August Voice 2023

of the rockford business community

A lifetime of mentors

Collaborations in leadership

By Andrew Wright, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Robert “Bo” Chaney is exactly the sort of guy you’d want to take advice from. Tall and neatly put together in his Rockford Fire dress uniform, he’s gregarious from the moment you meet him, and his friendly demeanor immediately puts you at ease. His natural charisma suits his role as recruiter for the Rockford Fire Department, which puts him in a position to help aspiring first responders find their place serving the Rockford community.

A significant part of Chaney’s job is getting young people interested in

careers serving their community. For Chaney, the best way to develop that interest is to model that spirit of service for the next generation.

“You’ve got to be unselfish. If you’re selfish, you can’t help anybody else,” Chaney said.

This philosophy explains why Chaney is an active leader with 815 M.A.A.G –the Minority Access Achievement Group that serves Rockford’s minority youth.

Growing up as an inner-city kid from Chicago, Chaney was introduced to a whole different world when he came to Rockford and married his wife, a member of the well-known Box family. His father-in-law, Horace Box, represented the sort of mentorship that Chaney now emulates.

“You’d see [Horace Box] go to work at Box’s Restaurant, then to work at Auburn High School. You’d see his brother

Setting fire to the past

Kyle Scheele and the Viking funeral

By Andrew Wright, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

One of the most important skills that innovative business leaders have is the ability to set aside previous successes and look at the problem with fresh, new eyes. In other words, they’re willing to set fire to the past and start over.

When Kyle Scheele was about to turn 30, he asked his wife if she’d be on board with throwing a Viking funeral for his 20s, gigantic blazing ship and all.

“I genuinely thought I wanted her permission on this, knowing that I’d need to stop working for about two weeks, gather the materials and assemble a giant cardboard ship,” Scheele said. “She could tell better than I could how into this idea I was. She could see something about the way I reacted to this project that I couldn’t see myself.”

Charles, the mayor of Rockford, doing important work for the city. These men of importance, in charge of things, showed me a different pathway than what I knew in Chicago,” he said.

Chaney’s mentorship work with 815 M.A.A.G. helps future Auburn graduates connect with recent graduates to learn what life after high school is really like and what resources are available to them.

“When these recent students come back and talk to their younger peers, you could hear a pin drop. They’re telling the truth about how their life changed after school. They’re becoming the next generation of mentors,” Chaney said.

815 M.A.A.G. conducts a complete needs analysis to see what the kids need to achieve success – information, encouragement, financial support – and creates a resource bank for them to tap

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YLC SEEKS NEW MEMBERS FOR 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

The Chairman and Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) promotes the development of diverse young leaders in our community by providing experience with how government works. The goal is to build the leaders of today and retain the leaders of the future.

YLC members participate in interactive educational sessions, special events, group community projects, and youth advisory meetings with discussions. These events are often attended by Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara, Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli and other civic leaders.

Students who want to join the YLC for next year can apply now by completing the application on the Winnebago County Health Department website publichealth.wincoil.gov/getinvolved/ylc/

Teachers, principals, coaches, community leaders, elected officials or anyone who works with youth are also encouraged to nominate students.

Students must meet the following requirements:

• Winnebago County sophomores or juniors in high school (returning YLC members may be seniors).

• Interest in learning more about leadership, public policy, community health and local government.

• Able to attend at least 11 of 15 YLC meetings.

Scheele’s 30th birthday could’ve been a bonfire. “My parents had suggested a bonfire, and having some people over,” he said.

When he rolled the ship onto the rural property his parents owned, the ship had become a gigantic art project, complete with dragon head and tail, cardboard scales, and a cardboard cargo script that read “My 20s” on the deck. He and his friends fired Roman candles at the craft, sending the effigy of that decade into the sky floating on ash and embers.

The filmed project gained attention on the internet. Scheele heard from scores

(continued on page 15)

• Self-starters with the potential to develop into future leaders of our community.

Applications and nominations will be accepted until September 18, 2023. Please direct application or nomination questions to prevention@ publichealth.wincoil.gov, or call council facilitator at (815) 720-4346.

Check out the Youth Leadership Council on Instagram (ylc_815) or visit publichealth.wincoil. gov/get-involved/ylc/ for more information.

CAITLIN PUSATERI president, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Well behaved leadership

Are professional women still criticized for not being ladylike?

I have a small piece of art resting on a lamp in my office. It sits just behind my computer and is purposefully well within my line of sight. The quote by Eleanor Roosevelt simply reads, “Well behaved women rarely make history.” When I found the index-card-sized piece at a local shop, I gently picked it up, tucked it into my basket, and felt a burning sting behind my eyes.

The quote is especially on my mind right now as we are in the throes of planning an impactful conference for those who support, champion and believe in professional women – Pow(H)er. As I think about the women attending, I can’t help but think about all the creative genius, productivity or problem solving we lose when women “behave” themselves. I relate to their challenges because, as the first female president of the Rockford Chamber, I’ve been told to “behave” countless times over the past year. And it’s taken its toll.

Being a woman in leadership is not easy. It never has been. But, with all the assumed progress for professional women, it’s often taken for granted that women are treated professionally and as equals by well-intended business leaders. Certainly, everyday leaders in a mid-sized, Midwestern community like Rockford understand and appreciate the value women leaders bring to the table, right?

I don’t think anyone tells men to be well behaved. But I’m guessing the woman leader grabbing coffee from Meg’s, picking up her kids from the local daycare, or sitting next to you at your next non-profit board meeting has been told… and told often.

So, what does it look like to be a misbehaving professional woman? What earns you a professional timeout – being excluded from meetings and decisions –or a reputation as a rabble-rouser? Turns out, things that men do All. The. Time. with very little, if any, repercussions.

In my experience, I’ve been told to behave when asking questions about difficult decisions, sharing contrary opinions, using direct language, and showcasing industry knowledge. Holding people accountable and expecting transparency has gotten me “in trouble” a few times, too.

In a 2021 article published in Frontiers in Psychology by authors Margaret M. Hopkins, Deborah Anne O’Neil, Diana Bilimoria and Alison Broadfoot, it was found that “women… continue to face significant inequities in the assessment of their leadership performance and their leadership potential. Gender bias in the perceptions of leadership remains a persistent hurdle for women to overcome; and the resulting differential impact on women’s careers will likely be exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in many women stepping away from the workforce. Whether women demonstrated peopleoriented, relational skills such as those valued for contemporary leadership or whether they exhibited achievementoriented behaviors, there was a negative impact on their leadership assessments.”

It’s important to me that we shine light on difficult situations occurring in our community. Because woman after woman that I have talked with

has experienced or is experiencing a “behavioral assessment” on her leadership. And it’s hurting our businesses, our community, our country.

Women leaders deserve to be valued. To be heard. To be respected. Professional women deserve to have their “behavior” taken off a pedestal and their merits, professional acumen and skills put in the limelight instead. I don’t necessarily plan to start “behaving” anytime soon. It’s a disservice to myself and to all other women. Shrinking myself for the comfort of others can’t be the path to leadership. Well behaved can’t be the guidepost by which we measure the merit or effectiveness of women leaders. It wasn’t the measure for 111 years of Chamber history – it certainly shouldn’t be now that a woman is at the helm.

I am so proud of the way the chamber is working to support professional women. While there is plenty of opportunity still left untouched, we understand the value they bring to our business community. I invite all women – well-behaved or making history – to join us for Pow(H)er. It’s November 16 at Prairie Street Brewhouse. I can’t guarantee good behavior, but I can guarantee engaging conversations, space to ask questions and room to let your expertise shine.

TOM MCNAMARA, mayor, City of Rockford

GUEST COLUMNIST

Exciting times for Rockford

New projects in digital access, transportation and real estate

The last few weeks have been extremely exciting in the City of Rockford. We started several projects that are going to be game changers for our entire community.

First, we held the official construction launch of the Rockford FiberCity project, a revolutionary fiberoptic infrastructure investment that will bring fast, affordable and reliable all-fiber internet network to every home, business and institution in the city. The $200 million privately funded project will provide speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is among the fastest residential speeds available in the U.S. It will help bridge the digital divide and help attract more high-tech businesses to our community.

Second, we announced a partnership between the Illinois Department of Transportation and Metra to once again provide safe and reliable passenger rail between Chicago and Rockford, restoring service that was discontinued in 1981. The first trains are anticipated

to start running by late 2027, offering efficient, economical travel with stops in between the two cities. The project is funded through $275 million from Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. To return passenger trains between Chicago and Rockford after more than 40 years, Metra will utilize its Milwaukee District West line and relationships with the Union Pacific Railroad to extend service beyond Elgin to reach Rockford, with expected stops in Huntley and Belvidere.

Finally, after two years of research, due diligence and design work, we have a signed development agreement with J. Jeffers for our Barber Colman Complex. The full $430 million plan, which is expected to be completed over 10 years, includes 500,000 square feet of historical rehabilitation, 1.5 million square feet of new construction, 900 multi-family units and 130,000 square feet of commercial space, as well as public green space and an activated riverfront.

Phase 1A of construction will begin this summer and is expected to be completed in late 2024. The $100 million phase includes the renovation of three existing buildings into 215 apartments, a roof deck, co-working space and the creation of a parking garage with 336 spaces.

Phase 1B, which is scheduled to begin in January of 2025 and cost $70 million, includes rehabilitation of all of the remaining historic buildings. When complete, it will house an additional 119 apartments, as well as space for a restaurant, events and other retail. Phase 2 consists of new construction on the remainder of the property and will be

completed in multiple phases. The timing of these phases is dependent on market factors. It will include new construction and parking, as well as 43 three-flats and 74 townhomes.

I’m excited for what is ahead in the City of Rockford. City Staff, City Council and I are working hard to make continuous improvements that enhance the quality of life for every single citizen in our community.

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

Safety and security in today’s school system

Modern times call for modern measures

JASON BARTHEL, chief information officer, RPS 205

In an era where the safety and well-being of students is paramount, Rockford Public Schools stands at the forefront of ensuring a secure educational environment for its students, staff and visitors. Recognizing the critical importance of safety, the district has taken significant measures to implement a comprehensive strategy that addresses various aspects of security.

The district has been focused on safety and security improvements since 2015 by expanding camera coverage, installing electronic door access and building security vestibules in facilities across the district. In 2022, the security department expanded the focus and engaged a security firm with decades of K-12 education safety and security experience to provide an assessment. The completed report provided recommendations relevant to today’s physical security landscape focusing on security technologies, personnel and physical measures.

Recently, RPS 205 and the Board of Education made a crucial decision to approve the installation of 18 Evolv Weapons Detection Systems in its high schools, including Roosevelt Community Education Center. This cutting-edge technology harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to identify potential threats by screening individuals for concealed weapons non-intrusively. By deploying this system, RPS demonstrates its commitment to proactive threat detection, providing a safer learning environment where students can focus on their education without fear.

RPS understands that maintaining safety and security is a collective effort. With this in mind, the district has established a strong partnership with the Rockford Police Department to maintain a visible and effective security presence. The continuation of school resource officers (SROs) ensures a direct line of communication between law enforcement and school administration, enabling a rapid response to any incidents that may occur. Additionally, RPS has launched a mentor program in collaboration with the police department, fostering positive relationships between students and local law enforcement officers. This initiative not only enhances security but also helps build trust and understanding within the community.

Recognizing the importance of physical security, RPS has placed significant emphasis on enhancing door security measures across its campuses. By expanding the capabilities of the access control and alarm systems,

including key card entry systems and monitored doors, RPS ensures that only authorized personnel can enter through authorized doors, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and limiting points of entry where necessary.

In the district’s next iteration of its Facilities Master Plan, site and building design improvements will be included to maximize safety. Through careful planning and consideration, RPS aims to optimize visibility, reduce blind spots and facilitate effective monitoring. This approach not only promotes a safer environment but also fosters a sense of community within the school.

RPS also recognizes that a vigilant and trained guard force plays a pivotal role in maintaining a secure educational environment. The district is continuing to work with the contracted guard company to update performance metrics that align with current needs.

In addition to physical security measures, RPS has established comprehensive policies, procedures and training that align with industryrecognized practices in school safety. These guidelines cover aspects such as emergency response protocols, threat assessments and crisis management strategies. By integrating these policies into everyday operations, RPS fosters a culture of safety and preparedness.

RPS intends to enhance focus on training and preparedness to empower its students, staff and faculty members to respond effectively to emergencies. Drills and exercises are conducted to simulate various crisis scenarios, ensuring that everyone is well-equipped to handle challenging situations. These training sessions not only build resilience but also instill a sense of confidence in the entire school community.

The district continues to improve and adapt its comprehensive, multilayered approach based on current standards. By integrating security technology, maintaining collaborative relationships with law enforcement, prioritizing physical security measures, and emphasizing training and preparedness, RPS continues to strive for a safe and secure environment where students can flourish academically and personally. The district’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of its students, staff and visitors creates a positive and nurturing atmosphere, enabling each individual to reach their highest potential.

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

profile profile

A New Look by Nisha

“Style for the life you want to have.” Anisha Grimmett has had that mantra for years, from working at Collins Aerospace to speaking to kids about their future careers as the executive director for Alignment Rockford.

“By preaching that idea to kids, I realized that I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and put my particular set of skills to work,” she said.

Grimmett, who has a background in electrical engineering and human resources, found herself in a position to follow her passion by helping professionals find a way to dress for success.

“People would approach me and say, ‘I love your outfit. Where’d you get it?’ and [that] would make me feel more confident, whether it was in a meeting or while on vacation,” Grimmett said. “Everyone wants to feel good. That starts when you wake up. You want to feel good when you walk out into the world.”

For the last year and a half, Grimmett has operated her business, A New Look by Nisha, to help local professionals dress for the life that they want.

“I discovered a personal stylist guru, Lauren Messiah, online, and she became my mentor. She was based in Los Angeles, and she has a certified personal styling program called Style Boss Academy. I worked with her and did my own personal mentoring both virtually and in person, and she had an opening for group mentoring sessions. I figured – why not? What did I have to lose?” Grimmett said.

What she gained was a new passion for the entrepreneurial experience of being a stylist.

“Lauren Messiah’s program offered several courses on everything from building the business as a stylist, to using marketing and social media, how to build packages for clients and potential customers, and how to put together a ‘Look Book.’ All the tools I needed to be successful,” Grimmett said.

The training offered her a process to talk with clients about how to approach their goals for their personal style.

“I ask the client about why they’re looking to work with a stylist. I learn about their lifestyle, ask them about their current style, ask about a current style aesthetic, find out who they see regularly with a style they love, who they consider

their style icons,” Grimmett said. “It’s not just putting together an outfit, it’s a process of discovery. In a way, it’s therapy. Clients often reply that ‘I didn’t realize that I felt this way about myself,’ or ‘I didn’t realize I could change the perception about how I feel about myself through clothes.’”

After the assessment, clients can work with Grimmett on doing a ‘closet cleanse’ – looking through the client’s closet to see what serves their needs and what no longer serves them well.

“We’ll look through the closet for the clothes that help them dress for their lifestyle. Does it make you feel confident? Was it an impulse purchase? We talk about the whys and the why nots of each piece,” she said. “You can tell a lot about a person by going through their closet. Are they happy, glittery, vibrant? Are they conservative, shy, introverted?”

There are professional looks for all types.

“Even if you’re an introvert, your style may be professional and also comfortable. Comfort can be a goal in what you wear. What does that look like? Brands are leaning into comfort, with clothes that are wrinkle-free, stretchy, and can go from day to night,” Grimmett said. “Stylish tennis shoes are now acceptable in corporate America. Now you can wear classic tennis shoes with suits or trousers and a polo-shirt.”

Grimmett’s brother credits her with starting his love of sneakers. He runs his own sneaker business now, Legacy Sneakers.

She can also find the pieces her clients need: “I want my clients to lean on me for the shopping both inside and outside their closets. Sometimes it’s frustrating for them because they don’t know where to shop or how to repurpose items they currently have. Meanwhile, I’m all over Chicago going in and out of stores. Even if I only find one or two pieces, if they fit you well and suit you well, it can save you that negative experience. Online, in shops or in outlet stores, I’ll find those things for you.”

If you run in to Grimmett at a local boutique, you’ll be able to tell just how much she enjoys what she does.

“I walk in with a positive energy, ready to invest in fabulous pieces that will make my client happy and give them life,” she said.

GUEST

COLUMNIST

A letter from Congressman Darin LaHood

Addressing economic development, affordable housing and threats from the Chinese Communist Party

As the U.S. Representative for the 16th Congressional District of Illinois, I am honored to represent portions of Rockford and Winnebago County, as well as much of northwestern Illinois. Born and raised in Illinois, I take great pride in representing our communities in Congress, and I am working hard to strengthen economic opportunities for small businesses and workers throughout our state.

In Congress, I serve on three committees: the House Ways and Means Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Through each of these important committees, I am afforded the opportunity to advocate for our priorities and advance policies that benefit Illinois and Winnebago County by giving organizations, such as the chamber, a seat at the table.

Since I began representing northwestern Illinois this year following

the redistricting process, I’ve crisscrossed the 16th District, listening to farmers, small businesses (including members of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce) and workers about issues facing them here at home. Some of the top issues I hear about are inflation, rising energy costs and the general high cost of living. On the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxes, trade, tariffs and all revenue-raising measures, we’ve prioritized policies that will lower costs and allow small businesses and workers to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.

Recently, our Ways and Means Committee passed a package of three bills – collectively called the American Families and Jobs Act – to increase our economic competitiveness and support small businesses in local communities. If enacted into law, these bills would provide a $4,000 guaranteed deduction bonus for middle-class families, eliminate burdensome costs for small businesses by updating IRS reporting thresholds, and

prevent foreign adversaries like China from purchasing U.S. farmland.

Another key issue I hear about is the lack of affordable and low-income housing, especially in rural areas, and the impact housing has on economic development in communities like Rockford and the surrounding region. I am proud to be the lead sponsor of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that will help build nearly two million new affordable housing units across the country. With nearly one-infour renters spending more than half their household income on rent, families in Illinois and throughout the country are forced to make tough decisions about other expenses, like child care, medication, groceries or transportation. My bill will strengthen the low-income housing tax credit, the most effective tool for financing affordable housing, enhancing our communities and providing for greater economic development opportunities.

One of the first steps our House Republican majority took this Congress was to establish a Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which was done by a broad bipartisan vote. I am proud to serve on this committee, because I believe the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party present generational challenges that require serious and bipartisan solutions. These issues, including trade, forced technology transfers and cyber threats, directly impact local communities in Illinois, including

our agriculture community, workers, and small businesses. Now more than ever, Congress must work to strengthen American economic competitiveness, bolster and secure our supply chains, promote our trade interests and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region, modernize our technology, and protect our national and cyber security against China.

Strengthening our small business community, particularly as we continue to rebuild from the pandemic and statemandated closures, is a top priority of my office. As we navigate the important challenges in front of us, including economic development, housing and the threats from the Chinese Communist Party, I am committed to always keeping the needs and interests of the 16th Congressional District as a leading priority. I look forward to continued and regular engagement with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and it is my honor and privilege to serve.

Congressman Darin LaHood represents the 16th Congressional District of Illinois, including Winnebago County and surrounding communities. LaHood has a Rockford Constituent Service Office located at 527 Colman Center Drive, Rockford, IL 61108.

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

DARIN LAHOOD U.S. Representative for the 16th Congressional District of Illinois

THERESE THILL, president, RAEDC

ROCKFORD AREA COUNCIL

economic development

GUEST COLUMNIST

Shaping the future of aerospace in Rockford

Midwest Aerospace Conference, September 20

Rockford is known as an aerospace hub and as a leading community in the industry. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure and skilled workforce make it an ideal destination for aerospace companies. As president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, I see firsthand how important and impactful aerospace is to our region and am dedicated to increasing opportunities for its growth.

RAEDC is proud to host the Midwest Aerospace Conference (MAC2023) with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) on September 20. It will bring together the best of the best in the industry, creating a platform for networking and innovation. The conference is a dynamic gathering of visionaries and professionals where innovation takes flight and industry leaders come together to shape the future of aerospace. Attendees can expect a transformative experience filled with inspiring speakers, interactive breakout sessions, access to exhibitors and unparalleled networking opportunities.

One of the highlights of the MAC2023 is the opportunity for matchmaking. This year, we’re amping up our matchmaking abilities by partnering with govmates, a teaming partner platform for federal contractors that takes a formulaic and methodical approach to matching buyers and sellers, providing a wider breadth of participants in the matchmaking session. The goal is to provide Rockford-

area companies access to more prime contractors with the intention to increase sales.

In advance of the event, govmates collects granular information from both buyers and sellers. Each buyer (federal agency, large prime or systems integrator) provides specific criteria they seek in a small business teaming partner and each seller (small business) creates a matchmaking profile that contains information to connect their organization to participating buyers.

We believe that partnerships are a key component for small business growth, and we are proud to bring together our ecosystem to support non-traditional engagement.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, peers and exhibitors. Our exhibit room will showcase the latest innovations and solutions in aerospace, allowing attendees to discover firsthand the advancements that are driving the industry forward. Engaging with exhibitors and fellow participants will foster collaboration, spark new ideas and create valuable connections that can lead to future partnerships and opportunities.

MAC2023 will feature a lineup of renowned speakers who will share their insight and vision for the industry. These thought leaders have made significant contributions to aerospace and will provide attendees with invaluable knowledge and inspiration.

Global Forging and Casting Market Research Report

The forging and casting industry is expected to see significant growth between 2023 and 2029, according to the latest Global Forging and Casting Market Research Report.

The report focused on the forging and casting industry market size, product types, applications, geography, competitor landscape, recent status and development trends.

Researchers found the U.S. is in a particularly key position in the industry to adopt effective strategies and advanced

technology that could further expand the market and create numerous opportunities for advancement.

Right now, the forging and casting industry is attracting new investments and encouraging innovation, which has begun to bring in stakeholders to capitalize on emerging opportunities and further industry growth.

Research analysts predict the market will grow and attract new ventures as it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic globally.

In addition to the inspiring sessions, the conference will feature interactive breakout sessions that delve into key topics relevant to the industry. Workforce development, automation and cuttingedge technologies in manufacturing will be among the many subjects covered in these engaging sessions. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions, share ideas and gain practical insights that can be applied in their respective fields.

Our goal for all MAC2023 attendees is that they gain access to a wealth of knowledge, inspiration and networking opportunities. We want everyone to leave with a deeper understanding of the industry’s current landscape and

emerging trends, as well as practical strategies to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an aspiring entrepreneur or a student looking to enter the aerospace field, this conference promises to be a transformative experience that will propel your career and contribute to the advancement of the industry here in the Rockford region.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the MAC2023. Register for the conference and matchmaking now at rockfordil.com. Contact me at tthill@ rockfordil.com for exhibition space and sponsorship opportunities. Join us as we shape the future of aerospace together.

Your most relevant social media metrics

Identify the information that’s most useful for your business

By Emily Heaslip, contributor,

Social media metrics are a good indicator of whether your strategy is working or if it needs to be tweaked. The metrics that matter vary from company to company, depending on growth stage, sales funnel, industry and goals.

Not every social media metric is relevant to your brand. Here’s how to determine which data points to watch and what they can tell you about your social media effectiveness.

Start with your customer journey

The customer journey encapsulates the steps prospective customers must take before they make a purchase. Understanding the interactions that a person must have with your company before they’re ready to become a customer can help you understand how social media fits into that experience.

“Identifying the different interactions customers have with your brand before making a purchase can help you create more effective marketing campaigns,” wrote MailChimp.

Co-by U.S.

Set a goal

Chamber of Commerce

With your customer journey and sales funnel in mind, you can begin to set a realistic goal for your social media strategy.

“Social media can serve a variety of purposes, from broadcasting news and information, to answering customer questions and engaging with a community,” wrote marketing expert Neil Patel. “What is your company trying to accomplish?”

Ongoing analytics can show you how your brand is performing over time. Campaign-focused analytics indicate the performance of a specific marketing effort. Both goals are important for measuring the success of your business.

Track the right analytics

Once you have your goal in mind, you can begin tracking the right metrics to show progress toward that outcome. Here are a few examples of social media goals and their associated metrics.

Goal: Awareness. How many people

see your content and are able to recognize your brand.

Reach: The number of people who see your content. Most platforms will show you the reach of individual posts in their native analytics dashboard.

Impressions: The number of times people saw your content. If your impressions are higher than your reach, it indicates that people are coming back to see your post multiple times. This metric is also found in your analytics dashboard.

Goal: Engagement. How many people not only see your content but also interact with it.

Engagement rate: The number of engagements (likes, comments and shares) your content gets as a percentage of your audience. To calculate engagement rate, use the formula total engagement ÷ total followers x 100.

Amplification rate: The ratio of shares per post to the number of overall followers. As defined by Avinash Kaushik, author and digital marketing expert at Google, this metric tells you, “The rate at which your followers take your content

and share it through their networks.”

Goal: Return on investment. How your social media strategy impacts your sales.

Click-through rate: How often people click a link in your post or bio to access additional content. This metric tells you how many people saw your post and wanted to know more from your brand. The click-through rate is calculated as clicks ÷ impressions.

Conversion rate: The number of people who took action after seeing your social media post. For instance, how many people downloaded an e-book after seeing an Instagram post. Conversion rate is calculated as total number of conversions ÷ total number of clicks.

These are just a few metrics to consider as you design your social media strategy. Make sure your metrics are tailored to your specific goal—whether that’s improving customer service, selling more products or building brand loyalty.

We help you get noticed

Use your chamber membership to increase your company’s exposure

Our members are often interested in gaining exposure – be it for their organization, their product or service or their workforce recruitment efforts. Increased exposure is a key element to a successful chamber membership experience.

While we certainly have traditional opportunities for your business to increase exposure – advertising in The Voice, website banner ads, event sponsorships, etc. – we also have plenty of low or no cost opportunities. Coupled with a traditional marketing strategy, understanding the power of personal connections through the chamber can certainly lead to business growth.

So how do you go about this and utilize your chamber membership to promote your business? Here are a few ideas:

Keep them thinking of you

Your business must be memorable and top-of-mind if you want customers to refer you to their friends, colleagues and family. Building brand recognition is an important part of your marketing strategy. Your chamber membership offers you two specific opportunities to increase brand recognition: traditional advertising and creation of content.

First, traditional advertising opportunities. We offer a multitude of advertising options for you to highlight your business. Our Voice publication has a distribution of 6,000+ monthly, with additional readers online. Our publication is well respected in the community – and well read. Susan Contrady (scontrady@ rockfordchamber.com) can work with your business to design a marketing strategy that fits your needs and your budget.

Next, content creation. As a Rockford Chamber member, you can write nonadvertorial articles for The Voice that will help you to establish your expertise and credibility in your field. And it’s free! Members are welcome to submit 600to 700-word articles on a topic of their choice, or they can choose a topic that aligns with a special edition or section in a publication.

Once your article has been published, we can help arrange a designated link for you to share your story with your clients through your newsletter, social media or website.

Need a few extra copies to mail to a prospective business client? We’re happy to drop a few off. Bookmark your article and show that you are not only an expert but an ardent supporter of your community as well. Your story – in print and online – can do the work for you.

Once you’re established as an expert in your sector that provides excellent service and value, you’re on your way to building a community of repeat customers who will recommend you. Utilizing our newspaper and network helps to build your credibility and expand your market.

The human element

The chamber is all about businesses coming together to care for and build the community. Your customers want to see you as part of their community – a business with a human touch. Lucky for you, the Rockford Chamber is comprised of humans, too! Real, live ones! We can help showcase your human side. Help us showcase your business on our social media or in The Voice. Share pictures of your company at a golf outing for our Facebook page. Submit a brief writeup about your organization’s successful United Way drive for our business briefs. Celebrate your new hires, promotions, milestone anniversaries and other accomplishments through our Members in the News. If you have a web package, we include this information in our weekly e-newsletter. Don’t have a web package? Email Joan at jsundvall@ rockfordchamber.com to add a package for as little as $75 a year.

When attending our events, focus on the human side of networking. Our inperson events have been restructured to allow for ample networking time, giving you plenty of opportunity to shake hands and have a brief conversation. You can ask about the kids, comment on personal achievements you’ve seen on LinkedIn, or ask about the latest book they’re reading. And then? Follow up with a hand-written note saying it was nice to see them and offer a book recommendation or a well wish for the upcoming school year. Show you’re a human – and you realize the person you are connecting with is too.

Celebrate!

A good old-fashioned ribbon cutting never goes out of style. Celebrate your organization’s milestone, new remodel or new product launch with a ribbon cutting. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A ribbon cutting invitation to your clients and prospectives to stop in at an open house with coffee and cake will garner attention. We’ll bring the big red scissors, promote the ribbon cutting before the event to our members, and celebrate your organization on our social media and in The Voice after. Good press all around. Ready to schedule your next ribbon cutting? Connect with Carmen at ckellerman@rockfordchamber.com.

Ask for referrals

If you’re doing all these things right, customers will naturally refer you to people they know. But don’t be afraid to ask—that little reminder might put them in mind of someone who will be a potential new client. Remind your

business partners of your chamber membership. Do business with other chamber partners and tell them why you selected them (their chamber connection!). Then, ask for referrals as well. Your chamber membership is your key to a network – use it.

Want a more formalized approach? Join one of our three business networking referral groups. These industry-exclusive referral groups are a great way to connect directly with other chamber members looking to grow their business and help you grow yours. Want to join a group? Kristin Muehlfelder at kmuehlfelder@ rockfordchamber.com can help.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is here to help you grow your business. We work hard to advocate for a healthy business climate that supports our region’s businesses and their employees. With nearly 1,000 members, our network and our ability to connect is top-notch. Thank you for your membership. We are proud to serve you.

GUEST COLUMNIST Make your website more effective

Despite the rise of social media, YouTube, custom apps and other digital outlets, your website remains the most important online face of your organization and should be the hub of your outreach efforts. Here are a few tips that can make it even more effective.

Use missioncentered images

Too many organizations feature a photo of their building, a staff group photo or other images that aren’t related to their mission. When you choose photos, make sure they clearly relate to what you do and the positive outcomes of your work. This helps donors visualize being a part of that change. Association websites should use images related to the career or activity they’re centered around.

Focus on the donor or member and the mission

Just as your photos focus on your mission, your content should too. Talk about outcomes the donor can have a role in or benefits the member will enjoy as part of your association. Don’t spend a lot of time talking about the organization itself, history, etc.

Reduce the amount of text, and write for skimming

If only everything we wrote was carefully perused by attentive readers. Unfortunately, readers tend to skim online. Take advantage of this with:

• Headlines that are relatively large and written for maximum clarity

• Short sections and paragraphs

• Sentences that are short and have relatively simple structure. That doesn’t mean dumbing it down but simplifying where possible.

The wordier a site is, the more a donor or potential member has to work to stick with you. Keep it simple and easy to scan.

Use video and make it easy to share

An explainer video, a clip from a recent association conference, or a case study of a life changed by a charity can have significant impact. Make sure there are prominent buttons near the video that allow easy sharing and populate the social media post with a message that helps visitors spread the word.

Make calls to action clear and direct

Being clear, direct and “asking for the sale” is crucial even if you aren’t selling a product. Avoid nebulous and passive calls to action such as “Learn More.” After all, it’s a call to action, not a call to education. Even a more urgent call to action, such as “Change the World with Us,” can fail if it’s not clear what responding to it involves.

Urge immediate action in a brief phrase: Donate Now, Join Now, Sponsor A Child, or Get a Free Info Packet.

Use contrasting buttons and plenty of them

Your call-to-action buttons should be in a color that contrasts with the main background color of your site for maximum visibility. Research shows that red buttons have a slight advantage over other colors, but even they can get lost in the clutter on a site that uses a lot of red. Nearly any dark or bold color will do on a white background, so choose one that fits your branding and stands out well.

Place a call-to-action button at the upper right of your home page. Users tend to scan the page in a Z pattern, and this will put a clear call to action directly in their sightline right away.

Make sure that there’s a button in each section of your home page, so, as soon as a donor or member makes the decision to “buy,” the button to do so is right there at their fingertips.

Keep your About page about values and mission

Many websites’ About pages are blocks of text about the history and structure of the organization. Consider using this valuable real estate for a list of your values, in short paragraphs, with a simple icon for each. If your organization does charitable work, a series of statistics –such as, sponsored children are up to 40% more likely to finish secondary education – can be placed in a similar format or shared as an infographic.

We are at the halfway mark for 2023, and budget and strategic planning will be starting soon for 2024. Now might be the time to conduct a review to see if your nonprofit or association website can be improved.

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

GUEST COLUMNIST

Retention revolution

How marketing techniques secure customer loyalty

When KMK Media Group began 25 years ago, I pounded the pavement during lunch hours at my paying job to drum up business for my new company. I worked even harder at night servicing those accounts. Six months later, I ventured out full-time, and KMK Media was born.

Today, 85% of our marketing firm’s business is repeat. We have clients who’ve been with us for two decades; others for whom we recently developed their “corporate website 3.0.” Most of our new clients are from referrals.

Why is that important?

During an economic downturn, companies hold on to their wallets. They are more cautious about the products and services they buy and more concerned about getting value for their money. That means they’re more likely to buy from a known vendor who has made them happy in the past.

So, what are the best strategies for retaining clients?

Reward sales on retention

Some sales folks love the hunt and live for the kill. Then, they disappear. That’s a recipe for gaining short-lived clients and zero referrals and is exactly what I experienced from a local cellular company. The guy was super responsive while I was in the sales cycle and then could not be reached after I’d signed on the corporate line and needed support.

Forbes.com cites studies showing it’s five times more costly to gain a new client than to keep a current one. Yet most companies’ sales and marketing strategies are far more focused on client acquisition than client retention. As a result, during a recession, many businesses struggle to achieve revenue goals due to decreased sales.

How do you combat that issue? Either introduce a support person to your client while making the sale, ensuring both relationships are strong, or redo how you incentivize your sales team and reward them for getting—and keeping—clients.

It’s the simple stuff

We have flexible hours. A lot of companies do. But we are always available in an emergency. As the owner, the buck stops with me. I respond to clients in the evening and while on

vacation. I’ve handled PR crises at 11 p.m. and addressed website emergencies with our team on a Saturday morning. It’s not every day, every week or every month, but clients know we’re accessible and responsive when they need us. We know that’s earned us business and it goes a long way toward client retention.

Market to existing clients

In addition to delivering the marketing solutions our clients want, we continually market to them. Those strategies include email marketing, social media management, targeted ad campaigns and hosting special events. Doing some or all these tactics regularly keeps your company name in front of your clients and reminds them of what you can do for them. It may seem tough to find the time to market to clients regularly, but the return on that investment is well worth the effort.

Do what you say you’re going to do

This is a good philosophy for living life. If you do nothing else, you need to do one thing well – connect with customers and deliver value. Companies don’t want a one size fits all solution. They want you to hear their problem, suggest the best solution and then deliver what you promised on time and on budget with excellent communication during the process.

The strategies above build trust which results in client retention. Happy clients then refer your business to others, even during an economic downturn.

Pam Maher is president/CEO and chief dog walker at KMK Media Group, Inc. She leads a Rockford-based marketing team, spending the past 25 years acquiring and retaining clients spanning government, education, finance, healthcare, nonprofit and service industries. KMK Media Group is a certified woman-owned business (WBE) providing web development, social media management, public relations, graphic design, ad campaigns and video production. Pam serves on several community boards and takes care of the agency’s two canine mascots.

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

STACY McGUIRE managing partner, V2 Marketing & Management

PAM MAHER president/CEO, KMK Media Group

TikTok for business

How to make videos that drive sales

Emily Heaslip, contributor, Co- By U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Since its release in 2016, TikTok has become an invaluable tool for small businesses. A recent study found that, of small businesses currently using TikTok, 78% plan on increasing their investment in the platform.

It’s easy to see why; TikTok has a higher per-post engagement rate than Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. With so many people hooked on TikTok’s short and creative videos, the platform provides businesses with an opportunity to connect with a young, engaged audience.

Here are seven tips to help companies get started with TikTok and learn how to drive sales in a new way.

Understand the platform first

TikTok, like most social media platforms, takes a little bit of time to get acclimated. First, create a business account on the service. It’s highly recommended you use the same username and logo that you use on other social media platforms to have brand consistency. You also should fill in a bio with information and related keywords about your business.

Once your account is set up, spend time with the app to see how people create videos, what’s trending and the tone of the content. An estimated 62% of U.S.-based users on the platform are age 29 and under, so your content should often target a younger audience.

Explore TikTok’s Small Business Resource Center

The platform offers dozens of resources and guides to help small business owners succeed. Explore TikTok’s Small Business Resource Center to learn how to create a business account, learn about your audience and grow your business. The resource center also includes guides for using royalty-free music, creating compelling videos and building a community of engaged followers.

Start with organic content

TikTok has expanded its advertising options over the past few years. However, when you first start out, focus on experimenting with organic content that you don’t pay to boost.

Creativity and fun should be the focus. Famous TikTok stars frequently participate in dance challenges, pair unique footage to hit songs, perform stunts and tell witty jokes. While businesses won’t necessarily want to copy these tactics exactly, they should to tap into their creative side when making TikTok videos.

For example, if you own a restaurant, you could use your TikTok presence to teach how to make popular recipes, pair footage of you making food with songs, or share content produced by your customers that feature your dishes. One example of a food brand that may provide inspiration is Chipotle, which has amassed more than a million followers for its irreverent videos.

Encourage your customers to submit their own videos too. These usergenerated videos, especially from younger users, can feature short testimonials or show them cleverly using your product.

“Generation Z loves the full immersive experience,” wrote Influencer Marketing Hub. “If you can find a way to encourage your customers to share videos of themselves using or interacting with your products in some way, you’re likely to get a high buy-in.”

Provide useful information and ideas

One type of video that is especially popular on TikTok is when a person quickly teaches viewers how to make something or succinctly explains a topic. Businesses can create videos like this as well, especially ones that show off their expertise. A large car dealership, for example, could dedicate its channel to creating content that showcases easy-tounderstand explainers about auto loans,

vehicle maintenance and essential car features.

Take advantage of popular hashtags

Using the Discover feature inside the TikTok app, you can see what hashtags and song samples are trending worldwide. Businesses can craft relevant videos related to those trending items so more people will find them. Don’t feel the need to chase every prominent hashtag, But if a trend ties to your business, work quickly to take advantage.

Explore different advertising solutions

TikTok offers four ad products:

• In-feed ads – Ads that appear in TikTok users’ “For You” pages.

• Brand takeover – Ads that appear immediately when someone opens their TikTok app, taking over the screen for a few seconds before changing into an in-feed ad.

• Branded hashtags – These ads act as regular hashtags, except the hashtags are paid for by brands and therefore given priority by TikTok.

• Branded AR/effects content – “These ads appear in some of TikTok’s more creative places, such as branded lenses, stickers and other items, such as 3D/AR content provided by brands for TikTok filmmakers to use in their videos,” explained Influencer Marketing Hub.

When you’re just starting out, the simplest option is to try an in-feed ad.

These ads can be managed independently via the TikTok Ads Manager. The TikTok Ads Manager lets you choose your goal, choose a targeted audience, assign a specific daily or lifetime budget, and helps you design the ad.

Brand takeovers, branded hashtags and branded effects may require you to work with an ad account manager.

Work with a TikTok influencer to showcase your product

Finally, one trick that may help drive sales on TikTok is working directly with an influencer who already has a large following. The influencer can then incorporate the product into one of their videos.

“Generation Z is typically opposed to anything that looks like a traditional ad,” wrote Syed Balkhi in Entrepreneur. “So, working with TikTok influencers can really help you make a connection with that generation of users. To find the right influencer for your business, you can look for online tools that let you search bios on TikTok, look for mentions of other brands, the most popular languages used in an influencer audience and more.”

This story was originally written by Sean Ludwig.

CO— By U.S. Chamber of Commerce brinsg you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

Celebrate Rockford Day

August 15 (8-1-5, get it?)

Rockford Day is held annually on August 15 and showcases the people, places and things that make Rockford great, with fun and interactive experiences through the city.

Ways to participate

Local businesses, agencies, nonprofits and other organizations from

both the private and public sectors are invited to join in the celebration by offering Rockford Day themed specials, discounts and events across the region. See the list of discounts and specials or submit your own at www.gorockford. com/rockford-day/rockford-dayspecials/.

#ROCKFORDDAY SPECIALS OFFERED BY CHAMBER MEMBERS ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

MRS. FISHERS POTATO CHIPS

8 am to 3 pm

815 Day Hot Bag Sale. One-pound bag of classic salted chips right off the fryer for $4 per bag. NO LIMIT.

BYGONE BRAND

8 am to 4 pm

Eight shirts at 15% off with many other items on sale. Two special limited run t-shirts for only $12, while supplies last.

ROCKFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

9 am to 5 pm, all day online

50% off tickets for the September 9, October 21 and November 18 concerts.

YMCA OF ROCK RIVER VALLEY

Normal business hours and all day online

Join the YMCA on August 15, and pay only $8.15 for the rest of August. Participating YMCAs are SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, Northeast Family YMCA and Puri Family YMCA. May join online or in person.

TAD MORE TAILORING AND ALTERATIONS

10 am to 7 pm

15% off alterations (excluding wedding).

ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS

9 am to 6 pm

Discounted admission fee of $8.15.

CARLSON ICE ARENA

11 am to 12:50 pm

$8.15 Public Skate package includes two admissions with skate rentals.

SAND PARK POOL

1 to 6 pm

$8.15 general admission. Tickets must be purchased at the gate.

#ROCKFORDDAY EVENTS HOSTED BY CHAMBER MEMBERS ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

ARTS AT THE CHAMBER RECEPTION

1 to 4pm, Rockford Chamber of Commerce & RAEDC Office

308 W. State Street, Suite 350, Rockford

Join us for cookies and coffee as we commemorate our first year in the new offices and toast the artists whose work will enliven our office space over the next year. We’ll unveil artwork from prominent local artists Jenny Matthews, Tom McHale and Brad Nordlof. These pieces represent both familiar places within our community and the abstract ideas that help make Rockford a vibrant place to live and work. We’re excited to build a sustainable partnership with these artists and look forward to working with them to encourage other artists to share their work with the chamber in the years ahead.

ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION DONATION DRIVE

9 am to 5 pm

Donation drive to collect plastic forks, spoons and foam plates for their daily meal service. The goal for 815 Day is to collect 8,150 of each item.

MIDLAND STATES BANK FAMILY FUN BOOTH

11 am to 2 pm

near Rockford Park District Building (401 S Main St) or on corner of Davis Park

Stop by Midland States Bank’s family fun booth for fun activities including face painting, temporary tattoos, music and giveaways including a locally owned gift basket drawing. There will also be a financial empowerment booth on site.

RELIEF MENTAL HEALTH OPEN HOUSE

2 to 4 pm

1641 N. Alpine Rd. Suite 207, Rockford

Open house with free mental health screenings and refreshments. Stop by and learn about our services, meet our team and tour our clinic.

ROCKFORD AREA ARTS COUNCIL

9 am to 5 pm

713 E. State St, Rockford

The Rockford Area Arts Council is welcoming the community to visit and view works from local artists. Many of the items on display will be for sale. Pick up a free printed map of public art projects, including the 55 new utility box wrap installations.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY

4 to 9pm

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

During Food Truck Tuesday will feature games and family activities in addition to the usual tasty eats from local food trucks.

815 CELEBRATION AT RACVB

11 am to 1 pm

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Enjoy the build-your-own sundae bar as well as a plant-your-own flower station. The ice cream will be from Dairyhäus, of course, in chocolate and homemade peach flavors, with all kinds of toppings. The flowers will be from Village Green and plastic mini pots and soil will also be provided.

Art for impact

Bolstering neighborhood pride & creating a sense of place

In partnership with the City of Rockford, Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Rockford Art Museum, Amazon, Collins Aerospace, the National Endowment for the Arts, and local artists; the Arts Council recently announced the installment of ART FOR IMPACT—Utility Box Wraps.

The Rockford Area Arts Council was established in 1969 as a four-county umbrella arts organization. The Arts Council provides Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and DeKalb Counties with organizational resources, collective advocacy efforts, and critical arts and cultural resources for our communities, with a special focus on our disadvantaged and underserved populations. The Arts Council exists to support, promote and develop access to the arts for everyone. We achieve this goal by funding artists and arts organizations that oversee programs for underserved communities; supporting arts education and programming; developing collaborative relationships with the City of Rockford, the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Transform Rockford, R1 Regional Planning Council, the Rockford Park District and Rockford Public Library, regional school districts— both public and private; overseeing events that showcase local talent; and advocating

for the arts at the local, state and federal level.

ART FOR IMPACT is a community impact initiative of the Rockford Area Arts Council. The program’s objectives are to bolster neighborhood pride, create a sense of place and community, develop public art that draws the attention of residents and visitors, and reflect the values and priorities of the Rockford Region—diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

ART FOR IMPACT—Utility Box Wraps beautifies our city with utility box wraps designed by local artists in every city ward and some county districts. ART FOR IMPACT—Utility Box Wraps is in partnership with the City of Rockford’s Neighborhood Improvement Initiative which prioritizes the needs of Rockford’s most challenged neighborhoods. Artists include Anthony Lewellen, Asia Peters, Brett Whitacre, Bryan Douglas, Celeste Torres, China Cat 663, Chris Silva, Cristian Pacheco, Derrick Buisch, Dustin Eckhardt, Enrique Juarez Garcia, Garrett Rapp, Jaymes Fedor, Jenny Mathews, John Naretta, Liz Wolf, Molly Z, Patrick Mattison, OhYa Studio, Stuk One, Thomas Agran, Vic Rivera and Yulia Avgustinovich.

You can find utility box wraps throughout the City.

into. And by giving students access to friends who have graduated and gone on to college or the workforce, 815 M.A.A.G. helps reframe how students look at their high-school classes.

“Now we can talk with freshmen and sophomores about what they want out of their education. I can talk with a student and say, ‘This is what you told me you want to do.’ They’ll have more success because they can see their end goal. That only comes when they have exposure to successful people, and when you build a program based on what the student wants to achieve,” Chaney said.

Continuing mentorship

Amy Chatfield knows the importance of having a strong role model.

Chatfield is the vice president of Ad Vice Marketing, a local marketing and advertising firm launched in 2013 by her mother.

Chatfield came to the family business after working in the Rockford radio market with Mid-West Family Broadcasting for two years. While joining the family business wasn’t always on her career path, talking with her mom helped her identify obstacles and opportunities, and the conversation helped her understand how to navigate a business relationship on top of a family relationship.

“The deciding factor for me was the idea of having something that I knew I could build, something I’d be able to make my own. I wanted to help build something,” Chatfield said.

For five years, Chatfield has been a mentor and a mentee at her workplace, collaborating with a mother that has years of experience and also building a team to meet the demands of an everchanging media landscape.

“In the beginning, [Lisa] plugged me into every networking group, and that was so helpful being surrounded by other people in local businesses. I learned quickly that every entrepreneur faces many of the same challenges and obstacles,” Chatfield said. “Any networking that takes the approach on how I can be helpful to others is a great network.”

In helping to build the team at Ad Vice, Chatfield was able to tap into skills that came early in her professional career.

“I feel like I’ve always been mentoring since my first job as a hairstylist. That job led me into teaching cosmetology. I learned that so much of mentoring is building up people’s beliefs about themselves, understanding their capabilities, and showing them how far they can take their skills. Mentoring is about helping people take steps to better themselves,” she said.

As far as taking advantage of the lessons of a mentor, Chatfield said she’s learned to be open to the feedback others give: “If I’m just looking for validation or for someone to tell me I’m right, I’m not going to get as much out of mentorship as if I look at things from different perspectives.”

One thing that becomes important in a relationship with a mentor or mentee is

knowing when to offer suggestions and when to just listen with sympathy.

“In your role as mentor, sometimes you need to ask the mentee, ‘Do you want me to listen and let you vent, or do you want me to share my thoughts on it and give you another perspective?’” Chatfield said.

This balance between listening and advising helps build trust and respect.

“Mentorship is built on trust and respect. You cannot be mentored or be a mentor to someone who you don’t trust and who doesn’t trust you,” she said.

According to Chatfield, another important aspect of mentorship is following up: “Pay attention to follow up. Be someone who follows through the process. Pay attention to the questions that come up along the way. When talking with a mentee, make sure to check in on their goals. Make sure you’re both focused on what you’re trying to accomplish.”

Successful mentorship within a company helps create successful employees with satisfying careers.

“We watch our new staff lean into things they like and are good at. And we watch for areas where they might struggle. You can be proficient or even excellent in a role but not like it. Our goal is to have employees that are happy with what they’re doing every day,” Chatfield said.

To Chatfield, leadership is mentorship: “Leadership based on fear or fiery confrontation is not a healthy form of leadership. It’s rarely a successful

approach. I’ve experience leaders who don’t listen to what their team has to say. If the team is distressed or unhappy, you can’t sustain or push harder to make sure the client or end user is successful. Problems need to be solved collaboratively.”

Chatfield said her mother has taught her so many valuable lessons as the company has grown: “Mom is so phenomenal at getting to the emotional core of a problem. She’s the biggest cheerleader in our team. [She] created an environment where everyone can raise a hand and is encouraged to be creative. What made her successful was putting people before profit.”

And one thing that her profession and mentorship have in common is the idea that assumptions need to be challenged, often by someone on the outside looking in.

“We make assumptions and sometimes those assumptions stop us from asking questions or from communicating effectively. It’s valuable to ask the question ‘What’s the assumption or the fear that’s holding us back? How do we tackle that?’ Marketing is challenging people’s assumptions, finding new solutions to an existing problem,” Chatfield said.

Finding your mentor

It can be difficult for small business owners to find others who understand the challenges entrepreneurs face on a regular basis. That’s where having a business coach can be very useful.

Mark Tichgelaar, owner of the local franchise of The Alternative Board (TAB), works with small businesses owners as a coach and facilitator.

As vice president and general manager of strategic planning with SPX Fluid Power for 20 years Tichgelaar gained valuable experience he now shares with small business owners.

“I’m passionate about helping others. In my former position, I had as many as 120 people who reported to me. In that role, I took the approach to be a coach and mentor.” Tichgelaar said. “My success came from understanding the mission and the vision of the company clearly and setting our objectives to align with that. The employees know their job better than everyone, so my role was to help them set specific objectives and measurable goals, to provide the framework for success, and to coach them on the best way to achieve their goals.”

As SPX considered reorganization, Tichgelaar evaluated how he wanted his career to look going forward.

“I loved the idea of owning my own business,” he said. “And when I was looking to match something with my background in planning with a focus on small businesses, I discovered The Alternative Board. It seemed like a great fit for the Rockford market.”

The Alternative Board is an organization that gives small business owners the chance to collaborate

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of people who also wanted to release some part of their history – a nagging insecurity, a devastating experience, a terrible mistake – in such a cathartic way.

“You’ve got to let go of the past to make room for new things in the future,” he said.

It didn’t take long for Scheele to see that he needed to build a bigger boat. What he didn’t expect was the response. Or the delay.

“I had two different warehouses ask me to leave amidst the project so they could be redeveloped into lofts. Two pieces of my ship collapsed and had to be rebuilt. And, in the end, it took two and a half years to complete the 30-foot long by 16-foot-tall ship,” he said.

The new boat had to be that big to accommodate the more than 21,000 cards, many submitted anonymously, filled with stories of regret, loss and hardship.

In 2019, the new Viking ship bearing the cardboard letters that read “The People We Used to Be” lit up the Missouri night sky.

“With the second ship, we had a film crew, the local newspaper was there, and the local fire department was on the scene. My part was done. All that was left was to give a little speech and start the fire,” Scheele said.

What happened next for Scheele was unexpected.

“I didn’t expect to break down in tears. I felt pride, accomplishment, relief, joy,

on common issues, creating a peersupported panel of business leaders.

“Most business owners work at their own business, wear multiple hats and put out a lot of fires. While some owners find success with sheer perseverance, our organization can help owners work on their business, not just in their business,” Tichgelaar said. “Members can work with one another to bounce ideas off of, clarify new ideas or get advice when things go wrong.”

Tichgelaar helps to match owners by working one-on-one with them on a

sadness. I stood facing the ship and my friends came up and gave me a hug. The feeling was indescribable. I was so grateful to share it with the people I did,” he said.

This idea of setting fire to the pieces of your past that no longer serve you well applies to the business world as well. Creating a space where leaders and staff can be creative and innovative requires the ability to let go of old methodologies, rigid rituals, and outdated rules when they no longer serve the company’s goals or meet customer needs.

“What I talk about when I speak to crowds is the importance of chasing crazy ideas,” Scheele said. “Creativity in 2023 is non-negotiable. It’s a must have.”

According to advertising executive Bill Bernbach, creativity is the last unfair advantage you have over your competitors. It’s the one thing no one else has where you can do something they can’t do.

“If you build a culture of innovation, it doesn’t simply build innovation, it also creates a place that people don’t want to leave. When you squash innovation, your innovators will leave, and they’ll either go to competitors or become competitors, aiming to put you out of business. Creative ideas are the differentiators in business,” said Scheele.

Join us at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, September 14, to hear Kyle Scheele talk more about the creativity and how to tap into your employees’ innovative sides. Register now on our website at rockfordchamber.com

business diagnostic: “We want to figure out where the business is at currently and better understand the vision of the owner, both for the company and for them personally. This is where we focus on the owner, not just their business.”

To find the right mentor, Tichgelaar recommends looking for someone who is humble, caring, trustworthy, a good listener and a servant leader.

“Mentors know that it’s not about them. Good mentors are people who care about others and are open to helping others,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the line

of work you’re in – often the mentee knows what to do, but just isn’t certain. Mentors who ask clarifying questions can often uncover the direction the mentee wants to go. Answering thoughtful questions can provide a clarity of purpose and the confidence to make a leap of faith.”

To be a good mentor, Tichgelaar suggests: “[L]isten and fully understand what you’re being told. Be patient before giving advice. Effective advice needs to come from the right person and at the right time, so be sure to take your time doing that.”

Investment ideas for business owners

ERNA COLBORN ABFP™, AAMS™, CRPS™, Edward Jones

By definition, business owners put a lot of their financial resources into their enterprises. But as an owner, you may need to invest in more than inventories and payroll to help achieve the future you’ve envisioned.

Here are a few investments you may want to consider:

• Retirement account – Depending on the nature of your business and how many employees you have, you can choose from a variety of taxadvantaged retirement plans, such as an owner-only 401(k), an SEP-IRA and a SIMPLE IRA. By contributing regularly to one of these accounts, you can avoid being entirely dependent on the sale of your business to pay for your retirement years. To fund your 401(k) or other retirement plan, you’ll have many investment options — stocks, bonds, mutual funds and so on. And if you “max out” on your retirement plan, you may even be able to build a separate investment portfolio. In any case, keep in mind that you’re already putting a lot of money into your business, so, to achieve a level of diversification, you may want to concentrate your investment choices in areas outside your industry. However, while diversification can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in a declining market.

• Property – Your physical space is a key part of your business’ success. So you may want to invest some time in comparing the pros and cons of renting versus owning. Of course, owning your building may require a big financial commitment, and it may not be feasible, but it could free you from worrying about untimely rent increases.

• Disaster protection – If a fire or a weather-related disaster should strike your business, would you be

prepared? It’s important for you to create a disaster recovery plan, which can include business interruption insurance to pay for your operating costs if you’re forced to shut down for a while.

• Emergency savings – While a disaster protection plan with appropriate insurance can help keep your business afloat, it’s unlikely to cover other types of emergency needs, such as a major medical bill or an expensive repair to your home. For these unexpected costs, you may want to build an emergency fund covering at least a few months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account. Without such an emergency fund, you may be forced to dip into your 401(k), IRA or other long-term investment vehicle.

You’ll also want to invest the time and energy into creating a business succession plan. Will you keep the business in your family? Sell it to outsiders or a key employee? If you do sell, will you do it all at once or over time? Clearly, the answers to these types of questions will make a big difference in your ultimate financial security.

Finally, invest in help – enlist the services of a financial advisor and business-planning professional, so you’ll be able to make the decisions that work best for your business and you.

Your business may well be a lifelong endeavor — so make sure you’re investing whatever it takes to earn a lifetime of benefits.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Erna Colborn, ABFP™, AAMS™, CRPS™ Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

The views express are those of Edward Jones and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

TO SHARE?

Making a difference through volunteerism

Employees at CoyleKiley demonstrate core values

By Paul Anthony Arco, contributor

This

“Our goal as a company is to create a positive impact on those around us,” said Katie Bryant, a personal and commercial insurance advisor. “By making a commitment to better the community, it reflects positively on our core values and mission.”

Since opening its doors in 1955, CoyleKiley Insurance Agency has been a fixture in both the business and local community. The agency started small with a handful of employees but has now grown to 30 team members with the sole purpose of providing value and service to their clients and the community.

“Despite changes in an ever-evolving industry, CoyleKiley has remained steadfast to local ownership and a local presence. With that presence comes a responsibility to benefit the community we live and work in. This belief was established by the agency’s founding partners and has been further strengthened by our current partners,” Bryant said.

A full-service agency, Coyle Kiley provides guidance and expertise on business, employee benefits, personal and life insurance. A service model centered on responsiveness, professionalism and attention to detail makes CoyleKiley a reliable partner to many companies and individuals in the Rockford region and around the country.

“Our employees established a Community Involvement Committee, which has allowed team members to help serve meals to the less fortunate, coordinate food and clothing drives, and

even host blood drives at our office, right in the heart of town,” Bryant said. “Our team members also volunteer with and serve on the boards of several nonprofits... We believe in doing our part.”

Goldie Floberg approached CoyleKiley about adopting a nearby home that was desperately in need of tender loving care. Volunteers wasted no time getting busy – washing and scraping windows, doors, trim; pulling weeds and adding mulch to garden beds.

Another nonprofit that benefits from CoyleKiley’s generosity is Goodwill.

“They are an annual major sponsor for our Springs Fling golf outing and host a yearly employee donation drive. They are true partners that Goodwill can count on, and we value our partnership in the community,” said Mary Ann Matus, corporate donations manager for Goodwill.

CoyleKiley Vice President John Rose and many of his team members grew up in Rockford and have known each other for years. Some even attended Boylan High School together. So it is no surprise they believe in giving back to the local community, including their alma mater.

“It is very important to support the people and the organizations who support us,” said Rose, who joined the business in 2008. “And the credit goes to our exceptional team members. Not a day goes by that I don’t talk about how dedicated and passionate our team is.”

Up next for CoyleKiley is continuing their partnership with Carpenter’s Place on its annual Birthday Angels Program.

“They have provided gifts for several months to local children in the family services program at Carpenter’s Place,” said board member Jenna Schachte. “Their willingness to serve and improve lives in our community is invaluable.”

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

Located in the upstairs kitchen at CoyleKiley Insurance Agency’s Rockford office, is a bulletin board for employees to sign up for volunteer opportunities available in the community, such as serving lunch for guests at the Rockford Rescue Mission or bringing in a birthday gift for a child in the Birthday Angels program.

is a company that takes its community involvement seriously.

MIKE ROCHE director of business development, The Alliance

GUEST COLUMNIST

Finding the right benefit program partner

Your key to healthy, productive employees

A robust, high-quality health benefit program can give employers an edge in today’s competitive hiring market. Beyond attracting and retaining top talent, an employer’s benefit program is the foundation of what helps employees, and their families stay healthy and productive.

But a well-designed health plan is just the beginning – you cannot create and maintain a holistic benefit program alone. You need the right partners to support your employees in all areas of their health and wellness.

Who are benefit partners?

Benefit partners are vendors that provide a service which allows you to facilitate your benefit program. A few examples of benefit partners include brokers, third party administrators (TPAs), pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), networks, independent primary care, and care navigation providers.

What to look for in a benefit partner

Choosing the right partner is essential to the success of your benefit program, so it’s important to be proactive in your search. Because self-funded employers have a fiduciary responsibility to their employees, it’s crucial to seek a benefit partner that offers high-value services at affordable costs.

An effective benefit partner will offer a range of customized options tailored to your needs. Understand your guiding principles, values and goals, so you can tell when you find partners who align with them. Make sure your potential partner takes a holistic approach, thinking not only about what is happening today and how to handle it but also proactively thinking about what issues could arise in the future and how they will be managed.

The right benefit partner will be accessible and communicate with you clearly and consistently. They will be transparent about their compensation and will give you access to your claims data. That way you can make the best decisions for your employees and their families. A supportive partner will also help you develop a plan to communicate effectively with your employees about their benefits. A benefit program is only successful if your employees know and understand the full benefits.

What to watch out for in a benefit partner

On the flip side, working with an unresponsive or unethical partner can be detrimental to your benefit program.

The Paid Leave for All Workers Act

Is your business ready for it?

Your benefit partner should always be working in your best interest and finding innovative ways to improve your benefit program. If your partner is offering one size fits all solutions, it’s time to start looking for other options. You want to look for someone who is willing to challenge the status quo to move healthcare forward for employers and their employees.

Be wary if your benefit partner is not communicating regularly and transparently. If you ask for your claims data and don’t receive it, that is an issue. It’s also not a good sign if you ask about their compensation structure and they are not transparent with you or refuse to answer. A great benefit partner will always work in your best interest, offering consistent support and transparent communication.

Employers should also watch out for rising plan costs. Benefit partners should provide independent market data to support benefit plan recommendations and be knowledgeable about industry trends and compliance requirements. If a partner is requiring a significant amount of your time or limiting your ability to be flexible and work with best-in-class vendors, they are not the right fit for you. A benefit partner is there to support you and your employees, not the other way around.

Top considerations for choosing a benefit partner

1. Experience

2. Qualifications

3. Advocacy/wellness

4. Support – who will service your account and to what extent

5. Communication

6. Compliance expertise

7. Day-to-day administration

8. Compensation

9. Length of contract – how to get out of contract if needed

10. Renewal process

The Alliance can improve your benefit program

Mike Roche works with The Alliance employer-members on health benefit strategies, sharing data-based information to help members manage their healthcare spend. Contact The Alliance to learn more about taking your benefit program to the next level for your business and your employees.

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

SAMUEL J. CASTREE, Jr. senior VP and general counsel, Staff Management, Inc.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act will provide almost all employees who work in the State of Illinois up to 40 hours of annual paid leave to be used whenever and however they want.

Covered employers and employees. Employees of almost all private and public employers are covered by the Act, whether they are full-time, part-time, temporary or other designation. Excluded employers are:

• School districts organized under the Illinois School Code.

• Park districts organized under the Illinois Park District Code.

• Employers covered by a municipal or county ordinance in effect on the effective date of the Act requiring employers to provide paid leave to their employees, including paid sick leave or paid leave.

Excluded employees include:

• Employees covered by a bona fide collective bargaining agreement in the construction industry and national and international parcel, document and freight delivery and pickup services industry.

• Employees covered under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.

• Student workers attending a college or university who work for the college or university on a temporary and less than full-time basis.

• Short-term employees employed by an institution of higher education for less than two consecutive calendar quarters during a calendar year and who do not have a reasonable expectation they will be rehired by the same employer for the same service in a subsequent calendar year.

Leave benefit. Employees earn and can use one hour of paid leave per 40 hours worked. The Act caps earning and using leave at 40 hours (although employers can be more generous), in a 12-month period designated by the employer. Leave can be accrued or front-loaded.

Accruing leave. Employee’s start accruing leave on the first day of employment. Employers using the accrual method must allow employees to carry over unused paid leave; however, an employer need not allow an employe to use more than 40 hours of paid leave in the designated 12-month period.

Front-loading leave. Employers can front-load entire leave benefit on the employee’s first day of employment, and subsequent first day of the designated 12-month period. Employers who front-

load leave are not required to carryover an employee’s unused paid leave.

Use of leave. Employees have an unfettered right to use leave “for any reason of the employee’s choosing.” An employee has the right to choose whether to use paid leave under the Act before using any other paid or unpaid leave provided by the employer or State law. Employees also have the right to decide how much paid leave they need to use. An employer may establish a minimum paid leave increment not to exceed two hours per day. Although leave begins to accrue on the first day of employment, employers may choose to restrict employees from using paid leave until 90 days after the start of their employment.

Employee notice. Employees may request paid leave either verbally or in writing in accordance with the “employer’s reasonable paid leave policy notification requirements.” Such requirements may include seven days’ notice if the need for leave is foreseeable, or notice as soon as practicable if the need for is unforeseeable. An employer may not, however, require employees to provide a reason for the leave, nor require employees to provide documentation or certification in support of the leave.

Rate of pay. Leave under the Act is paid at an employee’s “hourly rate of pay.”

Payment on termination. Payment for unused leave upon termination of employment is not required, unless an employer provides paid leave as part of its vacation or paid time off policy as described below.

Interaction with other paid leave. Paid leave under the Act can be separate from other paid leave an employer may offer, such as vacation or paid time off. An employer may decide, however, to fulfill its obligations and offer paid leave as part of its vacation or paid time off policy (as long as those policies meet all other conditions for leave under the Act). In such cases, unused leave must be paid out upon termination like other vacation as required by the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Implications. The Act does not necessarily require employers to provide a new category of leave or more paid leave than they may already be providing. Many employers already have paid vacation, personal or sick leave policies similar to what will be required by the Act. Careful editing of existing policies to bring current plans into compliance may be all that is necessary. In other circumstances, more significant revisions or a new policy may be advisable.

in the newsMEMBERS IN THE NEWS

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners appointed Owen Carter (1) to fill a commissioner vacancy.

Tom Eickman of Eickman’s Processing was named president of the American Association of Meat Processors for the coming year, becoming the first third-generation president of the national association.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS, DEATHS

Fred Young (2), chairman and former president of Forest City Gear, passed away July 17, 2023. He served as the secondgeneration of Young leadership, along with his wife, Wendy, for more than 50 years.

Stillman Bank welcomed Donald J. Banks (3) as senior vice president and commercial loan officer.

Mercyhealth welcomed Michael Hart, DO (4), board certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, to the staff at Mercyhealth Heart and Vascular Center–Riverside.

Northwest Community Center appointed Nichol Fricks (5) as executive director.

Fehr Graham hired Todd Bartels (6) as an associate engineering technician and promoted Tina Dettman (7) to project administrator.

The Board of Trustees of Natural Land Institute hired Alan Branhagen (8) as executive director.

Stillman Bank promoted Lindsey Stopa (9), to retail office manager.

Lisa Davis, MD, MBA, CPE (10), accepted the position of vice president and chief medical officer for OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

The Morrissey Family Businesses named Mary Beth Clausen (11) vice president for John Morrissey Accountants, Inc.; Staff Management, Inc.; and Market Dimensions, Inc.

Angie Brinker (12) joined Rockford Mutual Insurance Company as a claims representative.

OSF HealthCare announced a new advanced practice registered nurse, Elizabeth Clay, APRN Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI) announced the following:

• Peter Wallers, P.E., CFM (13), chairman and former president/ CEO, retired from the board of directors and leadership team in May.

• Julie Morrison, PE (14); Michele Piotrowski, PE, LEED AP (15); and Stephen Dennison, PE (16), were promoted as vice presidents.

• Nikki Cherwin (17) was hired a human resources assistant

• Alice Maupin (18) was hired as a senior CAD technician.

• Former summer interns Christian Correa (19), John Schaefer (20), and Emma Ball (21) were hired to full-time positions.

• New civil engineering graduates Sarah Cowley (22) and James Houghton (23) were hired to fulltime positions.

Rockford Community Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank, hired Kim Kaufman (24) as vice president treasury management.

Midland States Bank hired Ryan Lange (25) as its chief investment officer for Midland Wealth Advisors.

Crimson Valley Landscaping welcomed Lindsey Oswald (26) to the commercial business development team.

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

1. Owen Carter

15. Michele Piotrowski, PE, LEED AP

8. Alan Branhagen

22. Sarah Cowley

29. Joe Konetski

2. Fred Young

16. Stephen Dennison, PE

9. Lindsey Stopa

23. James Houghton

30. Wayne Potts

3. Donald J. Banks

17. Nikki Cherwin

10. Lisa Davis, MD, MBA, CPE,

24. Kim Kaufman

31. Stacy McGuire 32. Neelu Puri, PhDu

4. Michael Hart, DO

18. Alice Maupin

11. Mary Beth Clausen

25. Ryan Lange

5. Nichol Fricks

19. Christian Correa

12. Angie Brinker

26. Lindsey Oswald

6. Todd Bartels

20. John Schaefer

7. Tina Dettman

21. Emma Ball

13. Peter Wallers, P.E., CFM

27. Cathy Burhenn

14. Julie Morrison, PE

28. Joseph Tassone

on digital MEMBER PICS

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Cathy Burhenn (27), personal underwriter, celebrated 31 years with Rockford Mutual Insurance Company in July.

Joseph Tassone (28), Rockford Mutual Insurnace Company, earned his Associate in Insurance (AINS) Designation from The Institutes.

Forest City Gear, an industryleading manufacturer of fine and medium pitch custom gears, recognized Joe Konetski (29) and Wayne Potts (30) for 10 years of service.

Stacy McGuire (31), V2 Marketing & Management, completed the five-course series and received certification in nonprofit management through The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Northern Illinois University.

Tom and Katie Eickman, Eickman’s Processing, attended the American Association of Meat Processors’ annual convention in Charleston, South Carolina, where they won three awards, including first place for their smoked ham.

Research led by Neelu Puri, PhD (32), at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford points to certain factors that decrease the long-term effectiveness of lung cancer drugs, which provides a target for overcoming drug resistance and prolonging the life of lung cancer patients. The research paper “PRMT-1 and p120-Catenin as EMT Mediators in Osimertinib Resistance in NSCLC” was published in a special issue of the journal Cancers celebrating the achievements of women in the oncology research area.

The Rockford Public Library, 6685 E State Street, celebrates the grand opening of their Teen Space with a Ribbon Cutting, June 28, 2023.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group celebrates its new Rockford office, 109 N Show Place Drive, with a Ribbon Cutting.

Integrative Healing Center hosts a Ribbon Cutting at 4775 Manhattan Drive Rockford, July 20, 2023.

Midland States Bank celebrated the renovation of the Highcrest Branch located at 1700 N Alpine Road in Rockford with a ribbon cutting and open house on July 13, 2023.

Comprehensive Community Solutions celebrates the renovation of their offices at 917 S Main Street in Rockford, with a Ribbon Cutting July 19, 2023.

business BUSINESS BRIEFS

Rockford Symphony Orchestra musicians voted to be represented by the Chicago Federation of Musicians, which is a Local of the American Federation of Musicians, the world’s largest musician union.

The Rockford IceHogs Community Fund awarded a $10,000 grant to the Rockford Hockey Club as part of $127,000 in grants being awarded for this grant cycle. The grant will help Rockford Hockey Club reduce season fees for players at the 8u level from $1,500 to $500. The long-term impact of the funds will reduce player fees and increase participation at all levels to bolster the club’s impact on youth hockey participation in the Rockford region.

Rockford Housing Authority was awarded a $15,000 BMO Strategic Grant for the LIPH Homeownership Initiative. The financial empowerment course presents an incredible opportunity for LIPH residents to embark on their homeownership journey. By providing knowledge and guidance, and addressing common barriers, RHA aims to empower participants to achieve their goals.

Goldie Floberg hired V2 Marketing & Management to plan and place a digital hiring campaign in Winnebago and Boone Counties. The plan includes digital advertising targeted to individuals interested in areas such as DSPs, medical assistant, program supervisor and administrative support. The campaign will help increase awareness for Goldie Floberg and drive traffic to the career page on their company website.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, in partnership with University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, announced 24/7 neurosurgery support at OSF Saint Anthony as of July 1. The addition of neurosurgeons Dr. Mark Chwajol and Dr. Brandyn Castro of UI Health will allow OSF Saint Anthony to have around-the-clock neurosurgery services available for patients in need.

Rockford Park District announced the following improvement and renovation projects:

• Thanks to funding secured by State Representative Maurice West, improvements to Harmon Park (1924 E. Gate Parkway, Rockford) are underway, including a new recreation path with fitness stations and pathway lighting.

• As part of the Park District’s comprehensive playground improvement plan, Wantz Park (602 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park) -- home to the most heavily utilized free summer playground program -- is next on the list to be

renovated. The project is funded through a $315,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development and $405,000 in park district capital funds. Renovations include playground, spray pad, picnic shelter, perimeter fencing, ball field, four-square court, and bathroom and storage facilities. Construction begins fall 2023 and is expected to be completed by summer 2024.

Comcast announced in July that its Xfinity 10G Network has surpassed 1,500 miles in length in Rockford. The network delivers speeds up to 1.2 Gbps to virtually all households in the city, regardless of the zip code, and can deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps to homes on request and up to 100 Gbps to local businesses. The network also includes nearly 17,000 WiFi hotspots in Rockford – 22 million nationwide – so customers also can connect on the go.

First National Bank and Trust Company is once again sponsoring the annual ‘Back to School’ supply drive to help Stateline area kids as they prepare for their first day of school. The drive runs July 24 – August 19. Donations may be dropped off at any FNBT location between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. All types of school supplies are appreciated, particularly backpacks, crayons, markers, glue, rulers, pencils, folders, notebooks, erasers and scissors.

Digital Hive Mind was selected by Moser Energy Systems for marketing and advertising services. Headquartered in Casper, Wyoming, Moser is a premier supplier of lowemission, grid-interactive distributed energy solutions. Starting as a supplier primarily to the oil and gas industry in 1973, Moser has grown into an industry-leading innovator, focusing on hybrid technologies and portable EV-charging solutions.

Kids Around the World is hosting a 1 Million Meal Packing Event at the UW Health Sports Factory on September 23 and 24. Volunteers shifts throughout the weekend are available. This is a great opportunity for businesses to gather their team and make a difference for underprivileged kids. Contact Brian Wahl for more information at brianw@katw.org.

V2 Marketing & Management organized, promoted and facilitated a multi-track in-person conference for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) in Mesa, Arizona. The four-day event included four levels of Humor Academy instruction, eight conference keynotes and nine breakout speaker sessions, panel discussions, a

research showcase, an awards banquet, and provided continuing education credits.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, announced the Rockford Public Art Trail, a new program that aims to bring awareness and visitation to the vibrant art scene in the Rockford region. The Rockford region is home to more than 100 public murals and substantial works of permanent and temporary sculptures that residents and visitors can enjoy online and in person along the Rockford Public Art Trail. Residents and visitors can access the online home of the trail at www.RockfordPublicArt.com where they can register for a mobilefriendly “passport”. The passport is an online directory which allows a user to use geo-location services on their mobile device to find public art near them. Then a user simply goes to the mural or sculpture location and checks-in using their mobile device. Users can also access artist information along with history and details of the piece of art.

Each year the Public Media Journalists Association recognizes the best of local public radio news in a wide array of categories. This year, 89.5 WNIJ took home three awards, including first place for commentary. WNIJ is part of Northern Public Radio

The Rockford IceHogs announced their 72-game, 2023-24 regular season schedule. The campaign marks IceHogs’ 25th season in the Stateline and the 17th as the American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The IceHogs begin the season on Friday, October 13 against the San Jose Barracuda at Tech CU Arena in San Jose, California. IceHogs hockey returns to the BMO Center on Saturday, October 21 when the in-state rival Chicago Wolves visit for Rockford’s home opener.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, gave a grant to United Way of Rock River Valley to support the organization’s literacy initiative to bring key organizations to the table to solve declining literacy rates in Winnebago County. Currently, Winnebago County’s child literacy rate sits at just 32%. Collins’ donation will help United Way develop and grow the literacy initiative’s reach. The United Way literacy initiative, with help from 28 other local organizations, has purchased more than 32,000 books to be distributed for free to children in the community.

Chartwell Agency, an awardwinning marketing firm based in northern Illinois, received four Viddy Awards from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals in the gold and honorable mention categories.

During the 2023 fiscal year, Rosecrance’s devoted team of caring experts helped nearly 55,000 people – 33,000 struggling with mental health issues and another 22,000 clients with concerns about their substance use.

State Representative Dave Vella was Chief House Sponsor for Senate Bill 1741, introduced by State Senator Steve Stadelman on February 9, 2023. It was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 9, 2023. SB1741 requires all landlords to send an itemized receipt of property damages within 30 days of the tenant vacating the property in order to keep a security deposit.

Mercyhealth is now offering a GI fellowship Program and a Sports Medicine Fellowship Program in the Rockford region. Each program will feature two new physicians who have graduated medical school and are seeking to further their training in their specialized fields.

R1 Planning Council continues to host SWOT workshops designed to gather input from residents on their perceptions about the Northern Illinois region. Feedback from these sessions will be used to update federally required documents that steer progress in the area’s transportation, economic development and climate needs. Your participation will provide a greater understanding of what is and isn’t working in your community’s planning implementation. You are invited to join any or all of the remaining sessions:

Wednesday, August 2

Innovation & Investment – Sharing industry strengths, remaining competitive and funding for job creation and quality of life improvement.

Wednesday, August 16

Energy – Needs and innovations for energy efficiency, equity, and clean/ renewable sources.

Monday, August 28

Natural Resources & Climate –Current state of natural resources and climate impacts on water, forests and air quality.

Wednesday, August 30

Health & Equity – Public health practices designed to identify and understand community needs and improve health concerns.

Location: Rockford Mass Transit District East Side Transfer Center, 725 N. Lyford Road, Rockford Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

All workshops are open to the public. Individuals may attend any or all of the workshops.

To register, please visit: r1planning. org/publiccomment

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

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

AUGUST

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

Manufacturing Your Success: Planning for Transition, 3-5 p.m., U.S. Bank, 1107 East State Street Rockford. An expert panel of industry leaders will share insights on the key steps involved in planning for a seamless transition, covering topics such as legal structures, tax implications, valuation, succession strategies and more.

FRIDAY AUGUST 4

Music on the Mall featuring Joel Baer Big Band, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Edgebrook, 1639 N Alpine Rd, Rockford.

Construct & Create, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main Street, Rockford. We’ve got the materials; you bring the imagination. Choose from cardboard, recycled materials, Lego® blocks, Imagination Playground blocks, Thinker Linkers, K’Nex, and more to create and construct.

Festa Italiana, 5-11 p.m., Boylan Central Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford.

The Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) will host the 44th annual Festa Italiana Fundraiser. GRIAA is a nonprofit organization, staffed solely by volunteers, that promotes Italian culture through social events, works of charity and educational activities. Festa Italiana is one of the largest festivals in the Rockford area.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

Festa Italiana, noon-11 p.m., Boylan Central Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

Festa Italiana, noon-8 p.m., Boylan Central Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

Rockford Cosmopolitan Charity Golf Classic, The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club and Forest Hills Country Club, 11 a.m. Register online at rfdcosmo.org.

Music on the Mall featuring That Gurl, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Edgebrook, 1639 N Alpine Rd, Rockford.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

The Artifacts of KFACT, 5:30 p.m., Burpee Museum, 737 N Main Street, Rockford. This one-of-a-kind historic fundraiser features the popular indoor/outdoor fashion party, appetizers, entertainment, dancing and special historical presentations. The mentoring program is for 6th-12th grade girls that live in the Rockford area.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

Music on the Mall featuring The Grand Groove Hotel with Gina Meeks, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Edgebrook, 1639 N Alpine Rd, Rockford.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

RAMP River Run, 6:30 a.m., Rockford City Market Pavilion, 124 N. Water Street, Rockford. Participate in a half marathon run, a 5K run, or a 3K walk or run. Volunteers are needed. Go to 815riverrun.com for more information.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

Woodsong Summer Concert Series - South of Disorder, 6-8 p.m., Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts are held in the beautiful Fountain Garden. There are no reserved seats and attendees should bring their own blankets, chairs or other seating. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in a responsible manner.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

Music on the Mall featuring Swingbilly RFD, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Edgebrook, 1639 N Alpine Rd, Rockford.

SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Sporting Clays for Scouting - BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Blackhawk Area Council, 1 p.m., Camp Lowden, 4418 S. Scout Road, Oregon. Visit the cowboy action shooting range followed by drinks and a steak dinner.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Sporting Clays for Scouting - BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Blackhawk Area Council, 8 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., Camp Lowden, 4418 S. Scout Road, Oregon. Porkchop lunch at noon.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

75th Greenwich Village Art Fair, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Rockford Art Musem at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main Street, Rockford.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

75th Greenwich Village Art Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Rockford Art Musem at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main Street, Rockford.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Hola in One Golf Outing, 11 a.m., Sycamore Golf Club, 940 E. State St., Sycamore. Hola in One is a fundraiser for Northern Public Radio’s Hola digital community, which provides news, information and resources for Spanish speakers in DeKalb County, wnij.org/hola.

Streets & Sweets, 5 p.m., Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newberg Road, Rockford. Annual fundraising dinner benefiting the inner-city kids of Rock House Kids. Register at https://app.donorview.com/8nm5A.

OCTOBER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

Cider ‘N Cinnamon Arts & Craft Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford. Kick off your holiday shopping season with the most popular handmade arts and crafts events in the area. And, best of all, it’s free. Enjoy specials from your favorite Edgebrook shops and Cider N’ Cinnamon vendors at this indoor/outdoor shopping experience.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

Cider ‘N Cinnamon Arts & Craft Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Edgebrook, 1639 N Alpine Rd, Rockford.

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

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

11th Street Express Printing, Inc.

All Auto Parts, Inc.

Associated Bank

Axberg, a Division of Black

Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc.

Blackhawk Bank

Boys & Girls Club of Rockford

Buckbee Weed Co.

Buckbee Weed Co./ Mrs. Buckbee’s Wake-N-Bakery

Cicero, France & Alexander, P.C.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

Corporate Services, Inc

Crimson Valley Landscaping

DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services

Discovery Center Museum of Rockford

Ebiss USA

Fairfield by Marriott/Rockford

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center

FIELD

First Northern Credit Union

Greater Rockford Italian American Association/Festa Italiana

Heinzeroth Marketing Group

Ingersoll Machine Tools

IP Communications, Inc.

J & M Plating, Inc.

JC Precision Milling, LLC

Kelce & Company

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Larson & Darby Group

LawnCare by Walter, Inc.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

CARZ R’ US

A family-owned & operated business serving the Machesney Park commuinty since 2009.

Lifescape Community Services/ Community Kitchen, Inc.

Lucas Group Financial Advisors + CPAs

M3 Insurance

Marco

Montel Technologies LLC

NAACP

Northwest Bank of Rockford

Olson Aluminum Casting Ltd.

Pearson Plumbing & Heating Co.

Per Mar Security

Prairie Street Brewing Co.

R. J. Bowers Distributors, Inc.

Reno & Zahm LLP

Ring Container Technologies

RJ Link International, Inc.

Rock Cut Investment Group of RBC Wealth Management

Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association

Rock Road Companies, Inc.

Rockford Local Development Corporation

Rocknel Fastener, Inc.

Sam’s Club, A Division of Wal-Mart Stores

St. Croix Hospice

Stateline Real Estate LLC/ Stateline Rental Properties

Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

The Terrace Senior Apartments

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, LLC

Two Men and a Truck

Widmer Interiors

35 YEAR MEMBERS

Morgan Building Maintenance Inc.

20 YEAR MEMBERS

Gordon Flesch Company, Inc.

15 YEAR MEMBERS

Anderson Environmental Co.

Tovar Snow Professionals

10 YEAR MEMBERS

Premier Technologies

5 YEAR MEMBERS

Stateline Youth for Christ

StraightLine Moving Inc.

Tricoci Univeristy of Beauty Culure, LLC

Winnebago Motor Homes

10208 Smythe Ave

Machesney Park IL 61115

Matt Aukes (815) 877-4277

www.carzrus.net

FELDCO

Specializing in replacement windows, vinyl siding, exterior doors and garage doors. 4322 Maray Dr, 61107

Liz McCarthy (779) 345-2803

www.4feldco.com/locations/rockford

FOREST CITY

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability consulting for businesses and organizations.

3152 Andover Dr, 61114

Paul Schweitzer (540) 521-3150

www.forestcity.eco

GREENBEE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A full-service energy firm that specializes in LED upgrades and solutions to facilities and commercial property owners.

650 Warrenville Rd Ste 100 Lisle IL 60532

Amy LeBeau (630) 637-0286

www.greenbeeproject.com

MEME’S UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

Offering designer consignment of high-end resale clothing and accessories at affordable prices.

11447 Second St Ste 4 Roscoe IL 61073

Karalyn Peterson (815) 623-7313 memesupscaleconsignmentboutique. com

ROCKFORD FIBERCITY®

Building one of the world’s fastest most reliable fiber optic networks throughout Rockford. 103 Foulk Rd Ste 500 Wilmington DE 19803

Shauny Pierce (888) 766-9475

www.rockfordfibercity.com

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

ILLINOIS-REGION A Offering training and competition to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, young athletes, unified partners, coaches, volunteers & more.

850 N Church St, 61103

Katie Risley (309) 533-3725 www.soill.org

CHaMBER CHAMBER EVENTS ADVERTISERS INDEX

AUGUST 2023

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

Business Over Lunch - Leadership Coaching, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions. Keynote speaker: Stacey Curry, IMEC.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T. Keynote speaker: Brad Cole, Illinois Municipal League.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

The Update, 9 am, NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford. Premiere Small Business Sponsor: Thayer Energy Solutions.

SEPTEMBER 2023

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T. Keynote speaker: Congressman Darin LaHood.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Annual Dinner, 5 pm, Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd. Presented by OSF Healthcare. Keynote speaker: Kyle Scheele.

OCTOBER 2023

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

Business Over Lunch - Finance

Outside the Accounting Office, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions. Keynote speaker: John Schuster, JFS Services.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

The Update, 9 am, NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford. Premiere Small Business Sponsor: Thayer Energy Solutions.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26

Speed Networking, 8:30 am, GRGP Office, 308 W State St, Suite 350, Rockford.

NOVEMBER 2023

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Business Over Lunch - Using EX to Level Up: Focusing on Employee Experience and Development to Elevate your Business, 11:30 am, Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions. Keynote speaker: Vanessa Hughes.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Pow(H)er, 8:15 am, Prairie Street Brewing, 200 Prairie St, Rockford.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Government Affairs Council, 7:45 am, Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T.

CHAMBER

Inc.

Alexis Wright Conniff Woodward, Inc.

Doug Curry Stenstrom Construction Group

Kelly Epperson Rosecrance Health Network

Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Troy Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Sherry Harlan, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

Jake Loescher Savant Wealth Management

Jamar Luster Ripe Life Juice

Kris Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Dawna Menke OSF HealthCare

Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction Co

Brent Scott Rockford Community Bank

Teri Sharp

American Precision Supply, Inc.

Ryan Snider Rockford Ice Hogs

Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA

University of Illinois

College of Medicine Rockford

Christina Valdez

CMM & Associates

Dustin Vock Meiborg, Inc.

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Caitlin Pusateri, President, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Therese Thill Rockford Area Economic Development Council

John Groh Rockford Area

Convention & Visitors Bureau