August Voice 2013

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

BEEF-A-ROO

BIRDS OF PREY

PAGE 19

PAGE 14

PRECAUTIONS PREVENT INFECTIONS

August 2013 | Volume 26 | No. 8

Founders Day Celebration Two Inducted in Business Hall of Fame

By Paul Anthony Arco Happy Birthday, Rockford Chamber of Commerce!

On July 11, the chamber turned 103, and more than 250 community members were there to celebrate during the chamber’s second-annual Founders’ Day Celebration, which was held on the grounds of Rockford University.

The event was held outside where guests were able to enjoy the beauty of Rockford University. The program included food, beverages, music and an opportunity to meet university faculty and

PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Steve Schmeling, president of Schmeling Construction Co., accepts the honor for his family’s fourth-generation company being inducted into the Northern Illinois Business Hall of Fame.

Mike Broski presents the honor. staff. Representatives from several of the 15 founding and legacy members of the chamber were also in attendance.

“Yes, it was our birthday, but one of main reasons for celebrating is acknowledging our members,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

“This special event is a way to thank our generous members for all their years of support, dating back to 1910.”

During the event, two organizations were inducted into the Northern Business Hall of Fame. The 2013 inductees were Schmeling Construction Co. and Rockford University, who both happen to be founding members of the chamber.

“It’s a double honor to recognize them as contributors to business community, as well as groups that had the foresight to get behind the chamber in 1910, when Rockford was in a rapid growth mode,” said Forsman.

“Schmeling is a fourth-generation company and Rockford University started as a woman’s college that grew into a university, and is now providing a wide range of education for the area.”

The Northern Illinois Business Hall of Fame was started in 1989 by the local Junior Achievement chapter. JA inducted 49 individuals in nine classes, before ceasing operations in 2009. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce took over the hall of fame in 2012, and changed the focus from inducting individuals to adding companies and inducting the founder.

German immigrant Emil W. Schmeling began working as a general contractor in Rockford in 1903. His first major project was constructing St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rockford, a church that the Schmeling family still attends.

By 1922, Emil divided the business among his five sons: William, Walter, more on page 3

Celebrating Peace Month in Rockford Visit us online at: rockfordchamber.com n n

n n

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

Questions? 815-987-8100

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

By Paul Anthony Arco Given the recent headlines surrounding crime in Rockford, September 2013 is none too soon for a local Peace Month, when residents can focus efforts to make peace a reality.

A committed group of community volunteers and organizations have banded together to do just this, with plans for a series of 30 to 40 local events throughout September.

“There’s a heightened awareness in Rockford due to increased violence,”

says Karen Bieschke, a Peace Month committee volunteer. “There are positive things we can do in our own area of expertise to reach deeper into the community. The awareness brought the need forward.”

The month-long activities will honor the International Day of Peace on September 21. The day became recognized by the United Nations in 2001, thanks to the efforts of Jeremy Gilley, a filmmaker who created the documentary Peace One Day. Every year, special activities and celebrations take place all across the world, including more on page 5

The Winnebago County Health Department has received information of cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in the area with a commonality that all had ears pierced recently. Some cases required hospitalization and surgical intervention.

The WCHD emphasizes that individuals should make sure facilities performing body piercing are registered, and that hands are washed and gloves worn during procedures. Jewelry should be sterilized. After-care instructions include washing hands prior to touching the piercing and taking showers, as tub baths in tubs not well cleaned can harbor bacteria.

Contact the WCHD at 815-7204050 to report a recent history of ear piercing and symptoms at the site and visit www.wchd.org for more information.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

We are Rockford.

Now what?

August 14 • Giovanni’s

For more info, see page 28

INTERESTING & TRUE! 1. In Japan, watermelons are grown into the shape of a square so they are easier to stack and transport.

2. You can’t tickle yourself.

3. Denver, Colo., USA now has more marijuana dispensaries than it does Starbucks.

4. If you put two straws in your mouth, one inside a drink and one outside it, you won’t be able to drink through either straw.

5. Parents receive one out of every five Valentines.

6. A Native American tribe in South Dakota collects bottle caps left by campers, using them as currency. Several banks in the area now recognize the caps as legal tender.

7. If you eat lots of carrots, you’ll start to turn orange.

8. In 1984, a Canadian farmer began renting ad space on his cows.

9. One in three dog owners say they have talked to their pets on the phone.

10. Larry Walters tied 45 balloons to his lawn chair and rose to 15,000 feet.

11. A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won’t.

12. You are about 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening!

13. Worms reportedly taste like bacon.

Source: www.funfactz.com

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

WE ARE ROCKFORD. Now What?

Are you ready for transformation?

We have spent a lot of time over the past few years listening and talking about our need to take control of our region’s destiny. Isn’t it time to take more progressive action? I think so.

We have the tools and resources — YOU! We also have the knowledge and awareness of what has to be done. The simplest answer is JOBS. The more difficult answer is the underlying strategies to get those jobs. From lower taxes, to higher education, to early childhood learning, crime reduction, better infrastructure, or just cleaning up our city. The list goes on and on.

Which is the right strategy? Quite frankly, they all are! We as a business community have to identify those strategies that can transform our economy for our long-term growth and act upon them now.

Mind you, I am not sounding an

alarm here, I am just making a call for action.

Join Us at Metropolis Strategies We as a community of business people cannot look to government to address all of the issues, we have to engage ourselves and the people of our community in transforming Rockford. There are leaders in the business community looking to “flip” Rockford’s destiny around and address the areas that prevent it from being a great city. They are prepared to act and have the means to do so, but more importantly, they recognize it can’t be done in a vacuum.

All of us need to step forward behind a singular goal of improving Rockford and raising prosperity for all. More will unfold in the near term; however, your starting point is to come

Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

and learn from Metropolis Strategies on Aug. 14 about what another city has done, and what we can learn from them. Join us for “We Are Rockford.

Now What?”

As the saying goes, “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.” We as a community need to keep a deliberate pace along a course we can stay with in order to achieve our goals.

As stated in Metropolis Strategies’ website: “our unifying vision is that the region’s governments, businesses, and residents must work together to make the kinds of informed choices that will make the region attractive and economically competitive 10, 50, and 100 years from now.”

Read more about the Metropolis Strategies event, “We Are Rockford.

Now What?” on page 25 of this issue of The Voice.

Join us for

We Are Rockford.

Now What?

Wednesday, Aug. 14 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Giovanni’s, Inc. 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford Sponsored by: BMO Harris Bank (presenting), and Humana, SwedishAmerican Health System and AT&T (gold).

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Founders Day Continued from front page

Elmer, Albert and Robert. In 1970, E.W. Schmeling and Sons Construction Division became Schmeling Construction Co. These days, Schmeling’s work includes a variety of project types including general business, banking, professional office facilities and wholesale distributors. The company has built a number of buildings in the area including the Danfoss Drives plant in Loves Park and the JPMorgan Chase building on East State Street.

Much of its work includes hospitals and medical office buildings. Schmeling has completed Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit projects at Rockford Health System, as well as a SwedishAmerican Health System outpatient clinic in Rochelle. Soon, Schmeling will begin a similar project for OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockton.

“It is truly an honor and humbling to be included with previous recipients such as Ingersoll, J.L. Clark, and Atwood,” said president Steve Schmeling. “This community has meant everything to our family. We were founding members of the chamber, and that’s a big deal to us. Over four generations, we’ve spent countless hours serving on boards and giving back to the community that’s given us so much. It’s nice to be recognized for what we’ve accomplished.”

In 1844 Reverend Aratus Kent founded the Rockford Female Seminary, which received its charter three years later.

Today, it’s known as Rockford University,

Dr. Robert Head, President of Rockford University provide the sponsor’s welcome to the Founder’s Day guests. an independent, coeducational, liberal arts institution. The university offers more than 80 majors, minors and programs. Rockford University is one of 11 institutions in Illinois with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and has been named a Best in the Midwest university by the Princeton Review for the past seven years.

“I feel this honor acknowledges the commitment and our first principal, Miss Anna Peck Sill and her young faculty,” said Bern Sundstedt, vice president of institution advancement at Rockford University. “Their singular vision and unflappable dedication laid for us the bedrock upon which succeeding generations of faculty and staff have so admirably framed their work.

“We are about the business of shaping individuals for success in life, through the acquisition and application of an advanced education. We accept people as they are — and to the best of our ability — create for them an individualized course

Paul Logli of United Way and Jim Keeling of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP catch up with Einar Forsman.

Founder’s Day is always a great way for business relationships to have some casual networking in a beautiful. relaxed setting!

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber members enjoy a great summer evening of music, food, and networking on the campus grounds of Rockford University.

Bern Sundstedt, vice president of Institutional Advancement of Rockford University accepts the recognition award for their induction into the Northern Illinois Business Hall of Fame.

Also pictured are Mike Broski, Chamber Past Board Chair, Rich Walsh, Chamber Board Chair, and Einar Forsman, Chamber President. of instruction that helps become problem solvers and productive citizens as alumni in this and other regions around the world.”

Rockford University was the presenting sponsor of the Founders’ Day Celebration. Hospitality sponsors were SwedishAmerican Health System and Riverside Community Bank; Supporting Sponsor, AT&T. n

Kimberly Rosby of PR Etc and Romero Bennett of Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc. enjoying the evening.

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PROFILE

Board Member Profile

Bringing value to customers, the community What do you want to contribute as part of the Chamber board?

I am very excited to begin as a Chamber board member. After returning to the community following college and an initial work experience 15+ years ago, I have been fortunate enough to become connected to many aspects of our community (social service, economic development, education, etc.). I have spent a lot of time starting a few civic organizations. I look forward to using my experience and connections to support the Chamber’s mission.

Third, all of the factors above and the typical age profile of management Jeffrey S. Hultman and ownership Riverside Community Bank in the banking industry have created a huge amount of current and forecasted mergers and acquisitions over the next several years. We are fortunate to be positioned with a financial structure and management team to take advantage of these opportunities.

Why is the Chamber important to business, the community?

How do you think you impact the community?

The Chamber is uniquely positioned to be the positive voice and force for business.

Its advocacy for issues to retain and grow business is important to our community’s success. The breadth and depth of our membership base and board of directors, coupled with our structure (including the Political Action Committee), allows the Chamber to have relevance and adds value for our members and community.

What is the purpose of your business?

I work for Riverside Community Bank.

Through excellence in customer service and respect for the individual, we believe everyone profits. We can’t achieve our goals without involvement with organizations like the Chamber.

What is your business background?

I became executive vice president at Riverside about two years ago. My responsibilities include day-to-day management of our commercial and private banking teams. I was fortunate early in my career to complete a highly respected commercial banker training program. This experience, coupled with my MBA from NIU, afforded me the opportunity to grow in my leadership responsibilities in the banking industry.

My impact has been the value-added approach I have brought to my bank customers and prospects over the past 15+ years. Helping companies grow and manage change is one of the most exciting aspects of my job.

On the civic side, I have been fortunate to hold leadership positions in several civic/not-for-profit groups (including Alignment Rockford, Next Rockford, United Way of Rock River Valley, Rockford Area Economic Development Corporation). I have had the opportunity to help start organizations such as Next Rockford and the Rockford Area Century Group, which have allowed Generation X to make an impact in our community.

What in your career has had the greatest impact on you?

I was very lucky to have started my career at American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago. The training program, approach to banking and people are a legacy in the industry that will be tough to replicate.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud to have grown up in Rockford and happy to have made a decision to come back and raise my family here.

What trends are impacting your industry?

What’s the one thing about you that few people know?

There are three main trends impacting our industry today.

First, the amount of legislation and government focus is driving a significant amount of time, energy and resources towards all things compliance related.

This is continuing to evolve.

Second, the historically low interest rate environment makes it increasingly difficult for banks to maintain their interest rate margin. When your two main assets are loans (with yields under pressure) and investments (with limited yield opportunities), it makes it a challenge to meet profitability targets.

I double majored in education and finance and was planning to become a teacher prior to pursuing a job opportunity in banking. This is one reason Alignment Rockford has been such a great avenue for me to serve our community.

What are you are most thankful for?

I have met so many great people and leaders. I am thankful that a bank like Riverside Community Bank is making a long-term significant investment in our community. Our community needs great companies dedicated to staying and investing here.

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Peace Month Continued from front page

festivals, concerts, and moments of silence at noon in every time zone.

Rockford’s first Day of Peace was held in 2003, a year after the dedication of the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza. More than 1,000 area third through fifth grade students will gather this year on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Peace Plaza, to celebrate the shared cultural heritage of the Rockford community; learn about individual differences and similarities, and our responsibility as citizens to strive for peace in the world.

The Peace Month committee includes Jim and Pam Keeling, Lois Lutz and Bieschke. “We believe that we’re all together in our Rockford community for a reason,” said Jim, a local attorney and founder of the Peace Plaza. “Three pieces of infrastructure we can work for together are wellness and recreation; civility and respect of community and education. The first thing we need to do is learn how to get along. We need to be civil with one another to have an effective society.”

This isn’t the group’s first foray into initiating community efforts.

In 2008, the Keelings and Rockford Education Association lead a Pennies for Peace campaign that raised more more on page 29

An injustice anywhere

By Bob Schlehuber Over the past two years I have been fortunate to study at American University’s School of International Service, receiving my master’s degree in international peace and conflict resolution with a focus on peacebuilding. At the heart of peacebuilding is its effort to connect broad and diverse actors around common goals and objectives, building peaceful community systems and structures. Upon graduation with the support of Rockfordians Jim and Pam Keeling and Sunil Puri I have launched Peacebuilding Connections. The idea behind Peacebuilding Connections is as follows: “Cross-cultural interactions are being fostered by technology, travel, and commerce at an unprecedented rate. Not only ethnic, religious, and national cultures, but also public, private, and civil society cultures must recognize convergence. When these convergences begin from a place of fear of the ‘other’ or misunderstanding, violence often follows. Whether direct or indirect violence, our larger environmental,

business, health, education, institutional and social systems feel the stresses of conflict.

These interactions, however, do not need to be violent. They may be fostered and developed in ways that build peace.

By giving individuals and organizations the tools and resources to build crosscultural awareness and understanding conflicts may be resolved and peace may be built. This peace is practical and obtainable with measurable outcomes shown through qualitative and quantifiable statistics.”

Based in Washington, D.C. Peacebuilding Connections primarily focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, my heart and much of my thoughts remain with those in Rockford that feel the day-to-day pains of a struggling community. While I constantly wonder if I should abandon the work in Washington, D.C. and return to Rockford I remind myself of the Dr. Martin Luther King quote “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

This quote drives my work and my efforts to help Rockford find peace,

knowing that peace in Rockford is Bob Schlehuber Peacebuilding contingent on Connections there being peace in the Middle East, and that peace in the Middle East is contingent on peace in Rockford.

More on Peacebuilding Connections efforts can be found at Peace buildingConnections.org. In addition, Chic Dambach (exhaust thelimits.org/) and I will hold a series of events the last week of August in Rockford as we partner with other community members in their lead up to a Month of Peace in September.

Bob Schlehuber, a Rockford native, recently completed a M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University’s School of International Service. Before moving to Washington D.C. Bob received a B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and served in the Peace Corps from 2009-2011.

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

One page in Rockford’s book of peace

By Pam Clark Reidenbach, NICNE For this month’s column, I asked Karen Bieschke, co-chair of Peace Month Rockford and retired REA president, to share some thoughts on Peace Month. Bieschke chose to feature a unique collaboration in Rockford.

Northern Illinois Center for Not for Profit Excellence of Rockford University is blessed to collaborate with many area NFPs who in turn work closely with our dedicated business community. Wonderland Books and Toys at Edgebrook Shopping Center on North Alpine is such a for-profit business exposing our children to new worlds of exploring, understanding, dreaming and wondering through literature.

Committed to the community, the

owner, Erin Taylor not only brings great literature to children; she brings authors into schools and hosts special events, giving the pleasure of reading to our children and youth. An ongoing, special event this summer is weekly storytime at Anderson Gardens. This links her business with a non-profit in another fun, meaningful way!

Each year for the International Day of Peace (celebrated this year on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza), Taylor helps select the book that is used by every classroom teacher in preparation for Peace Day. And she’s not going to stop there. …

This year’s feature will be a spectacular picture book titled, Gandhi – A March to

the Sea by Alice McGinty. The author will be at Peace Day and also visit schools to help our children explore how a small, shy man stood up for his beliefs and taught the world about modern day heroism.

Plan to join the party — a Peace Concert and Peace Pole celebration at Wonderland on Sept. 8. The Peace Pole proclaims PEACE for all to see and folk songs will be raised to celebrate the gathering.

We could all take a note from Erin Taylor. Whether it is to lead by example, living to make our world a better place or the realization that small investments reap great rewards later – the staff at Wonderland work to make our community a better place. And it is all done with compassion, flair and a great big smile.

Erin Taylor is owner of Wonderland Books and Toys.

Erin Taylor, owner of Wonderland Books and Toys since 2002, has been selling children’s books for more than 20 years and is married with two fabulous daughters, Ruby, 5, and Eliza, 6. Wonderland won the 2007 Lucile Micheels Pannell Award for Excellence in Children’s Bookselling.

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Hoefle hired as new RREDD executive director The Rockford Region a whole. I look forward to Economic Development watching our region grow District (RREDD) announcas a result of her skill and ed that Dana L. Hoefle was experience.” hired as executive director Hoefle, a native of the effective July 15. RREDD is a Rockford Region, reflected nonprofit agency focused on upon this opportunity economic development plansaying, “I am very invested ning, particularly job creation Dana L. Hoefle, RREDD in seeing this area live up and growing community to its true potential, and wealth in Boone and Winnebago I believe that economic development is counties. The bi-county structure gives one of the few focus areas that has the the region eligibility for federal grants ability to create far-reaching and longfrom the Economic Development lasting improvements for us all. I feel Administration, a part of the U.S. fortunate to have the opportunity to Department of Commerce. use my experience to work with such an Winnebago County Board Chairman impressive organization.”

Scott Christiansen, RREDD’s 2013 Hoefle graduated from the University governing board chair stated, “We of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a are pleased to welcome Dana to our bachelor’s degree in community health. organization. Her knowledge of our She also received her master’s degree in region and passion for building on its public health with an emphasis in health strengths will be instrumental in helping policy administration from the University us achieve continued success.” of Illinois in Chicago. She is a member of Boone County Board Chairman Bob IGNITE young professionals, an advisor Walberg added, “Her knowledge and for the Community Foundation of dedication make her an asset not only Northern Illinois and serves on the Rock to our organization, but to the region as River Valley Pantry Board of Directors.

Accelerated Machine Design and Engineering uses all EIGERlab has to offer

By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab An ideal business incubator client uses all the incubator has to offer while creating wealth and jobs in the region.

Mark Tingley, Accelerated Machine Design and Engineering (AMDE), has done so. In 2009, he started his business at the EIGERlab as a sole proprietor.

Currently, his staff totals 12, and he anticipates future growth in both 2014 and 2015.

Tingley has expanded from just one cubicle to 2,000 square feet in the main EIGERlab building. His lite industrial space requirement ebbs and flows per customer needs. At any given time, AMDE uses 1,000 to 5,000 square feet of lite industrial space. Tingley shared, “I love the flexibility. The fact that I can scale up with minimum notice is invaluable.

Our clients are impressed with the common areas of the EIGERlabvenue, and the new video conference room is yet another excellent asset.”

Business Growth Resources EIGERlab’s resources are diverse. Dan Cataldi, EIGERlab’s executive director, advised Tingley on workforce growth and retention. Tingley worked with the RAEDC on recent recruiting efforts to highlight the positive aspects of the region to attract new employees. Nearly 50 percent of his staff is from outside of the region.

Recently, he was introduced to two professionals as a result of a CTeam meeting centered on his company.

CTeam is one of EIGERlab’s accelerator programs with a core competency of matching a client’s needs with the correct regional resources to accelerate growth. Two individuals, a successful entrepreneur in a similar business and an attorney, have assisted Tingley on an ongoing basis.

Another facet of EIGERlab, the Center for Product Development, which includes rapid prototyping, not only made a positive impact on AMDE, but also on its clients. Tingley shared, “the advantages to our customers to have a physical concept in just days dramatically ramps up product development. EIGERlab has a diverse offering of different technologies, colors, accuracies — a nice selection of options. We have assisted our clients with obtaining orders and winning major programs by utilizing the rapid prototyping technology. Another impressive attribute is the excellent, precise and swift customer service.

“EIGERlab has helped us grow so we are in a position to give back, and have chosen to stay. We refer clients on a regular basis and EIGERlab reciprocates — a mutually beneficial relationship.”

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

About 2,100 companies from 45 countries exhibited at the Paris Air Show, and 151,000 visitors attended. This booth represented Illinois companies.

(Right) RAAN representatives stand in front of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger jet.

Trip to Paris brings promising international opportunities to the region The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), a committee comprised of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) and the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Trade and Investment, returned from a successful trip to the 50th annual International Paris Air Show. The delegation could attend thanks to a state-awarded State Trade and Export Promotion grant, which funded nine Illinois companies to attend the trade show.

Local companies that attended included: ■■ American Precision Assemblers ■■ Chicago-Rockford International Airport ■■ Clinkenbeard ■■ Ingenium Aerospace ■■ Ingenium Technologies ■■ Midwest Aero Support ■■ Rockford Area Economic Development Council ■■ Winnebago County The goal of the Paris Air Show was to seize new business opportunities and forge partnerships. RAAN’s continued participation solidifies the Rockford region’s globally recognized brand as a leading, international aerospace cluster.

Participation of Illinois companies also helped further Governor Pat Quinn’s goal of doubling Illinois exports by 2014.

Show Outcomes RAAN visited with representatives from 37 companies, including some from France, Germany and Great Britain.

Outcomes included: ■■ Increased interest and built awareness of Rockford Region’s instant supply chain; ■■ Successful conversations with three different groups that represented MSA clusters in Europe;

■■ Meeting with the largest state in Germany, representing 10 percent of the population and economic activity; ■■ A potential partnership with a group representing the aerospace cluster in the southeastern portion of France; and ■■ Engagement with a German company looking to do more aerospace and aviation business in the United States and that showed interest in the Rockford Region.

“The Paris Air Show was the perfect opportunity to expose Rockford to companies and representatives located all over the world,” said Eric Voyles, RAEDC’s vice president for National Business Development. “We met with several representatives and highlighted the fact that we are one of the largest epicenters of aerospace activity in the United States. The show was great exposure for Rockford, and it allowed us to increase foreign direct investment in our region, which ultimately will lead to new business development and more job creation.”

The largest and most prestigious tradeshow in the world, the Paris Air Show is focused on bringing together the biggest aviation and aerospace companies to showcase the latest technological innovations. The Rockford Region is one of the largest epicenters of aerospace activity in the country as home to more than 200 suppliers -- more than 90 aerospace suppliers in the Rockford metropolitan area alone. The region leads the state in aerospace manufacturing employment, with more than 80 percent of Illinois’ aerospace workforce found in Rockford’s metropolitan areas. This makes the Rockford metropolitan area sixth in the nation in concentration of aerospace production employment, and one of the largest in the nation in overall aerospace employment.

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String Gator takes first at FastPitch competition The seventh-annual Stateline FastPitch yielded 11 public presentations of innovative products and services, and three winners on June 19 at NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State St. The entrepreneurs, representing all phases of business including startup, pre-startup and idea stage, had three minutes to pitch their big ideas and hit them out of the park before a panel of judges from the business and investment community.

First place went to Chuck Meyers for String Gator, a tool that trims string for landscape trimmers.

Second place went to Adrian Vasquez for NZ3, an adjustable nozzle fitted to a hair dryer that directs air downward.

Third place went to Edgar Marin for The Breeze Welding Helmet with increased safety and comfort.

FastPitch Finalists Jerry Doll for the Tru-Grip Ergonomic Shaver & Toothbrush Handle Colin Cronin, New Vybe fitness studio in Loves Park, for his expansion into the DVD fitness market Anthony Gutierrez for Southwest Connects, a chili roaster distributor

Donovan Harris for the Grip less exercise glove Tom Keenan for Cool Seat Coolers, a customizable cooler shaped like a chair AnnDee Nimmer for RoomTagz signs Robyn Scott for Purely CultureCare, an organic ethnic skin care line Maheseh Singareddy for FixMyHome, an application that connects people to home-repair resources

Two Competitions to Come in Nearby Counties Two more FastPitch competitions will take place with entrepreneurs from four counties in Wisconsin taking their turn at bat to pitch their big ideas.

The Kenosha/Racine counties competition will take place at UW Parkside in Kenosha on Wednesday, Aug. 21, with initial presentations at 3:30 p.m.; public presentations at 5:30 p.m. The Rock/ Walworth counties competition will take place at Whitewater University Technology Park’s Innovation Center on Wednesday, Oct. 2, with initial presentations at 3:30 p.m.; public presentations at 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate manufacturing VISIT MFGDAY.COM FOR NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY RESOURCES ALL IN ONE CLICK Oct. 4, the nation celebrates Manufacturing Day, an opportunity to highlight the importance of manufacturing to the nation’s economy and local communities, and draw attention to the many rewarding, highly skilled jobs in the industry. IMEC is asking local manufacturers to help celebrate this year by hosting events to spread awareness of the importance of manufacturing. This year’s celebration will feature open houses, public tours, career workshops and other activities.

HOW CAN PARTNERS GET INVOLVED? Becoming a partner of Manufacturing Day means helping local manufacturers promote their Manufacturing Day events, including sharing the information on personal and professional social media websites, sending emails to potential attendees, posting ads in local newspapers, and more. As a national endorser of the initiative, IMEC will serve as a statewide resource for news, event resources and tools for assisting companies.

For more information on how to become a partner and successfully promote local Manufacturing Day events, visit MFGday.com or contact Amy Fitzgerald, IMEC marketing manager, at afitzgerald@imec.org.

Competitive benefits of Six Sigma Green Belt There are many reasons to become Green Belt certified “Six Sigma Green Belt is a business management strategy that is aimed at improving the performance and profitability of a business, by increasing process efficiency and eliminating waste,” according to an eHow article, 2013.

If you’re currently involved in manufacturing and plan to make it your future career path, I highly suggest you consider becoming Green Belt certified.

There is the notion that due to the current complexity of the manufacturing arena it is just a matter of time before the next big concept takes the place of Six Sigma, but I beg to differ. The Six Sigma process has a much broader scope and can be applied to any business process within any organization, regardless of how big or small or the type of product being produced -- which is difficult to match.

According to Aveta Business Institute-Six Sigma Online, “Green Belts obviously play an important role in the implementation and carrying out of projects within a company. They are the ‘worker bees’ of Six Sigma. Green Belts are now more highly sought after, so you can expect to have steady work as a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.”

Benefits of Certification There are two objectives that the Green Belt is tasked with. One is to help deploy the Six Sigma process and philosophy throughout the company. The second is to assist with smaller improvement projects in their designated areas.

Green Belts play an important support role and are responsible for

gathering Bernie Luecke data along RVC BPI with executing experiments. “It is estimated that 25% of a Green Belt’s time is spent on Six sigma projects,” according to Aveta Business Institute.

Upon completing your Green Belt certification, the benefits you obtain include: ■■ Improved efficiency in the workplace, which is achieved by reducing waste in production cycle times.

■■ Teamwork, which is developed through brainstorming sessions in which everyone is involved in improving the overall work processes.

■■ Cost reduction and improved product quality, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.

■■ Specialization, as Green Belts focus on “improvement projects” within a specified area.

If you are interested in becoming Green Belt certified, the Business and Professional Institute’s fall certification class runs from Aug. 19 to 22 and Sept. 11 to 13. Green Belt certification is awarded upon passing of the exam proctored by a Master Black Belt.

For more information regarding the Green Belt class, please contact Bernie Luecke at 815-921-2067 or B.Luecke@RockValley College.edu.

Bernie Luecke is director of Rock Valley College’s Business and Professional Institute.

Manufacturing Update is sponsored by RVC BPI

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August 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Visitors spent $326 million in 2012, up 4.7% Visitors to the Rockford area added a record $326 million to the local economy in 2012, marking the fourth consecutive year of visitor industry growth following the recession. The economic impact of the local tourism business was up 4.7 percent over 2011 and is the highest total on record.

“The impact that travel and tourism has on our economy is significant, and not just to the venues, restaurants and hotels visited by our guests,” said Darrell Snorek, RACVB board chairman. “From the HVAC company that maintains the air conditioning in the restaurant to the printer that produces brochures for museums and other attractions, many of whom are chamber members, we’re all impacted by the success of our tourism industry.”

Jobs, Tax Revenue Also Up The strong performance also is reflected in jobs created and supported.

Tourism directly supported 2,659 jobs, up 1.6 percent from 2011. These jobs generated $71.68 million in payroll, up 4.1 percent. Additionally, the tax revenue generated at a local level was $5.4 million, up 6.2 percent, and $18.3 million for the State of Illinois, up 4.6 percent.

These are new jobs and new monies for our community, which is the direct result of tourism. The results point to the impact that a sustained tourism marketing and promotion effort generates. As a region, we will continue to see these results grow as new products come on line. For example, the downtown sports complex, set to open in early 2015, will generate significant new revenue to the community.

Visitors Important to Bottom Line Here are three chamber members who attest to the value of visitors to their business. Mike LaMonica Jr., president of LaMonica Beverages, Inc., said, “It is very important for businesses like ours that an organization like the Rockford Area

John Groh

Convention Rockford Area Convention & & Visitors Visitors Bureau Bureau works to increase the number of visitors to our area.

We have a large number of our customers like hotels, restaurants and recreational accounts that view tourism as their lifeblood … every success the RACVB creates is a win for them and us all.”

David Anderson of Anderson Japanese Gardens, the number one Japanese Garden in North American as rated by Japanese Garden Journal, agrees. “About 60 percent of visitors to Anderson Japanese Gardens come from outside Winnebago and Boone counties, so tourism and the marketing efforts of the RACVB are very important to us. In fact, in a recent month we had visitors from nine foreign countries. We continually add to and improve the gardens so that visitors can see and enjoy new features and amenities.”

Ann Marie Walker, marketing manager of Discovery Center Museum, confirms the value of visitors to its success. “Discovery Center brings in tens of thousands of people from outside the Rockford area each year. We are one of the top tourist attractions in the region, and we depend on out-of-town visitors to reach our attendance and revenue goals.”

The stellar 2012 tourism outcomes in Winnebago County were announced

by Jen Hoelzle, director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, on July 15 at Anderson Japanese Gardens as part of a five-day, 16stop tour of the state.

Total visitor expenditures for the state topped more than $31 billion, which was a 4.98 percent increase from the previous year. Winnebago County’s totals are inline with other large communities across the state.

Continued Tourism Success Predicted RACVB is optimistic about the continued success of local tourism.

Anderson Japanese Gardens’ Tuesday in the Gardens already is showing significant growth in attendance with a 72 percent increase in attendance in the first six weeks of the season.

Screw City Beer Festival sold out of 200 VIP tickets for 2013 in 30 minutes.

The Rockford City Market saw 20,000 visitors in just the first four weeks compared to 57,000 visitors all last season.

D.K. Shifflet and Associates calculates the economic impact figures for the Illinois Office of Tourism, a state agency.

The Discovery Center Museum, named by Forbes online as one of the “12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S.” in 2012, says out-of-state visitors are John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford an important factor in reaching its revenue goals. Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

9

August 2013

Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE

Clemency for Illinois abolitionists First petition aimed at clearing Dr. Richard Eells

Dr. Richard Eells house is in Quincy, Ill. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced an effort to restore the reputations of Illinoisans who fought for freedom and equality. She will file petitions seeking clemency for Illinois abolitionists convicted for their fight against slavery. The first petition filed on July 3 seeks to clear central Illinois abolitionist Dr. Richard Eells.

“The men and women who defied the law to help slaves through the Underground Railroad risked their safety and well-being because they believed that all individuals deserve freedom,” Simon said. “It is time that we honor their memories and sacrifices with pardons for their selfless and courageous actions. Abolitionists were on the right side of history, and a pardon vindicates their foresight and heroism.”

Despite Illinois residents voting to abolish slavery in 1824, both Illinois and

federal law prohibited the harboring or assisting of runaway slaves in free states. As part of this effort to honor abolitionists who fought for equality, Simon’s office is working with historians and experts around the state to identify men and women around Illinois who were convicted of violating slavery laws.

First Petition Files Dr. Richard Eells, who in 1843 was convicted of harboring a runaway slave.

Eells, an abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor, did not hesitate to assist a man who is known in court records only as “Charley,” a runaway slave from Missouri. While transporting Charley to safety, they were discovered by slave catchers. In April 1843, a jury found Dr. Eells guilty of harboring and secreting a slave, and unlawfully preventing the lawful owner from recovering the slave. His case was later heard by the United States Supreme Court, which upheld the original verdict.

“The Friends of the Dr. Richard Eells House organization is very pleased with the opportunity the Lt. Governor

is giving us to provide a pardon to Quincy’s Dr. Richard Eells for his efforts in 1842 to help Charley,” said John Cornell, president of the Friends of the Dr. Richard Eells House. “This pardon will also provide vindication and honor to all the courageous participants in the Underground Railroad. We just wish Charley could have found his freedom at that fateful time.”

Through his involvement in the Underground Railroad, Dr. Eells helped numerous slaves traveling through Quincy toward Chicago, and ultimately, to freedom in Canada. The National Parks Service has declared Dr. Eells home as one of the country’s 42 most important Underground Railroad sites, and the home is currently operated by the Friends of Dr. Richard Eells House.

Simon is asking the public to contact her office to recommend additional clemency requests for individuals convicted for their abolitionist activities.

Please contact 312-814-5240 or email Sarah Kimmer at Sarah.Kimmer@ Illinois.gov to suggest an abolitionist who might be eligible for clemency.

Regional stops along the Underground Railroad The Lucius Read House, Byron, Ill., built in 1837, was the area’s first tavern and inn for travelers between Chicago and Galena.

It’s believed that the Read family used their home as a safe haven for runaway slaves who traveled toward the Great Lakes and Canada. The house was a residence until 1945. In 1988, investors purchased it, and in 1990, the Byron Museum District formed to care for and operate the facility.

The Maltby Home, Polo, Ill. , built

by Samuel Waterbury near Polo in 1850, also is believed to be a station along the Underground Railroad. In 1938 the home was razed and a tunnel connecting the cellar to the barn, assumed to be used to hide fugitive slaves, was discovered.

The Milton House, Milton, Wis. Although not in Illinois, the nearby Milton House is a documented station on the Underground Railroad by the National Park Service.

The 1844 hexagonal stagecoach inn was home to Joseph and Nancy Goodrich. The Goodriches’ underground tunnel is unique for being the only segment of the Underground Railroad actually underground. It retains its identity and is open to the public.

Sources: northwestquarterly.com, miltonhouse. org (The Milton House Museum), byronmuseum. com (The Byron Museum District).

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August 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Clock is ticking on GED changes Area group clearing roadblocks to GED attainment They have set a goal of having more than 1,000 individuals complete the GED exam between July 1, 2012 and December, 2013.

We are well on our way toward meeting that goal.

By John Strandin, Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance At the end of this year, there will be major changes for the people in our community who never finished high school and are hoping to earn their GED high school equivalency diploma. Starting in January, the cost of the test more than doubles from $50 to $120, and the test changes from a written exam to a test given on a computer. In addition, individuals who have completed portions of the GED test but not the entire exam will see their scores wiped out.

This is one of the reasons why a group of community and business leaders in Rockford and the northern Illinois region launched an initiative two summers ago to increase GED attainment in the area.

The many partners involved include the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance, Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education, Rock Valley College, Literacy Council, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and Roosevelt Community Education Center.

They have set a goal of having more than 1,000 individuals complete the GED exam between July 1, 2012 and December, 2013. We are well on our way toward meeting that goal.

GED Fair is Aug. 1 According to recent census figures, there are more than 20,000 people in the Rockford metro area over the age of 25 without a high school diploma or equivalency. The American Community Survey also reports significantly higher unemployment for those individuals without a high school diploma; an average of 18.9% between 2008 and 2010 compared to 12.9% for those who completed high school.

A study from Georgetown University also suggests that of the millions of jobs created in the near future, nearly two-thirds will require some type of training beyond high school.

More than 60 community leaders from education, workforce and economic development and business attended the first GED roundtable discussion, and different breakout groups have been busy since then working on this project.

One team put together a series of GED Fairs, where all the organizations that offer test prep classes and programs as well as community services and support groups could be in one place at the same time for individuals with questions about the process. About 400 people attended the first two events.

The third GED Fair is scheduled for Aug. 1 at the Regional Design Center, 315 N. Main St., in downtown Rockford. McDonald’s has helped promote the fair at its 32 area restaurants with tray liners and bag stuffers encouraging attendance.

Addressing Roadblocks to Attainment Another team is working on a community-wide message to promote overall educational attainment. It conducted focus groups to discuss reasons why people never completed their high school education. The report cited drugs, gangs, pregnancy and falling behind in class as reasons for not finishing high school and mentioned the cost of the GED test as a potential roadblock.

Using the focus group report as a starting point, another team discussed resource development and support services with a goal of developing a comprehensive program to assist students working toward their GEDs. As a result, Goodwill of Northern Illinois is putting together a program that will include case management, tutoring and test stipends.

This community initiative does not end in December. The need for a skilled workforce continues to be major issue for employers in this region, and the effort to encourage educational attainment, including high school completion, GED testing and training beyond high school, goes hand in hand with area school district efforts to better prepare students for the future workforce.

John Strandin is public relations & grant development manager for the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

August 2013

FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

11

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois

Pre-GED Learning Program Currently, over 35,000 individuals in Boone and Winnebago counties do not have a high school diploma or GED. Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois has developed a program that will be instrumental in assisting persons in attaining their GED. The program arose out of the research completed by Work Force Connection who has made the attainment of a GED a priority in 2013 and beyond.

The Need The lack of basic educational attainment in the Rockford metro area is staggering; currently, over 35,000 individuals in Boone and Winnebago counties do not have a high school diploma or GED. A myriad of factors contribute to this, including extremely low education skill levels, significant life issues such as transportation and child care, as well as the cost to take the GED Test (currently, $50).

There are many individuals who can not take the GED test or even begin a GED program due to lack of basic educational skills. In order to sit for GED classes in advance of taking the GED test, a student must be able to read and perform math skills at the 9th grade level. Local GED providers state that a large percentage of students test below this level and therefore can not even take GED classes.

In addition to the challenges of the GED test itself, changes to be implemented in 2014 will make getting a GED even more difficult for community members. In January 2014, the test will be changed to a computerized model and increase in cost significantly, adding more barriers to those in need of this credential.

Our Solution Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is implementing a solution with the GoodGRADS program beginning in August 2013. This program will increase the number of students able to attend GED courses by providing preparatory courses integrated with case management.

Students will get the education they need to progress to a GED class and have support to help them navigate the life issues that so often force students to derail their studies.

Partners with Goodwill for this program include the Rockford Public School District, Rock Valley College Regional Office of Education, the Literacy Council, the Workforce Investment Board, the YMCA of the Rock River Valley, and YouthBuild.

After the student has sat through GED classes and has demonstrated the proficiency to sit for the exam, Goodwill is joining forces with McDonald’s Corporation to provide scholarships for the testing fees to individuals who wish to apply.

The GoodGRADS program will be held at Goodwill’s Mission Services Center, located at 615 North Longwood Street in Rockford.

This location is on a bus line and centrally located to accommodate most individuals. The location has classroom space, as well as case management offices and will accommodate 25 individuals for the program. Enrollment is ongoing, so as students move on to GED programs, new students can enroll in the GoodGRADS program. The program will utilize new technology and software so that students are comfortable with technology when they take their test.

Corporations or persons interested in supporting the scholarship component of this program can contact Timille Johnson at 815-965-3765 or by email tjohnson@goodwillni.org.

Construction underway at many RPS facilities Many kids heading back to school this month will be greeted by bulldozers and construction equipment – reminders of the progress at many Rockford Public Schools. Over the summer, 18 facilities saw significant improvement thanks to a successful $139 million bond referendum approved last fall. In fact, more than $32.2 million worth of construction work is underway.

With 47 schools in need of improvements, it’s an enormous undertaking. We not only need to bring our schools up to date, but also to anticipate the future of teaching and learning. We want to make sure we aren’t just meeting the needs of students and faculty now, but for many years to come.

Our goal in redesigning and creating new spaces was to complement our high school redesign, or academies concept.

That supports our ultimate goal – preparing all of our students for college or careers after graduation.

New cafeterias, gymnasium space and pavement work are among the many projects in progress. Every school is getting upgrades to door locks to enhance safety and security. Last month, we broke ground on one of the biggest renovations – the creation of a field house at Auburn High School.

The 100,000-sq.-ft. facility will contain physical education stations, eight new classrooms, a 200-meter track, four basketball/volleyball courts and multipurpose space for RPS academic and athletic programs.

Field houses soon will be under construction at East and Guilford as well. These schools all were built before the passage of Title IX and cannot accommodate the number or variety of sports in which students participate today. These field houses also will enhance our ability to emphasize lifetime fitness activities in our physical education courses. Adding these field

houses will alleviate crowding and allow us to turn many inadequate spaces into flexible learning spaces.

Construction Means Jobs These construction projects not only benefit the students in the district, but the entire community. Through our competitive bid process, eight local contractors are working on various projects, which employ hundreds of people. According to the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, 80 people from the construction field are put to work for each $10 million spent on construction. With more than $30 million in construction underway, that’s roughly 240 people now on the job in our community.

At Rockford Public Schools, we’re working hard to stretch the money allocated for construction and make it go as far as possible. The first step was to sell the bonds when interest rates were historically low. We were able to continue the savings with an improved credit rating that saved $4 million on our first $100 million bond sale.

As I toured some of the construction sites at our schools recently, I kept thinking about pride. I want students and families to be proud of their schools. I want teachers and staff to be proud of the schools and district they represent. I want the community to be proud of the exciting things happening in our schools.

I’m ready for the 2013-2014 school year to begin. I look forward to August 26, when our schools again will be filled with teachers and staff ready to educate our children.

Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of the Rockford Public Schools The views expressed are those of Jarrett’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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August 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

QWERTY organization in a digital world It takes leaders to drive the process for change Let’s be honest, humans are creatures of habit. We develop patterns and routines that work for us, and we continue to use these routines. Over time, they can become so ingrained in what we do that it is near impossible to change. They give us comfort and help us feel secure and in control of our situations.

Working with a group of the willing may make more sense than dealing with the unwilling.

However, many times because of changes in technology, people, knowledge, products, materials or many other things, the routines or patterns we are using no longer are the most appropriate for today.

An example of this is the QWERTY keyboard almost all of us use (and I am using to type this article). It actually was developed to slow typing down so that the mechanical typewriter keys wouldn’t jam. For those of you too young to remember, if you typed too fast with a mechanical typewriter, the keys would jam, so the designers placed the mostused keys around or under the left hand in order to slow typing down. Today, few people use mechanical typewriters, but we still are using a keyboard that keeps us typing slower.

The reason for this lack of change seems clear. We have trained so many people on the current system, the amount of time and effort to make the change to a more effective keyboard for today’s digital age seems to be too much work. At the same time, collectively as a society we lose thousands of hours of productivity each year because of an outdated system.

Leadership to Overcome Resistance This is a major example of a system or process that needs to be changed, but overcoming the resistance to change would take an extraordinary feat of leadership. We, as leaders, may not face issues of this magnitude in most of our organizations or lives; however, most leaders do see areas and processes in their organizations that need to change.

The problem is, even if we see things that need to change, leading change is very difficult.

I believe leaders many times communicate the wrong message when

Jeff Fahrenwald Rockford University

attempting to lead change.

I have heard numerous leaders say to people, “We need to work smarter, not harder.” What I hear when someone says this is, “You are working stupid now.” This is not a statement that would make me want to change.

What the leader needs to do instead is to explain how technology, customer demands, people and/or knowledge are different, and how the organization needs to change to better reflect this new reality. This is a much easier message for someone to embrace.

Leaders also need to plan properly for change. Too often, leaders focus too much on people who will resist the change. It is important to understand who may resist a change and why, but it is equally, if not more important, to focus on those who will support the change and why. Working with a group of the willing may make more sense than dealing with the unwilling. Once the change picks up steam, more people buy in and resisters become more and more isolated.

I don’t believe that “trial” changes, which leaders sometimes suggest, make sense. The problem with a trial change is that people may choose to wait it out or work to undermine the change. If the change IS necessary, then leaders need to make it clear there is no going back.

There are times when leaders also need to realize that some changes may need to be forced on people. I would not recommended a forcing approach as the primary way to lead all changes, however if timing is critical or there are too many different opinions, it may be wise to force a change. The problem with this approach is that the change is all on the leader -- for better or worse.

Rockford needs leaders who are willing to embrace and lead change.

In today’ environment, organizational success over the long run will be driven by leaders who can successfully lead change. Organizations need to change just to stay even. Leaders need to identify the changes needed and LEAD the changes, unless they want to end up with a QWERTY organization in a digital world.

Jeff Fahrenwald is MBA director at Rockford University.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

August 2013

13

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Rock Valley College’s value affirmed The purpose of a community college is defined by the person you ask. To the recent high school graduate, it’s an affordable, convenient means to a transfer degree or perhaps a certificate. To the working parent, it’s the opportunity to advance or find a new career. To the recently unemployed, it’s a fresh start.

But how is a community college — or more importantly to us — how is Rock Valley College defined in our region? How do our businesses and social services define us? What do we mean to the taxpayer?

RVC shared the economic impact results with dozens of business and community leaders at a morning meeting on campus. The report by Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI) was interpreted and presented by Dr. Lisa Mehlig, RVC director of Institutional Research, and was broken into key finds for four major components: business, taxpayer, student and social.

We presented some fascinating facts.

The average annual added income in our region — due to the activities of RVC and our former students — is $527.1 million or four percent of the total district economy.

The study demonstrated that our students have greater opportunities and are more viable citizens than if they had ended their education after high school. The average income at the career

midpoint for a person in our district with an associate’s degree is 35 percent higher than with a high school diploma. The return on investment for every dollar a student invests in education at RVC is $5.20 in future income.

Business Perspective The report highlighted three areas: RVC Raises Consumer Spending, Generates New Income, and Creates a Skilled Workforce.

In addition to an annual payroll of $46.3 million, RVC spent $28.9 million in FY 2011-12 for a net impact of $40.7 million in added annual income. The increased productivity of regional workers based on past and present RVC skills also contributes about $486.4 million in added annual income each year. Our region’s workforce has accumulated an estimated three million RVC course credits over the past 30-year period.

Taxpayer Perspective The highlighted two areas: RVC Leverages Taxpayer Dollars, and Generates a Return on Public Investment.

An estimated 96 percent of RVC students remain in Illinois and contribute to economic growth; students entering the workforce expand the tax base by generating high earnings and reducing

social growth. Higher student earnings generate about $4.3 million in added tax revenue, and state and local governments save nearly $170,000 in avoided social costs annually.

State and local governments allocated about $44.5 million in support of RVC in FY 2011-12; for each dollar appropriated to the college, taxpayers will see a return with a cumulative added value of $1.80 in higher tax revenues and avoided social costs. State and local governments will receive a rate of return of 6.7 percent on their investments in RVC.

Social Perspective The report highlighted two areas: RVC Increases State Income, and Reduces Social Costs. RVC’s 2011-12 student body will generate approximately $30 million annually in labor income in the state economy and ultimately contribute an additional $13.8 million in taxable income.

This will generate social savings in Illinois equal to $2.1 million per year, accruing to all state and local residents.

Student Perspective The report highlighted two areas: Higher Education Will Pay You Back — for a Lifetime, and Higher Education is Your Ticket to a Better Job. RVC students enjoy a 16.9 percent rate

of return on their educational investment, with lifetime earnings Mike Mastroianni increased by Rock Valley College $5.20 for each dollar invested (tuition, fees and forgone earnings). The average annual income of the typical RVC graduate at the midpoint of his or her career is $43,000, or 35 percent more than someone with a high school diploma. In the course of a working lifetime, graduates with an associate’s degree in our region earn $403,000 more than someone with a high school diploma.

The report estimates that by 2022 there will be about 65,000 new and replacement jobs available in the region RVC serves, with about 35 percent requiring at least an associate’s degree or certificate.

At Rock Valley College, we are proud of the work we do every day to change lives. Such change is critical to individuals but also our community at large. Higher education is key to an improved economy in any region, and this report is powerful evidence of RVC’s impact.

Mike Mastroianni is vice president, Career and Technical Education, Rock Valley College.

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

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FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

August 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Teaching respect for the natural world Award-winning exhibit home to seven special raptors

By Becky Stokes Lambert, Rockford Park District One of the Rockford Park District’s highest priorities is for residents and visitors to develop an awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural world. For the past 56 years, environmental education has been a part of this through Atwood Park is home to seven raptors, birds of prey camps, residential education, school group that can’t be released to the wild due to injuries. visits and community programs.

In January, 2013, the park district Service, which allows these birds to be received the Outstanding Facility Award housed for educational purposes. Three from the Illinois Park and Recreation of these birds have the temperament Association for the renovation of its Birds of and training needed for educational Prey exhibit at Atwood Center, 2685 New programming on and off site. Three of the Milford School Road, Rockford — a part of newer birds also have the right disposition and currently are being trained. The Bald the park district for the past 20 years.

The Birds of Prey program provides Eagle cannot participate in the educational a strong environmental message, as all of programs, due to her injury, but provides the birds have survived injuries related a vocal welcome to almost every visitor. to human actions that have made it Need for new exhibit impossible for them to live in the wild.

As permanent caretakers of the raptors, Lessons regarding our role to preserve, protect and enhance natural areas and the Rockford Park District is committed habitat is taught with the help of the birds to ensuring that their enclosure provides in the exhibit. a safe and healthy home for the birds.

The exhibit is home to seven About seven years ago, it was determined unreleasable raptors, including a Bald that the original buildings would need Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Red Tail Hawk, major repairs over the next 10 years to Barred Owl, Screech Owl, American maintain the best conditions for the birds.

Kestrel and Great Horned Owl. The At the same time, it was decided that the Rockford Park District holds permits exhibit should meet accessible guidelines, from the Illinois Department of Natural allowing even more people the opportunity Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to see these unique animals up close.

The Birds of Prey exhibit is visited by more than 30,000 people each year.

“Research indicates that captive raptors trained to sit on a glove live longer and are healthier.

This practice has allowed staff and volunteers to take them to schools, events, parades and festivals.”

— Becky Stokes Lambert The original mews (bird enclosures) were built in a depression allowing for a natural windbreak, but limiting accessibility. Now, visitors can move from ground level to more than 25 feet up in the trees without having to climb any steps or ramps. For many of our visitors, this is the first time they have been able to view their world from the treetops.

Out with the old, in with the new The new Birds of Prey exhibit opened in September, 2012, with seven mews, two accessible tree house pods, a work area, an accessible deck, and an accessible path to the exhibit. The design employed many best practices as determined by World Bird Sanctuary and the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.

The accessible path that connects the Atwood Center to the Birds of Prey exhibit includes interpretive signs that highlight the features of raptors. Each mew is labeled with both the common and scientific name of the bird inside.

The concrete base, insulated interior space, and water access allow staff to

better maintain the enclosures and provide a limited stress environment for the birds when they need medical care.

Research indicates that captive raptors trained to sit on a glove live longer and are healthier. This practice has allowed staff and volunteers to take them to schools, events, parades and festivals.

See the award-winning new views, mews Visitors are welcome every day from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., or may also visit Atwood Center on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can chat with staff at the Bird of Prey exhibit during the 1 p.m. feeding, as a staff member or volunteer moves from mew to mew and feeds each bird. The community can ask questions about the birds’ diet, injury, natural habitat or behavior. In addition to exhibit visitors, it is estimated that 35,000 people visit the park to bike, picnic, canoe, hike, walk the dog, run and bird watch.

Becky Stokes Lambert is manager of Atwood Center.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

August 2013

15

Expanding your horizons

Embry-Riddle geared toward the working adult

Back to School: 2013-2014

By August, summertime will be winding down and vacations will be coming to an end, signaling that back-to-school time is near. It’s a time that many children eagerly anticipate — catching up with old friends and making new ones, and settling into a new daily routine.

Parents and children alike scan the newspapers and websites looking for sales to shop for a multitude of school supplies and the latest clothing fads and essentials. This edition of Facts for Features highlights the many statistics associated with the return to classrooms by our nation’s students and teachers.

Back-to-School Shopping

$8.5 billion

The amount of money spent at family clothing stores in August, 2012. Sales at bookstores in August, 2012 totaled $2.0 billion.

For back-to-school shopping, choices of retail establishments abound: In 2011, there were 28,128 family clothing stores, 7,093 children and infants clothing stores, 25,448 shoe stores, 8,144 office supply and stationery stores, 21,227 sporting goods stores, 8,407 bookstores and 8,625 department stores.

Students

79 million

The number of children and adults enrolled in school throughout the country in October, 2011 — from nursery school to college. They comprised 26.9 percent of the entire population age 3 and older.

Pre-K through 12 Enrollment

77%

Percentage of children 3 to 6 enrolled in kindergarten who attended all day, as of October, 2011.

73%

25%

Percentage of children 3 to 6 years old who are enrolled in school.

Percentage of elementary through high school students who had at least one foreign-born parent in October, 2011.

Languages

11.8 million

Number of school-age children (5 to 17) who spoke a language other than English at home in 2011; 8.5 million of these children spoke Spanish at home.

Colleges

15%

Percentage of all college students 35 and older in October, 2011.

They made up 32 percent of those attending school part time.

42% Percentage of 18- to

24-year-olds enrolled in college in 2011.

Work Status

52%

Percentage of students enrolled in college, who worked less than full time, year-round in 2011; 20 percent worked full time, year-round.

3,068,911

Number of enrolled high school students who work less than full time, year-round; 145,740 students in high school worked full time, year-round.

12 million

Field of Degree

Number of people age 25 and over who held a bachelor’s degree in business in 2011. Business degrees were reported by 20 percent of the population with a bachelor’s degree followed by education (14 percent), science and engineering-related fields (9 percent), social sciences and engineering, which were not statistically different from each other (8 percent); biological, agricultural and environmental sciences (6 percent), and other and liberal arts and history, which were not statistically different from each other (5 percent); psychology (5 percent); literature and languages (4 percent); computers, mathematics and statistics (4 percent); visual and performing arts (4 percent); communications (4 percent); and physical and related sciences (3 percent).

Rewards of Staying in School

$81,761

Average earnings of full-time, year-round workers 18 and older with an advanced degree (bachelor’s degree or higher) in 2011. Workers whose highest degree was a bachelor’s had mean earnings of $70,459. Mean earnings for full-time, year-round workers with a high school diploma (includes GED certificate) was $40,634, while workers with less than a ninth grade education had $26,545 average earnings.

Universities like EmbryMany Degree Offerings Riddle Aeronautical UniverOver the years, the sity – Worldwide are seeing Rockford campus has more and more adult expanded its original students returning to school mission and now provides or attending college for the associate’s, bachelor’s first time. Reasons given and master’s degrees for include advancing in a students working in the current job, changing fields aerospace, aviation and entirely or expanding engineering sectors. The Josh Griffeth is the first to horizons.

To meet the unique needs graduate from Embry-Riddle new campus opened this summer at 7479 Walton of adult students, many – Worldwide in Rockford. institutions have changed the way they St., Ste. 4, in Rockford. do business. Embry-Riddle – Worldwide Recognizing the growing educational in Rockford uses a combination of online and training needs of the region, it now classes, classroom instruction and two offers a variety of undergraduate and virtual classroom environments to deliver graduate degrees. Bachelor degrees are its courses, and students no longer need offered in aeronautics, aviation business to relocate to residential campuses to administration, aviation maintenance, receive their degree. fire science, technical management and transportation. Master’s degrees are An Area Success Story offered in aeronautical science, business Location was a major factor for administration in aviation, engineering Winnebago resident Josh Griffeth, 27, management, leadership, logistics and when he decided to pursue his bachelor’s supply chain management, management, degree. Having earned his airframe and occupational safety management, project powerplant (A&P) certification, he knew management, space education and he wanted to pursue aviation studies. systems engineering.

He considered attending other schools, In Rockford, and at more than 150 but didn’t want to relocate, so when he locations throughout the world, Embrylearned Embry-Riddle was coming to Riddle employs full-time and adjunct Rockford, the choice was easy. faculty who currently are working or have “It’s the Harvard of aviation,” he said. worked in the industry. Instruction from Now a production manager at experienced faculty was another factor Midwest Aero Support in Machesney in Griffeth’s decision to attend EmbryPark, he said he uses his degree at work Riddle. “One thing that makes Embryevery day. From project management to psychology, obtaining his bachelor of Riddle different is that they have teachers science degree in technical management who can not only teach you out of a book, was well worth the sacrifices he made but who can also relate it to something they’ve experienced in their careers.” during the two years he spent in school.

Not only did those instructors give “It just seemed like they (EmbryJosh the practical knowledge he needs to Riddle) understood the working adult.

My classes were later in the day, and succeed in his career. They also helped I also had the ability to take courses give him something more valuable – an online or through EagleVision (virtual education. “It’s something that no one classroom),” he said. “It allowed me to can ever take away from me.”

To learn more about Embry-Riddle be able to work full time, be a husband and go to school.” In 2010, he became Worldwide and its Rockford campus, the first to graduate from Embry-Riddle visit worldwide.erau.edu, or contact Rockford@erau.edu or 815-904-6532.

-- Worldwide in Rockford.

Public schools per pupil spending in 2011

Illinois spending per student United States (average)

$10,774 $10,560

Of the 100 largest school systems by enrollment in the United States, the top five with the highest spending per student (three were in Maryland):

New York City School District

Baltimore City Public Schools, Md.

Montgomery County Public Schools, Md.

Milwaukee Public School, Wis. Prince George’s County Public Schools, Md.

$19,770 $15,483 $15,421 $14,244 $13,775

The five states with the lowest spending per student:

Mississippi $7,928 Arizona $7,666 Oklahoma $7,587

Idaho $6,824 Utah $6,212

er pupil spending of the five largest public elementary-secondary school P systems in the United States for 2011:

Enrollment Per Pupil Spending 1. New York City, N.Y. 2. Los Angeles, Calif.

3. Chicago, Ill. 4. Miami-Dade County, Fla. 5. Clark County, Nev.

995,336 667,273 405,644 347,366 314,059

$19,770 $10,804 $11,622 $9,059 $8,270

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

August 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Senior housing: Trends, opportunities within the fastest-growing market By 2030, the nation’s oldest population will burgeon as the Baby Boomer generation surpasses age 65. By then there will be 72.1 million older persons.

A closer look shows the 65-and-older population is projected to increase from 40 million in 2010 to 55 million in 2020, a 36 percent increase. The 85-and-older population is projected to increase from 5.5 million in 2010 to 6.6 million in 2020, a 19 percent increase.

The positive, long-term demand ahead Given the number of seniors facing future housing needs, it’s no surprise the senior housing sector is attracting attention from both the investment world and developers. Estimates are that the senior housing and care industry has a market value of more than $250 billion.

Yet even as demand is growing and clearly will continue, the housing inventory for older individuals has not kept pace with changing demographics. The recent economic recession and current tepid recovery, a decline in overall housing markets, and a full-on push for health care reform have meant that construction levels

for new senior housing units remain low.

Senior housing differs from more conventional real estate sectors, and banks are becoming slightly more confident in lending to such developments. One obvious reason is the positive, long-term demand ahead. In addition, senior housing can link to health care, as with assisted living facilities, which have the potential further to attract government underwriting. There are a few critical trends and even risks that must be recognized and addressed in order to proceed successfully.

oversight of the health care system.

Assisted living operators will need to interact with hospitals differently than they do now. Both assisted living and possibly independent living will see higher-acuity residents as hospitals discharge patients sooner and to options other than the conventional nursing home.

Reduced reimbursements are another reality. Reduced Medicaid reimbursements may impact Medicaid waiver rates, while reduced Medicare reimbursements are occurring across the board, with the biggest impact on nursing homes.

Grasping the impact of health Given the activities and national care reform and policy trends above, the opportunities for With the passage of the Affordable Care senior housing are obvious, even Act, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid though questions remain for individual Services (CMS) is working toward a organizations to explore and resolve: revamped health care delivery system, one ■■ How can facilities accurately identify that will reduce hospital readmissions and and efficiently accommodate the elderly create incentives to foster a more patient- population’s needs?

■■ Can home care services be financially centered health care approach.

The ultimate goals of health care reform viable? are to eliminate redundancies, needless ■■ Can the population afford to pay for delays, and unwarranted referrals and to high-acuity services such as assisted living realize cost savings, improved processes, and memory care?

■■ Where should organizations invest today?

Michael Edwin Wipfli LLP

Understanding consumer trends

Currently, three generations are demanding varying housing options: the leading-edge Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1956; the Silent Generation, those between 67 and 84; and the Greatest Generation, those 85 and older.

The Greatest Generation has been much more willing to accept the move to retirement communities. They represent the highest demand in the industry today and are driving the high demand for assisted living and memory care options.

In contrast, 85 percent of Boomers would prefer to remain at home and in the communities in which they live after retirement. They prefer living near their social networks rather than migrating to the Sunbelt states as their parents have.

Their preferences for homeownership and certain lifestyle amenities will definitely and of course, better care.

■■ Are there greater opportunities for affect the senior housing market. They are currently making health care decisions for These objectives translate into greater rehabilitation services?

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

August 2013

their parents and are therefore not as likely to make the same choices for themselves.

This is especially true if their parents’ facilities don’t match Boomers’ demand for a more updated look and ample recreational and educational activities.

Shifting consumer preferences have been evident in the decline in the number of nursing home beds versus the increase in the number of assisted living units/ apartments in the last 30 years. In states with a robust assisted living industry, as well as a regulatory environment that favors assisted living over nursing homes, we see a significant decline in nursing home beds and a significant increase in assisted living beds.

In states like Illinois, where assisted living regulations are more restrictive as to the level of care allowed, the nursing home decline is less significant. However, it would take a simple regulatory change in Illinois to turn the tide toward what other states have experienced.

This shift in consumers and their preferences will create a vastly different senior housing segmentation with smaller numbers of skilled nursing facilities focused primarily on rehabilitation and higher numbers of assisted living and memory care options and residents.

There’s also the likelihood of having a broader array of senior services all centrally located on a single campus.

Homeand community-based services (HCBS) are another growing opportunity. HCBS is a term used to describe any type of health care or personal care service provided for

an individual in his or her residence.

Typically, the services are delivered in noninstitutional care settings and can include residential houses, apartments, assisted living apartments or units.

The federal government is pushing to have Illinois spend more money on HCBS Medicaid-waiver programs. This might create greater opportunities for organizations to expand into the HCBS programs such as assisted living and home care. Although speculative at this point, it could increase the need for more supportive living facilities (SLF), particularly if more funding is shuffled toward that option.

Recognizing operational challenges and realities The demands and expectations for both senior housing (independent living) and assisted living are changing and ushering in new operational challenges.

Senior independent living is a choicedriven option, after all, and more seniors are choosing to stay at home instead of moving to apartments and condominiums.

Nationally, there is low occupancy in senior independent living, with lagging growth and demand. The trend instead is toward assisted living, particularly as acuity increases.

Still, owner-occupied senior communities can be successful, and demand varies by community. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as departments of human services in most states would prefer to see populations taking more advantage of independent

FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES living rather than assisted living.

Conversely, assisted living is still a growth industry, having witnessed 93 percent growth since 2005. It experienced very little slowdown, if any, during the recent recession. Also on the increase are occupancies, average monthly rates, and the average age of residents (87 years old).

The trend in assisted living is toward larger units with higher levels of amenities and more homelike, person-centered environments. Memory care represents the greatest growth area, but it is an area that can be difficult for the market to afford.

The result of acuity creep is increased costs and liability. Since nearly a third of senior markets are lower income, affordability becomes an obstacle.

Memory care in assisted living and SLFs can be challenging in Illinois, as well, because of the regulatory environment.

Facing the future As more Americans enter their golden years and as capital flows into the senior housing sector, there will be more development opportunity. On the horizon, the industry will see increased diversity of competition. Players range from nonprofit continuum of care retirement communities (CCRC) to forprofit continuum of care entities; from churches and colleges to standalone, for-profit entities; from developers and landowners seeking revenue opportunities to real estate investment trusts (REIT).

With the average age of tenants and residents approaching 88, the acuity of residents increases; the days of low

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acuity are most likely a thing of the past.

Therefore, growth comes in a variety of opportunities including: Increased capacity—older facilities require upgrades or replacements.

Campus-style developments with multiple service offerings will become popular.

Independent living facilities or other property types will be converted to assisted living facilities.

Service offerings — this includes concierge assistance and aging in place programs and services.

Affordability — providing affordable living options may require combining tax credit programs (housing) with residential care apartment complex regulations (services).

Memory care — Growing rapidly over the next 10 years, memory care services demand high monthly fees, averaging $4,600 per month.

Will senior independent living really fully recover? Or is the trend moving away from independent living options?

Research must be the decision-making cornerstone for any entity considering a future in the senior housing market. To find your growth opportunities, conduct market studies, look for gaps in services, and identify market niches.

Michael Edwin is a director and senior living consultant in Wipfli’s health care senior services practice. Contact medwin@wipfli.com or 630368-7030.

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

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August 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Supreme Court invalidation of DOMA provisions affects employee benefits In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent landmark decision in U.S. v.

Windsor, which invalidated Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the full ramifications of the Supreme Court’s holding are just beginning to come into focus. The Supreme Court has left many important questions that will have to be answered by courts and regulatory authorities in the near future, particularly with respect to same-sex partners in states like Illinois, which recognize same-sex civil unions but not same-sex marriage.

However, some reasonable predictions can be made about the Windsor opinion’s possible impact on retirement and health plans sponsored by Illinois employers.

Ever since the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (the “Illinois Civil Union Act”) became effective on June 1, 2011, fully insured group health plans have been required by law to extend the same benefits offered for the spouse of an employee to the civil union partner of an employee. However, for retirement plans and most self-insured group health plans (other than plans of governmental entities), which were subject only to federal law and not to state insurance laws, Section 3 of DOMA appeared to firmly establish that an Illinois civil union could be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for spousal benefits under the plan. Some employers elected to voluntarily extend spousal benefits under such plans to

civil union partners, but then were faced with the conundrum of having to report the value of health coverage for a civil union partner on the employee’s W-2 as compensation, since the federal tax code’s exemption for health coverage of an employee’s spouse did not extend to a partner in a same-sex union.

Now that the Supreme Court’s ruling requires federal laws to defer to state law definitions governing spousal relationships, however, employers should consider that a very plausible legal argument can be made under current law that any benefit extended under an employee benefit plan to a spouse must be extended to an Illinois civil union partner. Section 10 of the Illinois Civil Union Act says, in part, that the term “‘Party to a civil union’ means, and shall be included in, any definition or use of the terms ‘spouse’, ‘family’, ‘immediate family’, ‘dependent’, ‘next of kin’, and other terms that denote the spousal relationship, as those terms are used throughout the law.”

Section 20 of the Illinois Civil Union Act says that “A party to a civil union is entitled to the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits as are afforded or recognized by the law of Illinois to spouses, whether they derive from statute, administrative rule, policy, common law or any other source of civil or criminal law.” Samesex marriages or unions entered into in another state are recognized as civil unions under Illinois law.

Coverage for Civil Union Partners No court or administrative agency has yet said so, but one could reasonably conclude that where ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code require certain retirement plans to extend preretirement and post-retirement survivor annuity protection to a surviving spouse, or where they require spousal consent to waive those protections, the intent of the Illinois Civil Union Act would be that the same protections be afforded to a civil union partner.

Therefore, an employer should strongly consider obtaining the consent of a civil union partner in situations where spousal consent is required under the terms of the retirement plan, ERISA, or the Internal Revenue Code.

Moreover, if a deceased participant fails to leave a designated beneficiary, the employer may have to consider filing, asking a court to determine the proper payee if the plan would provide for benefits to be paid to the employee’s surviving spouse. Alternatively, in some circumstances, an employer could consider amending its retirement plan specifically to include a civil union partner in the definition of a spouse, and this would avoid much ambiguity in plan administration.

Under a similar line of reasoning, one could reasonably conclude that if the terms of a group health plan say that an employee’s spouse is eligible for coverage under the plan, the coverage (as well as COBRA continuation coverage

rights) must Adam M. Fleming be offered to WilliamsMcCarthy LLP a civil union partner.

It currently is unclear whether the law permits an employer to amend a nongovernmental, self-insured group health plan specifically to exclude coverage for civil union partners, but employers who choose to do so risk the possibility of litigation under a variety of possible legal theories.

More Guidance to Come Another question that one would think needs to be answered quickly by the IRS is whether the value of health coverage provided to partners in civil union states like Illinois must be reported as taxable compensation to the employee. In addition, one of the most significant questions that remains completely unanswered at this stage is the potential retroactive impact of this change in the law. Employers and their advisors should continue to keep a lookout for official guidance from federal agencies such as the IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor regarding these particular issues.

Adam M. Fleming is an attorney with WilliamsMcCarthyLLP, advising clients in the areas of ERISA and employee benefits, federal taxation, estate planning and business law.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

August 2013

Member Profile PROFILE

Each Beefaroo location has a unique theme—such as the “engine house” on N. 2nd St. in LovesPark.

Beefaroo: A Family Affair

By Paul Anthony Arco Asking someone if they like Beefaroo is like asking if they enjoy receiving birthday gifts.

Take, for example, Amber Robertson, who lives a long distance from Beefaroo.

The former Rockford resident moved to Bozeman, Montana, 10 years ago, but she hasn’t forgotten about her favorite restaurant.

“I dream about Beefaroo,” she said.

“I’ve traveled all over the U.S. and Europe, but my favorite meal is still a double cheeseburger with pickles and ketchup, large fries and a large Mountain Dew. It’s my first stop when I get off the plane. I have the Beefaroo wrapper from my last trip pinned to a cork board with things that inspire me. One year, my dad overnight shipped to me Beefaroo, packaged in a cooler. It was the best birthday present ever.”

These stories are not uncommon.

From current Rockford residents to people who moved away years ago, diehard fans of the popular Rockford restaurant love Beefaroo, which opened in 1967, for the mouthwatering burgers, cheddar cheese fries and an assortment of milkshakes.

“People are passionate about Beefaroo,” said co-owner Melissa Pratt.

“It’s unusual because in a lot of markets, there’s nothing else like it. Some places you go, there are only national chains, but to have a small regional chain like this is certainly a niche. You can’t find Beefaroo just anywhere.”

That’s true. Beefaroo, with 300 employees, has seven locations in the local area: three in Rockford, two in Loves Park, one in Machesney Park, and another location in Roscoe.

Pratt, who owns Beefaroo with her three younger siblings — Christine Bergsten, Nick DeBruler and Roberta Esparza — is consistently asked about expanding into other markets. They purchased the business from their parents six years ago.

“We would love to add another location,” she said, ‘but we and our managers all live in the Rockford area, and it would be difficult to uproot our staff. That’s not something we’ve ever done, but we’re always looking for new

locations here. Rockford is the home of Beefaroo.”

The current owners practically grew up at Beefaroo. They worked there as teenagers, before going away to college.

They all started other careers, before making the decision to help run the family business. “I enjoy working with my family,” Pratt said. “We’re all really close.”

All four siblings are hands-on owners.

Every day, at least one of them spends their lunch hour helping out at one of the seven locations. “It’s a good way to get to know our employees and our customers better,” Pratt said.

Over the years, there have been plenty of changes. Each location has enhanced its décor including firehouse, warehouse and rock-n-roll themes. The biggest changes, however have taken place with the menu.

“Our menu is constantly evolving,” Pratt said. “The biggest change since our inception in the 1960s is the explosion in salad sales. We have, what many people consider, to be the best salads in town.”

Recently, the fast food restaurant partnered with Peak Fitness to offer healthier fare. “Adding healthy options has been important to us for a long time,” Pratt said. “We’ve used trans fat free oil to fry items long before this was a requirement in restaurants. The B-Fit menu that we’ve developed as a partnership with Peak Sportsclub offers 14 items under 400 calories. The exciting thing is that the items are a combination of whole foods, high protein and low calories.”

Tweaking the menu is always a balancing act.

“Beefaroo’s hallmark menu items are always going to be cheeseburgers, roast beef, and cheddar fries,” Pratt said.

“But we see enhanced menus as a way to promote our business beyond what fast food is traditionally known for.”

BEEFAROO Melissa Pratt, Christine Bergsten, Nick DeBruler and Roberta Esparza, owners 6364 Sebring Way Loves Park, IL 61111 815-647-1008 www.beefaroo.com

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August 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Jeffrey Powell

2. Kim M. Casey

3. Jeffery J. Makeever

4. Art Draves

5. Dr. Mohammad Kizilbash

6. Dr. Tabassum Nafsi

7. David Barton

8. Emily Hartzog

9. Kimberly Rosby

10. Michael Stockton

11. Tim Kriegler

12. Jen Cook

13. Erin C. Kiley

14. Dr. Jaime King

15. Michael Landerholm

16. Michael Glasser, Ph.D.

the George T. & Mildred A. Mitchell endowed professor.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS, RETIREMENTS

Stuart Kemp (17), P.E., S.E., regional vice president, celebrated 25 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc., Rockford.

Jeffrey Powell (1), associate and attorney at Reno & Zahm LLP, was appointed to the Golden Apple Foundation board.

Kim M. Casey (2), Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C., Rockford, was appointed chair of the Commercial Banking, Collections & Bankruptcy Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

(Reinhart) shareholder Jeffery J. Makeever (3) was elected president of the Winnebago County Bar Association.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS The Salvation Army welcomed new Majors Steve and Christine Merritt after its farewell to Majors Randy and Kathy Hellstrom.

Williams-Manny hired Marissa Giannangeli as marketing associate and Cheryl Church as director of service operations.

Blackhawk Bank hired Art Draves (4) as vice president enterprise risk management.

SwedishAmerican Health System welcomed new cardiologist Dr. Mohammad Kizilbash (5), and new pulmonary specialist, Dr. Tabassum Nafsi (6).

Rock Valley College women’s tennis team is named a 2012-2013 NJCAA All-Academic Team with a 3.07 team GPA. Sales Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

PR Etc., promoted Emily Hartzog (8) to account manager and hired Kimberly Rosby (9) as senior account executive.

Michael Stockton (10) moved to account manager with the business development group, and Tim Kriegler (11) and Jen Cook (12) to sales representatives at the Rockford branch at C.H. Robinson.

John Mecklenburg retired as executive vice president of the SwedishAmerican Foundation.

Erin C. Kiley (13) joined Stillman Bank as mortgage lender and retail banker.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Dr. Jaime King (14), Advanced Rockford Eye Care, received the National Practice of the Year award, out of more than 5,500 optometric practices in North America by Vision Source.

Chris Sherrard qualified as a “Championship” by Farmers Insurance for outstanding overall performance.

Rock Valley College student-athlete Michael Landerholm (15) (golf) earned the 2012-2013 Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence with a 4.0 GPA by the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Michael Glasser, Ph.D., associate dean for rural health and research professor of medical sociology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, was named

BMO Private Bank hired Dan Barron as the new managing director.

Kathy Weber was appointed to a new managing director role leading wealth advisors, private bankers and portfolio managers.

Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association awarded journeyman certificates to apprentices: Quentin Britton, Jacob Christeson, Josh Hazelton and David Mandujano (tool and die makers), and Eric Chrzanowski, Jeff Erickson, Kirk Gorsuch, Edgar Lozano and Cody Nieders (precision machinists).

Rockford Health System and Rockford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary awarded $2,000 minority scholarships in 2013 to: Laquisha Thompson, Briana Watkins, Amber Coffey, Erica White, Evelia Flores and Enedelia Manriquez Mandujano.

Rockford Park District recognized Rudy Valdez and Ricardo Oceguera for their assistance in its outreach efforts at the annual Rockford Football Training Camp for youth in May. Full-time employees Kaye Eckstaine and Ellen Storm earned their master’s degrees in nursing education thanks to a grant by Rock Valley College foundation’s Grow Our Own Nursing Faculty grant. They will teach clinicals and nursing courses at the college.

Dr. Uma Srivastava was named medical director of Rosecrance Ware Center, Stephen W. Smith as director of Aspen Counseling and Consulting, L.L.C, and Rosecrance Berry Campus, and Amy M. Kirsch as director of psychiatric services for Rosecrance at SwedishAmerican Hospital.

David Barton (7), director of advisory and business development, Savant Capital Management, earned his Professional Development Certificate:

Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association gave $1,000 scholarships to three high school seniors interested in manufacturing: Jacob Burke (Blackhawk Technical College), Seth Lightfoot (Iowa State University) and Morgan Waterson (University of Illinois in Chicago).

Dr. Antoun Al Khabbaz (18), OB/ GYN, Crusader Community Health, was the recipient of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Excellence in Teaching Award.

Rock Valley College women’s softball team is named a 2012-2013 NJCAA All-Academic Team with a 3.23 team GPA.

Damian Czechorski, financial representative at Williams-Manny, was named to the 2013 Million Dollar Round Table, the premier association of financial professionals.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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August 2013

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

18. Dr. Antoun Al Khabbaz

19. Scot Dobbs

20. Craig Klaas

21. Maleeah Cuevas

PHOTO BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

17. Stuart Kemp

22. Craig (C.J.) Klaas

23. Aletha Beard

24. Nancy Salsbury

New president of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Paula Carynski was named the new president of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. She moves from her current position as vice president of patient care services. Carynski is a graduate of Saint Anthony College of Nursing, Rockford University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she obtained her master of science in nursing administration. She is board certified as a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and Advanced Nursing Administration. Carynski will direct internal operations, while developing and implementing short-term tactics within long-term strategies for high quality and cost-effective health care.

Dr. Fred Sweet, surgeon at Rockford Spine Center, treats a patient during a medical mission trip to Quito, Ecuador in May. Kantorei, The Singing Boys of Rockford, held an open house in July to honor Joel Ross for his 25 years as music director.

Student Joseph Schambach, 16, Judson University Community Music School, placed third in the 15th annual Chopin Youth Piano Competition at Polish Fest in Milwaukee for Chopin’s Polonaise Op. 26, No. 1.

John Anderson, founder of Anderson Japanese Gardens, received a Lincoln Award as an individual who has made significant contributions to area tourism.

Scot Dobbs (19), Wipfli LLP, received the 2013 Distinguished Media Service Award by the Illinois Certified Public Accountant Society.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Craig Klaas (20), Maleeah Cuevas (21) and Craig (C.J.) Klaas (22), investment representatives at Klaas Financial, inc., attended the five-day Investacorp National Conference in

Puerto Rico on the latest innovative investment strategies.

Rockford Spine Center surgeon Dr. Fred Sweet returned from a medical mission trip to Quito, Ecuador in May organized by Timmy Global Health, along with wife Amy, an OB/GYN nurse, and daughter Andrea, a future medical student. Dr. Sweet spoke on “The Current State of the Art & Advances in Spine Surgery Diagnosis and Treatment” at the annual meeting of the Flying Physicians Association in Milwaukee in June.

Aletha Beard (23), Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc., completed her required Insurance Ethics class.

Nancy Salsbury (24) completed “Insuring Commercial Property Exposures” as part of the CISR designation program.

In order to support his growing practice, Dr. William Cunningham, Jr., relocated his office to SAMG/ State Street OB/GYN, a new SwedishAmerican Medical Group clinic on the eighth floor of Camelot Tower, 1415 E. State St., Rockford.

Rockford Chamber board honors

Penelope M. Lechtenberg, a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Rockford, was named one of “The Nation’s Most Powerful Employment Attorneys — Up-and-Comers,” in the June 16 issue of Human Resource Executive magazine. Legal media company Lawdragon created the list through online balloting, independent research and vetting of recent cases and activity.

Lechtenberg represents management in labor and employment law matters before federal and state courts and administrative agencies and counsels employers on labor and employment law issues. She leads the firm’s Immigration Law Practice and advises corporate and individual clients in matters involving U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services and the U.S. Departments of Labor and State.

Daniel G. Saavedra, AIA, a partner at Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects, 504 N. Church St., Rockford, learned that his company made the HispanicBusiness 500 list in 2012. The business, established in 1991 and employing 10, earned revenue of $1.70 million in 2012, placing it on the list at 459.

Visit HispanicBusiness.com.

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August 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

The 28th annual Ryan Jury Memorial Golf Outing in June raised $45,000.

The total raised over the last 28 years is $917,858 to benefit the Ryan Jury Child Development Learning Center on the SwedishAmerican Health System campus.

Discovery Center Museum unveiled a new exhibition commemorating the life and accomplishments of Rockford astronaut Janice Voss with artifacts and an interactive station where visitors can design a mission patch to take home. The NASA astronaut flew in space five times.

the first hospitals in the nation to receive a Blue Distinction Center+SM designation in cardiac care by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

Rockford Park District and Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center hosts Healing Strides Day Camp in August for grieving children, 7 to 14, with horseback riding, professional grief support and camp activities.

Discovery Center Museum opens a new exhibition on the life of Rockford astronaut Janice Voss.

Rockford Park District celebrated the dedication of the Jamestown Park Playground Improvements project in June. The new boat dock on the Rock River now allows the Forest City Queen riverboat to dock outside Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, with space for three additional boats.

The park district foundation accepted a $75,000 donation from the Kiwanis Club of Rockford for renovations to the Washington Park Community Center gym floor.

Rockford Health System became the first hospital in the region to perform a single-site cholecystectomy. Dr. Michael McCarthy, Surgical AssociatesNorthern Illinois, used daVinci robotic technology to remove the gallbladder through a tiny incision at the belly button.

First Rockford Group announced that DaVita will occupy the entire, vacant 12,900-sq.-ft. building at 417 Ware Ave., just east of Perryville Road and north of East State Street, and plans to offer its kidney care services there in early fall.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois was named the 2013 Special Olympics Illinois Outstanding Organization of the Year. Goodwill trucks, at no charge, assisted in delivering equipment for Rockford Polar Plunge and the Spring Games.

The organization had the largest team for the Rockford Polar Plunge.

Rock River Valley Blood Center accepted the Early Childhood Education Award from United Way of Rock River Valley as book sponsor in May of the Success By 6® Page Turner Reading Program, reaching more than 3,500 pre-Kindergarten students monthly in the Harlem and Rockford school districts and the City of Rockford Head Start.

Rockford, known as “City of Gardens,” was the inspiration for landscape architecture students from Gloucestershire University, United Kingdom. Thanks to the work of a dedicated Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau representative in the U.K., their

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford held Rural Medicina Academy, a sixweek Summer Scholars program for underrepresented minority middle school, high school and undergraduate students to expose them to health careers and professional skills development.

Grace Funeral & Cremation Services joined more than 1,000 licensed funeral homes across 48 states and is the area’s exclusive benefit provider for the Veterans Cremation Society.

Rockford Health System holds a ceremonial first flight to unveil its new REACT program helicopter. garden concepts will be judged by an expert panel from Rockford, and the winning design featured at the Malvern Autumn Garden Show in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Rockford Health System held a ceremonial first flight to unveil its new REACT program helicopter, a fully equipped EC 135 with the latest medical equipment and technology. It functions as an airborne emergency room and carries a state-of-the-art flight bed for neonatal transports.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., announced donation day as the first Tuesday of every month, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

Donations of any amount are encouraged.

Brian Thomas Photography completed a photography project at UTC Aerospace for the Joint Institute of Engineering & Technology, Aerospace (JiET-A). Photos will appear in a national aerospace maintenance trade publication.

Becker’s Hospital Review named OSF HealthCare for the second year in its list of “100 Integrated Health Systems to Know,” which recognizes health systems that focus on the continuum of care.

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners announced that SMG (formerly Spectacor Management Group) was selected as the vendor to find naming rights sponsors for Magic Waters Waterpark and the

Downtown Sports Complex -- part of the Reclaiming First initiative.

CherryVale Mall held a grand opening in June for a new 20,000-sq.ft. H&M store, located on the upper level near Bergner’s department store.

Larson & Darby Group was featured in an article in The Street. com, profiling five businesses that have survived more than 50 years.

The Rockford-based engineering firm celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Rockford Spine Center was included among the Top 102 Spine Surgeon Practices to Know in 2013

by Becker’s Spine Review.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois awarded $15,000 in scholarship funds, raised by the Goodwill Diva Dress Sale and Fashion Show in April, to Rock Valley College to assist persons with barriers in advancing their education.

Woodward, Inc., entered into a new revolving credit agreement, which replaces the previous revolving credit facility. The new facility matures in five years, on July 10, 2018. The borrowing capacity was increased from $400 to $600 million.

For the second year in a row, OSF Healthcare System was recognized as one of the nation’s Most Wired in the 2013 Most Wired Survey in Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, July issue. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center was recognized as one of

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., for the second year was named the #1 3PL by the readers of Inbound Logistics through its annual Top 10 3PL Excellence Awards.

Due to its growth, Clinkenbeard added a new five-axis CNC machine to its stable of CNC and milling machines. It features an extra-large and expanded tool magazine for quicker throughput and added speed and efficiency and higher speed control.

For the third straight year, Rockford Memorial Hospital made U.S. News & World Report’s list of “2013-2014 Best Regional Hospitals.” It ranked 28th out of more than 200 hospitals in Illinois and was recognized as “highperforming” in geriatrics, nephrology and pulmonology.

Clients of theFranaGroup in Illinois and Kentucky received $344,457 from Health and Human Services, including $151,128 to Crusader Community Health to hire staff to enroll uninsured Americans in the new health coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act. For the fifth time, Savant Capital Management was recognized as a top RIA firm by Financial Advisor magazine, moving up three spots to #49.

More than 70 participants of all ages danced to The Village People’s “YMCA” during a sold-out show in July at the Anderson Japanese Garden’s Tuesday Evenings in the Garden as part of a flash mob organized by members of the YMCA of Rock River Valley’s Intern Challenge.

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August 2013

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

Thursday, August 1

RAMP presents its fourth-annual Bad Pants 9 Hole Golf Scramble at Timber Pointe Golf Course, 5750 Woodstock Road, Poplar Grove.

Registration at 2 p.m.; shotgun start at 3 p.m. Dinner and silent auction to follow. Visit rampcil.org/bad-pantsopen-golf-scramble.

Friday, August 2

Rockford Public Library hosts a First Fridays Used Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Main Library patron lounge, 215 N. Wyman St.

Tuesday, August 6

BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, presents WWE Smackdown, 7 p.m. Visit thebmoharrisbankcenter.com or call 815-968-5222.

Wednesday, August 7

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois hosts a GrantSeekers Meeting, 9 to 11 a.m., at Mendelssohn Hall banquet room, 406 N. Main St., (former First Presbyterian Church) Rockford.

RSVP to 815-962-2110, ext. 17, or email LSchweitzer@cfnil.org.

Saturday, August 10

Rockford Park District hosts Stewardship Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m.,

with a park maintenance session at Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood or call 815-987-8800.

Thursday, August 15

Rockford Public Library presents Fresh and Local – Here Comes Fall, 2 to 4 p.m., at the East Branch Friends of RPL Community Room, 6685 E. State St. Registration required. Call 815-965-7606.

MELD presents its seventh-annual “GREEN AND BEAR IT” golf play day at Prairie View Golf Club, Route 72 & North German Church Road, Byron. Scramble format; shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Brat and burger dinner, 50/50 raffle, game prizes, Chinese and silent auctions. Visit rockfordmeld.org or call 815-6336353, ext. 10.

Tuesday, August 13

Saturday, August 17

Rockford Park District hosts a free Nature Hike with the Atwood Adult Hiking Club, 9 a.m., at Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve, 3061 & 3020 South Bend Road, Rockford. Visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/guides or call 815-987-8800.

Senator Dave Syverson presents A Day at the Museum, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Historic Auto Museum, 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe.

Contact Mary Watson at MaryW@ SenatorDaveSyverson.com or 815381-0006.

Wednesday, August 14

Rockford Park District’s Sinnissippi Golf Course hosts the 2013 Greater Rockford Mixed Doubles Golf Classic for amateur golfers, 16 and older, who are Winnebago or Boone counties residents or park district permit holders. Teams must be one female and one male golfer. Register by Aug. 2 at www.rockfordgolfs.com or 815-987-8800.

The Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Rock Valley College presents a free workshop, DBE Certification/Pre-qualification, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford. Register at ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ Conferences.action, keyword “IDOT” or call 815-921-2091.

Rockford Public Library presents a Hire Me Resume Workshop (two parts), 6 to 8 p.m., on Aug. 14 and 21 at the Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. Ages 13 and up.

Registration not required. Call 815965-7606.

Tuesday, August 20

The Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center at Rock Valley College presents the free workshop, Bonding & Financing, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30

p.m., at EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford. Register at ilsbdc. ecenterdirect.com/Conferences. action, keyword “IDOT” or call 815921-2091.

Thursday, August 22

Northern Illinois SCORE presents Social Media Marketing Made Simple, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford, with Tammy Finch, Constant Contact. Free, but must register at http://bit.ly/ZHjTil or www.NorthernIllinoisSCORE.org.

Saturday, August 24

Movies in the Park featuring Apollo 13, 7 p.m., Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St., Rockford. Visit Facebook.com/ WeekendsInThePark.

Wednesday, August 28

Carpenter’s Place presents its annual fundraiser luncheon, “Celebrate Success!” 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Call 815964-4105, ext. 221 or visit www. carpentersplace.org.

Saturday, August 31

The Henningsens perform at 4 p.m., Davis Park, 300 S. Wyman St., Rockford. Visit thebmoharrisbankcenter.com or call 815-968-5222.

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August 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Regional, National Indicators Membership: 101 THE ECONOMY MEMBERSHIP

Chamber’s Member Benefits Programs

Population Clock

Take advantage of the power of the Chamber to

As of July 16, 2013:

U.S. 316,264,550 World 7,098,607,168

save big on business expenses

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Midwest Manufacturing Output Decreased in May The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) decreased 0.4% in May, to seasonally adjusted level of 95.8 (2007 = 100). Regional output rose 4.2% in May from a year earlier, and national output increased 2.2%.

• Auto Sector: Plastics and Rubber Products, Transportation Equipment • Steel Sector: Primary Metal Industries, Fabricated Metal Products • Machinery Sector: Machinery; Computer and Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Components Manufacturing • Resource Sector: Food, Wood Products, Paper, Chemicals, Nonmetallic Mineral Products

Monthly Index

% Change

Mar 13

Apr 13

May 13

May 12 - 13

Chicago Mfg. Index

96.4

96.2

95.8

CFMMI-Auto

99.6 99.5 98.8

 9.5

CFMMI-Steel

922 91.6 90.7

 0.8

CFMMI-Machinery 97.6 97.2 96.8

 1.0

CFMMI-Resource 91.4 91.6 91.5

 2.3

IPMFG

 2.2

 4.2

96.9 96.6 96.8

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

Powershare - Energy Savings

The Powershare offering is the Chamber’s exclusively created energy co-op that uses its base of chamber members to offer lower electric utility rates to small businesses not available to them on an individual basis. The rates achieved by the Chamber’s co-op will typically save a business one month’s energy cost in a one year period. For more information please contact Heidi Garner at 815316-4312 or hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

YMCA - Corporate Membership

Payroll Employment

 195,000

Average Hourly Earnings

 $0.10

Producer Price Index

 0.8 percent

The YMCA of Rock River Valley Corporate Well-being Partnership Program waives the corporate enrollment fee. In addition, you receive two complimentary Lunch N Learns to motivate and educate your employees; special rates available for your company event at the Y; Corporate rates or options available to compliment your existing benefits; members can “Try the Y” free — a one-week trial for all employees, and 1 month free membership if you join the Y; free family time activities; free unlimited fitness classes (land & aqua); complimentary child watch services; and, the Away Program, where you can work out at other YMCAs across the nation. Visit rockriverymca.org for current program and membership information, including the new corporate well-being program. For information, contact Pam Lunde, Corporate Relations Coordinator, 815-489-3356 or plunde@rockriverymca.org.

Employment Cost Index

 0.5 percent (first quarter, 2013)

UPS - Chamber Freight and Shipping Discounts

Productivity

 0.5 percent (first quarter, 2013)

U.S. Import Price Index

q 0.2 percent

U.S. Export Price Index

q 0.1 percent

U.S. Indicators June, 2013 Consumer Price Index

 0.05 percent

Unemployment Rate 7.6 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates—Region, State, Nation

May 13

Apr 13

May 12

Change/Mo. Change/Yr.

Rockford

9.9 9.9 10.7

0.0

q 0.8

Chicago

9.3 9.3 8.8

0.0

q 0.5

Illinois

8.7 8.7 8.5

0.0

q 0.2

United States

7.3

q 0.2

q 0.6

7.1

7.9

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security

Let your

Voice be heard!

We ­welcome submissions for The VOICE—deadline is the 15th of the month preceding ­publication. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE / Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 • Rockford, IL 61101

The Chamber working together with UPS can offer savings on shipping and freight to members. Whether you are an occasional shipper or frequently send/receive materials and products, you can leverage your membership and realize signifi cant savings. Savings for shipping can be as high as 28%, while savings on freight can be up to 70%. UPS is an important employer and business asset in our region; we encourage you to set up your account with UPS today!

Please go to www.savewithups.com/rockford for more information.

Auto Owners Insurance - Business Insurance Savings

Just for being a member of the Rockford Chamber you can receive 10% discounts on your business insurance costs. Many of our members brag about the savings they achieve through this offering.

Insurance costs, especially in areas like worker’s compensation, can be a very high cost portion of operating a business. Saving 10% can amount to some very significant savings. Please talk to your insurance broker about Auto-Owners insurance or call us about how to take advantage of this offering.

HUMANA - Health Insurance Savings

As a Rockford Chamber of Commerce member, you can save on your medical, dental, vision and life premiums. Plans are available to member companies with 2 to 99 eligible employees. Discount only available to new Humana customers. To find out more, please call your broker, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, or Humana a 312-441-5372.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

August 2013

Chamber to feature Metropolis Strategies at August 14 luncheon Business-led organization formed to transform Chicago region economy Join the Rockford Chamber at its August luncheon featuring George Ranney, president and CEO of Metropolis Strategies of Chicago, to learn about its strategic plan and successes for Chicago and to hear an example of a business-driven effort to transform a regional economy.

George Ranney “There has been much discussion of late in the Rockford business community about a need for aggressive transformational engagement by business in advancing the Rockford Region’s economy,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

“George Ranney can share with our membership their experiences and activities that have impacted the Chicago region, and perhaps help us in developing our own blueprint.”

Leading Regional Transformation Beginning in 1996, The Commercial Club of Chicago undertook the Metropolis Project to ensure the preeminence of the Chicago Metropolitan Region in the 21st century. The premise was that the issues vital to social and economic well-being facing the region of Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane and Will counties must be addressed regionally.

The issues related to unlimited, lowdensity sprawl; concentration of poor minorities; the spatial mismatch between jobs, affordable housing and transportation; and disparate degrees

of access to quality education.

More than 200 members of The Commercial Club examined those issues in special committees organized around six areas: education, economic development, taxation, governance, transportation and land use and housing. The committees consulted with experts and met with regional community, civic and government representatives.

The culmination of their two-year effort was a report, “Chicago Metropolis 2020: Preparing Metropolitan Chicago for the 21st Century,” released in March, 1999. In 2011, after 12 years of civic leadership, Chicago Metropolis 2020 changed its name to Metropolis Strategies and became a supporting organization of The Chicago Community Trust.

The move sustains the vital regional leadership of Chicago Metropolis 2020 and brings to bear the resources of organizations to address the economic challenges posed to the region by increased global competition, while continuing its work to reduce the cycle of violence and create better outcomes in its judicial and corrections systems.

“We encourage all members of the business and civic community to attend and learn from Metropolis Strategies and consider what we can do to transform our own economy,” Forsman said. BMO Harris Bank is the presenting sponsor for the luncheon.

New Chamber Members MEMBERS ABILITY GLASS SERVICE, INC.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION

Sales, Service & Installation of Glass, Storefronts, Windows for Business/Home, Mirrors, Shower Doors 905 22nd St., 61108 Matt Martin 815-397-7211 www.abilityglass.com

Non-Profit Agency Dedicated to Curing Muscular Dystrophy and all Related Diseases, by Funding Research, Providing Comprehensive Health Care & Support 1100 31st St., Ste. 210 Downers Grove, IL 60515 Christine Richardson 630-598-0700

MOTIVATE PERSONAL PHYSICAL REHABILITATION An Outpatient Team of Physical and Occupational Therapists, Specializing in Orthopedic, Pelvic Floor Therapy, Abdominal Conditions 3057 N. Perryville Road, 61114 Kim Storm 815-637-1100

www.motivatetherapy.com

www.mdausa.org

ROCKFORD REACHOUT JAIL MINISTRY The Thought Leader in Corrections Ministry and Reentry in Winnebago County for over 40 Years 650 West State St., 61102 George Hofstetter 815-319-6625 www.rockfordreachout.org

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Bike for the Arts:

Good for the community, great for business The Bike for the Arts (BART) ride, a collaborative fundraising event between the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Rockford Dance Company, Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center and Kantorei – The Singing Boys of Rockford, will take place Saturday, Sept.

7. Collectively, the BART organizations provide more than 80 cultural events and serve more than 64,500 people annually. Companies, organizations and individuals are forming teams now to participate in the 10-, 22-, 37- or 65mile route options.

As a business, you might consider supporting community events and organizations as a civic responsibility, but it can have a real and measurable impact on your bottom line.

Consider these Facts ■■ According to Cone Inc., a communications firm studying Millennials and their dedication to social issues, nearly four in five say they want to work for a company that cares about how it affects or contributes to society. Some 68 percent said they would refuse to work for an employer that is not socially responsible.

■■ Forming a company team to participate in a philanthropic event

helps build a sense of camaraderie outside of the office walls; creating relationships and shared experiences between levels and departments that otherwise may not have the opportunity to work together.

■■ Arts organizations have an impact on the quality of life for our residents and with the attention being paid to recruiting the next generation of professionals, a thriving arts scene is a key component to getting talent for your company.

■■ Participating in a large community event like BART is a visible way to demonstrate your company’s dedication to the community, which increasingly is important to consumers.

■■ Riding in BART is a way for your company to encourage physical activity.

Employees who are physically active tend to be more productive, take fewer sick days and lower overall health care costs.

Individual registrations for BART are $35 for adults, and teams of 10 or more can form for $75. All team members receive a customized team shirt, team photo and valuable coupons from BART organizations. To learn more about BART or forming a company team, visit www.BikeForTheArts.com.

Tax tips for starting a business If you plan to start a new business, or you’ve just opened your doors, it is important for you to know your federal tax responsibilities. Here are five basic tips from the IRS to help you get started.

1. Type of Business. Early on, you will need to decide the type of business you are going to establish. The most common types are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation and Limited Liability Company. Each type reports its business activity on a different federal tax form.

2. Types of Taxes. The type of business you run usually determines the type of taxes you pay. The four general types of business taxes are income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax and excise tax.

3.

Employer Identification Number. A business often needs to get a federal EIN for tax purposes. Check IRS.gov to find out whether you need this number. If you do, you can apply for an EIN online.

4. Recordkeeping. Keeping good records will help you when it’s time to file your business tax forms at the end of the year. They help track deductible expenses and support all the items

you report on your tax return. Good records also will help you monitor your business’ progress and prepare your financial statements. You may choose any recordkeeping system that clearly shows your income and expenses.

5. Accounting Method. Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which is a set of rules that determine when to report income and expenses. The most common are the cash method and accrual method.

Under the cash method, you normally report income in the year you receive it and deduct expenses in the year you pay them. Under the accrual method, you generally report income in the year you earn it and deduct expenses in the year you incur them. This is true even if you receive the income or pay the expenses in a future year.

For more information, visit “Business Taxes” page on IRS.gov. Reviewing the special section on “Starting a Business.

Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records” also may help with the tax aspects of running a business.

Visit IRS.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

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August 2013

IGNITE

Young Professionals

Offer your unique voice Transform community with Ignite The one word I use to describe my approach to my professional life is authenticity. I never set out to have a particular job. Early on, I decided never to ignore the surrounding needs my experiences have shown me. I discovered what I believe to be true and necessary.

When that becomes your focus, you develop a reputation for your authenticity and the things that others choose to make their goals become the symptoms of your lifestyle.

I’m an Ignite member who recently completed my first year as the executive director of the Golden Apple Foundation, a volunteer-driven organization that carries out its mission in 13 public school districts and 40 non-public schools in Winnebago and Boone counties. Young professionals ask me questions about my career path -- looking to better understand my journey.

Inspiring Challenges The first year of any job is challenging.

You are surrounded by new people, working with a different set of resources, and encountering lots of fresh ideas.

Weathering a wave of new challenges is most manageable when you are doing something that is centered on the values you already possess.

My position as Golden Apple Foundation’s executive director has enabled me to continue my experience serving the public’s interest. I can best serve the organization’s mission of inspiring, celebrating and supporting educational excellence in our community by embracing the more uncommon knowledge I have gained and bringing unique voices to the table. I can stay true to my positive experiences while continuing

to deepen Golden Apple’s impact in our community.

Kristina Reuber IGNITE

Advice to YPs My advice to young professionals is to accentuate your own unique set of experiences and resist the temptation to mute the things that make you different among other professionals in the area. Did you grow up exposed to a chronic societal issue? Did someone invest in giving you a unique learning experience in college?

Are you part of a faith community that has imparted its unique collective experience?

Focusing on what makes you atypical may mean you often will find yourself with little to say about issues that are most often discussed, but it also will mean you will be one of the few voices speaking out on issues not many are equipped to address.

Ignite Connects My involvement with Ignite as a committee co-chair has helped me greatly.

Every young professional can benefit from getting involved with this group, which provides a multitude of ways to get connected with Rockford area young professionals. Spending an evening at an Ignite After 5 is an excellent way to surround yourself with energetic, goal-oriented people who are eager to roll up their sleeves and transform our community. Visit Igniterockford.com to discover the ways you can get connected.

Kristina Reuber is an active Ignite member and serves on INVOLVE, one of its three committees.

She is an alumna of Loyola University Chicago.

Contact kdr@goldenappleofrockford.com.

Cleaning key to flood recovery The rains this season have created flash flood conditions across the region, and many residents have experienced flooding inside their homes. Receding floodwaters and infiltrated water may contain sewage and other contaminants. Mold is the longterm concern from flood damage.

■■ Nonporous materials such as glass, hard plastic, metal, and counter tops can be cleaned with normal cleaning methods.

■■ Semiporous materials such as structural wood should be exposed to air for drying as quickly as possible. Flooring and counter underlayment may need to be ■■ Safety is the most important starting removed. point. Don’t enter areas where electrical ■■ Clean most surfaces with a nonequipment or outlets may be exposed to ammonia soap or detergent. After cleaning the standing water. Use rubber gloves, semiporous materials, disinfect the area eye protection and clothes that can be using bleach and water solution. immediately laundered. A respirator/ ■■ Do not mix ammonia and bleach — the mask is recommended. fumes are toxic! Use fans, dehumidifiers to ■■ Remove porous materials such as move the moisture from the area. drywall, carpet and carpet pad that are wet For more information, visit web. or have indications of mold growth. extension.illinois.edu/jsw, call the ■■ Highly absorbent materials such as University of Illinois Extension carpet padding, drywall, insulation, and Winnebago County, 815-986-4357, or visit furniture stuffing should be discarded in www.homemoisture.org or www.ag.ndsu. most cases. edu/flood.

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Jocelyn Hare Company: Servpro of Rockford Position: Office Manager How long have you been an Ambassador?

9 months What do you like most about being an Ambassador? This is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with fellow chamber members and support our local businesses and community. The ribbon cuttings offer us the chance to see what each business is all about and how they might be able to serve us and the local area. It is exciting to see the positive possibilities for Rockford!

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August 2013

Take precautions to beat the heat The hot summer sun not only brings hot summer days; it brings heat waves. The Winnebago County Health Department reminds residents to take preventive action during the extremely hot weather to stay safe, cool, hydrated and informed.

Extremely high temperatures can cause heat-related illness. The most vulnerable are the elderly; those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition. The two most common heat-related conditions are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. It can result from over exposure to direct sunlight (with or without physical activity) or high indoor temperatures. Symptoms may include high body temperature; red, hot, and dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness nausea; confusion; unconsciousness.

Treat someone with heat stroke by finding a cool place indoors (preferably air conditioned) or a shaded area outdoors; putting the person in a semisitting position, loosening clothing or bathing in cold water. Immediately seek medical attention.

Heat exhaustion occurs when too much time is spent in a very warm environment, resulting in excessive sweating without adequate intake of fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) for replacement. This can occur indoors or outdoors, with or without physical activity. Symptoms may include dizziness; headache; nausea; abdomen cramps; shallow breathing; cool and clammy skin muscle tremors; heavy perspiration.

Treat someone with heat exhaustion by finding a cool place indoors (preferably air conditioned) or a shaded area outdoors; keeping the person quiet, loosening clothing and offering water or fruit juice. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or continue for more than an hour, or if the person has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Peace Month Continued from page 5

than $102,000 to build and endow a school for girls in a remote village of Pakistan or Afghanistan as a gift from the children of the Rock River Valley.

“With Pennies for Peace, we saw children in other parts of the world who had a hunger for education but

emotionally. We need to empower students to make a change for the good. I think it’s a win-win at every level.”

Another activity, led by Ron Clewer, CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority, is called the Inside Out Project, an art project started by JR, a French artist, in 2011. Clewer is leading

“We need civility in the city. What I want to see is less crime, less bullying, more awareness and have people Heat Precautions 1. Stay Cool ■■ Stay in air-conditioned buildings.

■■ Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.

■■ Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.

■■ Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 30 minutes before going outside.

■■ Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

■■ Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck.

■■ Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

■■ Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.

2. Stay Hydrated ■■ Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

■■ Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.

■■ Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts sugar.

■■ Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.

3. Stay Informed ■■ Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.

■■ Keep your family, friends and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.

■■ Give pets ample water and a shady spot if outdoors. Never leave children or pets in a parked car; not even for a few minutes.

Visit www.wchd.org for heat-related information throughout the summer heat wave or contact Sue Fuller at 815-720-4213 or sfuller@wchd.org.

care about each other without cynicism.” – Jim Keeling didn’t have access to it,” said Pam Keeling. “They believed it made a difference for them. We see kids here, who are wrongfully concluding that education is not important. When you see that wasted potential, you feel like you should do something.”

The local support has been overwhelming.

Volunteers have turned out from several organizations including the Rockford Public Schools, Rockford Area Arts Council, Rockford University and many others.

“We were really excited,” says Lutz. “We were brainstorming ideas of people to invite, not knowing who would show up. We started with 30 people and every time we met we picked up a few more people.”

Among the activities planned for September are businesses, agencies and schools “planting” four-sided peace poles, which are hand crafted obelisks proclaiming May Peace Prevail on Earth in many different languages; building a peace chain; and organizing a labyrinth of shoes with the collected shoes being displayed before being donated to individuals in need.

Lu Ann Widegren, director of Fine Arts for the Rockford Public Schools, witnessed the effectiveness of the Pennies for Peace campaign. She is leading a charge for all public schools to get involved with Peace Month.

“The message we’re trying to send students is to think about peace both globally, as well as our own community,” she said. “We are doing our best to prepare them academically, but we need to work together to prepare them socially and

the effort to have large photographs of local children displayed on vacant buildings throughout the city, in hopes that people will become more familiar with other neighborhoods of Rockford and see each child holds opportunity.

“The goal of our project is to take 100 photos of fifth grade children — from poverty and wealth — and put the photos of east side children on the west side, and put west side children on the east side,” he said. “Hopefully, each child’s family will get across town to see what the other side is like. Kids don’t have the preconceived notions that adults do. Hopefully, each of us realizes the value of our children and the opportunities they hold. This could be a very powerful tool, if we can pull it off. In the end, kids are kids and people are people; it’s that simple.”

Businesses are encouraged to recruit employees and other associates and take part in as many of the planned activities as possible. “If this is going to take hold, every industry needs to get involved,” says Lutz.

“We need civility in the city,” Jim added. “What I want to see is less crime, less bullying, more awareness and have people care about each other without cynicism.”

The hope is that peace will become a prevailing thought for years to come. Bieschke said: “The more conversations we can have about peace the better.”

For more information, visit www. keeling-puri-peaceplaza.com.

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

August 2013

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events AUGUST, 2013 Tuesday, August 6

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Denise Nichols, Occupational Therapist from Motivate Personal Physical Rehabilitation will speak. Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Wednesday, August 7 Old Chicago Restaurant held a ribbon cutting on July 8 at 6280 E. State St., Rockford.

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber in June, 2013.

ABC Supply Co., Inc. Aramark Uniform Services, Inc. ATRONA Test Labs, Inc. Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera Blackhawk Bank Chuck Brauer Trucking Inc. Communication Center of Rockford Crimson Pointe Days Inn Rockford DMTG Ingersoll Production Systems Dry Otter Basement Water Proofing/ Concrete Raising Earth Works, Inc. Ege WorkSmart Solutions, PC Emery Air, Inc. Enactus Rockford Fairfield Inn & Suites Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center Fridh Corporation FurstStaffing Greener Acres LLC Hoffman House HR Capital Management Consultants Ideal Welding Systems, L.P. J & M Plating, Inc. JC Milling Co., Inc. Kadon Precision Machining Kinovate Heating, Cooling & Indoor Air Quality Lawn Care by Walter, Inc. Lonnie’s Stonecrafters, Inc. Macianos Pizza (Perryville Pizza, LLC) Midwest Mailworks, Inc. North Park Rental Service, Inc. Old Chicago Restaurant

Our Children’s Homestead PNC Bank Prairie Street Brewhouse R. J. Bowers Distributors, Inc. RAMP Raymond James & Associates RBC Wealth Management Riverfront Museum Park Rj Link International, Inc. Rock Road Companies, Inc. Rock Valley College Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center Rockford Litho Center Rockford Mutual Insurance Company Rockford Spine Center Rocknel Fastener, Inc. Servpro of Rockford Sherwin-Williams - Rockford Powder Plant & DSC SPX Hydraulic Technologies Stockholm Inn Summit CPA Group, P.C. Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens Terracon, Inc. 3GM Consulting LLC The Brian Boyer Group United Realty, IL - Teri Watts, Commercial Realtor Universal Feeder, Inc. UPS William Charles, Ltd. Womanspace, Inc. X L Academics, Inc. Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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

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

Wednesday, August 14 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Giovanni’s 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

We are Rockford: now what?

A highlight of the key priorities for our region’s prosperity. Presentation by George Ranney of Metropolis Strategies.

Sponsors: BMO Harris Bank (presenting); AT&T, Humana, SwedishAmerican Health System (gold)

Thursday, August 8

Wednesday, August 14

Friday, August 9

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

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

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Rockford. Steve Ernst, RMAP, will give an update on the Vital Signs Project. For more information on joining, contact Heidi Garner at 815316-4312.

Ribbon Cutting, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois’ new pre-GED program, GoodGRADS, 10 to 11 a.m., 615 N. Longwood St., Rockford.

Goodwill Industries and the Rockford Chamber co-host. Speakers include Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber; Sam Schmitz, Goodwill Industries, and Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

Tours of the classrooms to follow.

Monday, August 12 Ribbon Cutting, Lucha Cantina, Inc., 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.,1641 N Alpine Rd Ste 212.

Tuesday, August 13

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

Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rock Valley College, Woodward Technology Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Jen Hall, Catalyst Business Solutions presents “Getting Involved in Your Community.” Sponsored by McGladrey.

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

Thursday, August 15

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

Ribbon Cutting, Applebee’s, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.,1675 E Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

Tuesday, August 20

Good Morning Rockford! 7:30 to 9 a.m., Jefferson High School, 4145 Samuelson Road, Rockford. Come see the recent renovations to the high school and learn how the academy concept being launched this school year will prepare students for college and careers.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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August 2013

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events Wednesday, August 21

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street).

Jody Schumacher, RK Dixon Office Supplies, will present.

Tuesday, August 27

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

Wednesday, August 28

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford.

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

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

PYSK Talks, noon to 1 p.m., Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford (5100 building along State Street). Jeff Layng, JP Morgan Chase, will present.

SEPTEMBER, 2013 Monday, September 9

IGNITE: Fire Up the Fairways, 1 to 5 p.m., Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford. IGNITE invites you to join the inaugural golf networking event. 1 p.m., shotgun start; four-person team scramble.

Advanced registration/payment required. IGNITE After 5 at MauhNah-Tee-See to follow, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, September 10

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

Lead 360 September Breakfast, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road. Sponsored by Rockford Park District (presenting).

Ribbon Cutting, Motivate Personal Physical Rehabilitation, 3057 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, 1 to 2 p.m.

Chamber 101 with Speed Networking, 4 to 5:15 p.m. NEW LOCATION FOR 2013 in the private meeting room, second floor at Benson Stone Company, Inc., 1100 11th St., Rockford. Sponsored by MembersAlliance Credit Union.

Wednesday, September 11

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford.

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

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place,

815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@ carpentersplace.org.

Friday, September 13

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Rockford. Russ Kearney and Paul Dempsey, GenCo Nuc, speak on Byron Exelon Nuclear Plant operations and give an update on the license renewal from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. For more information on joining, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Thursday, September 19 2:00 - 7:00 pm BMO Harris Bank Center 300 Elm St., Rockford

ADVERTISERS Advertisers Index

Alpine Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rockford Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . 4, 26

BART, Bike for the Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . 3, 4, 18, 25, 26, 27, 28

BMO Harris Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . . 19

Rockford Memorial Hospital. . . . . . . . . 9

Broadmoor Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Rockford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Comcast Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Rock River Training Corporation. . . . . 14

Concordia University Beloit Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Entré Computer Solutions . . . . . . . . . 14 Fast Mailing Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 First National Bank and Trust Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 IGNITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association. . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rock Valley College BPI. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Saint Anthony College of Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Thayer Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

McGladrey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Upper Iowa University. . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MembersAlliance Credit Union. . . . . . . 2

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

Regional Business Expo Be part of the premiere regional business expo drawing more than 2,000 business people. Features special exhibitor areas, business seminars, our famous “Restaurant Row” and a Business After Hours.

Sponsor: TDS (presenting)

Thursday, September 19

Ribbon Cutting, Transformations Plastic Surgery, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Ste. 400, Rockford. Ribbon cutting 3 p.m.; open house, 4 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, September 24

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

Wednesday, September 25

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford.

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

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

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

25-YEAR MEMBER Morgan Building Maintenance Inc.

10-YEAR MEMBER Gordon Flesch Company, Inc.

5-YEAR MEMBERS A-1 Dry Cleaners & Laundry Anderson Environmental & Engineering Co. Tovar Snow Professionals

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

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

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

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

Vice Chair Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc.

Ryan Brauns Rockford Consulting & Brokerage

Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company

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

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

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

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

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

September 2013 Special Sections

Healthcare & Wellness Services For information on advertising, call 815 987-8100