelps (2), attorney with Reno & Zahm LLP, joined the Rockford MELD board.

Rockford Rescue Mission Ministries has new board members serving three-year terms: David Davitt, attorney, Schlueter Ecklund, and Richard Gorman, CFO, AgPerspective, Inc.

New Hires, Promotions, Retirements

Nicole Fasano (18) joined Alpine Trust & Investment Group as AVP and trust officer.

Angie Stringer (19) joined Blackhawk Bank as assistant vice president, mortgage operations.

SwedishAmerican Health System presents an Henry C. Anderson Quality Award to its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Team.

Riverside Community Bank promoted Kay Wadsworth (9) to assistant vice president and private banking relationship manager.

Chem Processing, Inc., hired Greg Doyle (10) as production manager and Gardiner Rynne (11) as project manager focusing on technical support and strategic business development.

Locally owned CYRS Wealth Advisors LLC hired Julie Jacobs (14) as a registered associate.

Meridian hired Ben Link (15) as an account executive and John Mueller (16) as a senior account executive.

Ticomix added four summer interns: Ashley Ancona, Elizabeth Sosnowski, Cory Bryan and Jason Holcomb.

Rockford RiverHawks signed rookie pitchers left-hander Jack Crawford and right-hander Artie Clyde, after the releases of pitchers Jordan Liette and Eric Rohe.

KMK Media Group, Inc., hired Mitch Brechon (12) as an account executive, and long-time television

Riverside Community Bank promoted Tracy Richter (17) to private banking manager.

17. Tracy Richter

Jeffrey M. Glass (3) and Raymond J. Melton (4) were promoted to partner with SmithAmundsen LLC. Union Savings Bank promoted Richard D. Wolfe (5) to bank president, Dawn Elliot (6) to bank treasurer, Jody M. Cox (7) to marketing manager, and Nicholas A. Gill (8) to compliance officer.

journalist Bob Ryder (13) as a public relations and marketing associate.

21. Kyle Logan

18. Nicole Fasano

22. Dr. Prakash Pedapiati

19. Angie Stringer

23. Jim Mounier

20. Matt Weber

24. Matthew D. Armstrong

Williams-Manny welcomed Matt Weber (20) as a business insurance specialist, focusing on commercial property and casualty sales.

Riverside Community Bank promoted Kyle Logan (21) to assistant vice president in commercial banking.

RAMP promoted Maegan Thodos to a new position, iBelong/Teens n’ Transition coordinator, for Winnebago County.

Employee/Community Recognitions, Awards Bob Campbell, executive director, Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition, and Alan Zais, executive director, Winnebago County Housing Authority, were two of 50 leaders nationwide chosen for the NeighborWorks® Achieving Excellence in Community Development Program, conducted with Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

SwedishAmerican Health System presented Henry C. Anderson Quality Awards to Dr. Prakash Pedapati (22), radiation oncology, and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Team.

Jim Mounier, senior vice president– wealth management, Merrill Lynch, Rockford, was awarded the designation of Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM)®.

Matthew D. Armstrong (24), financial advisor, Savant Capital Management, earned the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation.

More on page 26

26 August 2012

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Members in the News (cont.)

25. Brenda Brugger

26. Frank Haney

27. Rod Ekberg

28. Joe Clinton

of the Who’s Who in Rockford-25 Black Leaders to Watch by Booker Washington Center.

29. Gordon M. Wright

Cindy Pederson (30), Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc., completed Ethical Conduct in the Marketplace and Additional Insured Endorsements for Contractors, offered by Pekin Insurance.

30. CIndy Pederson

Brenda Brugger (25), Northwest Bank of Rockford, achieved Registered Representative status with PRIMEVEST Financial Services.

Frank Haney (26), Rod Ekberg (27) and Joe Clinton (28), commercial business insurance specialists, Williams-Manny Insurance Agency, Rockford, completed the Health & Life Insurance Institute of the Certified Insurance Counselors program in Milwaukee.

Gordon M. Wright (29), patent attorney, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C., was named one of five Leading Black Men as part

Of GENERAL INTEREST Alpine Bank chose up-and-coming golfers to play in its foursome at this year’s Rockford Pro-Am: Danny Gorman, Bailey Peck, Joey Keefer and Melissa VanSistine.

Student Max Freund, 10, developed RESCUES 2012, Reaching Every Student by Collecting Used Education Supplies. Freund worked with local schools to offer collection boxes for recycling school supplies, which were donated to Rockford MELD, YSN, Rock House Kids, Rosie’s Birthday Club and Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful.

Government Affairs Calendar Friday, August 10, 7:30 am Stockholm Inn Impact of Singer Closing and other service changes for the Mentally Ill in Rockford Region Wednesday, August 22, 3:00 pm Location TBD Presentation regarding the RPS 205 Facility Referendum Proposal Joint Session for Government Affairs Council and Public Education Council Friday, September 14, 7:30 am Stockholm Inn Reclaiming First! Initiative by Rockford Park District and RACVB Register Online at rockfordchamber.com

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Wednesday, August 1

Winnebago County Health Department presents Grand Slam for Good Health, its third-annual Back to School Health Clinic from 3 to 7 p.m., 555 N. Court St., Rockford.

Visit www.wchd.org or call 815-7204213.

Rockford Public Library presents Hire Me! a four-week class, 6 to 8 p.m., Aug. 1, 8, 22, 29, main library second floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. Help with resume and creating a LinkedIn account.

Registration not required. Call 815965-7606.

Thursday, August 2

Rockford Public Library presents Finding Grants for a Non-Profit Organization, 2 to 3:30 p.m., main library second floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. Must be proficient in Internet. Registration not required.

Call 815-965-7606.

Lifehouse: The Atrium, an assisted living dementia community using a Montessori-based program, hosts an Open House, 2885 McFarland Road, Rockford, Thursdays, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call Patti at 815-721-1616.

RAMP presents its third-annual Bad Pants 9-Hole Golf Scramble, 2 p.m., Timber Pointe Golf Course. Shotgun at 3 p.m. Dinner/silent auction to follow. Contest holes, course drink tastings. Prizes for best bad pants.

Register at 815-968-7467.

The Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement hosts a free Annual Meeting, 1 to 3 p.m., Bengt Sjostrom (Starlight) Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, followed by J.T. Nolan, who will perform songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s. No pre-registration. Call 815-921-3931.

Rockford Park District presents Trolley to the Tropics, with discounts on Trolley Car 36 and Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., Trolley Station, 324 N. Madison St., Thursdays through August. Call 815987-1685 for groups of 10 or more.

Also Thursdays in August is DFCQ Brewhouse Cruise from Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford.

Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/fcq.

Friday, August 3

Rockford Public Library presents Healthy Living with Chronic Illness, Aug. 3 and 10, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Montague Branch, 2138 S. Winnebago St. Developed by Stanford School of Medicine.

Registration required. Call 815-9657606.

Rockford Mass Transit District hosts the RMTD Driving the Dream Golf Classic, 9:30 a.m., Timber

27

August 2012

Community Events COMMUNITY

Pointe Golf Course. Best ball scramble with shotgun start, 18 holes, after-golf buffet and chance to win $10,000. Contact Lisa Brown at 815961-2226 or lbrown@rmtd.org.

Elgin. Free. Snacks, lunch and tour of facility. To register contact Angela Falese, angelaf@qcirestoration.com or 847-738-1805.

Discovery Center Museum presents Discovery After Dark: Polynesian Paradise, 6 to 10 p.m., at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., in downtown Rockford. Contact Lori Radean, 815-972-2839 or lorir@ discoverycentermuseum.org.

The Jr. RiverHawks baseball program will hold Tryouts for its fall 2012 and summer 2013 teams, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Aug. 7 to 8, RiverHawks Stadium, 4503 Interstate Boulevard, Loves Park. Fall season mid-August to late October. Call 815-885-2255 or Coach Small, 815-980-6219.

Saturday, August 4

Wednesday, August 8

Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford, presents the fourthannual Fairy Festival, fundraiser with Rockford Dance Company, 5 to 8 p.m. Contact 815-877-0118, info@ womanspace-rockford.org or visit www.womanspace-rockford.org.

SwedishAmerican Health System presents the 28th annual State Street Mile at the hospital entrance, East State Street in Rockford.

Includes six individual races: an Open Run, Kids’ Fun Run, Masters Competition, a Ben Newson, Jr. run for boys and girls, and new 1-Mile Health Walk in part to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Rockford. Forms at www.swedishamerican.org and www.rockfordboysandgirlsclub.org.

Sunday, August 5

Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford presents Wandering through Memory Lane, a new exhibit in the Italian Gallery, 2 to 4 p.m., Sundays through Nov. 11. Call 815-962-7402.

Monday, August 6

The Literacy Council hosts a free New Tutor Workshop series of six classes, including online, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., 982 N. Main St., Rockford. Learn to teach reading and English as a Second Language to adults. Visit www. theliteracycouncil.org or call 815-963READ. Golden Apple Foundation presents its fourth-annual Golf Play Day, 11 a.m., Rockford Country Club.

Includes lunch, 18 holes and dinner.

Register at 815-226-4180 or kdr@ goldenappleofrockford.com.

Tuesday, August 7

Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford, presents HAPPY: The Movie, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with Kelly Epperson and Jim Simmons.

Internationally award-winning 75-minute film. Contact 815-877-0118, info@womanspace-rockford.org or visit www.womanspace-rockford.org.

QCi restoration presents an Ethics course to fulfill State of Illinois continuing education requirements, 9 a.m. to noon, 1155 Bowes Road,

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., presents 2012 Summer Shortz featuring Janyce Fadden, RAEDC, 8 to 9:30 a.m., Colman Library patio. Call 815-3944384 or visit www.rockford.edu.

Entré Computer Solutions, 8900 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park, presents Bring Your Own Device Aruba Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Information on Aruba Networks’ new capabilities to securely enable employee-owned smart devices.

Lunch included. Registration required.

Contact 815-399-5664 or seminars@ entrerock.com.

Saturday, August 11

Rockford Park District’s Sinnissippi Golf Course presents the 2012 Greater Rockford Mixed Doubles Golf Classic. Teams must comprise at least one female and one male golfer. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict. org, 2012 Golf Tournaments booklet, or call 815-987-8800.

Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center presents Stewardship Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m., Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road. Visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood or call 815-987-8800.

Rockford Art Museum presents Art in the Garden! 6 p.m., La Paloma Gardens, 3622 Brookview Road, Rockford. Outdoor gala, seated dinner, dancing under the moon, music by Clutch Cargo.

Contact 815-972-2870 or staff@ rockfordartmuseum.org.

Lifehouse: The Atrium hosts an open Monthly Support Group on dealing with dementia at 2885 McFarland Road, Rockford. Call Patti at 815-876-7536.

Thursday, August 16

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s Jazz at Emerson concert with Frank Calvagna, Opan Jii, 5:30 p.m., Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford. Wine and light refreshments. Meet artists after the concert. Doors open at 5 p.m. Information at 815-964-9713, info@mendelssohnpac.org or www. mendelssohnpac.org.

MELD presents its sixth-annual “Green and Bear It” Golf Play Day, scramble format, Prairie View Golf Club, Byron, 12:30 p.m. Call 815633-6353, ext. 10. Register online at www.rockfordmeld.org.

Rockford Riverhawks Professional Baseball and Conserv FS present a Field Training Day, teaching proper field maintenance techniques, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dinner/networking, 6 to 7 p.m. Game at 7:05 p.m. RiverHawks take on Florence Freedom. Visit www.conservfs.com.

Rockford Art Museum presents free Artist Lecture: William Carlson, 7 p.m., Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. Visit www. rockfordartmuseum.org or call 815968-2787.

Saturday, August 18

Black Family Reunion, noon to 6 p.m., Aug. 18 and 19, Levings Lake Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford. Free. Call 815-601-6904.

Thursday, August 23

Rock Valley Children’s Choir Fall Registration/Rehearsal-Crescendo Choir, 4 to 6 p.m., and Encore, 5 to 7 p.m., Aug. 23 and 30, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford. Contact 815964-9713 or info@mendelssohnpac. org or visit www.mendelssohnpac. org.

Tuesday, August 28

Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center presents its 25th annual Charity Golf Event at Rockford Country Club. Golfers have chance to win $25,000 with the Hole-in-One Challenge on a Par 3. Call Kellie Miller at 815-398-0500.

Rock Valley Children’s Choir Fall Registration/RehearsalMusic Makers Chorus, 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford. C ontact 815-964-9713 or info@ mendelssohnpac.org or visit www.mendelssohnpac.org.

Tuesday, August 14

Friday, August 31

Monday, August 13

Savant Capital Management presents What’s Next: Planning for a Successful Retirement, 6:15 p.m., 7202 Argus Dr., Rockford. Questions at 815-227-0300.

On The Waterfront, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, downtown Rockford.

Call 815-964-4388 or visit www.onthewaterfront.com.

28 August 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Membership Renewals Thank you to the members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber in July 2012.

Access Services of Northern Illinois AT&T Axberg Heating Company, Inc. Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center, Home of CoCo Key Water Resort Blackhawk Bank Boys and Girls Club of Rockford Chris Sherrard Farmers Insurance Chuck Brauer Trucking Inc. Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild Rockford Copperstone Inn CRASH1 Off Alpine D B Schenker Days Inn Rockford Ege WorkSmart Solutions, PC Energy Dynamics Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center Field Fastener Supply Co. First Rockford Group Giovanni’s, Inc. Humana Ideal Welding Systems, L.P. J & M Plating, Inc. JMB Business Funding John Morrissey Accountants, Inc. Kadon Precision Machining Kinovate Heating, Cooling & Indoor Air Quality LDR Construction Services Inc./LDR Cleaning & Restoration LM Sheet Metal & Service, Inc. Macianos Pizza (Perryville Pizza, LLC) Midland States Bank Wealth Management Midwest Community Bank Midwest Mailworks, Inc. Our Children’s Homestead

Pearson Raymond James & Associates RBC Wealth Management Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. Riverfront Museum Park Rj Link International, Inc. Rock River Tower Apartments Rock Road Companies, Inc. Rockford College Rockford Heat Treaters, Inc. Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc. Rockford Public Schools, District #205 Rockford Supportive Living Rocknel Fastener, Inc. Roto-Rooter Salsa Business Network Sisters Home Health Services, Inc. SMACNA of Northern Illinois, Inc. Smeja Foundation Sound, Inc. Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc. State Farm Insurance Solomon Foley Stateline Staffing Services, Inc. Stateline Youth for Christ Stillman BancCorp N.A. Summit CPA Group, P.C. SVA Certified Public Accountants, SC Sylvester Enterprises TBC Net, Inc. Teach Us to Care The Terrace Senior Apartments Thunder Bay Grille Todd Transit, Inc. Two Men and a Truck UPS USANA Health Sciences Valley Expo and Displays William Charles, Ltd. WineShop at Home

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Debbie Hutchinson Company: Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort Position: Sales & Event Specialist

How long have you been an Ambassador?

3-1/2 years What do you like most about being an Ambassador? The fact that I get to meet new business owners at ribbon cuttings always is a great feeling. It’s always nice to see any positive activity in town and the surrounding areas. The monthly luncheon meetings are one of the best as I learn more about the other ambassadors and what they are doing for Rockford. I have made some great friends through the ambassadors and truly am grateful for that!

September 2012 Special Section

Healthcare and Wellness For information on advertising, call 815-

987-8100

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

29

August 2012

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

Remedies Renewing Lives received a $2,000 grant by U.S. Bancorp Foundation, for its domestic violence programs in Illinois, and domestic violence shelter and program in Winnebago and Boone counties.

JuBell-ee Festival, Ltd., gave more than $2,600 to Healing Pathways - Cancer Resource Center, raised from its seventh-annual handbell workshop and concert in May at Rockford Christian High School.

Rosecrance Health Network now is offering evidence-based outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services in McHenry County with the closure of the Family Service & Community Mental Health Center in June.

Engineering and environmental consulting firm Fehr Graham unveiled a refreshed brand identity created by Ellingsen Brady Advertising, Milwaukee, including a new logo and website.

Rock Valley College was named as an entitled institution through 2017

by Gateways to Opportunity for ECE Credential Levels 2-4. Students have the opportunity to qualify for credentials as they take courses or complete a degree through the education department.

Rockford Park District received a $2,000 Youth Programs grant from the USA Track & Field Foundation for uniforms for five- to eight-year-olds involved in the FIRE Track and Field program.

Savant Capital Management and The Monitor Group, two independent fee-only RIAs, finalized their strategic combination to become Savant Capital, LLC; managing nearly $2.7 billion in assets. Combined it is one of the top 50 largest Registered Investment Advisors with more than 90 employees in three states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia).

Crimson Pointe assisted living held a “CHOPPED” food and tasting challenge with its sister community, Huntington Place in Janesville.

Contenders were Food and Beverage Directors Susana Saucedo, Crimson Pointe, and Robert Mingus, Huntington Place, with Chef Mingus the victor.

PR Etc., expanded its services to include specialized social media outreach and campaigns. It conducted a media training session for Gordon Food Service and GFS Marketplace executives at company headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich. PR Etc., oversaw ribbon cutting activities for the GFS Marketplace store in Evanston, Ill., and was hired by the Rockford Marlins Swim Club to oversee public relations and marketing.

CoCo Key Water Resort in Rockford has teamed with the American Cancer Society for a promotion to raise awareness for skin cancer prevention. Guests can get $3 off on up to four admissions during “Coco’s Sun Safety Tuesdays” through Aug. 21 when they bring for disposal old bottles of sunscreen lotion, or any sunscreen that is not broad spectrum.

initiatives: a Savant Retirement Resource Center microsite and a mobile website.

Local college student, Andrew Mertzenich, is partnering with faculty and staff at Concordia University Chicago for an Ethics Leadership Summit in March, 2013. Business professionals and owners are invited to take a one-minute survey to voice opinions on the upcoming seminars at cuchicago.edu/ethics2013. For questions email crf_mertzeaj@ cuchicago.edu.

Lifescape’s Brightside Adult Day Service received a $1,000 gift from GKN Rockford through its corporate foundation. This marks the fourth year GKN employees and its corporate foundation have made a donation in support of Brightside.

Rockford City Market during its first four Fridays saw a 45 percent increase in visitors from last year, with 15,378 passing through the gates.

Families can practice golf together at Rockford Park District’s Learning Links four-hole practice facility at Ingersoll Golf Course, 101 Daisyfield Road, with open practice Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m., through early October. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/golf or call 815-987-8800.

For the 13th consecutive year, the Chicago Rockford International Airport’s administration & finance department received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for its 2012 fiscal year budget documents. theFranaGroup, a national healthcare consulting firm, announced the awarding of $1,735,445 in first-year funding from the Affordable Care Act to establish three new Community Health Centers in Illinois, Kansas and Wisconsin. In the second year each award will be $650,000 for a total $1,950,000.

Savant Capital Management launched two new technological

Rockford Rescue Mission will consolidate its two Mission Mart locations into a single larger facility in the former Bob’s Ace Hardware building at 2710 20th St. Grand opening after renovations is expected in early fall.

Court Street United Methodist produced a cookbook for sale featuring recipes from Rockford “who’s who,” including Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey, State Senator Dave Syverson and former Congressman Don Manzullo. Visit www.courtstreetumc.org.

The Rockford Park District Foundation received the Better Business Bureau’s Accredited Charity seal, signifying it has met all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Grace Funeral and Cremation Services will host a unique art show March 7 and 8 next year, with artwork by various local artists to be auctioned on coffins and bamboo and aluminum urns. Proceeds will benefit the Rockford Area Arts Council.

KMK Media Group, Inc., completed development of a website for Rockford-based Magnuson Industries, Inc., at www.posipour.com with a “shop on line” and instructional videos, and a website for High Maintenance Salon at www.maintenancesalons. com. KMK produced a video on Hononegah Community High School seniors’ community service at local elementary schools. It was shown as part of Hononegah’s graduation ceremony.

August 2012 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in August, 2012.

20-Year Member

5-Year Members

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

The Grand Victorian Heritage Woods of Rockford Rockford Local Development Corporation Village Profile Westminster Presbyterian Church

15-Year Member Rockford MELD

10-Year Member NICOMM Networks

Rockford Park District was one of 42 agencies to receive an Illinois Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant. The $400,000 will provide 50 percent of the costs for the Alpine Hills Activity Center to be developed at 4402 Larson Ave., Rockford, as a year-round family activity center.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the Rockford Region scored two highprofile U.S. Youth Soccer Region II Olympic Development Program (ODP) events, which generated nearly $1.5 million for area hotel, restaurants and retail outlets in July.

One was the 2012 ODP Region II Boys and Girls Tournaments. The other was the Region II ODP Boys’ Camps to identify future Olympic and college-level athletes, which returned to Rockford after a twoyear absence.

Wipfli LLP launched its newest practice, Turnaround and Restructuring Services, to advise distressed companies on enhancing or renewing corporate value through services such as profitability improvement, structural reorganization, cost management and financial restructuring. The new practice also will work with companies during the bankruptcy process or other forms of capital restructuring.

Rockford Spine Center was named one of the Top 50 Spine Surgery Practices to know in America

by Becker’s Orthopedic & Spine Review.

All of SwedishAmerican Medical Group’s primary care clinics received prestigious Level 3 PatientCentered Medical Home recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity received a $1,000 grant from U.S. Bancorp Foundation to purchase building materials for homes currently under construction by volunteers.

Woodward, Inc., signed a 10-year agreement with Caterpillar Inc., for the supply of Woodward energy controls technologies -- including diesel fuel injection systems, natural gas engine control system components, electronic controls, actuators and valves.

The 27th annual Ryan Jury Memorial Golf Outing in June raised $40,000 for the Ryan Jury Child Development Learning Center on the SwedishAmerican Health System campus. The total raised with this year’s donation is nearly $873,000.

30 August 2012

Member Category of the Month MEMBERSHIP The following is a listing of Rockford Chamber members highlighted in a specific industry.

Audio Visual, Rental & Sales

Internet, Web Site Development

SVL Productions

First Webs, Inc. Forty Two Eighty Nine PS Designs & More, Inc. Reliable Website Design & Repair

Communications AT&T US Signal

Communications, Telecommunication Consultants BizComm Consulting, Inc.

Computer Disaster Planning & Recovery The DataCenter Data Protection Inc.

Computers, Consultants Jwhitweb.com 3GM Consulting

Computers, Networking Empirical Tech Works Sound, Inc. TBC Net, Inc. Ticomix, Inc.

Computers, Sales, Service Bisconti Computers Inc. CompuDocs of Rockford, Inc. Entre Computer Solutions Gemini Computer Systems, Inc.

Computers, Software Rockford Data Management

Information Systems, Consultants TBC Net, Inc.

Internet, Marketing ChalkDeal.com First Webs, Inc.

Radio Stations KLOVE-AIR1 Radio Network Maverick Media of Rockford LLC Northern Public Radio (WNIU/WNIJ/NIRIS) WROK/WZOK/WXXQ/WKGL Cumulus Broadcasting Inc.

Technology Services TEAM Companies

Telecommunications, Developers Lynde Consulting Windstream

Telephone Equipment & Systems Phones Plus, Inc. Select Telecom & Technologies dba Hughes Business Sound, Inc.

Telephone Equipment & Systems Service/Repair Forest City Communications of Illinois Inc. Nicomm Networks

Telephone Services, Local/Long Distance TDS T6 Broadband Inc. (Skybeam Illinois)

Television Stations 23WIFR/Gray Television Group, Inc. WQRF-TV/WTVO-TV 13 WREX

Television, Cable Comcast

Listings for our loyalty categories are generated directly from the Business Directory based on the category designated by the member.

Member-to-member Loyalty Card Cut out and write your company name on the card below.

Give it to the member you are doing business with to show your support of member-to-member business.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

New Chamber Members MEMBERS

Beggin Tipp Lamm, LLC

Midwest Safety Services

CPA Firm - Audit, Tax Prep & Planning, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Other 524 W. Stephenson St., Ste. 200 Freeport, IL 61032 Albert Tipp 815-235-9610 www.beggintipplamm.com

Certified OSHA and DOT Consultant 6777 Blacklaws Road, 61101 John Vaughn 815-968-7476

Benny & Sons Body Shop

Microbrewery that Offers Craft Beer with No Boundaries 4080 Steele Dr. Machesney Park, IL 61115 Brian Endl 779-423-2147 www.pigmindsbrewing.com

Auto Body Collision Repair Since 1931/Rockford’s Leader in Consumer Safety & Trust 411 S. Winnebago St., 61102 Michael Ognibene 815-962-5000 www.bennyandsons.com

Pig Minds Brewing Co. Inc.

Proactive Business Networking Solutions

Comprehensive Not-For-Profit Organization to Prosthetics & Orthotics Share Information and Help the Our Goal is to Restore Mobility, Independence and Quality of Life 535 Roxbury Road, Lower Level, 61107 Sean Scarbrough 815-489-3908 www.cpousa.com

Dry Otter Basement Water Proofing/ Concrete Raising Basement Waterproofing-Interior/ Exterior Drainage Systems, Concrete Raising 4911 Chesterfield Ave., 61109 Nick Labansky 815-874-6300 www.dryotter.com

Jersey Mike’s Authentic Fresh Subs Served “Mike’s Way” Storefront & Catering 1513 West Lane Road, Unit C Machesney Park, IL 61114 Frank Tarara 815-633-4200 www.jerseymikes.com

Community 1005 S. Main St., 61101 Beverly Parker 815-262-0373

Unity Hospice of Western Illinois Providing Sensative, Dignified, and Cost-Effective Health Care at the End-of-Life 1201 S. 7th St., Ste. 101 Rochelle, IL 61068 Mary D. Maxted 815-568-6489 www.unityhospice.com

Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley An Independent Community Based Agency Providing Services to 2500 Children & Families Across 20 Counties in North Central Illinois 308 W. State St., Ste. 475, 61103 Nan Butler 815-431-3050 www.ysbiv.org

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events August, 2012

Wednesday, August 22

Tuesday, August 7

Ribbon Cutting, Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley, 308 W. State St., Ste. 475, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Business Women’ Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road. Jan Eschen, regional coordinator for the Illinois Secretary of State Organ/ Tissue Donor Program, will speak on common misconceptions about organ/tissue donation and how one person’s decision can change 25 lives. Sponsored by AAIM Employers’ Association.

Wednesday, August 8 Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rock Valley College Woodward Technology Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road, rooms 117 to 121. Monica Krysztopa, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, presents It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You! Sponsored by McGladrey LLP.

Friday, August 10 Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Phil Eaton, Rosecrance, and Ann Gantzer, VP of patient care services, will review the Impacts of the Proposed Closing of Singer, alternate service delivery, and experiences by emergency rooms in addressing the behavioral disorder population.

Tuesday, August 14 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, denise@flandersinsurance. com.

Wednesday, August 15 Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Stacy Wallace, LDR Construction Services, Inc., 815-874-7066 or swallace@ ldr4service.com.

Thursday, August 16 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Giovanni’s 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Mayor’s Business Luncheon Join us for a city update relevant to the business community with Mayor Lawrence Morrissey, City of Rockford.

Sponsors: BMO Harris Bank (presenting) Humana (gold) AT&T (bronze)

31

August 2012

Thursday, August 23 IGNITE Night Out at the Riverhawks, 6 to 9 p.m., 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park.

Complimentary beer, soda, hot dogs and hamburgers from 6 to 7 p.m., in IGNITE members tent.

IGNITE members free. Perry Rock $1 Beer Night; Budweiser beers $1 all night, and 40-inch TV giveaway

by American TV & Appliance of Rockford, Inc.

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS

The Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Rockford Health System. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Alpine Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . . . 24 Broadmoor Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Comcast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 First National Bank and Trust Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 McGladrey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 25 MembersAlliance Credit Union. . . . . . . 28

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Thayer Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Van Galder Bus Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Special Section — Education & Training Services Columbia College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Northwest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Concordia University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Pearson Pest Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Dale Carnegie Sales Course. . . . . . . . . 12

PR Etc., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Riverside Community Bank . . . . . . . . . 26 Rockford Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Rockford College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . 17, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30, 32

Entre Computer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . 15 Leading Lawyer Network. . . . . . . . . . . 14 Rockford College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Rock River Training Corporation. . . . . . 12 Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Tuesday, August 28 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, denise@flandersinsurance. com.

Wednesday, August 29 Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Stacy Wallace, LDR Construction Services, Inc., 815-874-7066 or swallace@ ldr4service.com.

September, 2012 Tuesday, September 11 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, denise@flandersinsurance. com.

Wednesday, September 12

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Stacy Wallace, LDR Construction Services, Inc., 815-874-7066 or swallace@ ldr4service.com.

Friday, September 14

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Rockford Park District and the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau present on the “Reclaiming First” Sports Facility Proposal.

Thursday, September 20

Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. Expo

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100.............................................. Direct Line

Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO.......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Executive Assistant to the President.................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive............... 815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events. . ........ 815-316-4337 Jazzminne Keyes, Ignite Director............................................. 815-316-4335 Cyndie Landis, Financial Assistant. . .......................................... 815-316-4300 Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance. . ..................................................... 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events. . ............................................ 815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Membership Development Manager..................... 815-316-4315 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator......................... 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers Executive

Directors

Committee

Romero Bennett Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc.

Chairman of the Board Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions Chairman Elect Richard Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System Vice Chair Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Pam Maher KMK Media Group

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Ryan Brauns Rockford Consulting & Brokerage Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. J Chapman Maverick Media of Rockford LLC Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Darlene Furst Furst Staffing Penelope Lechtenberg

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College Paul McCann Stanley Steemer Pat Morrow Alpine Bank Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy Daniel Saavedra Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects Henry Seybold Rockford Health System Pat Shaw McGladrey Somchan Thatsanaphon K-I Machine Tool & Production Inc.

Tim White Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Jennifer Wood Sikich LLP Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Ex-Officio Directors Janyce Fadden Rockford Area Economic Development Council Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

and Regional Taste/Business After Hours free to attend. Pre-registration/ charges do apply for speed networking session. Pre-registration for lunch speaker. No charge for informational seminars. Exhibit booths intended to educate and inform. Sponsored by TDS (presenting).

Wednesday, September 26

Tuesday, September 25

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial. com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@ thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, denise@ flandersinsurance.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations.

Contact Stacy Wallace, LDR Construction Services, Inc., 815874-7066 or swallace@ldr4service. com.