September Voice 2012

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PARTICIPATE IN OUR CITY, OUR STORY

September 2012 | Volume 25 | No. 9

Annual Business Luncheon Address

Mayor promotes Rockford as a world-class community

By Paul Anthony Arco Mayor Larry Morrissey encouraged more than 350 community leaders to step up and make Rockford a worldclass community, during his remarks at the annual Mayor’s Business Luncheon, Aug. 16, at Giovanni’s, hosted by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Creating a world-class community, he said, is imperative in order to keep up with thriving cities across the country.

Morrissey focused on three areas: building a world-class business climate, physical infrastructure and human capital.

Photos by Brian Thomas Photography

Mayor Larry Morrissey challenges the business community to build a world-class business climate. in his remarks to the audience at the annual Mayor’s Business Luncheon.

“I’ve heard over and over about the demand and desire from our citizens to have available world-class job opportunities,” he said. “But I want to be very honest. It’s impossible to think realistically about recruiting, retaining and sustaining world-class jobs, if we’re not comparing ourselves to what worldclass communities can provide to those world-class employers. Employers are so

mobile today. They can move anywhere.

If we can’t serve their needs, they’re going to go somewhere else.”

“He was very comprehensive in his view,” said Janyce Fadden, president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. “We have worldclass companies in our midst. To keep them here, and to attract others, we will more on page 3

Bringing wellness into the corporate culture

The community is invited to participate in and contribute to Our City, Our Story, a web video series of three to five minute pieces, created by Rockford, Ill.-based cinematographer Pablo Korona.

Viewers can share and comment on existing episodes on Facebook, http://fb.com/OurCityOurStory, and suggest possible subjects via email, MyStory@OurCityOurStory.com.

Our City, Our Story tells stories that make the viewer happy to live in, proud to be from or eager to visit Rockford. Korona designed it in direct response to negative national attention Rockford received in 2011 from publications such as Forbes magazine, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

PARENTS URGED TO KEEP CHILDREN’S VACCINATIONS UP-TO-DATE With the beginning of the school year, parents are being urged to make sure their children are up-todate with vaccinations. The State of Illinois has a new requirement this year for sixth and ninth grade students to show proof of having received a single dose of Tdap.

Whooping cough is on the rise and easily transmitted in schools.

Most children are vaccinated against whooping cough before entering kindergarten. However, a booster dose (Tdap) is necessary for children 11 years and older and unvaccinated adults.

Parents should discuss Tdap and all recommended vaccines with their healthcare providers. For vaccination schedules visit www. cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index. html or www.wchd.org.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Area companies implement programs to keep healthy employees healthy

Regional Business Expo 2012 Sept. 20 • BMO Harris Bank Center For more info, see page 15

By Barbara Connors

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

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

With rising costs to insure employees for health care, the concept of wellness has emerged as a buzzword and a movement in an industry and a business world looking for answers. Although the idea is that positive lifestyle changes can significantly lower the demand for health care, it goes beyond that to the idea that healthy employees also are happier, more productive employees.

A number of local businesses and organizations have embraced the concept and have implemented premium discounts for annual doctor’s exams and health risk assessments. Others have encouraged participation in smoking cessation, stress management and

obesity programs. The results have been positive for some. For others the results remain to be seen.

Increasing Productivity Specialty Screw Corp., a manufacturer of engineered fasteners and cold-headed products in Rockford, celebrated a big accomplishment in July – 2,000 days with no employee absenteeism due to work-related injuries. “That’s more than five years,” said Corporate Relations Manager Patti Bigger, to put it into perspective.

Bigger leads the company’s wellness program, implemented for its roughly 77 employees to deal with rising insurance premiums and decreasing employee more on page 8

BYE, BYE, AMERICAN PI

The U.S. Census Bureau announced on Aug. 14 that the U.S. population clock reached a milestone very meaningful to mathematical statisticians at 2:29 p.m., EDT. It showed that there were 314,159,265 residents, or pi (3.14159265) times 100 million. Pi is a mathematical constant that is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

“This is a once in many generations event ... so go out and celebrate this American pi,” said Census Bureau Chief Demographer Howard Hogan.

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September 2012

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Woodward Selects Loves Park, Illinois to Expand “Ultimately, we decided to remain and grow in the Rockford region due to the strong support of Governor Quinn, the proximity of the new site to our current campus, and the quality of both the aerospace engineering and manufacturing talent.”

Woodward CEO Thomas Gendron outlines the company’s local expansion plans.

On Aug. 23, Woodward, Inc., announced that the company intends to establish a second campus in the greater-Rockford, Ill. area for its Aircraft Turbine Systems business.

The new campus will be located in Loves Park, Ill. on a 60-acre site bordered by Perryville, Harlem, and Forest Hills Roads and will be referred to as the Woodward Rock Cut Campus. Initial site development will include production and office facilities of approximately 300,000 square-feet.

The decision was made after a yearlong investigation of alternatives to address the growth expected over the next decade and beyond. The growth has been stimulated by recent wins on the CFM International LEAP-X, Pratt & Whitney PurePower®, and General

Electric Passport aircraft engine platforms. These awards mean that upon entry into service of the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, Woodward will be on board every narrowbody aircraft produced.

“Our success in gaining new business created numerous investment opportunities,” said Woodward Chairman and CEO Thomas A. Gendron. “Ultimately, we decided to remain and grow in the Rockford region due to the strong support of Governor Quinn, the proximity of the new site to our current campus, and the quality of both the aerospace engineering and manufacturing talent.”

Woodward anticipates investing $200 million or more over the next 10 years in land, building and equipment

between its two area campuses and approximately doubling its workforce by the end of 2021.

According to an independent study by the Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies, Woodward’s presence in the Rockford area is estimated to support over 5,700 jobs within Woodward and the local community in 2021, generating over $485 million of combined annual compensation. The study estimates the resulting total value of the economic output created in the community on an annual basis is expected to be $2.4 billion by 2021, with approximately $790 million of value added.

“We are pleased that the investments we are making and the jobs we are providing will have such a broad impact

on the community,” said Sagar Patel, president, Aircraft Turbine Systems.

“We were impressed with the long-term vision and cooperation between Loves Park, Winnebago County, and Illinois leaders through the entire process.

This was an important differentiator as we narrowed our search among several other states.”

The State of Illinois, Winnebago County, and the City of Loves Park are providing incentives to Woodward under various programs. Woodward is in the process of finalizing the incentive agreements and selecting an architectural and engineering firm for building and site development plans.

Woodward projects the groundbreaking to take place in the fall of 2012.

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September 2012

Steve Elsberg, Mass Mutual, and Jeff Schmidt, Humana, listen to Mayor Morrissey’s comments.

World-Class Rockford Continued from front page

have to reach that standard. It’s not just the mayor and the public employees of the city that are going to improve. We have to keep working together to solve problems.

We’ve seen initiatives such as Alignment Rockford and Reclaiming First. I want to see network groups continue to get together and build this community.”

Projects on the Horizon Morrissey touted several key infrastructure projects that show potential, including the West State and South Main Street corridors, the Morgan Street Bridge project, the South Main Street train station and partnerships such as one with the Greater Rockford Airport Authority board.

He also praised Rockford Public Schools for its excellent leadership.

“It’s been the best leadership I’ve seen since I became mayor in 2005,” he told the crowd.

“We’re going to see this explosion in change in the education marketplace,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for us. We have an advantage over many college towns – they don’t have United Technologies, Woodward, the arts, symphony, and a dance company. If we can bring those tools and resources to the table and connect them with our education partners, we will have the best of both worlds.”

Interim superintendent Dr. Robert Willis said he appreciated the mayor’s comments, but added that there is more work left to do. “The bottom line is – are we making a difference in the lives of our students? Are we making a difference in their performance? Are we giving them opportunities to become world-class

citizens? Once we’re confident that those kinds of skills are being developed, then we can feel like we’ve done our job.”

“I think it was a wakeup call to the citizens that we have a gem here as a community. We have all the potential.

We have to step up and accept the responsibility, because no one is going to do it for us. That’s what we’ve done with the school system. We can’t wait for Springfield, we can’t wait for Washington.

We have to do it ourselves. We know what we have to do to create world-class schools. It’s time for our citizens to say, yes, we want our schools to be in the 21st century. We’ve got potential. The thing about Rockford is we get knocked down, but we always get up. Leaders and good communities always get up.”

John Groh, president and CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the Mayor’s vision for creating a world-class town will further enhance Rockford’s appeal to out of town guests. He pointed to Rockford’s latest treasure, “Rick’s Picks: A Lifelong Affair with Guitars and Music,” the new exhibit at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, featuring the extensive guitar collection of Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen.

“That’s a world-class exhibit,” Groh said, of the display that will stay open until April 10. “That exhibit could be in Madrid, Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

That’s a rich experience. We also have world-class cultural attractions like Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.

Those facilities speak to the type of city Rockford is, and the type of value we put on the lives we all want to live.”

The presenting sponsor of the Mayor’s Business Luncheon was BMO Harris Bank. Other sponsors included Humana and AT&T. n

Doug and Helen Brooks catch up on things with Reid Montgomery at the Mayor’s Business Luncheon.

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Olympic and small business heroes

By Jim Blasingame, Small Business Advocate Show Every four years, you can watch special people participate in a noble cause – the Olympics.

These heroes commit countless hours over many years to achieve a level of excellence that might somehow qualify them to represent their country in the Olympic Games.

Notice no mention of winning, medals or glory. Most Olympians find neither.

And yet they train and compete.

Watching an event, we’re at once selfconscious and grateful as the camera’s lens permits us to invade that private moment just prior to competition. Selfconscious because of the intrusion, but grateful to share the moment and benefit vicariously from the Herculean effort and sacrifice.

The TV camera moves in closer. We can actually see the color of their eyes — even imagine their thoughts.

The swimmer: “Twelve years of training and it all comes down to the next few seconds – must remember the fundamentals.”

The runner: “Today I will perform my personal best.”

Then the long lens captures the mouth.

There’s a lick to fight the cottonmouth that only those who risk failure have tasted. The lips move ever so slightly, as if to offer a short prayer or claim an affirmation.

An Every Day Kind of Olympian Every day, you can watch another group of special people participate in a noble cause – small business.

Small business owners are a lot like Olympic athletes. They commit countless hours over many years, pushing mind and body to achieve a level of excellence that might somehow allow them to merely … make a living.

Jim Blasingame Notice no Small Business mention of Advocate Show winning, medals or glory. Most small business owners find neither. And yet they show up, year after year, to work, compete, and contribute.

Like an Olympic race, sometimes the future of a small business’ success rides on how well the owner performs over a very short period of time. If the camera could take you in close, you might see an owner thinking: “All these years of work and risk could come down to how well I deliver this proposal in the next few minutes -must remember the fundamentals.”

The long lens would also capture the lick to lessen the cottonmouth that only those who risk failure have tasted. Then the lips move ever so slightly, as if to offer a prayer or claim an affirmation.

Olympians and small business owners are dedicated to what they love. Both work hard, in search of excellence, take great risks against all odds, and usually at their own expense.

I’ll gladly spend my admiration on that kind of spirit.

Write this on a rock — Because of Olympians and small business owners, the world is a better place.

Jim Blasingame is creator and host of the Small Business Advocate Show. Visit www. smallbusinessadvocate.com.

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Hear Jim Blasingame live as the keynote speaker for the Rockford Chamber’s upcoming Annual Meeting. Mark your calendars for Thursday, Jan. 24 at Giovanni’s.

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September 2012

The new logo is unveiled on the Harrison Avenue facility. The company name change comes as a result of United Technologies Corporation’s purchase of Goodrich Corp. on July 26.

Hamilton Sundstrand is now UTC Aerospace Systems

By Barbara Connors On July 26, 2012, Hamilton Sundstrand’s parent company, United Technologies Corporation, completed the acquisition of Goodrich Corporation, combining it with Hamilton Sundstrand to form UTC Aerospace Systems.

UTC Aerospace Systems is a $12 billion company (2011 pro forma), with approximately 40,000 employees in nearly 180 locations around the world.

The new company’s headquarters moves from Windsor Locks, Conn., to Charlotte, N.C. Goodrich was formed in 1870 in Akron, Ohio and was once the world’s largest manufacturer of rubber products, including tires. Goodrich divested its tire business in 1988 to focus on aerospace, an industry it had been involved with since the early ages of flight.

Following a period of rapid expansion, through organic growth and more than 40 acquisitions since 1988, Goodrich emerged as a leader in the aerospace/defense and homeland security industries, in such product areas as landing gear, wheels and brakes, cabin interiors, sensor systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, and aerostructures (like engine nacelles, thrust reversers, pylons and flight control surfaces).

The new UTC Aerospace Systems is organized in two business segments – Aircraft Systems, and Power, Controls & Sensing Systems -- with a combined 14 strategic business units within the two segments (see inset). Rockford-site products are represented in the Electric Systems, Actuation, Engine Systems, and Space Systems strategic business units, as well as in Customer Service.

According to a United Technologies Corp. (UTC) July 26 media release, regulatory clearance required UTC to sell the former-Goodrich Electric Power Systems business and its Connecticut-based Pumps and Engine Controls business. UTC will also sell Goodrich’s interest in Aero Engine Controls (AEC), a joint venture with Rolls-Royce. The AEC aftermarket business will remain with UTC, but Rolls-Royce will have the ability to purchase this aftermarket business in the future.

UTC Aerospace Systems joins its sister company Pratt & Whitney in comprising UTC Propulsion & Aerospace Systems, led by Alain M. Bellemare. Bellemare served as president of Hamilton Sundstrand from January, 2009, until September, 2011.

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS Strategic Business Units: ■ Actuation Systems ■ Aerostructures ■ Air Management Systems ■ Wheels & Brakes ■ Interiors ■ Landing Gear ■ Propeller Systems

POWER, CONTROLS & SENSING SYSTEMS Strategic Business Units: ■ Electric Systems ■ Engine & Control Systems ■ Engine Components ■ ISR Systems (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) ■ Fire Protection Systems ■ Sensors & Integrated Systems ■ Space Systems

Let your Voice be heard The Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages submissions for The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

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

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

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

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September 2012

Patti Thayer, Thayer Lighting, participates in the CTeam process after her goals to move her business to the next step were accelerated.

Thayer Lighting:

scenario when she read an article in the Rockford Register Star that shared

Poised for exponential growth

information regarding EIGERlab’s (EL)

By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab

in assisting businesses with growth,

A large percentage of businesses that

CTeam efforts. CTeam is a core group of professionals, both at the EIGERlab and from the community, that specialize expansion and the pressing concerns that keep them awake at night.

experience exponential growth also

After

Thayer

inquired

about

experience substantial growing pains.

participating in the CTeam process, her

Patti Thayer of Thayer Lighting (Thayer

goals to move her business to the next

Lighting) was all too familiar with this

step were accelerated. Brian McIntyre

Second ‘Partners in Economic Development’ event Last year, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) held its first “Partners in Economic Development” event.

Information on resources and business incentive programs was presented to members of the local business services community. There was a great response, as nearly 100 professionals gathered to hear how they can further assist their business clients.

On Sept. 26, 3:30 to 5 p.m., at Giovanni’s, the RAEDC will hold its second partners event. This free event will provide attendees with “development tools” for helping clients with growth, enhancing their competitive edge, and accessing economic opportunities. Targeted professional sectors will include banking, legal, accounting, human resources, insurance, commercial real estate, architecture/engineering, marketing/public relations, and information technology.

The RAEDC is reaching out to members of the professional business services sector in an effort to actively engage them as Partners for Economic Development. As business service providers expand their knowledge

of resources, opportunities to assist client companies increase. This Matthew Simpson RAEDC allows those companies to add value for clients while supporting business growth in the regional economy.

“Tools” refer to incentive programs and assistance for financing, workforce, importing/exporting, and other topics. We hope to offer business service providers with information that can be shared with clients to help them be more competitive. The agenda also includes a discussion of ideas and suggestions about services that can support business retention and expansion.

Partners in Economic Development is being held in association with the RAEDC third quarter investor event from 5 to 7 p.m., at Giovanni’s after the Partners presentation. For more information on the Partners event, call Bea Miller at 815-969-4255. RSVP at www.RockfordIL.com.

Matthew Simpson is business development specialist at the RAEDC.

with RVC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) assisted her with Thayer Lighting’s SWOT analysis, creating a vision and other nuances that need to be in place in order for a company to move from a stage one size company (1 to 10 employees) to a stage two size company.

Thayer shared, “I’m really excited in regards to our potential for growth, and would highly recommend that any company owners who are forecasting rapid growth, contact the group of professionals at the EL and the SBDC. They assisted us with stepping outside the day-to-day execution of our business to regain our focus in terms of implementing our short-term and longterm plans.” These steps have assisted Thayer Lighting to more efficiently handle the growth it is experiencing by partnering with ComEd in two key programs: Small Business Energy Savings (SBES) and Smart Ideas (SI).

Leading the Charge in Energy Savings At present, Thayer Lighting is in the top eight percent of ComEd’s SI

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Program and the top two percent of its SBES Program. Thayer Lighting has assisted local companies, such as Benson Stone, with executing these programs, resulting in factors that affect the bottom line, including phenomenal electricity savings — a record $1,300 per month.

Thayer stated, “There are also associated cost-savings benefits that aren’t top of mind. Since the bulbs burn at a lower temperature, this dramatically lowers a company’s air conditioning bill, and another not so obvious savings is the time and effort it takes to order and install bulbs — these bulbs last 20 times longer.”

Thayer said, “To hire a team of experts that could assist a company to accelerate and implement the essential steps for growth would be a substantial investment. The CTeam and SBDC services are offered at no cost, which is phenomenal news for the bottom line.”

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

Tax credit available to Illinois small businesses that create new jobs Your business may be eligible to receive a $2,500 tax credit for each new full-time job created as of July 1, 2012.

Governor Pat Quinn proposed and worked with the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, which gives small business owners an extra boost to grow their business over the next year. After creating one or more new, full-time positions that meet the eligibility requirements, small businesses can register to receive a $2,500 per job tax credit.

A few key components were added, based on feedback received from the small businesses and entrepreneurs from across the state during the pilot program. First, the program was extended to run from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2016. Additionally, Professional Employer Organizations (outsourced workforce management firms), will be able to receive a tax credit based on their working relationship with an eligible business.

Eligible Businesses ■ Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees (counting all locations), as of July 1, 2012 ■ Professional Employer Organizations

■ Not-for-profit organizations ■ Eligible jobs ■ Newly created, full-time position (part-time/contractual positions are not eligible) ■ Created between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016 ■ Position pays no less than $10/hour or the equivalent annualized salary of $18,200 ■ Position sustained for at least one year (not necessarily held by the same individual for the year)

Withholding tax goes to Illinois Tax credit certificate will be issued one year from the hire date. Any-sized business that fills a newly created, fulltime position with a former 2010 “Put Illinois to Work” worker trainee also will be eligible to receive credit.

To learn about the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit and the other resources available for small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit JobsTaxCredit.

Illinois.gov. Register your new positions and obtain the credit without ever having to leave your office. Tax credit eligibility begins with the date of hire.

Registration for the credit may be made at any time up to June 30, 2016. Your success as a small business owner is vital to Illinois’ economic future.

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September 2012

Leveraging a legacy The secret to successful transitions in family-owned businesses

By Lisë Stewart, Galliard Group, and Steve Barnhart, IMEC Many people are surprised to discover that while family-owned businesses make up 95 percent of all businesses in the United States, less than 40 percent have survived the transition to the second generation, and a paltry 15 percent to the third.

Why do so many families struggle to leverage the entrepreneurial spirit so evident in a first-generation business?

The three most common causes are: a lack of thoughtful planning, uninformed decision-making, and mismanaged communication within the family.

First, few family-owned businesses realize the importance of a family business transition plan, compared with strategic plans, marketing plans and financial plans, which are considered essential for their business. Yet the family business needs a well thought out “road map” for negotiating the problems that are inherent in the naturally evolving family unit. In their excellent book, Strategic Planning for the Family Business, Randel S. Carlock and John L. Ward recommend that the family transition plan should include: ■ A family vision and statement of commitment ■ A list of business values and family values ■ Policy and protocol concerning governance – including the role of the board and the family ■ A family mission

Plan for Making the Transition One of the big advantages of developing a transition plan is that merely having the discussion can help avoid some of the most common problems associated with a transition phase, including confusion over the role of the retiring family members, disagreements about how the company will be managed, and conflicting roles

between new generation management and previous generation management.

However, it is rare for families to come together and discuss these issues.

Most families believe that, as long as the business is successful, somehow these problems will take care of themselves.

The reality is that the business may well fail to be successful as long as these issues remain unresolved.

Secondly, a family needs to ensure that decisions are made – particularly those regarding the development of estate plans, trusts, distributions, reinvestment, etc. – based on sound legal and financial advice. Not all lawyers understand the intricacies of estate planning in the context of the family business. Not all accountants understand the implications and benefits of the variety of legal options, such as G-DOT or GRAT trusts.

Be sure that the expertise you use knows about business, tax laws, estate planning, insurance and financial planning. Look for “one-stop shop” assistance – organizations that can provide a variety of integrated services through the coordination of several different experts. Some major insurance companies offer this integrated service, as do some “boutique” family law firms.

However, be cautious when purchasing services and avoid those firms that seem more intent on pushing a particular “line” of products. Instead, look for a firm that acts as a consultant – one that really understands your family’s needs and offers a range of solutions for you and your family to consider.

Finally, develop both the skills and the common sense practices that enable honest, constructive communication to take place within the family.

Two of the most common communication problems that arise are: Failure to recognize that early family patterns of communication will be carried into the business setting – consciously or not. This may manifest itself in a range of inappropriate behaviors that stem from early life experiences, such as a deep-

seated sense of competition between brothers, a younger sibling that feels he or she must constantly prove themselves to older family members, teasing and one-upmanship, or bitter attacks that would never occur if the parties involved were not related.

The failure to communicate honestly out of fear of creating conflict in the family. For example, if we hire a nonfamily employee who does not perform well on the job, we are likely to follow company policy and terminate their employment. However, if that employee is a younger brother- or a sister-in-law, we often will fail to respond appropriately.

We might harbor negative feelings, talk to other family members and let our anger and resentment grow.

Problems such as these can be avoided if a family company has a set of agreed practices that are understood and utilized by all employees, whether they are family or not. However, these procedures of giving feedback and acting in accordance with company policy must be utilized through fair and ethical practices. Each of the employees – family members and non-family members, managers and line staff – all must know what is considered “good” performance, must be clear about expectations and must be given the coaching and resources necessary to perform well in the job. This is just good business practice – whether or not it is a family-owned business.

Leaving a Well Thought Out Legacy Few family-owned businesses, particularly those that are “home-grown” – where everything has been learned on the job with few outside influences – have developed the range of sophisticated management tools that smooth the transition process. These tools include: a clear set of roles and responsibilities – particularly for senior managers – and an effective performance management program, including performance expectations for each job function, opportunities for constructive feedback,

mentoring and coaching, and ways to recognize and reinforce behavior.

Steve Barnhart In addition, IMEC many familyowned businesses would do well to make use of an advisory board. It would expand their knowledge base, critically examine family decision-making and add depth to the quality of coaching and mentoring for senior managers – particularly new generation managers.

All of these practices are of value to well run, smart companies -- family businesses or not. They typically have a commitment to planned growth, to wise re-investment in the future stability and profitability of the organization and to leaving a legacy for future generations.

However, families businesses have the added benefit and challenge of a rich history of relationships and in-depth knowledge. Well managed, a familyowned business can be a source of pride, income, inspiration and healthy interdependence – a true legacy for generations to come.

For more in-depth information on how you can work with small familyowned and closely-held businesses as they seek ways to leverage their legacy, please contact Steve Barnhart, IMEC family business advisor, at 309-830-6869 or sbarnhart@imec.org.

Galliard Group is a professional consulting and training firm specializing in helping familyowned and closely held businesses achieve their market potential. IMEC was established as a non-profit economic development organization in 1996 with the goal of improving the productivity and competitiveness of Illinois’ small and mid-sized manufacturing firms.

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

Manufacturing Update is sponsored by IMEC

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September 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS SERVICES

Workplace Wellness Continued from front page

wellness. “Our goal was to stabilize costs and create a motivating program that employees could have fun with.”

Patti Bigger worked with Miller Buettner & Parrott’s Well Steps Program.

The Rockford employee benefits firm helps organizations implement wellness management programs to improve employee health and productivity.

Taking “baby wellness steps,” Specialty Screw Corp., began in 2006 with wellness fairs featuring organizations and vendors like the American Cancer Society. With obesity as an issue, a competition followed with four other Miller Buettner & Parrott clients to see which employees lost the greatest percentage of weight.

The wellness program progressed, and today the company offers premium discounts to employees who complete health risk assessments to share with their doctors, get annual physicals, participate in tobacco prevention programs and onsite wellness screenings of cholesterol levels, body-mass indexes and blood pressures. This year, discounts have been extended to employees’ dependents who receive wellness physicals. Some positive actions Bigger has seen are healthy alternatives in the company vending machines, and employee walks during breaks on the prairie path surrounding the building.

One of the keys to the program’s

South Beloit School District Wellness Coordinator Kelly Jenkins turns a sedentary task into an active one by doing her computer work on a treadmill. success has been the support of the senior-level

managers,

Bigger

said.

“All of the top managers play a part in the wellness program.” The company hosts monthly lunch ’n‘ learns, inviting organizations like Rockford Health System’s VIP program to share on topics like alertness management and vaccines for adults. Company President Russell Johansson routinely talks about the current lunch ’n‘ learn topics at the monthly employee meetings. Bigger

said she’s noticed greater employee participation in the luncheons. “It’s a process of education. We can’t be like a nagging parent.”

Bigger said some of the biggest program impacts have been a reduction in plant injuries as well as non-workrelated chronic injuries. These events in the past would have caused employees to take weeks off for surgeries and extended illness recoveries. She correlates the reduction in part to reduced body-mass indexes and tobacco use.

According to Bigger, companies that would like to implement a wellness program should ensure that it’s “good, effective and not time-consuming, as most managers have to wear multiple hats.”

Miller Buettner & Parrott, Inc., gave Specialty Screw Corp., its award for “Vision” in 2012 for its progressive results-oriented program that engages employees in wellness. Bigger expressed her satisfaction in the program with a story of how one employee went for a routine colonoscopy to get the health insurance premium discount and found a stage one polyp, which was removed.

“That employee is here this year. How do you measure the value of that?”

Lowering Costs with an Employee Clinic Kelly Jenkins took her organization’s existing wellness program one step further. The wellness coordinator for the School District of Beloit oversaw

the opening of the School District of Beloit Health & Wellness Center at 1430 Fourth St., at the beginning of 2012.

Clinical services are free to the 900 employees, whether or not they are on the district’s health insurance plan, and to early retirees, spouses and adult children, up to 26 years old, on the district’s health insurance plan. The clinic is staffed by a family nurse practitioner, a certified exercise specialist and health coach, and a certified medical assistant – all employees of Beloit Health System. It is open 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, including regular non-business hours.

In August, Jenkins gave her six-month report to Superintendent Steve McNeal and the school board, stating that the clinic has saved the district $280,724 since opening – a nearly 57 percent return on investment. She projects savings to be $500,000 for the 2012-2013 school year. “Health insurance increases have slowed substantially,” Jenkins said.

“We were increasing annually in the double digits.”

Jenkins attributes the savings to the clinic’s discounted lab pricing, self insurance, employee discounts for Beloit Health System’s other clinics, and fewer substitute teacher hours for absent teachers. “The biggest savings will come down the road in the improved health of people who have chronic conditions,” Jenkins said. “It is hard yet to project the savings that will come from that.”

Jenkins didn’t start in the wellness industry, but began her career as

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September 2012

an attorney, most recently for Patch Products, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of games, children’s puzzles, preschool toys, creative activities and teaching tools. Her family has owned the Beloit company since 1985. Her interest grew after she began hosting challenges as part of the wellness committee to encourage employees to use the company’s fitness center. “This opened my eyes that wellness is bigger than fitness,” she said. “I could see that this made sense from a business standpoint.” To pursue her dream, she earned her master’s in health promotion management online from Nebraska Methodist College.

Since June, 2009, Jenkins has overseen the Beloit school district’s wellness programming, much of which is offered in the clinic building. Participants attend TOPS Club weight-loss support meetings and get personalized health coaching. They take Zumba, yoga and Strong Women exercise classes offered at various district schools.

Jenkins said participants in the eightweek CHIP class have lost an average of 9.5 pounds, reduced total cholesterol by 18 percent, and reduced LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, by 28 percent. Some of the participants in the CORE financial class have achieved their financial goals.

“Financial strain is one of the number one stressors in people’s lives, and it correlates to their overall well being,” Jenkins said. One participant during the eight-week course was able to pay

“A lot of people have met the personal goals they have set for themselves.

Employee satisfaction seems to be very high…” off a car; another to build a six-month emergency fund.

Other popular offerings have been the 100-day fall and winter wellness challenges, which are linked to the statewide Lighten Up Wisconsin initiative, and the district dog walks.

Jenkins said the biggest challenge she’s faced has been in promoting a lifestyle culture change. “It’s so easy to be inactive, to make bad choices.” But the positive changes she has seen in overall obesity, smoking and physical activity have been well worth it. “This is my dream job.”

Addressing Underlying Health Issues Fred Young is CEO of familyowned Forest City Gear Co., a Roscoe manufacturer of gears. In August, 75 of these gears made it to Mars as a part of NASA’s nuclear-powered Curiosity rover project.

About six years ago, Young, his wife and family participated in the locally based Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP), designed to reduce disease risk factors through lifestyle

FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS SERVICES modifications. He decided gears weren’t going to be his only innovation, and in a nod to wellness, sent more than 30 employees and their spouses through the program. He said some of the positive outcomes have been reductions in employee medication use, weights and blood pressures.

Young for several years also has picked up the costs for employees’ health club memberships, if they attend at least three times a week. “Many of these employees are extended family.

I’m concerned about their well being.”

He said there also have been pragmatic reasons for implementing a wellness program. “It takes a long time to train people in the skills we need. It’s beneficial to have people around for a long time. If people are sick and missing work, we don’t get as much benefit.”

Young’s daughter, Kika Young, is human resources director for Forest City Gear. She currently is working to roll out a program with systematized wellness goals and initiatives; aimed at containing rising health insurance premiums.

“The end goal is cost containment, but we also want better health for our employees,” she said. Young is working with Dr. Roger Greenlaw, an area gastroenterologist instrumental in bringing CHIP to Rockford, and Jody Perrecone, CHIP’s corporate manager, to make sure the program focuses on treating underlying health issues, rather than over treating disease symptoms.

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Improving Fitness, Reducing Stress Hononegah Community High School District #207 partnered with Miller Buettner & Parrott, Inc., and formed a wellness committee in December, 2010, to improve the fitness levels, nutritional habits and stress management of staff, students and the community.

The committee sends out weekly wellness emails and a monthly newsletter, and has held an annual employee two-mile walk/run. “We’ve had competitions throughout the year that include fitness, nutrition, stress management and getting enough sleep, with rewards for those who participate,” said Sean Milner, the district’s business manager and part of the wellness committee. He said all of the district’s 240 employees have participated in at least one wellness activity.

“A lot of people have met the personal goals they have set for themselves.

Employee satisfaction seems to be very high, although it is sometimes hard to find wellness issues that all employees can or want to participate in. I think we have made it diverse enough that everyone is satisfied and can participate.”

Milner said it is too early to determine the savings in health care costs.

Miller Buettner & Parrott, Inc., gave the Hononegah school district its award for “Commitment” in 2012 for following wellness benchmarks and for its seniorlevel support and participation. n

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FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS SERVICES

September 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

YMCA offers Corporate Wellbeing program

The Affordable Care Act

Returns for every dollar spent In the past decade, a growing number of businesses have learned that money spent on keeping employees healthy is a sound investment.

Wellness is fundamental to a successful workplace.

Despite the economy, there is renewed enthusiasm for investing in wellness efforts that can reduce medical claims and loss of time and increase productivity. In the United States, the average sick day costs business $348 in lost productivity.

Other key factors in this upward trend in wellness include the data available on the impact of health promotion and disease management strategies.

Workplace health enhancement strategies focused on healthy lifestyle behavior change have been shown to yield a $3 to $6 ROI for each dollar invested in two to five years.

Workplace health enhancement and risk management strategies focused on healthy lifestyle behavior change have been shown to yield a $3 to $6 return on investment for each dollar invested in two to five years.

Goals and objectives are an extremely important part of any results-oriented program.

Setting SMART goals and measurable results will tell if you are moving in the right direction.

S = Specific M = Measurable A = Achievable R = Relevant T = Time Based

The Supreme Court ruling brings some clarity, for now Pam Lunde YMCA of Rock River Valley

Establishing the SMART goals that are linked to your company’s strategic plan will ensure the success of your program.

Rockford Park District Earns Wellness Award The Rockford Park District estimated that after implementing its “Wellness University” health promotion program, 305 employees are on their way to a healthier lifestyle.

Partnering with the YMCA of Rock River Valley in Corporate Wellbeing, Rockford Park District employees are taking part in Lunch N’ Learn nutritional seminars and onsite exercise classes.

Deb Gass, the district’s HR Manager said, “The selection of classes was determined according to a recent Health Risk Assessment completed. Employees can earn a wellness incentive for participating in yearly physical and dental exams, and one class from each of the four health tracks provided in the Wellness University program.”

Most recently the Rockford Park District has earned the “Wowies” Platinum Award from the Society of Human Resource Management and Blue Cross Blue Shield for its outstanding wellness program.

For information on your future success story, and the Rockford Chamber’s Affinity Program – YMCA Corporate Wellbeing, please contact Pam Lunde at 815-489-3356 or plunde@rockfordymca.org.

Pam Lunde is corporate relations coordinator at the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

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

Cheryl DeMars

Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed more than two years ago, the possibility that the Supreme Court would overturn part or all of the legislation created uncertainty for employers. The June Supreme Court ruling upholding ACA brings some clarity, at least for now.

Elections this fall will no doubt play a part in determining the next steps, but in the meantime, what can employers do to understand this complex and kaleidoscopic law? The first step is to digest the information we’ve been given up to this point and identify areas that still are being defined. Where regulations are under development, employers have an opportunity to work together to influence the outcome.

There are two websites that cover most of the near-term provisions that will impact employers in the coming months. The first is the U.S. Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/ebsa/ healthreform. This site provides updates on regulations and Frequently Asked Questions. You can subscribe to the page to receive email notifications when new information is posted. The second, www. irs.gov/aca, from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), includes a helpful page about tax provisions.

Will the Law Reform Health Care?

ACA is intended to provide health insurance to more Americans. But there are a number of other provisions that have the potential to fundamentally impact the health care system. Here are a few items to watch that could make a difference: Value-based purchasing: Redesigning the way health care is paid for is a critical step to improving quality and controlling costs. Under the ACA, Medicare, the nation’s largest purchaser of health care, will implement new strategies to reward value rather than paying for health care on a fee-for-service basis, which rewards

The Alliance volume.

This change alone can have a transformative effect on the way health care is delivered for all patients.

Transparency of information: Consumers and employers need information on cost and quality to make informed decisions about where to go for care. The ACA requires Medicare to publicly report information on the cost, quality and safety of hospitals and clinicians. Not only will this information help consumers and employers, but also, as we’ve seen in many studies, public reporting will drive improvement by doctors and hospitals.

Exchanges: The development of state exchanges, though they will be used by a small number of consumers at first, will impact the market for all purchasers and consumers.

Regulations will be introduced in the near future on important provisions such as employer responsibility (pay-or-play), auto-enrollment and wellness incentives that can enhance an employer’s ability to reward employees for healthy behaviors.

When regulations are introduced, employers often have a chance to comment on them. For example, until Aug. 17, the IRS is requesting comments on regulations governing Flexible Spending Account limits. These comment periods are opportunities for employers to make their voices heard on important issues.

For now, ACA is the law of the land.

Employers have a vested interest — and an important role to play — in seeing that it is implemented in a manner that leads to better value care.

Cheryl DeMars is the president and CEO of The Alliance, a not-for-profit cooperative of selffunded employers, cdemars@the-alliance.org.

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

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FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS SERVICES

The obesity epidemic

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

What employers can do to increase productivity, lower costs According to the American Heart Association, employers can save $16 for every $1 spent on wellness programs.

You may have noticed this summer that there were many articles addressing the obesity epidemic that currently is sweeping through our country. You also may have noticed that our community recently ranked the fourth fattest city in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.

With an obesity rate of 35.5 percent (add in the overweight population, and you’d be closer to 70 percent), we have a serious public health issue and financial strain on our hands, costing the Rockford community an additional $179.4 million extra a year to treat. To break this down even more: 54,000 residents of Rockford have a body mass index in excess of 30.

As business owners and leaders in our community struggle to maintain or grow their businesses in these hard times, they are faced with additional direct medical costs of $1,152 a year for obese men and $3,613 a year for obese women (Journal of Health Economics).

Another less direct cost relates to employee absenteeism. Obese men average 5.9 more sick days a year than average

weight males. Obese women average 9.4 more sick days a year than average weight females. It is only a matter of time until businesses no longer can afford to treat or lose critical productivity to these often selfinflicted and preventable ailments.

Wellness Programs Reduce Bottom Line One potential method to address this is that the U.S. Health Care Reform Act of 2010 allows employers to charge any worker (obese or not) 30 to 50 percent more for health insurance if they decline to participate in a qualified wellness program.

So what should companies do to establish a qualified wellness program?

There are many options available to employers today, including subsidizing health club memberships, providing onsite preventative screening, and access to wellness experts. What makes each employer unique is how they offer the above options, i.e., within a game-setting that includes a unique incentive program.

Since each company has a unique

culture and employee strengths and weaknesses, the ideal wellness program must be customized to meet all your budget needs and ROI goals.

An example program could be: ■ provide a $300 annual premium reduction for participants in the program; ■ cover the costs associated with health club membership; ■ operate quarterly games/contests that evaluate more than weight loss, i.e., endurance, flexibility, strength, food journaling, etc.; ■ provide annual preventative screenings to track improvements; ■ provide rewards (either financial or gifts) for employees who meet certain improvement criteria.

Employers may look at the above and see nothing but precious dollars flowing out of their coffers. However, when balanced against the direct medical costs and workplace absenteeism that are incurred by the obese and overweight, it’s a drop in the bucket. Many local employers spend $12 to 17 thousand per year on medical/ insurance expenses per employee. The example above would cost around $450 to

$500 a year per employee, or Greg Georgis roughly three FitMe Wellness percent of annual medical expenses. According to the American Heart Association, employers can save $16 for every $1 spent on wellness programs.

Suffice it to say, this would have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line.

To achieve that ROI, you have to be diligent when designing a program. It often is best to take a team approach to solving this problem by involving ownership, human resources, employee benefits consultants, and wellness experts to customize a program that will fit your current and future needs by designing a program that engages all employees and insured spouses in living a healthier lifestyle.

Greg Georgis is owner/founder of FitMe Wellness, a full service health and wellness club that specializes in designing and administering corporate wellness programs. Email ggeorgis@ fitmewellness.com.

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

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FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS SERVICES

September 2012

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

The economics of back pain Is it time to implement a healthy back program?

At one point or another in your lifetime, you likely will experience some form of back pain. The Journal of Industrial Medicine reports that more than 22 million Americans experience back pain lasting at least one week in a given year. Employers may be feeling this pain as well. It starts with missed workdays, which can lead to a loss in productivity and an impact to the bottom line.

Back pain is the second leading cause of missed workdays, which equates to 40 percent of all absences or 83 million workdays. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, back pain is the most costly healthcare problem in the workplace other than the common cold. The United States is not alone. Many countries around the world are recognizing the impact of back pain on the economy and are launching awareness programs to educate workers on preventative measure to keep their backs healthy.

Dr. Christopher Sliva Rockford Spine Center

and controlling the risk factors that might strain workers’ bodies.

Additionally, consider the following ideas from the American Pain Foundation: ■ Adopt a philosophy of health and wellness. Promote this philosophy to employees, and stress the importance of proper exercise and taking small breaks throughout the day.

■ Communicate with employees regularly on workplace safety. Let them know it’s okay to share workplace concerns.

■ Provide education and training. If employees are among those at higher risk for back pain or injury, it’s important to provide information and training on ways to keep their backs healthy.

■ Consider planning health fairs onsite as a resource for employees.

Institute a Healthy Back Program

■ Investigate the benefits of offering health club memberships as an incentive or a means to reduce health insurance premium costs to your employees.

There are four work-related factors that are associated with increased risk of back pain and injury including

■ Encourage group walks before or after work or during lunch hour. It’s a great way to boost morale too.

■ applying too much force,

■ Invest in proper equipment and technologies to create a safer workplace.

If a job requires employees to stand for the majority of the day, invest in anti-fatigue mats to help support their backs. Use ergonomically friendly office equipment for those whose spines might be affected from sitting in the same positions for a long time each day.

■ repetitive tasks, ■ poor posture and ■ too much stress.

Some jobs increase the risk of back pain, for example nursing and construction. However, even individuals who work at a desk all day are at risk.

Employers have a responsibility under health and safety laws to provide a safe workplace for their employees.

You don’t have to subscribe to a formal program, but there are some ideas and tips to keep you and your employees safe and healthy.

If your employees have physical jobs, then ask them to pay attention to the way they move their bodies.

Advise them to let their legs do the work - never bend and lift with their back. It’s important to keep objects close to the body when lifting to utilize core muscles. If your employees are in an office environment, then pay attention to the set-up of the workspace, taking into consideration ergonomics.

Ergonomics is the science of making sure that workplace conditions and equipment -- such as desks, lighting and uniforms -- fit the worker. These principles can help prevent work-related back strains and injury by identifying

Safety representatives or occupational therapists can help you assess work conditions and provide ideas to improve health and safety. Occupational therapists can perform job site analysis and make recommendations on improvements.

As an employer, it is important to identify and reduce employees’ exposure to hazards in the workplace. By training and engaging employees in their own safety, you can reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries, increase employee productivity and morale, and lower workers’ compensation costs.

Dr. Christopher Sliva is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with Rockford Spine Center, 2902 McFarland Road in Rockford.

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

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REGIONAL BUSINESS EXPO 2012 15

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REGIONAL BUSINESS EXPO 2012

September 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Rockford Regional Business Expo 2012 BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, IL September 20, 2012

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REGIONAL BUSINESS EXPO 2012

September 2012

About the

2012 Regional Business Expo The Regional Business Expo is a great opportunity to grow your business and contacts by connecting with members from area chambers of commerce.

This year, the expo is being held at a new, convenient location that will provide improved visibility and traffic flow for all participants.

With an expected attendance of 2,000 and hundreds of business booths, this is the premiere networking event and business expo in the region.

The expo is free for attendees, but a registration fee applies for speed networking sessions.

2012 REGIONAL BUSINESS EXPO HIGHLIGHTS ■ Returning this year: Green Expo!

■ Special keynote and breakout sessions featuring topics of interest to small business ■ Regional Taste – sample tasty specialties from regional restaurants and caterers ■ Speed Networking to provide rapid-fire, member-to-member business growth opportunities ■ Opportunity to share a booth with another company

IMPORTANT DATES Wednesday, September 19

Last day to register for booth and Speed Networking.

Thursday, September 20

2012 Regional Business Expo BMO Harris Bank Center 300 Elm Street Rockford, IL

Wednesday, September 19

1 to 5 pm Exhibit Set-up

Thursday, September 20 2 pm

2 to 7 pm

Sessions

3:30 pm 5 to 7 pm 7 to 9 pm

Ribbon Cutting Exhibit Opens Blood Drive with RRVBC Speed Networking Business After Hours Exhibit tear-down

EXPO PARKING There is a variety of parking options in downtown Rockford including parking decks, surface lots, and on-street parking. Please visit the event page at rockfordchamber.com for parking options and updates to parking availability

Please stop by the Blood Mobile from 2 to 7 p.m. to help out the Rock River Valley Blood Center. Donors are eligible for a special prize drawing!

Rave to be Expo Business After Hours sponsor

Chamber, RAVE unveil We Believe Business Plan The Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) will serve as host of the Business After Hours segment of the Regional Chambers Expo on Sept. 20. The Expo runs from 2 to 7 p.m., with the Business After Hours beginning at 5 p.m. RAVE is hosting this event as part of its partnership rollout with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for its “WE BELIEVE” Business Plan promoting the Rockford Icehogs and local business.

As partners in the community, RAVE, the BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford IceHogs and Rockford Chamber of Commerce BELIEVE in Rockford – and have partnered to develop an extraordinary opportunity for you and your business to show how you BELIEVE in our city, our arena, and our home team!

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce “WE BELIEVE” Business Plan is a series of opportunities designed to help your company increase revenues, raise the visibility of your brand, drive

traffic to your locations, and keep your employees and clients happy and loyal.

The plan, which is only available to Rockford Chamber of Commerce members, offers an affordable blend of hospitality, signage and unique experiences giving you the opportunity to say “WE BELIEVE!” This is a very exciting time for Rockford, as the downtown corridor continues to grow thanks, in no small part, to the hard work and leadership of the Chamber, RAVE, the BMO Harris Bank Center and the IceHogs. But there is still a lot of work to be done, and through community partnerships like the “WE BELIEVE” Business Plan, we can continue to rebuild downtown Rockford into a vibrant entertainment hub for our business community, citizens, visitors and guests.

If you would like more information, we encourage you to call Julia Johnson at 815-847-6371. Julia can also be reached via email at jjohnson@ theBMOharrisbankcenter.com.

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REGIONAL BUSINESS EXPO 2012

County health department receives money to help residents improve health behaviors

By Barbara Connors The Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) and its We Choose Health participating partners received a grant aimed at getting residents to trim down and stop smoking. The nearly $300,000 grant is a part of a $3.5 million We Choose Health grant by the Illinois Department of Public Health for obesity and tobacco prevention initiatives. “There is an urgent need to accelerate progress in obesity and tobacco prevention, some of the most significant contributing factors to the increasing chronic disease burden borne by individuals, families, workplaces and communities,” said Mike Bacon, WCHD public health director.

Winnebago County received a health ranking of 73 out of 102 Illinois counties in 2012, according to a study by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The county did not compare well in resident health behaviors, with adult smoking at 25 percent, adult obesity at 29 percent and physical inactivity at 27.

The initial focus for the We Choose Health grant will be on healthy eating

and active living and will target school students, families and faculty, and places of employment. Other goals will be to expand smoke-free living opportunities in public places and in fostering safe routes to school through the City of Rockford’s Complete Streets initiative. The initiative is a part of the National Complete Streets Coalition to ensure that transportation planners and engineers design and operate roadways with all users in mind -- bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

We Choose Health participating partners include the Boone County Health Department, the Discovery Center Museum and Winnebago County Medical Society (Fit Families Initiative), Rockford Public Schools District 205, YMCA of Rock River Valley, La Voz Latina, Health Systems Research, Rockford Health Council, Food Studies Institutes, the CHIP initiative, Employers Coalition on Health, Rockford Park District, University of Illinois Rockford, Youth Services Network, Boone County Unit School District 100, Regional Superintendent of Schools Office and the City of Rockford.

September 2012 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Fun Health Facts THE HUMAN BRAIN HAS THE CAPACITY TO STORE EVERYTHING THAT YOU EXPERIENCE. When you take a step, you are using up to 200 muscles.

Dogs can be trained to identify the scent of lung cancer long before symptoms develop.

A person can live without food for about a month, but only about a week without water.

Staying awake for 17 hours is the same for your body as drinking two glasses of wine.

Chewing gum boosts your brain power.

Enamel is hardest substance in the human body.

The human brain stops growing at the age of 18.

REDHEADS REQUIRE UP TO 20 PERCENT MORE ANESTHESIA TO BE KNOCKED OUT. If you are cold, you are more likely to be hungry because you use energy to keep warm.

Women have about four times as many foot problems as men, often from lifelong patterns of wearing high heels.

There are times when you’re walking that the pressure on your feet exceeds your body weight. When you’re running, it can be three or four times your weight.

It’s possible to die from a broken heart. It’s called Stress Cardiomyopathy.

YOUR THUMB IS ABOUT THE SAME SIZE AS YOUR NOSE.

Poor eyesight (myopia) is associated with higher IQ. The Internal Revenue Service audits 87 percent of women who claim breast implants as tax deductions.

If your DNA was stretched out, it would reach to the moon 6,000 times.

By weight, bone is five times stronger than steel.

FIDGETING CAN BURN ABOUT 350 CALORIES A DAY. It is possible for you to survive even after the removal of the spleen, the stomach, one kidney, one lung, 75 percent of the liver, 80 percent of the intestines, and almost every organ from the pelvic and groin area.

Twenty minutes after smoking a cigarette, blood pressure drops to normal.

Smokers get 10 times more wrinkles than non-smokers.

CIGARETTE SMOKE CONTAINS 4,800 CHEMICALS — 69 OF WHICH CAUSE CANCER.

A human being loses an average of 40 to 100 strands of hair a day.

Quick naps not only improve your alertness, but they also help in decision making.

ONE OR TWO ALCOHOL DRINKS A DAY CAN BE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY.

It has been shown that caffeine causes headaches when stopped suddenly and can cause morning headaches that are relieved by a dose of caffeine.

The levels of two stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, which suppress the body’s immune system, will actually drop after a dose of laughter.

SCIENTISTS ESTIMATE THAT LAUGHING 100 TIMES IS EQUIVALENT TO A 10-MINUTE WORKOUT ON A ROWING MACHINE.

Brain scans show that people who view photos of a beloved experience an activation of the caudate — the part of the brain involving cravings.

After age 30, the brain shrinks a quarter of a percent (0.25 percent) in mass each year.

TEN SECONDS IS THE AMOUNT OF TIME UNTIL UNCONSCIOUSNESS AFTER THE LOSS OF BLOOD SUPPLY TO THE BRAIN.

The brain can stay alive for four to six minutes without oxygen. After that, cells begin die.

Your heart will pump about 400 liters or about 800 quarts in its lifetime.

Source: www.funfactz.com

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September 2012

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Business leaders + math teachers = success in the classroom and the workplace What do Rockford area math teachers and the employees of ThermoFisher Scientific, Woodward and members of the Carpenters Local 792 have in common? Quite a bit, as it turns out.

This summer, a group of 18 Rockford area math teachers had the opportunity to see how the skills they are teaching their students are being applied in the “real world,” thanks to a professional development program administered by the Northern Illinois University Department of Mathematics.

Funded by the Illinois Mathematics and Science Partnership program, this partnership focused on excellence in math teaching, with a special emphasis on enhancing teacher leadership and student engagement.

Rockford area math teachers have the opportunity to see how the skills they are teaching their students are being applied in the “real world.”

NIU math professors Helen Khoury, Ph.D. and Mary Shafer, Ph.D., principal investigators on the project, partnered with Alignment Rockford and local companies to provide the teachers with experiences that helped them gain a fresh perspective on how and what they do in the classroom with their students translates to the business world.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, Chris Budde, General Manager, and Jeff Lee, Director of Operations, talked about how math and algebra skills are applied in all departments of the company.

At the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training Center, Jim Emerson of Carpenters Local 702 outlined how the skilled trades utilize math, geometry and algebra proficiencies. At Woodward, Terry Voskuil, Director of Technology of Turbine Systems and Joel Kleckler, Principal Engineer, demonstrated how mathematical principles go into the development of new engineering systems and processes.

“The teachers really enjoyed the experiences at the businesses and the related discussions. Teacher participants developed classroom activities for their middle school and high school mathematics students that connect to how mathematics is being implemented

Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University

in industry,” said Dr. Khoury.

Jo-Ann Valdivia, Math Department Chair at Jefferson High School, said, “I was very impressed by everything we saw.

I was especially intrigued when Nikki Jarrett at Thermo Fisher Scientific shared real-life applications for polynomials and the opportunity for hands-on investigation with ph. This topic was later discussed in another area of mathematics, logarithms, showing students connections between mathematical concepts. We are already creating lessons for these topics.”

The series of visits confirmed the value of the high school redesign currently underway in Rockford public schools, noted Laurie Preece, executive director of Alignment Rockford.

“This

professional

development

was very timely because it focused on algebra applications in a wide variety of occupations. Academies strive to present math curriculum in occupational contexts, so learning how chemists, engineers, accountants,

tradesmen CNC

and

women,

operators

and

biological researchers all use math is very supportive of Rockford Public Schools’ high school redesign,” Preece said.

This fall, teacher participants in this continuing grant program, will join Dr. Khoury and Dr. Shafer in Chicago for additional professional development experiences at the regional conference held by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

“Supporting middle and high school mathematics teachers, and their school administrators, to make mathematics meaningful, relevant and enjoyable in the classroom is a major goal of ours,” Khoury said. During follow-up sessions in 2012-2013, and during three weeks in Summer 2013, mathematics teacher participants will continue to experience and learn how mathematics, and specifically geometry, gets implemented in the sciences, engineering, business and technology. In the process, teachers will enhance their own knowledge of mathematics and of mathematics teaching.

Rena Cotsones is assistant vice president, regional engagement/Rockford for Northern Illinois University.

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

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September 2012

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PROFILE

Member Company Profile Barnes manufactures a wide range of coolant filtration equipment to serve the needs of grinding, honing and cutting machine manufacturers and end users.

Barnes International, Inc.

By Paul Anthony Arco Part of having a successful business model means having the right connections.

Barnes International, Inc. knows that well.

Barnes designs, manufactures and assembles machine tool coolant filtration equipment for aerospace, automotive and off road manufacturers, grinders, hones, and metal cutting CNCs at its 160,000 square-foot facility in downtown Rockford, with its staff of 120 employees, as well as in its engineering division offices in Michigan and Indiana. Last year, nearly 70 percent of what Barnes produced was exported to Mexico and Canada. Major clients include Boeing and automotive manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Chrysler.

One name missing from that list was General Motors. That is, until a third party introduced Barnes to the large automaker six years ago. Officials from the two companies met, and hit it off.

Recently, Barnes signed a multi-year contract with General Motors.

“If you’re persistent, aggressive and approach things in different ways, there’s always an opportunity,” said President Bill Kirchner, who joined the company 10 years ago. “By taking risks, we’re getting a good return.”

The company started as Barnes Drill Company in 1907, and changed its name to Barnes International, Inc., in 1990.“We built high-speed drill machines in the beginning,” Kirchner said. “It was innovative at the time and used on cars such as the Model T Ford.”

In the 1930s Barnes started building honing machines. Honing is an abrasive machining process that produces a precision surface on a metal workpiece.

Typical applications are the finishing of cylinders for internal combustion engines, air bearing spindles and gears to achieve a tight size tolerance. Barnes produced hones that were used on engine lines and battleships until 2005.

In 2007, Barnes acquired Superior Filtration, Inc as part of its on-going growth strategy. Superior Filtration is a leader in vacuum filter technology with equipment and systems installed in the major U.S. automotive and auto parts manufacturers, as well as leading manufacturers in aerospace, energy and metal working industries.

“The combination of Barnes’ industry leading grinding and chip filters with

President Bill Kirchner Superior’s vacuum technology is the perfect fit that allows us to offer a full range of solutions to our customers,” said Kirchner.

Barnes also acquired Advanced Filtration Concepts, North America’s largest filtration manufacturer, from a German Corporation. “We made the decision to sell off the honing business and started looking at filtration companies to buy,” Kirchner said. “Buying companies and buying them right has been one of the keys to our success.”

A founding member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Barnes is owned by the Gollob family. Kirchner also serves as president of another Barnes property called RAM (Rippel Architectural Metal), a custom metal fabricator based in Rockford that produces tubing for the food and beverage, sanitary, architectural metal, decorative and construction industries.

“There are advantages to being privately owned,” Kirchner said. “We are strong proponents of quality service and doing right by our customer. Filtration is our life. In the last four years, sales tripled and this year will be four times what we sold four years ago,” he added. “I’m proud that Barnes has added 80 quality jobs with benefits in the last two years, and we’re still looking for heavy duty assemblers, welders and fabricators.”

Barnes has many second and third generation workers. “They’re dedicated, hardworking people,” Kirchner said.

There have been a few bumps along the way, but Barnes has always bounced back.

“Fortunately, our owners have stuck by us and provided enough resources to allow the company to survive,” said Kirchner, who continues to look for acquisitions that will increase overall sales. “We’ve defied the odds.”

BARNES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Bill Kirchner, president 814 Chestnut St. Rockford, IL 61102 815-964-8661 www.barnesintl.com

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2012

We need to steer a steady course with our leadership team The new school year began just a few days ago, and with it, the opportunity for us to continue positive steps forward as a district. We’ve seen great progress over the past 12 months, and we’re poised for even greater success this school year as we continue to implement our Readiness Rocks initiatives. Those five initiatives are: 1. College & Career Readiness 2. Seven Periods to Success 3. 21st Century Learning Environments 4. Preschool for All 5. College for All Although these initiatives provide the door to our future success, we need the right people to turn the key and make it happen. Within the context of day-to-day operations, the people who make that happen are District 205’s administrative leadership team. Those people are: Angel Contreras, Chief Human Resources Officer Earl Dotson, Jr., Chief of Communications and Parent and Community Empowerment Martha Hayes, Asst. Superintendent for Learning Lori Hoadley, General Counsel Ehren Jarrett, Asst. Superintendent for Schools Cedric Lewis, Chief Financial Officer Todd Schmidt, Chief Operations Officer Matthew Vosberg, Asst. Superintendent for Schools They are people who are active in our community. They are people who enjoy working with our students, our teachers, our staff and our regional leaders. They are smart people. They are experienced people. Many of them are local people, committed to being in Rockford, staying in Rockford, and improving our region through dedication to improving our school district.

They are approachable. They are responsive. They are here to serve you, long after I’m gone, whenever that may be. We’ve worked together to live and breathe servant leadership from the top down. We’ve worked hard to analyze what’s wrong and develop plans to make it right. It will take time. It will take consistency in pursuing our goals and having the right people doing it.

Our leadership team is working hard. Very hard, just as our excellent teachers and support staff are doing.

Everyone would like to see success equated to higher test scores, higher graduation rates and more qualified graduates. We know those results are in our near future but the groundwork has

to be laid first. That’s what we’re doing with Readiness Rocks and many of the accomplishments made during the past 12 months. Those include planning and the beginning implementation of high school academies, re-instatement of the seven-period school day, and expansion of the Gifted and Montessori programs.

Ten-Year Facilities Plan Approved Perhaps a couple of our most exciting accomplishments happened at our recent Aug. 14 board meeting when our board evaluated, discussed and ultimately approved our 10-year facilities plan and then approved bond referendum language to be put on the November ballot. If approved, the first phase will result in upgrades for every District 205 school during the next five years.

Our leadership team spent hundreds of hours researching the current conditions, needed repairs and corresponding costs to our more than 50 school buildings.

We realize that in order to provide a 21st century education, we need 21st century schools -- those with more than one electrical outlet in a classroom.

The reality of our schools’ condition is shocking, and we are grateful our leadership team had a receptive school board willing to listen to the problems and finally tackle maintenance that has been deferred for decades.

How do we move forward? We move forward by doing more of the same.

That’s a new concept for our district, which has been rocked by change in leadership, change in goals and change in direction year after year. We’ve gone out and listened to our teachers, staff and parents, and we’ve heard their need for stability. We need to develop an environment that encourages tomorrow’s leaders to emerge from today’s staff. We need to keep the same direction.

How do we do that? We follow the same Readiness Rocks initiatives. We follow what our community desires in its school district. We follow what we know is working and continue to measure, test and report results.

Most importantly? We, as a community, continue to support our current leadership team. It’s a team I know many surrounding school districts envy. It’s been a long time since we could claim that status. Let’s support it. Let’s cheer it on. Let’s keep it.

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

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

21

22

September 2012

The Business of Golf

ABOUT GO FOR THE GREEN! For Rockford business people, golf

and golf playdays are part of business-

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

The Golf Shack delivers the goods for more than 40 years

recreational activity for networking with clients and prospective customers.

Starting with the April issue, we have

been featuring member golf courses as well as golf, playday, and networking tips from the local professionals.

By Paul Anthony Arco Ric Myles has only been with the Golf Shack for three months, but it didn’t take long for the new general manager to come away impressed with Rockford’s largest golf retail business.

“The first time I came in, I was blown away by the size of the store and the quality of the staff,” he said. “I had heard about the Golf Shack, but I had no idea how impressive it was until I saw it firsthand.”

In 1971 Bob Polivka left his job as an engineer at Sundstrand Corp. to start the Golf Shack in a small shop on Charles Street. The business outgrew its space and moved to 7th Avenue and then to East State Street, before landing in its current location on Bell School Road.

Polivka was one of the first retailers in the country to sell golf clubs not affiliated with pro shops at public golf courses and country clubs. He was among the first businessmen to start the National Golf Buyers Association, allowing independent stores to negotiate bulk rates from club and golf ball makers.

Unfortunately, Bob died in 2008. Today, his son, Todd, oversees the business. “I’m proud of what my father started with the Golf Shack,” said Todd. “It’s important to note that our company’s success is directly related to the support we’ve received from the Rockford community. Our growth would not be possible without that tremendous support.”

The Golf Shack sells clubs, carts, bags, balls and a number of other accessories.

It offers club-fitting, club repair and a year-round driving range, open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk. Next door is Garrett’s Restaurant & Bar, a popular spot for lunch and dinner opened by Todd Polivka in 2000. The Golf Shack’s busy season runs from March through August.

Myles joined the Golf Shack after stints at Budget Golf in Joliet and Golf Mart of Naperville. “I love my job,” he said. “It’s great to do something all day long that I love. It doesn’t feel like work.”

The golf retail industry has changed drastically in Myles’ nearly 20 years in the business. “Customers are so much more knowledgeable about products and golf equipment than they ever were before,” he said. “It’s important for me and the staff to stay up on current products.”

One of the biggest changes in the business is the average lifecycle of a set of clubs. “When I started it was five years,”

Above: The Golf Shack is at 1631 N. Bell School Road.

Right: The Golf Shack has expert staff to help customers with their equipment needs, Myles said. “Now, for most manufacturers, it’s between one and two years. With drivers and hybrids, it’s changing every year. A lot of it is driven by technology.

There’s always something waiting in the pipeline that’s newer, greater or better.”

The staff at the Golf Shack includes 12 full and part-time staff, many of whom have years of golf retail experience. “I would put this staff up against any I’ve worked with,” Myles said. “They’re very good at what they do. There’s a comfort level between the staff and customers. It’s like Cheers. Everyone knows their name.”

The Golf Shack, a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, does a strong corporate business, selling personalized and logoed items, including

shirts, divot repair tools, and shoe bags, for company-related events. Chase Bank has worked with The Golf Shack on several occasions. “The Golf Shack has been a great business partner,” said Jeff Layng, president of business banking. “They always have the latest and greatest when it

How to select the right clubs “To buy a set of clubs, you should try to hit as many clubs as you can.

That’s the great thing we have here.

We have fitting carts from all the major manufacturers that help customers decide on clubhead, shaft and specifications that work best for them.

We can build any set of irons. We have demos of everything. The key thing for the consumer is to find which one feels the best to you, and which one, when you look down on the club, is going to Ric Myles is the new general manager give you confidence that you can hit at The Golf Shack. a solid shot. When you figure that out, you’ve found the best set of clubs for you. Then it becomes our job as fitting professionals to make sure we get the correct lie angle, correct length and the correct shaft flex for you. We take over to make sure it fits your particular swing.

There is no secret among thieves. There’s nothing that Callaway doesn’t know, that TaylorMade doesn’t know, that Nike doesn’t know.

The technology is out there. It’s just a matter of where they distribute the weight and the size of the head. Each one is going to feel different for each person. Golf is such a game of feel, that it’s important to find something that feels good to you. Price points for most sets of clubs are pretty similar. A lot of manufacturers will come out with low end models, but those are difficult to get custom fit. We can make changes here that most stores can’t. Sets of irons range from $100 to $1,500. As the price goes up, so does the quality of the product.”

comes to golf gifts, and the staff goes out of their way to exceed our expectations.”

Myles is searching for a director of golf instruction to lead individual and group lesson programs for adults and juniors. Myles said having an onsite lesson program makes good business sense. “It’s easier to fit clubs,” he said.

“We can watch your swing and tell you what your swing speed is, what your club speed is, and what the launch angle of the golf ball is. It’s amazing what those numbers can tell us.”

Throughout the year, the Golf Shack hosts demo days with several of its manufacturers. Recently, the store held its first tent sale in five years. The driving range also has a variety of specials for ladies, couples, seniors, lefties and juniors.

Myles said more events are planned with Garrett’s in order to draw golfers and nongolfers alike. “We want to make it a fun atmosphere,” he said.

Expect other improvements in the near future, including changes to the store’s layout and to some of the products sold.

The store’s website will also be revamped.

“The potential for the Golf Shack is huge,” Myles said.

THE GOLF SHACK 1631 N. Bell School Road Rockford, IL 61107 815-397-3709 www.golfshack.com

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

23

September 2012

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Tough times or golden opportunities?

Looking at leaders’ perceptions

Jeff Fahrenwald Rockford College

I have worked with and observed a number of different organizations over the past few years, helping them with organizational development, strategic planning and a variety of other related issues. These organizations all have been very different; from profit to notfor profit, and from very small in size to more than $1 billion in annual sales.

Some have gone on to greater success, others have stagnated or retrenched – and for still others, the jury is still out.

What I have grown to recognize in all of these organizations is the role the perception of the leader or leadership team plays in the organization’s future success, especially in these continuing tough times.

Did it happen in every case? No, but it happened in most of the cases, by a wide margin.

Does it mean the more successful organizations didn’t make cuts?

Absolutely not, but the cuts made were focused on how these times can create new, sustainable opportunities. The most successful organizations had a leader or a leadership team that understood this downturn was temporary, and that there are great opportunities when every other organization is cutting back. I believe these organizations will continue to be stronger as our economy strengthens, as everyone in these organizations has learned how to effectively do more and grow with less.

The most successful organizations had a leader or a leadership team that understood this downturn was temporary.

Desire to Succeed, and Win

The organizations that have experienced greater success have had a leader or leadership team that looked at the present economic situation as an opportunity to reinvent itself, as opposed to stagnant organizations that have had a leader or leadership team that looked at the same times and only saw difficulties.

In some cases these organizations were in the same industry facing the same challenges. In one case leadership did nothing but “pull back,” while in the other, they pushed everyone to find new ways and new opportunities.

For example, while leaders of some organizations in the manufacturing sector were cutting back on their skilled workers because of a lack of work, leaders of others were hiring those same skilled workers, knowing in the long run they would need good people to be competitive. The result? The organizations where the leaders had the foresight to selectively hire good skilled workers are growing and are able to accept new orders. The organizations letting people go continue to suffer, because it is very difficult to find good workers with the specific skills needed to operate their machines.

Seeing the Opportunities I know of similar examples in construction, distribution, restaurants, retail and education. The organizations that put their efforts toward “making lemonade out of lemons,” instead of reacting to a bunch of sour lemons, won.

Is this something, as an organizational, departmental or area leader, you can adapt or learn from? I believe so.

People working in organizations want to work for a winner, and winning is easiest when there is a goal that is easy to buy into. Survival is NOT a goal.

Growing the organization, beating the competition, finding new markets and customers, reinventing what you have been doing, questioning what really makes you successful and developing the answer are all goals that lead to winning organizations.

I don’t think it takes extraordinary leaders to do this, it just takes leaders who are willing to help everyone in the organization perceive the times as an opportunity and not as a problem. These leaders realize some organizations will succeed during these times, and their competition is run by people who aren’t any smarter than they are. These leaders drive out the fear of failing with the desire to succeed and win!

My recommendation is for you to take a serious look at yourself as a leader, as well as the other leaders at your organization. Do you see fear or excitement about what the future can bring? If it is fear, I wish you and your organization luck, because you are going to need it. If it is excitement, then I don’t need to wish you luck because you already are on the road to success. In that case enjoy the ride!

Jeff Fahrenwald is director of the MBA program at Rockford College.

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

24

September 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Amateur sports ends another successful season Labor Day weekend traditionally signals the end of the amateur sports season. While several soccer and softball tournaments take place this fall, the majority of the season is now behind us.

Our community long has been a considered a leader in the amateur sports world. The events and tournaments generate approximately $15 million a year for the local economy. And, without a doubt, this proved to be another successful year for the Rockford Region.

Here’s a look at some of the events.

Region Bowls a Strike Beginning in February, the Rockford Region was “bowled over” by a large group of fun and energetic women. More than 5,000 bowlers rolled into the community for more than 10 weekends to take part in the Illinois Women’s Bowling Association’s (IWBA) 2012 state tournament. Themed “Sock Monkey and You in 2-0-1-2,” the event filled an estimated 6,000 hotel room nights and generated approximately $1.5 million for the economy.

IWBA last came to Rockford in 2004, when it held its 75th annual state tournament.

“The bowlers wanted to come back to the Rockford Region,” said Laura Heller, president of the Rockford Women’s Bowling Association. “We have great bowling facilities, many fine restaurants and a fantastic variety of hotels/motels.

There’s something for every budget. Plus, they loved the sock monkey theme idea.”

Not in Kansas Anymore After a two-year absence, the region welcomed back the Region II ODP Boys’ Camps. The program, which is intended to identify future Olympic and collegelevel athletes, was drawn away from Rockford to a new, world-class soccer facility in Overland Park, Kan., in 2010 and 2011.

Organizers returned to Rockford for 2012 and plan to be back for 2013 because of region’s many offerings, commitment to customer service and our location.

RACVB worked closely with the Rockford Park District and its Sportscore II facility to bring this event back.

The camps brought 1,900 players and coaches to the area from 13 Midwestern states and filled an estimated 2,700 hotel room nights. The Boys’ Camps produce an estimated $1.4 million annually for area businesses.

World Series Events Return The Rockford Region hosted three United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) World Series softball events.

Two events, the USSSA 14U World Series

John Groh

and the Rockford Area Convention & Women’s World Visitors Bureau Series, chose to return to Winnebago County because of the exceptional customer service they received from RACVB, the park district, the hotels and the community. Their positive experiences influenced the 18U “B” World Series in its selection of our community.

The three tournaments generated an estimated $630,000 for area businesses and filled more than 3,500 hotel room nights.

BMX Races an Annual Event Rockford BMX hosted the 2012 American Bicycle Association (ABA) Midwest Nationals in July. More than 1,000 professional and amateur racers competed for national rankings on one of the best bicycle motocross tracks in the country. The competition brought approximately 6,000 racers and fans to the region and generated an estimated $280,000 for area restaurants and businesses.

The ABA Midwest Nationals has been an annual event for Rockford BMX for approximately 25 years. The 2011 Rockford event was named best single amateur sporting event in the world by SportsTravel.

Soccer Cup Draws International Teams The Puma Champions Cup returned to the Rockford Region for the 10th consecutive year. The tournament, hosted by the Rockford Raptors Youth Soccer League, brought more than 525 teams from eight Midwestern states to the region. Two international teams from Canada and Mexico also took part.

The Puma Champions Cup brought an estimated $1.6 million in economic activity to the Rockford Region. More than 23,000 people attended the tournament, making it the largest soccer tournament held in the Rockford Region.

Continuing to Grow If the Rockford Region wants to continue to attract events like these, it’s imperative that we invest in our amateur sports facilities.

Other communities are recognizing the positive financial gains brought by amateur sports and are investing big bucks in new facilities. Modernizing Sportscore Two and the Indoor Sports Center and building an indoor multi-sport facility would ensure the Rockford Region remains a leader in the amateur sports world.

John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

1. Paul Fischer

2. Michele Janke

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

3. Megan Wiley

4. Daniel Puckett

5. Richard Apple

6. Nick Povalitis

The Crusader Community Health Foundation elected two new members to its board: Paul Fischer (1), senior vice president, Alpine Bank, and Michele Janke (2), regional business sales manager, BMO Harris Bank.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau President/CEO John Groh was elected to the Destination Marketing Association International board for a three-year term beginning this fall.

The Rock River Valley Pantry board named its officers for fiscal year 2013: Cindy Leib, president, SwedishAmerican Medical Group; Nonie Broski, 1st vice president; Michelle Lewis, 2nd vice president, U.S. Cellular; Colin Hurka, treasurer, MC Products, and Eric Wilson, secretary, WREX 13. New board members are Jennifer Forrester, BizComm Consulting, and Brian Lee, Logli’s Supermarkets.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Linda Chang, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, is the new assistant dean of medical education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

Rockford RiverHawks signed

9. Cheryl Burggraf

10.Lauren Sanderson

free-agent Justino Cuevas, with the rookie-class GCL Nationals, single-A Hagerstown Suns and the single-A Potomac Nationals last season.

Riverside Community Bank hired Megan Wiley (3) as a client service assistant.

Rockford Metal Polishing Co., hired Daniel Puckett (4) as sales manager.

The Alzheimer’s Association™, Greater Illinois Chapter, hired Richard Apple (5), LCSW, as a new care navigator in Rockford.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hired Nick Povalitis (6) as its new sales manager and promoted Monica Krysztopa (7) to executive vice president, Lindsay Arellano (8) to senior sports sales manager, Cheryl Burggraf (9) to senior meeting sales manager and Lauren Sanderson (10) to operations manager.

New Chamber Members MEMBERS

AAA ROCKFORD

Providing Auto Club (Emergency Road Service Plus) Memberships, Full Service Travel Agency, Auto, Home, Life Insurance 3910 N. Mulford Road, Ste. 1200, 61114 Joe Howard 815-636-9050 www.aaa.com

BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF ILLINOIS

Largest Health Insurance Company in Illinois; Technologically Innovated, Efficient and Responsive 2787 McFarland Road, 61107 Steve Schultz 815-639-7150 www.bcbsil.com

A Full Service Property Management Company that Provides the Highest Level of Service 6952 Rote Road, 61107 Rick Davis 815-398-8886 www.statelinerentalproperties.com

7. Monica Krysztopa

8. Lindsay Arellano

Cindy Pederson (11), Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc., received a certificate of completion for Pekin Insurance commercial enhancement school.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

CENTURY 21 AFFILIATED/ STATELINE RENTAL PROPERTIES

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September 2012

MID-STATES SCREW CORP. Manufacturing Special Fasteners 1817 18th Ave., 61101 Michael Kranish 815-397-2440 www.midstatesscrew.com

PRAIRIE STREET BREWHOUSE

Unique Historic Architectual Landmark to Host Your Next Event 200 Prairie St., 61107 Rachael Pennell 815-277-9427 www.psbrewhouse.com

STRATEGIC HR ADVISORS

Specializing in Human Resource Management, Organizational Development and Quality and Lean Business Systems 6034 Fireside Dr., 61114 Wayne Perrett 815-289-9246 www.strategichradvisors.com

THOR ADVERTISING

Outdoor Digital Advertising Exposure at the Speed of Thought 4603 Pine Al Dr. Machesney Park, 61115 Ryan Williams 815-282-8467 (THOR) www.thorads.com

11. Cindy Pederson

12. Dana Carroll

Michelle L. Martin joined theFranaGroup as a revenue cycle associate.

Production Tool & Supply promoted Kelly Gibbs to sales manager.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

SwedishAmerican Health System awarded four-year, $1,000 scholarships to employees’ children: Bridgette Bowen, Rachel Johnson, Logan Lersch, Genises Lopez, Aleah Lund, Jessica Schubert, Michael Severson, Ta’naysha Smith, Amara Wheeler and Akeem Williams.

Mary Ann Brown, CSBO, business manager/treasurer, Byron CUSD #226, was named an Association of School Business Officials International Bridges to the Future Scholarship recipient, sponsored by MetLife Resources, a MetLife company.

Dana Carroll (12), engineering manager for the Rock River Water Reclamation District, received the Professional Engineering Management award by the Rockford chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.

Executive Director Sherry Pitney celebrated 30 years with Rockford Rescue Mission.

Headache specialist Jeffrey Royce, M.D., FAAFP, SwedishAmerican Health System, was named a fellow of the American Headache Society (AHS).

He is the only AHS fellow in Rockford, and one of four in Illinois.

Mary Breeden, AVP merchant services at Alpine Bank, received the designation of Certified Payments Professional™ (CPP).

OF GENERAL INTEREST

Christine Nicholson, Rosecrance experiential therapies department supervisor, was invited to speak about the Rosecrance Healing Garden at the 2012 North American Japanese Garden Association national conference in Denver, Oct. 11 to 14.

26

September 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Members Caught on Digital ON DIGITAL

Upstream Investment Partners held a ribbon cutting on July 26 at 423 Financial Court, in Rockford.

Aqua-Aerobic Systems held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 16 for a new New Research and Technology Center at the Rock River Water Reclamation District, 3333 S. Kishwaukee St., Rockford.

Wyeth Stadium, home to Auburn and Jefferson teams, celebrates its stadium renovation and artificial playing field addition.

Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 22 at 308 W. State St., Ste. 475, in Rockford.

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

20-YEAR MEMBERS

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Dale Carnegie Training Midwest Roofing Supply

Absolute Fire Protection, Inc. Colorwave Graphics, LLC Windstar Lines

15-YEAR MEMBERS Cremation Society of Illinois Ken McEachran Agency, Ltd. Shadow Trucking, Inc. Tree Care Enterprises Inc.

Swanson Stadium, home to Guilford and East teams, celebrates its stadium renovation and artificial playing field addition.

5-YEAR MEMBERS A-1 Restoration Inc. Auto Body Specialist Inc. Behavioral Medicine & Neuropsychological Associates, LLC Forest Hills Village NIU Rockford Club

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

27

September 2012

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY

U.S. Indicators July, 2012 Consumer Price Index

q 0.3 percent

Unemployment Rate

8.3 percent

Payroll Employment

p 163,000

Average Hourly Earnings

p $0.02

Producer Price Index

p 0.3 percent

Employment Cost Index

p 0.5 percent (second quarter, 2012)

Productivity

p 1.6 percent (second quarter, 2012)

U.S. Import Price Index

q 0.6 percent

U.S. Export Price Index

p 0.5 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Midwest Manufacturing Output Increased in June The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 1.1% in June, to a seasonally adjusted level of 94.1 (2007 = 100). Revised data show the index was up 2.5% in April. The Federal Reserve Board’s industrial production index for manufacturing (IPMFG) increased 0.7% in June. Regional output rose 11.0% in June from a year earlier, and national output increased 5.6%.

Monthly Index

% Change

April 12

May 12

June 12

June 11 - June 12

Chicago Mfg. Index

94.4

93.0

94.1

p

11.0

CFMMI-Auto

99.3

95.1

95.8

p

21.9

CFMMI-Steel

91.5

92.0

92.4

p

11.0

CFMMI-Machinery

93.4

92.9

95.6

p

12.2

CFMMI-Resource

90.5

89.7

90.1

p

2.1

National Index

95.8

95.2

95.8

p

5.6

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Updated July 30, 2012

Population Clocks As of August 15, 2012: U.S.

314,166,646 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

World

7,033,010,837

Unemployment Rates—Region, State, Nation June 2012

May 2012

June 2011

Rockford

11.5

10.4

12.4

1.1

q 0.9

Chicago

9.4

8.6

10.9

0.8

q 1.5

Illinois

9.3

8.4

10.3

0.9

q 1.0

United States

8.4

7.9

9.3

0.5

q 0.9

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security

Change/Mo. Change/Yr.

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September 2012

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

Cleaning & Restoration to develop a marketing platform through website and social media for lead generation, customer conversion and analysis for marketing activities. V2 Marketing Communications represents the merger of Velasco & Associates and Argyle Marketing.

Woods Equipment is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its iconic Batwing® rotary cutter with a call for artists contest. The winning artist will receive $1,000, have their art displayed in the headquarters lobby, and featured in 2013 commemorative Batwing® calendar.

Visit www.woodsbatwingcontest.com for details and contest rules.

YWCA of Rockford announced that the keynote speaker for the Leader Luncheon XXXIII: Women of Achievement, March 4, 2013, is filmmaker and philanthropist, Abigail E. Disney, producer of “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” and “Women, War & Peace.”

Crimson Pointe assisted living and Active Therapeutics implemented a fall reduction program, which has eliminated participants’ falls and increased strength and balance, allowing some to graduate from a wheelchair to a walker.

Effective in July, Hamilton Sundstrand now is called UTC Aerospace Systems. It selected Woodward, Inc., as a provider of specific engine components for the newest models of the Pratt & Whitney PurePower® engine program: high- and lowpressure stator vane actuators, a bleed valve actuator, an oil valve package, fuel flow divider and returnto-tank valve.

Woodward, Inc., reported net sales for third quarter, 2012, of $460.2 million -- an increase of five percent from third quarter of last year. The board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share, payable on Sept. 4, 2012 for stockholders of record as of Aug. 21, 2012.

Northwest Bank, which has grown to $245 million in total assets, held a news conference in July to unveil a new corporate logo and identity marking its 40th year as a local, community bank.

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C., moved its Phoenix office to the MAX at KIERLAND, a Class A, 285,000-square-foot, six-story, LEEDcertified office building in Scottsdale, Ariz.

SwedishAmerican Health System held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new primary care clinic to open in Rochelle in 2013 as part of an extension of Caron Ridge Shopping Center, east of Sullivans Foods, 320 Eagle Dr. Rockford Park District installed a 4,300-square-foot LiveRoof® Hybrid Green Roof System at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Christiansen Roofing, Inc., did the installation, and financial support was provided by Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Colorwave Graphics, LLC, Loves Park, wrapped 36 exterior windows at Ingersoll Cutting Tools using perforated vinyl. Media was digitally printed, then laminated

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens’ new green roof should decrease storm water runoff and reduce energy use through insulation. with an optically clear film to give the appearance of tinted glass.

Visit YouTube at http://youtu.be/ Ox4hm0T9VqY. Attendance at Rockford City Market on Fridays continued to exceed levels set in previous years with a total 28,568 visitors by July 20.

The Rockford Park District and Booker Washington Community Center opened Junior StreetHogs Arena at Booker Washington Center, 524 Kent St., to provide a place for area youth to play street hockey.

Riverside Community Bank donated $5,000 to help build the rink.

Wipfli LLP’s Wipfli Connect for Contractors solution, a project management tool built on Microsoft Dynamics® CRM, now is certified for Microsoft Dynamics; signifying that it meets Microsoft Corp.’s highest standard for partner-developed software.

Entré Computer Solutions recertified with Cisco systems as a premier partner for the 2012/2013 year and is authorized to sell the Cisco Call Manager Express family of phone products as well as the family of Cisco Security Products.

Visitor spending in Winnebago County increased 11.8 percent in 2011,

totaling more than $311 million dollars -- the first time expenditures topped the $300 million mark since the prerecession level of $300.6 million in 2007, and the highest amount ever recorded.

Chicago Rockford International Airport threw a party on July 30 for its one millionth passenger on Allegiant out of RFD. More than 135 Vietnam Army veterans from 38 states traveled to Rockford in July to participate in a reunion of the 20th Engineer Brigade at Courtyard

by Marriott/Rockford.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope was accredited for the 10th consecutive time for a three-year period for community integration and supports for persons with autism spectrum disorder by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

V2 Marketing Communications was chosen to oversee the Shop Route 173 promotional campaign for the Village of Machesney Park.

It completed a website for Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association at www.rrvtma.com, and an e-commerce website for Simplee Delicious, Inc., at simpleedelicious. com. It was retained by LDR

Region’s only provider of blood products, services celebrates 60 years in community Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC), a nationally recognized, regionally focused, locally governed, centralized blood center, is celebrating 60 years supporting the needs of hospitals in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Founded in 1952, RRVBC provides blood products and innovative services to Beloit Health System, Edgerton Hospital and Health Services, FHN, Mercy Harvard Hospital, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rochelle Community Hospital, Rockford Health System, SwedishAmerican Health System and SwedishAmerican Medical CenterBelvidere.

RRVBC offers blood products and specialized services to facilities, with expertise in cardiac care, cancer treatment, management of high-

risk mothers and infants, burn care, pediatric specialties and trauma care.

Each year, RRVBC provides nearly 100,000 blood products to people in need.

Donors can give a gift, straight from the heart at four locations: Perryville Donor Center, 3065 N. Perryville Road, Rockford Downtown Donor Center, 419 N. Sixth St., Rockford Freeport Donor Center, 461 E. South St., Freeport Belvidere Donor Center, 1740 S. State St., Belvidere Call 815-965-8751 or 877-RRVBC-99, or visit rrvbc.org or www.facebook. com/pages/Rock-River-Valley-BloodCenter/139690108057 and https:// twitter.com/#!/RRVBC.

The U.S. Census Bureau released its first-ever mobile app, “America’s Economy,” with economic trends, updates and the schedule of upcoming releases for smartphone or computer tablet.

Specialty packaging manufacturer J.L.Clark, A CLARCOR Company now is the first metal lithographer in North America to have received Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) certification for its facilities in Rockford.

Rockford Mutual Insurance Company retained PR Etc., to generate visibility and oversee its advertising buys throughout the Midwest. Rockford Park District Foundation selected PR Etc., to oversee the first Orchid Gala fundraiser on Sept. 29 at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.

Pig Minds Brewing Co., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August for its newly constructed bar/brewery specializing in handcrafted ales at 4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park.

Valley Expo & Displays launched its new exhibit design search library at www.valleyexpodisplays.com with thousands of designs.

SwedishAmerican Health System’s 200-page book history book, “It Began with a Dollar,” published in connection with its 100th anniversary, received a 2011 Silver Aster Award, hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today magazine and Creative Images, Inc. SwedishAmerican Hospital received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers, an international not-for-profit organization.

Savant Capital Management ranked as the 52nd largest Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm in the nation by Financial Advisor magazine.

Savant also was named a top RIA firm by Financial Planning magazine and Investment News. Savant was recognized by the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence with an Investment Steward certification for adhering to global standards of fiduciary excellence, and a CEFEX certification as an Investment Advisor for its services in ERISA plans, 403(b)/church exempt, eleemosynary, personal trusts and high net worth individuals.

Crusader Community Health received a $40,000 grant from BlueCross and BlueShield of Illinois to support a health educator who will counsel patients on healthy life styles and disease management.

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity dedicated the first of six new homes

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

29

September 2012

Business Briefs

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

Children play street hockey at the new Junior StreetHogs Arena at Booker Washington Community Center in Rockford. in August. Building began in June and was completed in two months. This is the 95th home in Rockford built by volunteers and sold to qualified families with zero-interest loans.

The average income of the 2012 homeowners is $32,500.

Locally managed John Morrissey Accountants, Inc., celebrated its 40th anniversary of business in the Rockford area.

Satori Pathway presented educational resources on Alzheimer’s and dementia care to the American Association of Medical Assistants.

The Rock River Water Reclamation District received the Professional Engineering Management award by the Rockford chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.

Rockford Health System took ownership of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, providing free medical and dental care year round to uninsured area children. Prior, service was available only for four months each year.

Rockford Orthopedic Associates Surgery Center was named a 2011/2012 Apex Quality Award Winner for Healthcare Excellence by CTQ solutions.

More than 150 ladies, one from Australia, convened in August for the 10th annual Red Hat Gathering at Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center; generating more than $53,000 for area businesses.

KMK Media Group, Inc., was hired

by Raynor Garage Doors, Dixon, to develop and implement a social media marketing plan and video. It was hired

by Court Street United Methodist Church in downtown Rockford to improve its website, develop a social media plan, and handle public relations.

Christofferson Moving and Storage, Beloit, was recognized as United Van Lines’ Agent of the Month for June, 2012, from among more than 400 United Van Lines agencies.

The Rockford Park District Fall/ Winter 2012/2013 Youth and Adult Program Guide is available free online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org, and at park district facilities and customer service locations. Registration now is open for most offerings, which run through March, 2013.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope received three-year accreditation by the international Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for the 10th time. It was one of only three percent of agencies achieving accreditation without recommendations. Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka visited on July 30 during her Illinois Has Heart Tour.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois awarded $15,000 in scholarship funds to Rock Valley College, raised by the Goodwill Diva Dress Sale and Fashion Show last March. The Jon Lundin and DoAnn Geiger scholarships will assist persons with barriers to advance their educations.

Forward Equity Marketing Group, Inc., completed a custom website for Drummond Window Cleaning Services, Geostar Mechanical Inc., and The Gardens At Prairie Rose, and is working with Water Surplus, Loves Park, to develop a high-end collateral piece to be distributed worldwide and a comprehensive SEO project.

Crusader Community Health staff donated more than $40,000 to the Crusader Community Health Foundation in honor of its 40th anniversary year.

Rockford Christian Schools held a ribbon cutting in August for the $4 million, 25,000-square-foot Diane Bertrand Science, Technology and Humanities Center at 1401 N. Bell School Road.

Blackhawk Bank awarded four $1,000 scholarships to area students as part of its ‘A Team’ scholarship program.

Midland States Bank was recognized as the 12th fastest growing wealth management division in the United States by Investment Professionals Inc. The Rockford Park District entered into a seven-year sponsorship agreement with CherryVale Mall for the “Come Play with Us!” indoor playground, located near Sears since 2007. The district Board of Commissioners renamed Harlem Community Park to Wentland Sports Complex in recognition of the contributions of Stanley Wentland, Sr., and the Wentland family.

ADT Security Services, Inc. Alpine Inn Aramark Uniform Services, Inc. ATI Physical Therapy Baymont Inn & Suites Berg Industries, Inc. Blake Oil Company Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc. Boyd Consulting Group, Inc. C & H Design Center Cicero & France, Barch & Alexander, P.C. Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Concordia University of Wisconsin Corporate Services, Inc Cricket Communications Dale Carnegie Training Emery Air, Inc. Ethnic Heritage Museum Focus Financial Advisors, Inc. Forest City Gear Co. Franchesco’s Ristorante Gleason Cutting Tools Corporation Gommel Design Gordon Flesch Company, Inc. Haldex Hydraulics Corporation Heritage Woods of Rockford Hoffman House Holiday Inn Express Honest Pest Control Inc. Horizons Inc. HR Capital Management Consultants IMEC Ingenium Aerospace J. Carlson Growers, Inc. JC Milling Co., Inc. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. K&J Finishing, Inc. Kelce & Company Kiwanis Club of Rockford Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden KP Counseling, Inc. Lawn Care by Walter, Inc. LTM Water Treatment Mainstreet Financial Group Maney’s Lawnscape Inc. Mary-Stuart Carruthers

Metallic Bonds, Ltd. Montessori Private Academy Morgan Building Maintenance Inc. NAACP (National Association For the Advancement of Colored People) National Cooperative Rx Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center Northern Illinois University Northern Illinois Vein Clinic NyClo Screw Machine Products Old Chicago Restaurant Orthopedic & Sports Therapy Institute – Byron Parker Hannifin Corporation Paul Davis Restoration (JRD Construction) PNC Bank R.K. Dixon Company RAC Adjustment Company Rockford Art Museum Rockford Country Club Rockford Electric Equipment Company Rockford ETTCO Rockford Litho Center Rockford Local Development Corporation Rockford Network of Professional Women Rockford Spine Center Rockford Structures Construction Company Rockford Symphony Orchestra Rogers Brothers Galvanizing Schafer Gear Works Rockford, LLC Servpro of Rockford Sinnissippi Apartments Inc. SPX Hydraulic Technologies Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens Terracon, Inc. The Grand Victorian Value Plus Auto Rental and Leasing Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. – Loves Park Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) Widmer Interiors

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Robbin Snodgrass Company: Rock Valley College Position: Special Event Coordinator

How long have you been an Ambassador?

Almost a year What do you like most about being an Ambassador? I very much enjoy meeting new people and hearing about what drives them, what they do and what they hope to do someday. Being a part of the ribbon cuttings and also the monthly luncheons, where everyone shares the things going on in their organizations, is so informative. I enjoy sharing with others all the wonderful things happening in the area. I also enjoy hearing about the partnerships that are built within different companies, because I believe that working together is good for everyone involved.

October 2012 Special Section

Holiday Event & Meeting Venues Insurance Companies / Law Firms For information on advertising, call 815 987-8100

30

Friday, September 7

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center presents Avalon String Quartet – “Serendipitous Harmony,” 7 p.m., at 415 N. Church St., Rockford.

Visit www.mendelssohnpac.org.

Sesame Street Live, “Elmo Makes Music,” takes place Sept. 7 to 9 at BMO Harris Bank Center. Visit www. thebmoharrisbankcenter.com or call 815-968-5222.

Midway Village Museum hosts a Golf Outing at Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford. Registration at 11 a.m.; lunch at 12:30 p.m.; shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and awards to follow. Register at www. midwayvillage.com or 815-397-9112.

Saturday, September 8

BART - Bike For The Arts, 7 a.m., at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Fundraiser for Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Rockford Dance Company and Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford.

Include 22-mile ride, 35-mile ride and 64-mile ride. Also a 5-mile family fun ride at 10 a.m. Post-ride party at 11 a.m. Visit www.bikeforthearts.com.

Second-annual Screw City Beer Festival, 1 to 6 p.m., State and Main streets, featuring more than 130 different beers. Visit www. screwcitybeerfest.com.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois presents its eighth-annual Thin Mint Sprint at Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley. Four-mile Tough Cookie Trail Run at 7:30 a.m., 8K road race, twomile family fun walk/run at 9 a.m., and 100-yard kids’ dash. Register at www. girlscoutsni.org or www.active.com.

Rockford Park District hosts Stewardship Saturdays, 9 to 11 a.m., at Atwood Center in Seth B. Atwood Park. Call 815-987-8800, or visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, presents its Fall Plant Sale, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sept. 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission both days. Call 815-9658146.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden hosts Twilight in the Garden, in partnership with Milestone. Theme is “Best of the West,” 6 to 10 p.m., in Fountain Garden. Western BBQ dinner/ drinks at 7 p.m. Dancing to Smokin Gunz. Register at www.klehm.org or 815-965-8146.

Siena on Brendenwood presents An Evening with Clutch Cargo … a party with a purpose, 7 to 11 p.m., Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd, Rockford. Butlered hors d’oeuvres, appetizer stations, dancing to Clutch Cargo Band, raffle prizes.

Visit www.sienaonbrendenwood.org or call 815-399-6167.

Monday, September 10

Entré Computer Solutions, 8900 N. Second St., Machesney Park, presents

September 2012

Community Events COMMUNITY

Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 10 to 14. Contact Kim Lowe, klowe@entrerock.com or 815847-3129, or Chris Soutar, ChrisS@ entrerock.com or 815-847-3124.

GiGi’s Playhouse/Rockford, LLC, presents its second-annual “No Bull” Golf Outing, 1 p.m., at Rockford Country Club, Rockford. Register by Sept. 5 at www.gigiplayhouse.org/ rockford or call 815-654-7529.

Tuesday, September 11

Savant Capital Management presents Back to the Basics: Investments for Beginners, 6:15 p.m., 7202 Argus Dr., Rockford. Call 815-227-0300.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center invites adult singers to participate in Art Song Project, a vocal ensemble. First season meeting is 7 p.m., at Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford. Contact Cathy Herdeman at 815-398-4257 or cathyherd@comcast.net.

Wednesday, September 12

Rockford College presents its Business Luncheon, Leadership in the Post-9/11 Era, featuring keynote speaker former U.S. Senator Russell D. Feingold, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Regents Hall, Burpee Center, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St. Visit www. rockford.edu.

Thursday, September 13

Lifescape Community Services presents Senior Expo, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sept. 13 and 14, at Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Visit www. lifescapeservices.org or call 815-9631609.

Rockford Public Library presents Small Business Facebook Management from 6 to 8 p.m., East Branch, 6685 E. State St. For small business owners on using Facebook and Twitter for marketing. Registration not required. Call 815-965-7606.

Friday, September 14

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Rockford College, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Rockford Chapter and the Northern Illinois Planned Giving Council host a AFP/NIPGC Planned Giving Seminar with breakfast, 7:30 a.m. to noon, at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Register at www. afprockford.org or call 815-490-1621.

Saturday, September 15

QCi restoration presents a Pig Roast Fundraiser for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Foundation Scholarship Program, 2 to 7 p.m., at 1155 Bowes Road (Elgin). Features Chicago cover band, Hi Infidelity, 3 to 6 p.m. Visit www. qcirestoration.com/fundraiser or call 847-875-9595.

Greenwich Village Art Fair, featuring 101 artists, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St. Call 815-968-2787 or visit www. rockfordartmuseum.org/gvaf.html.

CureSearch for Children’s Cancer presents the Inaugural CureSearch Walk, 8:30 a.m., at Rock Valley College. Past and present children cancer patients will be honored during opening ceremonies. Register at www. curesearchwalk.org/rockford.

Byron Forest Preserve District hosts Barrick Camp Out at 6 p.m. Meet at Jarrett Center. Register by Sept. 13 at 815-234-8535, ext. 200.

Tuesday, September 18

Join The Salvation Army at its Annual Civic Luncheon, featuring Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Call 815972-1133.

Wednesday, September 19

Rockford Public Library presents Planning for Retirement and Beyond, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., East Branch Friends community meeting room, 6685 E. State St. Registration not required. Call 815-965-7606.

Thursday, September 20

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center presents Jazz at Emerson Bad Chapeau, 5:30 p.m., at Emerson House, 420 N. Main St. Visit www. mendelssohnpac.org.

AAIM Employers’ Association Education Center presents Annual Employment Law Update, 8 a.m. to noon, NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St., featuring James R. Pirages, Penelope M. Lechtenberg, Brett Strand and Eileen Caver, attorneys, Hinshaw & Culbertson. Contact 309-637-3333, 800-948-5700 or teresa.bowen@ aaimea.org or visit www.eaconnect. com.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope hosts a Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in its parking lot, 3206 N. Central Ave., Rockford. Walk-ins welcome or call 815-964-9275 to reserve a time.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope presents a Sensory Processing and the Effects on Learning and Behavior, a workshop on autism and other sensory dysfunctions. One-day session is Sept. 20. The three-day adds Oct. 18 and Nov. 15. Visit www.bolsoncenterofhope.org or call 815-9649275, ext. 233.

Friday, September 21

Community Bank of Rockford hosts its third-annual Open House, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2470 Eastrock Dr., Rockford. Free food, beverages, prizes, giveaways. Call 815-397-3111.

Saturday, September 22

Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents Liszt, Wagner, and the Enduring Power of The Ring, with pianist Alon Goldstein, 7:30 p.m., at Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. Tickets at www. rockfordsymphony.com or 815-9650049.

RAMP hosts its wild-animal-themed 12th annual DeKalb County Wheel-AThon at Frank Van Buer Plaza, corner

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of Locust and North 2nd. Registration at 9 a.m.; Wheel-A-Thon at 10 a.m.; lunch and awards to follow. Call 815756-3202.

Crusader Community Health hosts the “Fall into Fitness” 5K run/family fun walk, 9 to 11 a.m., at Fairgrounds Park Pavilion, Rockford. 5K run starts at 9 a.m.; Family Fun Walk at 9:30 a.m. Register by Sept. 14 at www. crusaderhealth.org.

Savant Capital Management presents The Savant Financial Fitness Workshop, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State Street.

Nine different breakout sessions will range from college education funding to Social Security benefits. Includes breakfast and a chance to win an iPad. Visit www.savantcapital.com.

Monday, September 24

Rockford Public Library presents Resume in a Day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. Registration not required.

Call 815-965-7606.

Tuesday, September 25

The Center of Hope offers certified American Red Cross CPR/First Aid training on Sept. 25, Oct. 30 and Nov. 27. Registration required. Email jkiser@b-olsoncenterofhope.org or call 815-964-9275, ext. 276.

Thursday, September 27

Rosie’s Birthday Club hosts its thirdannual Have Your Cake and Eat it Too fundraiser, 5 to 8 p.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. Live cake decorating and cake auction with local celebrities-professional baker teams.

Visit www.rosiesbirthdayclub.org or call Vicki Benson, 815-543-7770.

Friday, September 28

La Voz Latina hosts its Annual Banquet with cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner and program to follow at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd. Awards for “Latinos of Distinction.” Call Anita, 815-965-5784 or acb@lavozlatina-rkfd.org.

Saturday, September 29

Rockford Career College presents its 150th Anniversary Celebration at Giovanni’s, 610 Bell School Road.

Cocktails at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m., program at 8 p.m. Call 815-965-8616.

Ethnic Heritage Museum’s African American Gallery presents Blues & Jazz Fest, 6 p.m., at the Sullivan Center (formerly New American Theatre), featuring E. Faye Butler, Paris Bennett, Harlan Jefferson and Dorothy Paige Turner. Call 815-962-7402 or visit www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

Catholic Charities and the St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center celebrate a century of service with a free, public Celebratory Picnic, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Center, 1536 S. Main St., Rockford. For questions or donations contact 815-399-4300, ext.

350, or ktheros@rockforddiocese.org.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events SEPTEMBER, 2012 Tuesday, September 11

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, dgalluzzo05@ gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 12

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

IGNITE: Lunch Outside the Box, noon at Cliffbreakers. Pam Maher, KMK Media Group, Inc., will present To Share or Not to Share! The Case for Social Media in Business.

Register at 815-316-4335.

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

Friday, September 14

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Rockford Park District and the RACVB will present on the “Reclaiming First” sports facility proposal. To join contact Heidi Garner, 815-316-4312.

IGNITE Members Appreciation Party, 6 to 9 p.m., Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton. Members-only event. Free admission, but registration required

by Sept. 12. Contact Jazzminne Keyes, 815-316-4335 or jazz@ igniterockford.com, or visit www. igniterockford.com.

Thursday, Sept. 20 2:00 - 7:00 pm BMO Harris Bank Center 300 Elm St., Rockford

Regional Business Expo 2012

Connect with members from area chambers of commerce. Free expo includes Regional Taste and Business After Hours. Charges/registration applies for speed networking session.

Sponsors: TDS (presenting) Rock River Environmental Services (gold)

Tuesday, September 25

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, dgalluzzo05@gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 26

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September 2012

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

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

OCTOBER, 2012 Tuesday, October 2

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road.

Terry Feinberg, University of Illinois Extension educator, will present on Personalities and Breaking Down Communication Barriers.

Sponsored by the AAIM Employers’ Association.

Thursday, Oct. 4 7:30 - 10 am Northern Illinois University—Rockford, 8500 E. State St., Rockford

Hidden in Plain Sight:

Discovering and Preventing Dishonesty and Fraud Includes breakfast. Presenters are Mary O’Connor, ASA Sikich LLP; Daniel R. Rizoolo, Esicon Consulting LLC; and Dave Sinason, Northern Illinois University. Seating is limited—please register. This is a complimentary event to Chamber members, courtesy of event sponsor.

Sponsor: Sikich LLP

Tuesday, October 9

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, dgalluzzo05@ gmail.com.

Wednesday, October 10

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

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

Friday, October 12

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Rockford Park District and the RACVB will present on the “Reclaiming First” sports facility proposal. To join contact Heidi Garner, 815-316-4312.

Tuesday, October 23

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Sam’s Ristorante, 6075 E. Riverside Blvd. Contact Denise Galluzzo-Wimmer, Alliance Insurance Agency, dgalluzzo05@gmail.com.

Wednesday, October 24

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®,

ADVERTISERS Advertisers Index

The Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . .5 Broadmoor Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Ege WorkSmart Solutions . . . . . . . . .13 First National Bank and Trust Company . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Humana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 IceHogs “We Believe” . . . . . . . . . . . .17 IMEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Luthern Social Services of Illinois . . .12 McGladrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . .28 Northwest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Pearson Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . .20 PR Etc., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Riverside Community Bank . . . . . . .26 Rockford Area Economic Development Council . . . . . . . . . . .27

Rockford Area SHRM . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Rockford Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Rockford College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 25, 27 Rockford Health System . . . . . . . . . .19 Rock River Valley Blood Center . .9, 18 Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Sikich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 SwedishAmerican Health System . .11 Thayer Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Upstream Investment Partners . . . . . .4 Van Galder Bus Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Van Matre HealthSouth . . . . . . . . . . .10 Widmer Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Winnebago County Health Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ............................................. Direct Line Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO ......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Executive Assistant to the President ................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology .................. 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive .............. 815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events ......... 815-316-4337 Jazzminne Keyes, Ignite Director............................................. 815-316-4335 Cyndie Landis, Financial Assistant ........................................... 815-316-4300 Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance ...................................................... 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events ............................................. 815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Membership Development Manager .................... 815-316-4315 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ........................ 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE

DIRECTORS

COMMITTEE

Romero Bennett Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc.

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

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

Thursday, Oct. 24 5:30 - 7:30 pm Prairie Street Brewhouse Rockford

2012 People You Should Know Join us to celebrate and meet our 2012 People You Should Know.

Sponsors: Reno & Zahm LLP (presenting)

tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

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

Penelope Lechtenberg Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Tim White UTC Aerospace Systems

Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Jennifer Wood Sikich LLP

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer

Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Pat Morrow Alpine Bank Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Janyce Fadden Rockford Area Daniel Saavedra Economic Saavedra Gehlhausen Development Council Architects Einar K. Forsman Henry Seybold President & CEO, Rockford Health System Rockford Chamber of Commerce Pat Shaw McGladrey LLP John Groh Somchan Rockford Area Thatsanaphon Convention K-I Machine Tool & Production Inc. & Visitors Bureau Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy

Stacy Wallace, LDR Construction Services, Inc., 815-874-7066 or swallace@ldr4service.com.

Tuesday, October 30

Chamber 101 with Speed Networking, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, 839 N. Perryville Road. Meeting room is located in lower level. Sponsored

by MembersAlliance Credit Union.