September Voice 2015 by Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

ROCKFORD BANK & TRUST REGISTERS A DECADE

NIU, RVC PARTNERSHIP

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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

LEADERSHIP ROCKFORD: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

September 2015 | Volume 28 | No. 9

Growing

HEALTH CARE

Rockford grows in its capacity as a regional health care hub By Barbara Connors Looking at the headlines, it’s clear that health care in this region is expanding and evolving – and rapidly. The region is growing as a regional health care center, with each announcement of building expansions; new facilities, programs and technologies, and new milestones

achieved, all to deliver better health care to a broader number of people. Rockford soon will be home to a new hospital campus along the highly traveled Interstate 90, and a new cancer care center on its east side. A marijuana dispensary is set to open this year to address the symptoms of specific diseases, and a sixth community health center set to open in 2016. The following are 14 highlights from this past month, and inside this issue of The Voice, you’ll read stories aimed towards helping you to achieve your best health now!

NEWS IN HEALTH CARE 1. Grant to Reduce Obesity University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, the Stephenson County Health Department, the Carroll County Health Department and the Freeport Health Network Hospital received a three-year, $600,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Stephenson and Carroll County Healthy Living Project. It will promote healthy lifestyles to reduce obesity and chronic disease risk for adult men and women living in rural Stephenson and Carroll counties.

Visit us online at: rockfordchamber.com n n n n

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

Questions? 815-987-8100

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

Healthgrades 2015 Women’s Care study for the quality of its vaginal deliveries and C-section deliveries. The hospital’s actual performance was better than predicted.

“As demonstrated in a recent clinical trial, this heart failure monitoring device has been shown, over a period of 15 months, to reduce hospitalizations by 37 percent.” — Dr. Andrew Kotis, cardiologist, SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, on a new procedure he performed, CardioMEMS.

3. New Cancer Care Center OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center announced the opening of Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care at 5666 E. State St.; a $8.5 million, 15,000-sq.-ft. expansion and 3,000-sq.-ft. renovation to offer increased outpatient oncology services. The new center more than doubles the amount of infusion spaces, increases the number of patient rest rooms and includes a retail pharmacy and wig boutique.

“We are excited to be nearing the completion of the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care and are honored to be able to celebrate with our community 4. New Wireless Technology leaders, supporters, staff and to Manage Heart Failure SwedishAmerican, a division patients.” — Paula Carynski, president, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

2. Award for Safe Deliveries Rockford Memorial Hospital received two five-star ratings from the

of UW Health, is the first facility in Rockford to implant a new miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor to manage heart failure. The CardioMEMS HF System is the only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device proven to significantly Continued on page 15

Deadline to submit your application to be part of this year’s Leadership Rockford class is Sept. 18. Whether a lifelong resident or newcomer, the Rockford Chamber’s Leadership Rockford provides an in-depth understanding of the local community: where it was, its successes and where it’s going Participants build their leadership skills through direct interaction with the people and places that make up the core of the Rockford Region. The eight-month program starts Oct. 16 with a full-day retreat, which includes personality profiles to increase understanding, empathy and communication skills. It meets twice monthly, typically Fridays, for panel and group discussions, business and community tours, community projects and leadership skills training. Sponsored by PNC. Call the Chamber at 815-987-8100 or email the nomination form to info@ rockfordchamber.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! ROCKFORD CHAMBER

Business Expo Sept. 23 • Giovanni’s

SPONSORED BY For more info, see page 30 #RfdBizExpo

RVC OPENS NEW SITE FOR COMMUNITY TRAINING Rock Valley College Adult Education has opened its 15th community training site for adult basic education at Rockford Rescue Mission. Classes began in August at the Innovative Education Center. Currently there are more than 45,000 adults in the RVC district who have not earned a high school diploma and more than 80,000 in need of adult education.

NEW IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS Illinois has set new school immunization requirements for fall, 2015. Students entering 6th or 12th grade beginning in the 2015-2016 school year now are required to show proof of the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine. Sixth graders must have one dose of MCV4 at school entry, and 12th graders must have two doses, with the second dose administered on or after their 16th birthday. Preteens and teens need the Tdap vaccine, quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine and HPV vaccine when they are 11 to 12. Yearly flu vaccines are recommended for everyone six months or older. Visit www.cdc.gov/ vaccines/teens or www.wchd.org.

September 2015

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

Rockford Chamber supports the Independent Map Amendment Establishing fairness, transparency in drawing state legislative districts The Rockford Chamber of Commerce continues to support the amending of the mapping process for state legislative districts. Anyone happy with Springfield these days? The mapping process is one means to make changes that put the power back in the hands of the citizens of Illinois and establish a fair and balanced approach to representation. We urge you as businesses to visit www. MapAmendment.org and organize a petition or seek out other ways to support this effort! The Independent Map Amendment would establish a non-partisan, independent commission responsible for drawing state legislative districts in a way that is transparent and open to the public. It would end the current redistricting process controlled by legislators with little public involvement. The nonprofit, non-partisan Independent Maps coalition has been formed for one reason — to improve Illinois state government by making our legislators more accountable to voters. Instead of putting the people’s interests first, state legislative district

boundaries are drawn intentionally to preserve and to strengthen the power of those already in power.

The Impact of Gerrymandering Historically, both major political parties have used map-making to win as many legislative elections as possible. That discourages competition and leaves many voters without any choice of candidates. In the 2014 general elections, there was only one candidate on the ballot in 82 of 137 legislative races ... 60 percent of races were uncontested!

The Solution If we remove partisan consideration from map-making and make mapmaking public and transparent to all, election outcomes will not be determined in advance, and many Illinoisans will be interested in becoming candidates. Consequently, voters will have more choices on the ballot and more incentive to vote.

How We Can Change the System The

Illinois

constitution

allows

citizens to propose an amendment to change the way legislative districts are drawn. If approved by voters, the Independent Map Amendment will establish a non-partisan, independent commission responsible for drawing state legislative districts in a way that is transparent and open to the public.

What Will be Different ■■ All legislative districts will be drawn without regard to incumbency or political party. ■■ More people will run for the General Assembly, resulting in more discussion of issues important to voters. ■■ The voting rights of racial and ethnic minorities will be protected and maps will not be drawn in a way that dilutes or diminishes the ability of racial or language minority communities to elect the candidates of their choice. ■■ District boundary lines will respect communities with shared interests and avoid breaking through political and geographic boundaries.

■■ The public will to

able

view

and

participate

Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

the map-making process.

How Government Will be Improved Our state government will work best when legislators represent and are accountable to the people who elect them and not the politicians who draw the maps.

The Bottom Line Illinoisans deserve legislative elections where issues are debated, candidates listen to their constituents and voters have choices. The Independent Map Amendment will create a system where the voters choose their representatives instead of the representatives choosing their voters. For more information, please visit www. MapAmendment.org.

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September 2015

Board Profile PROFILE

Enhancing public school education Business growth requires recruiting top talent I would like to bring particular focus to enhancing public school education — and bringing closer alignment with the needs of our businesses. What do you want to contribute as part of the chamber board? I view workforce development as a key driver of business expansion in the Rockford area. Of course, I’m most

familiar with the technical talent needs to grow the aerospace industry, but I believe that rising educational levels will extend to additional industries. To that end, I would like to bring particular focus to enhancing public school education — and bringing closer alignment with the needs of our businesses. I want to support local business leaders in improving the overall quality of life of our community, through business growth and stronger education and public safety.

Why do you think the chamber is important to

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.

Ira Grimmett

business and the community?

What is UTC Aerospace Systems The chamber’s credibility and deep the name/ reach within our community makes it a current prime advocate for our local businesses purpose of your business/ and their employees. By its nature, the organization? chamber membership comprises our community’s leadership, and so is a strong voice to legislators on the needs of our region, within Illinois, nationally and internationally. Through that role, we can become a sought-after location for new businesses and for growing businesses looking to expand into northern Illinois, bringing more goodpaying jobs to our community.

What trend is most strongly impacting your industry? Over the past decade, aircraft manufacturers have launched record numbers of new aircraft, which has stressed their supplier base. This has provided great growth opportunities for businesses like ours, but only if we can continue to recruit top talent and have leading technology and costeffective operations.

I am the general manager for Regional & Business Jet Programs in the Actuation & Propeller Systems business unit of UTC Aerospace Systems. We design and manufacture high lift actuation systems, which move parts of airplane wings to change shape during takeoffs and landings.

What is your business background/responsibilities? I began my career in 1996 as a

mechanical

engineer

then-

Sundstrand, and have worked in various positions within business development and program management. I first became a general manager in 2012, in China. In my current role as GM, I am responsible for delighting our internal and external customers, and meeting financial and operational performance targets for the business.

September 2015

Rockford Bank & Trust

Member Profile PROFILE

Celebrating 10 years in business By Paul Anthony Arco Tom Budd has spent a long career in the banking business. He’s seen the good times and the bad. Over that time, he’s developed a knack for knowing what clients need and when they need it. That’s why 10 years ago he founded Rockford Bank & Trust, a local bank committed to small businesses and their owners. “At the time, I really felt I had a number of strong relationships with local business owners,” Budd said. “Rockford is primarily a small business town. And there are a lot of privately owned, family businesses that need help. I thought there was an opportunity to put the right group of bankers together that could make a difference.” Budd and his team of eight spent just a few months getting ready – creating a business plan, hiring employees and finding a location. In late 2004, Rockford Bank & Trust opened for business inside Cord Construction on East State Street with just three offices, a couple of cubicles and a closet-turnedvault. They moved to the Morrissey

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Building in downtown Rockford a few months later. By 2006, the bank had built and opened its current location at 4571 Guilford Road on Rockford’s east side. Rockford Bank & Trust has since moved its downtown branch from the Morrissey Building to Stewart Square, 308 W. State St. In just 10 years, Rockford Bank & Trust has expanded to 52 employees and a full line of commercial, retail, mortgage, and trust and investment services. The bank has grown to $360 million in assets and a portfolio in loans to $280 million, making it one of the leading commercial banks in the market. “My belief has always been that if we can stay nimble, be creative and treat clients differently, we would be successful,” Budd said. “It’s all about the people that you have, and the relationships that you form. We’re in this for the long haul. “We’re in the risk business; it doesn’t always work out, but it’s worth the effort. We’ve helped many clients through some tough times during the recession. We’ve made an impact on our clients as well as the community.”

“Rockford is primarily a small business town. I thought there was an opportunity to put the right group of bankers together that could make a difference,” says Tom Budd.

Serving the Community Last year, Rockford Bank & Trust donated 2,000 hours of time volunteering to more than 50 nonprofits in the community. Among those served include the United Way I-Read program and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, the bank has implemented “Rockford Bank & Trust Financial Scholars,” a financial literacy education program for high school students attending Rockford Public Schools, as well as Boylan and Rockford Christian high schools. The web-based program uses new media technology to get today’s digital generation to understand complex financial concepts. In 2014, Rockford Bank & Trust also facilitated six small business loans to

veterans in the amount of $1.3 million. For its efforts, the bank received the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders Champion of Veterans Small Business Lending award and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Illinois 2014 Veteran Lender of the Year award. “We all want Rockford to succeed,” Budd said. “I’m really bullish on where our region is headed. We’ve seen tremendous growth in manufacturing, education, health care and in the downtown area. The community is starting to pull together. If there is a way we can help, everyone wins. “We look back at our first 10 years with pride, and we look forward to what the next 10 years will bring,” he added. “We’re just scratching the surface; there are so many more people we can help. The marketplace knows who we are now. We’re going to continue to refine what we do, get better and keep telling our story.”

ROCKFORD BANK & TRUST 4571 Guilford Road 308 W. State St. #100 President and CEO: Tom Budd www.rkfdbank.com 815-489-2114

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September 2015

NIU, RVC announce new Rockford engineering partnership Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s degrees to be offered on RVC campus Aspiring engineers soon will be able to earn bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering in Rockford, thanks to a new partnership announced by Rock Valley College (RVC) and Northern Illinois University (NIU). Beginning in fall, 2016, area students with associate’s degrees in engineering science will be able to pursue one of three bachelor’s degrees in engineering from the NIU College of Engineering & Engineering Technology on the RVC campus. Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in engineering can earn a master’s degree. RVC President Mike Mastroianni and NIU President Dr. Doug Baker were flanked by industry, education and community leaders as they announced the establishment of the NIU-RVC Engineering Program and signed a Letter of Intent. Collaboration with industry is an essential element of the program, with Woodward and UTC Aerospace Systems leading the way in providing students with opportunities for experiential learning, internships and employment.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to clear a path for our engineering students to earn an associate’s degree at RVC, then a bachelor’s degree through NIU, while staying in Rockford to do it,” Mastroianni said. “With potential for internships and permanent employment, this is a new way to truly access our local talent and provide the channel toward valuable careers in engineering.”

Seamless Move from Degree to Job Dr. Promod Vohra, dean of the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, noted that engineering is often the vehicle for innovation, economic development and societal reform. “We are excited to partner

NIU President Dr. Doug Baker (left) and RVC President Mike Mastroianni (right) signs a Letter of Intent on Aug. 24 for the establishment of the NIU-RVC Engineering Program. with RVC and our industry partners to empower the youth of the region and to help them develop competitive skills to ensure success in the global economy.” The NIU-RVC Engineering Program will offer clear pathways that allow students to move seamlessly through the stages of academic preparation, pre-career experience and employment with area companies. Industry partners will provide the critical link to the workplace.

NIU-RVC ENGINEERING PROGRAM DEGREES ■■ RVC Associate of Engineering ■■ NIU Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering ■■ NIU Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering ■■ NIU Bachelor of Technology in Applied Manufacturing ■■ NIU Master of Science in Integrated Systems Engineering

“In order to continually innovate new aerospace products and solutions, our UTC Aerospace Systems businesses in Rockford rely on recruiting top engineering and technical talent,” said Bob Guirl, director of strategy and development, Electric Systems. “This program should help us identify those students earlier, mentor them, and retain them after graduation, to work at local businesses like ours.” Leading up to the fall, 2016 semester, RVC and NIU will host a series of events during which students can learn more about the program, meet with academic advisors and talk with industry leaders. More information is available at rockvalleycollege.edu/engineering.

September 2015

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AAR Corp. supplier event

Greg “G-Man” Dellinger, director of government affairs for AAR Corp., shows his enthusiasm for Rockford during the AAR Supplier Event, Aug. 18 at Chicago Rockford International Airport. By Jennie Broecker, RAEDC AAR Corp., the largest aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operator in the United States, met with the leaders of 26 regional businesses at an event coordinated by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council

and sponsored by Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD). The AAR Corp. supplier event, conducted at the airport, was designed to introduce the Rockford Region’s robust supply chain to AAR, which is partnering with RFD to build a $40 million, 24/7 facility at the airport to service nextgeneration, wide-body aircraft. The 201,000-sq.-ft. location is expected to hire up to 500 people and open in 2016. Fostering connections not only helps AAR find potential partnership for its composite material repair, ground support equipment and aircraft welding needs but also opens doors for local companies to connect with AAR and fellow attendees. “As a global company headquartered in Illinois, we are excited to create more jobs in our home state, not just at the maintenance facility itself but also in terms of local suppliers,” said Danny Martinez, vice president of technical services development for AAR Corp. “It’s certainly evident how perfectly

AAR fits into this region’s future. Their enthusiasm is contagious,” said Mike Dunn, executive director of Chicago Rockford International Airport. Advanced Heat Treating of Loves Park was impressed with the “openness” of conversations and the “efficient” process with AAR Corp., said Nicole Smith, business development manager. “It’s definitely the initial contact, but here I have someone’s name, contact information and a timeline to follow up,” Smith said.

Making Connections Ultrasonic Power Corp. of Freeport, which provides eco-friendly industrial

cleaning systems, saw possible alignment with AAR Corp., because they serve many of the same customers. “When we heard AAR was coming, it was natural for us to get in touch and let them know that we could supply them with all of their cleaning needs,” said Steve Myers, vice president of engineering. Willie Smith, director of operations for Ardekin Precision, a minority-owned precision manufacturing company in Rockford, said this kind of event is important for one reason: “Growth.” Not just for his company but for the “sustainability of the Rockford area.”

Changing the face of the region By Sagar Patel, RAEDC Chairman of the Board The Rockford Region is ready to “Rockforward!” to Top 25 status. Momentum is growing -- and the pride that comes along with it. This community is being recognized nationally for its assets. Many organizations, including the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, are focusing on how to build on their strengths for a better future. The RAEDC has a major role to play in the region’s success: to cultivate opportunities for job growth. We expect to meet or exceed our goals for the three-year Rockforward2! strategic plan wrapping up in December. Economic conditions have improved significantly over the past several years. Moving forward, how do we attract and grow world-class employers? In 2015, we began a new strategic planning process to craft the vision, mission, strategies and tactics that will lead our organization through the next five years. To determine our region’s emerging needs and most relevant priorities, we listened to many voices. We sought deep, diverse input from all stakeholders. We started this past spring by interviewing 70+ business and community leaders. This summer, we held six visioning sessions for further engagement and alignment with the community and partner organizations. We chose this transparent and public process, facilitated by Transform Rockford, to gain insight, support and trust. We appreciate the dialogue from the more than 160 investors, partners, external experts and concerned citizens who attended. Paired with other exercises (including

an organizational SWOT analysis and asset mapping), this feedback is guiding the RAEDC Executive Sagar Patel RAEDC Committee and staff in drafting its strategic plan. Input from this wide group is important. In order to contribute effectively and positively to the region’s transformation, we had to leave our comfort zone and examine all suggestions. Many organizations are tackling our region’s challenges. Working together in a public-private partnership, everyone and everything comes together. A unified vision forges regional alignment and cooperation to achieve progress. And a larger geographic area provides the scale needed to be competitive. Our region already has a lot to offer: ■■ Proximity to Chicago – without the congestion ■■ World-class logistics – air, interstate, rail ■■ Airport with tremendous potential ■■ Robust manufacturing supply chain and culture ■■ Access to talent and educational institutions ■■ Affordable cost of living ■■ High level of cultural amenities ■■ Regional pull as a healthcare leader ■■ A revitalized downtown that’s buzzing with excitement We are excited to share this new plan shaped by many voices. A new strategic plan and bold regional leadership can build upon the region’s assets and spark innovation for a brighter future.

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September 2015

Identify. Investigate. Control. Repeat.

Developing an effective approach to problem solving and root cause analysis By Amy Fitzgerald, IMEC Many organizations have recurring problems that plague their business. Monthly meetings report the same issues over and over. Does this sound like your company? Companies are continually striving to eliminate undesirable outcomes, chronic problems and customer complaints. The tendency in many companies is generally to treat the symptom rather than the underlying fundamental cause that is actually responsible for the errant situation. Dealing with the symptom, rather than the cause, typically means that in time the problem or complaint returns and must be dealt with once again. Using a structured problem-solving methodology to understand why errors and problems occur, allows a company to implement appropriate solutions to address the root cause(s), and ultimately, prevent the problem from occurring again. To help companies begin exploring the fundamentals of problem solving and root cause analysis, the following outlines this methodology: 1. Problem Identification After the immediate issue/nonconformance is properly contained, an effective problem statement establishes the boundaries on the issue at hand. It is important to understand what the process or issue should be yielding. A measure of what should be happening versus what is actually happening is a good starting point. The problem statement should be specific and manageable. Special care should be taken not to include the causes, solutions or cast blame when framing the problem statement. 2. Problem Investigation Once the problem statement is defined, it is time to investigate what is causing the current conditions. Make sure to concentrate efforts on the problem and not symptoms that may appear to be your problem. Answer the “who, what, where, when, why, how and how many” questions to assist the investigation. If necessary, investigate multiple operators, shifts and/or parts to see if the problem is localized or if it is systemic.

Roadblocks may be encountered when designing solutions (i.e., it won’t work, the boss won’t like it, we’ve always done it this way … etc.). Take special care to effectively brainstorm solutions that will eliminate the immediate problem. The solution should then be reviewed across the system to ensure the problem solution improves all potential instances where the issue may pop up. This is called a systemic solution. 5. Implement Countermeasures/ Solutions Implement the countermeasure solution when the team identifies the solution that will eliminate the immediate issue and prevent future recurrence elsewhere in the system. Determine how the team will select the best solution for the situation. Will it be done through consensus voting, unanimous voting or through a ranking process?

Maria said EIGERlab took her challenge as an opportunity. While her daughter

Ideally, you’ll want to select a method that is objective, such as a ranking method. This will help eliminate subjective decisionmaking since fact-based decision making is preferred. Typical tools used during this step include a ranking solutions matrix and force field analysis. Create an elevator speech if the chosen solution requires executive selling. 6. Control Plans/Confirm Countermeasures You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Upon implementation of the solution, effective monitoring of the process should be implemented to ensure the solution chosen is meeting expectations. Performance metrics are a good way to identify whether or not the solution fixes the issue. Additional auditing also is a great way to confirm results. 7. Share the Knowledge Share the problem, root causes and solution with associates, departments, functions, management, plants, divisions, customers and suppliers. Other areas may be experiencing similar issues, and the hard work you used to remedy your issue may be needed elsewhere. This improves cost management within the organization and improves cohesiveness between areas. 8. Recognize the Team & Repeat the Process Nothing drives employee involvement like recognition. Personal acknowledgements by upper management help keep enthusiasm for improvement activities high. Consider publically acknowledging the efforts of your team. Company newsletters, communication boards and/or all-employee emails are suggested forums. Maybe gift certificates, lunches or dinners, or a continuous improvement plaque should be considered. Lastly, repeat the effort. Identify the next source of defects and apply the methodology outlined above.

never looked at missing fingers on her left hand as a hindrance, she looks at her

Amy Fitzgerald is marketing manager at IMEC.

new robo hand as you would the sudden appearance of a super power.

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

3. Root Cause Identification The investigation will then lead to determining the root cause of the issue. Properly defining the root cause will improve chances of eliminating the problem for future recurrence. The Cause and Effect Diagram (fishbone diagram) is an effective tool for analyzing the various causes that may be leading to the problem. Additionally, the 5-Why method is commonly used: Asking the question “why” until you get to the root cause. Sometimes it does not take five times to identify the root cause, while other times it may take six or seven; five is the general rule. 4. Design Countermeasures/ Solutions Avoid the “silver bullet” when brainstorming solutions to eliminate the root cause since it typically does not account for all possible solutions.

Teenager gets new ‘robo hand’ thanks to EIGERlab Gwynneth Boynton is missing fingers on her left hand, but it hasn’t stopped the busy teen in playing the cello, running track, volunteering with foster dogs, Mike Cobert, executive director, NIU serving on student council, EIGERlab, assists Gwynneth Boynton with her working on the school yearbook new robo hand. Photo by Sherry Pritz and as a competitive soccer goalie. Still, mother Maria Boynton approached EIGERlab about making Gwynneth a robo hand. One previously had been made for a teenage girl who was missing her hand, by using EIGERlab’s 3D printer. “Every other robo hand we saw had been made for children without any part of their fingers,” Maria said. “Gwynneth has a partial thumb and pointer finger, with some additional ... remnants ... where her middle, ring and pinky fingers would be.”

“It is taking some getting used to, but it is definitely easier to carry my cello and bags,” Gwynneth said. She’s working on using the second custom “robo” hand EIGERlab gave to help her play and “pick” her cello with ease.

Manufacturing News is sponsored by IMEC

September 2015

S P E C I A L

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S E R I E S

Business Succession REA, RPS approve two-year contract

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce presents the second in a series of special articles focused on transferring business leadership to the next generation.

Stability, open communication, community support

There is a subtext to the collaboration between the teachers union and the Rockford Public Schools, which led to a two-year contract being approved last month. Working together so closely was possible only because of a strong foundation of support from the community. The contract with the Rockford Education Association was approved after an eight-month process called interest-based bargaining, which involves identifying mutual interests and coming up with mutually beneficial solutions. It differs from traditional labor-management bargaining in one key respect: It’s grounded in open and honest communication, prioritizing problems and committing to collaborative solutions.

“Together, we will create an environment in which our schools will be the first choice of parents in our community.” It was the natural outgrowth of the collaborative work the REA and the administration had been doing since I became superintendent in 2013. Late last year, we agreed to take a big risk, which also meant a big investment of time. The team of teachers, administrators, school board members and two facilitators met 16 times and attended two training sessions, putting in more than 100 hours. While both sides advocated strongly for their respective interests, we were able to maintain and actually strengthen our relationship. Through the process, we met the long-term interests of the district, the REA and – not coincidentally -- the interests of the

taxpayer. The length of the contract acknowledged the uncertainty of state funding. The content of the contract acknowledged the need to find savings and efficiencies in areas such as health insurance (by moving teachers to a district wellness plan, for example).

A Stable School Board The union and the district are committed to continuing this collaboration. We will continue to have these tough conversations, made easier by heightened understanding and stronger relationships. Another major factor in a collaborative climate is the stability we’ve had on our school board. Two board members were on the interestbased bargaining team. Like the rest of the team members, they donated time away from their jobs and families, on weekdays and weekends. Having board members participate in and contribute to the process was essential. As we prepare to elect four new members of the school board in 2017, please remember the important role the community provides in a stable, attractive school system. Stay engaged. Stay involved. We need you. We still face many complex challenges, and a scarcity of resources will always make resolution challenging. But I feel fortunate to partner with a group that shares our passion to increase student achievement. Together, we will create an environment in which our schools will be the first choice of parents in our community. Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. The views expressed are those of Dr. Jarrett’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Is your company an investment or a paycheck? The answer could be worth a million dollars I am surprised by the number of companies I run into where the owner really doesn’t have a plan for his or the company’s future. I hear responses like, “I don’t have to do anything for five years, so I’ll worry about it then” or “I’m really too busy to deal with it now.” A lot of these companies usually provide a nice living, if not great living, for the owners. Having a business that provides the owners with a comfortable living is not the same as a business that is a great investment. Nobody likes looking back with 20-20 hindsight; wishing they had done something differently. Whether or not you are contemplating an ownership transition now, a decade from now, or never, here are eight ways to ensure that your company is an investment, not just a paycheck: 1. To get a paycheck from your company requires that you have to show up at work to make money, whereas if you make your company an investment, it will generate revenue whether you are there or not. 2. Your company is just a paycheck if what you do is just a commodity; your company is an investment if you have found a niche market, differentiated the company on quality, service or delivery times, certifications obtained or incorporated what you make in a value-added assembly. 3. If your company is so dependent on just one or two customers who dictate what you produce, how you produce it and at what price, your company is more like a paycheck and less like a valuable investment. You can get fired at any time. 4. Your company is just a paycheck if your personal reputation impacts orders, relationships and results; if the company is a place where the brand is more important than the personality of the owner, it is an investment. 5. Your company is just a paycheck if

you have to use your personal experience and expertise to generate sales, Rick Bastian produce product Blackhawk Bank or get results. Your company is an investment if it has documented processes and practices, not a particular person, that produces the desired results. 6. When your company is just a paycheck, you lose income for taking vacation, whereas if your company is an investment, the more vacation you can take without hurting results, the more valuable that investment becomes. 7. If your company is more like a paycheck, the harder you work, the more you earn. If you run your company like it is an investment, the smarter you work, the more you earn. 8. If your company is a paycheck, you solve the problems, fight the fires, bid the jobs and handle the customer complaints; if you run your company like an investment, your employees solve the problems, fight the fires, bid the jobs and handle the customer complaints. The value of a company that is managed more like an investment and less like a paycheck is always worth a lot more. For a company doing as little as $4 million in sales, that could be as much as $1 million more in value. That may not be a lot of money for some folks, but I am hardpressed to think any business owner would be happy to leave that on the table. Rick Bastian is chairman & CEO of Blackhawk Bank. He has received certifications as a Family Business Advisor, Exit Planning Advisor and Value Builder Advisor. The views expressed are those of Bastian’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

September 2015

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Celebrating 50 years of education Join for “A Day at RVC,” Sept. 12 This year Rock Valley College has been engaged in many activities to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We have enjoyed ice cream treats with our students and an outdoor “drive-in” movie on campus with nearly 300 of our community friends. We will conclude the public activities with A Day at RVC on Saturday, Sept. 12. Many readers may have heard my personal story: I grew up on the west side of Rockford in a home where education was not encouraged. Through some personal experiences I had the opportunity to witness professional individuals who had benefitted from higher education, and I decided that Rock Valley College was the logical place for me to pursue my own postsecondary education. I began my studies at RVC only five years after it opened, and like most of our current students, worked my way through school. I have spent the better part of the many years since as a partner, employer or leader at the institution. I am proud to be the first RVC alumnus to serve as its president. Rock Valley College has many notable alumni including attorneys, physicians, authors, a former Major League Baseball umpire and a rock star. But what I find truly remarkable is the number of valued employees in our region who have attended RVC.

Responding to Community Needs Rock Valley College serves a geographic area roughly the size of Rhode Island, with a population of more than 340,000. Whenever I speak to a community group, I ask who has attended RVC — or know someone who has — and there is always a sea of raised hands waving in response. It is a privilege to impact so many lives, and a responsibility that we do not take for granted. Community colleges by definition must be very nimble, providing prompt response to community and regional needs. We serve as both partner and leader, depending on the situation. A great example is our commitment to expand our aviation maintenance technology program to meet the needs of our aerospace industry partners, playing a critical role in the decision for AAR to build its new facility at the ChicagoRockford International Airport. That same forward-thinking approach led to our partnership with the Saint Anthony College of Nursing and our new Health Sciences Center to provide more educational opportunities for nursing and other healthcare students in a time of great demand. The college continues to follow its strategic plan for Liberal Arts Transfer Credit Programs as well as career and

Mike Mastroianni Rock Valley College

technical degrees and certificates. We also provide our engineering programs, nursing and allied health programs, and fast track credentialing that can lead to college credit and job placement. These programs are critical to our partnerships with small and large manufacturers and we are grateful for both public and private support. Rock Valley College is well positioned to play an even more critical role. For example, if we consider the college’s recent impact in the manufacturing industry: ■■ 82 of 92 CNC recently trained individuals have been hired by six companies in town. These individuals are largely from under-represented groups and receive training in an eight-week period. They received NIMS credentials as well. ■■ Since RVC has been operating TechWorks, we have had classes at capacity, a new location and new equipment, with graduates hired by eight local companies. ■■ Our robotics students are FANUC trained and being placed in local companies. ■■ We are involved in customized training for a number of local companies of various sizes. ■■ We are discussing cold forming training opportunities to meet the needs of local screw manufacturers. ■■ We are exploring an industrial maintenance apprenticeship to meet local employer needs. ■■ At the request of one local employer we are partnering to provide on-site training on specialized machines we do not offer. Rock Valley College has been changing lives and making history for 50 years. Each day I meet someone else like me whose life was dramatically altered because of his or her time at the college. It’s an exciting time to be part of the institution, and I look forward to seeing a large crowd as we celebrate with our region Sept. 12 on main campus. The festivities begin at 8 a.m., with a 5K run and onemile walk, followed by children’s activities, athletic events, program demonstrations, campus tours, local band performances and fireworks at 9 p.m. For details, please visit rockvalleycollege.edu/50. We are proud to be our community’s college. Please join us to celebrate our first 50 years! Mike Mastroianni is president of Rock Valley College. The views expressed are those of Mastroianni’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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September 2015

IGNITE

Young Professionals

The power of the label maker View generational traits with open-mindedness

I recently took part in a discussion in which an interesting question was posed: “What’s the need for all these generational labels? Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial … They all just seem like another way to put people in a box, discriminate against them, or make assumptions that may or may not be true on the individual level. So what’s the point?”

We need to use our labels as a language tool to understand how others may see the world, but, and perhaps most importantly, we have to do this from a place of open mindedness. It took me a minute to think through my response. What was the point? Why do generational labels matter? Are we making things worse by categorizing people into distinct and separate groups? I thought about other ways in which we categorize people — how dangerous so many had become. Race, religion, gender, ethnicity — all of these categorizations and labels have had catastrophic effects on people for generations. What good was it to add another category to this seemingly over-labeled filing cabinet of options? Maybe we should just put the label maker away. … But then I realized: Great catastrophes oftentimes are catalysts for change. Uncomfortable conversations are often the key to shedding new light on opportunities for improvement. Naming things/events/people/places gives us the opportunity to have crucial discussions on topics that matter in a language we are more easily able to understand. It is important to label generational cohorts so we are better able to understand one another. By giving words to the way we live, the values we have, the wants and needs of our professional lives, we are able to examine under a clearer microscope our current processes, lifestyles, laws and habits, and the effect they may or do have on people. We are better able to understand the lens from which others view the world. We are briefly able to imagine the life events that may have washed over them, leaving marks we cannot see. If we refuse to acknowledge generational differences, we are refusing to acknowledge life events that have transcribed and have

Caitlin Ludwig IGNITE Rockford

left their imprint. Not acknowledging the differences doesn’t make them any less true – it just makes us less equipped to understand and relate.

Promoting Understanding But we have to be careful. Labels need to be a way for us to connect – not discriminate. So many of the lunches I attend about Millennials seem to be attended by people only wanting to rant about “these darn kids today.” I often leave these lunches with my head down in part shame and part frustration. To walk out feeling like the enemy or feeling like you are disliked simply because of your youth is sickening. To leave what are supposed to be educational events feeling that very little was heard but a lot of disgust centered around a particular generation isn’t helping anyone. What’s the point of discussion or of furthering your understanding on a particular topic if you’re not even open to the idea of change? The more we tell Millennials how awful, conceited, lazy or impatient they are, the farther we get from being able to make changes in our cities, organizations and personal lives that are better solutions to obstacles we all face. In the end, using labels to just box people into particular categories hurts everyone involved. Businesses don’t progress with the times and individuals feel drained, hurt and often misunderstood. Not all companies need to adapt all concepts, but until we stop just talking about Millennials and actually start doing something, we really aren’t any farther along. Until we stop venting and open our ears and minds and enact change, we really won’t accomplish anything. We need to use our labels as a language tool to understand how others may see the world, but, and perhaps most importantly, we have to do this from a place of open mindedness. Without being open to new ideas or new ways of doing things, we’re all just sitting around throwing hurtful words at one another. When it comes to generational cohorts, there is no enemy. In the end, regardless of what label is attached, we are all people – people trying to do the very best they can with the one life they were given. Use the label maker kindly, my friends. It doesn’t need to be a weapon. Caitlin Ludwig is REACH co-chair & IGNITE coordinator. The views expressed are those of Ludwig’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

September 2015

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Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

A marketing touchdown: Training

A lesson from the football playbook For those of us in higher education, the beginning of September represents a renewed sense of purpose and energy as our university campuses again become full of life with the arrival of incoming students and the return of our continuing students for the new academic year. For most of us, September also means shorter daylight hours, the return of pumpkin spice lattes, and the need for an extra blanket or two when approaching night’s slumber. It’s also a time when HBO Sports and NFL Films are wrapping up their presentation of HBO HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP. While I’m not a huge fan of football, I love watching this show, and here’s why: training. It’s a simple word, but its significance is crucial to the game of football. Training also is a vital part of most industries, and lessons learned on the field can also be applied behind a desk. For marketing and communications professionals, training is a permanent part of our careers. After all, there is always a new social media platform to learn, a new device on which to navigate a website, and a new algorithm within search engines to attempt to understand. Ever dynamic, the environment of marketing and communications blends innovative technologies with traditional techniques that sometimes make the “plays” a bit different but the end goal of an advertising “touchdown” just as important. Training is a broad topic with many options. Here’s a short list of opportunities for marketing professionals to consider when training yourself and your teams throughout your fiscal year. Focus on teamwork. Colleagues, vendors and partners all make up a marketing team. Delegating the right tasks to each and using each for their appropriate expertise and resources can make or break your intended outcome. Internal resources can help keep daily and tactical projects on task, while external resources can bridge gaps in expertise and also leverage important strategy. Stay current with industry best practices. Knowing your industry is one thing, but keeping up with other industries and their marketing triumphs and defeats is another. Knowing both can inform your work now and in the future. There are a plethora of marketing and advertising resources that will gladly drop complimentary, daily emails into your inbox or news

Nellie Miller Rockford University

into your social media feeds. The crucial step is to take the time to scan and read these updates on a regular basis. Network with other teams. I have yet to be in an industry or at an organization where I haven’t benefited from networking with peers. Marketing and communications professionals are true collaborators — we love to learn, and we love to share what we’ve learned. Connecting at conferences and/or meeting up with a regional or local peer group can be energizing and motivating. It can also be reassuring. Knowing that we each, in our own way and in our own organizations, face the same challenges and successes helps reaffirm those challenges and successes. Strengthen your own playbook. As mentioned previously, our environment in marketing is never static. While we may stick to some tried-and-true plays, we also need to adapt and consider fresh or different approaches to reach our goals. Message maps, strategic plans, and brand standards can all help you create the foundation of your playbook. However, it’s also important to seek new inspiration and guidance. Some of the best fresh perspectives are found in complimentary webinars and white papers from industry experts. Of course, the key is to take time and energy to implement some of the new ideas and measure them. Always measure them. Track your plays — the good and the bad. Analytics and measurement are keys to your success and progress. It’s more than just attempting a new strategy; it’s also about recognizing what worked well and what didn’t work so well. Variables are always at play, so testing various options also can be extremely effective. Ultimately, training is a crucial piece of the marketing puzzle. No matter the extent of your resources, you and your organization should consider how continual training efforts can impact your daily and annual work. While athletic training camps have a definite start and finish to their timelines, athletes continue to learn and train on the field. Moreover, we, as marketers, should continue our training throughout the year, so we can take lessons learned well past the end zone. Nellie Miller is the director of marketing at Rockford University. The views expressed are those of Miller’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2015

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) receives the U.S. Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit of Enterprise Award at the Rockford Chamber Government Affairs Council for being a member of Congress whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voting record has aligned each session with business and economic priorities. Pictured (left to right): Benjamin Brockschmidt, Illinois Chamber; Rep. Kinzinger; Ben Taylor, U.S. Chamber, and Andy Benson, chair of the Government Affairs Council.

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

42 Tech Solutions, Inc., held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 19 at 262 N. Phelps Ave., Rockford.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois held a ribbon cutting and celebration on Aug. 20 for its newly renovated store at 4618 E. State St., Rockford.

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Your Best Health Now

September 2015

Growing Health Care (continued from front page)

reduce hospital admissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure.

5. Marijuana Dispensary to Open Mapleglen Care Center hired Chartwell Agency to develop a website and marketing collateral. Chartwell assisted Mapleglen partners last summer in the State of Illinois Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licensing application process. Mapleglen is one of two medical marijuana dispensaries in the Rockford district to receive the license. Plans are to open in late 2015.

“Please join me in celebrating and reflecting on the accomplishments of CHCs over the past 50 years, and on Crusader’s 43 years of improving the health of our community.” — Gordon Eggers Jr., president & CEO, Crusader Community Health, during a nationwide celebration of 50 years of community health centers (CHCs).

6. Tops in Promoting Organ Donors The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services honored SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, for reaching the silver level of achievement for the third consecutive year for promoting enrollment in state organ donor registries. This is the fifth year it has won the award.

7. Funding for New Health Centers U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced $1,471,459 in Affordable Care Act funding to clients of theFranaGroup to establish three new Federally Qualified Health Centers in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

8. Therapeutic Pets for Alzheimer’s Patients Lincolnshire Place is selling lunch boxes to raise funds to buy therapeutic seals. These animatronic animals react to nonverbal individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, often getting them to start talking. It purrs and blinks its eyes and is similar to having a live pet. To order boxes, which include free delivery, call 815-633-5880.

MercyRockford plans to construct a second campus on 263 acres at the intersection of East Riverside Boulevard and I-90 as soon as late 2016 to serve patients from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

MercyRockford Health System Two campuses for Rockford

MercyRockford Health System announced plans to create one hospital on two campuses in Rockford. This follows the merger of Mercy Health System and Rockford Health System in January, 2015. MercyRockford plans to construct a second campus on 263 acres at the intersection of East Riverside Boulevard and Interstate 90, in addition to keeping the current hospital campus on North Rockton Avenue. The estimated cost to develop the two campuses is about $400 million. The system plans to eliminate 109 state-licensed hospital beds. As required by the State of Illinois, MercyRockford Health System is applying to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for Certificate of Need approval for the plans. It anticipates that review by the board will be completed in November of this year and construction will begin in late 2016.

East Riverside Boulevard Campus

North Rockton Avenue Campus Some of the facilities on the North Rockton Avenue campus will be repurposed for other services, including community partnerships. “We plan to make the former 200,000-square-foot Rockford Clinic building on campus available to organizations that serve the community,” said Javon R. Bea, president and CEO, MercyRockford Health System. “We will continue to invest no less than $8 million per year in the future.”

Why a Second Campus? MercyRockford Health System considered using only the North Rockton Avenue campus, but it was not found to be feasible. Engineering and facilities studies showed that attempting to retrofit the current Rockford Memorial Hospital for intensive care and specialty inpatient facilities would cost more than the plans to add a second campus, could not achieve the desired outcome of building to current design, efficiency and technology standards, and could not provide for the growth

MercyRockford plans to centralize intensive care services and construct a destination campus on I-90 at East Riverside Boulevard. Rockford Memorial Hospital is a statedesignated referral center and receives patients from a 15-county region for high-risk maternity, neonatal intensive care, pediatrics and pediatric critical care, adult critical care, and trauma. The East Riverside Boulevard destination medical center campus will have 188 inpatient beds. Services will include: State-of-the-art women’s of clinical programs.

9. Become an Alzheimer’s Friendly Business

10. New Community Home Instead Senior Care launched the Health Center in 2016

Alzheimer’s Friendly Business program, a 30-minute training to help business owners and employees understand the disease and provide simple techniques to ensure customers with Alzheimer’s are treated with compassion and respect. Businesses will receive a certificate of completion and window cling, showing they are an Alzheimer’s-friendly business. For more information, contact 815-229-8810 or visit www.alzheimersfriendlybusiness.com.

and children’s hospital; neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); pediatric and pediatric intensive care (PICU) units; high-risk maternity care; pediatric emergency services; Level I (highest level) trauma center; 10 operating suites and surgical services, and inpatient care units, with all private rooms.

Crusader Community Health will

are locally governed by patient majority boards. Crusader Community Health became a part of the system 43 years ago.

11. Promoting Early Detection corner of Alpine and Guilford roads in fall of Lung Cancer open its sixth modern facility at the

2016. Its 310 employees serve more than 47,000 area residents. National Health Center Week celebrated the creation 50 years ago of Community Health Centers (CHCs), which serve more than 24 million people with integrated medical, dental, behavioral and prescriptive care and

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford announced a $50,000 grant by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to Promote Early Detection of Lung Cancer. In Winnebago County, 189 deaths

“MercyRockford Health System is embarking on the most exciting and impactful health care development in the 130 years since our two original hospitals were founded. We are expanding existing services and keeping patients close to home, creating jobs, and bringing strong economic growth to the greater Rockford region. — Javon R. Bea, president and CEO, MercyRockford Health System

out of 250 cases of lung cancer were reported in 2013; most likely due to late clinical diagnosis. Newly proposed CDC guidelines call for early screening of lung cancer in individuals aged 55 to 80 with a smoking history of 20 cigarettes a day for 30 years.

12. West Nile Found in County Winnebago County Health Department announced in August that a mosquito pool found in Winnebago County’s 61102 zip code tested positive for West Nile Virus. Reduce exposure to mosquitos by avoiding being outdoors when they are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535.

13. Local Teen Launches Health Blog By Teens, For Teens Local teen Bridget Krysztopa, a student at Keith Country Day School, launched Bfitteens, a blog and website for teens to find positive and reliable health, fitness and financial advice. Krysztopa was looking online for quick workouts and ways to eat healthier and was unable to find reliable information geared to the unique needs of teens. All Bfitteens content is written by experts and teens. #Bfitnation

14. Business Offers Pain Relief with NUCCA Procedure Upper Cervical Care Center – Rockford, a division of 1st Step Chiropractic, S.C., is the only office within a 50-mile radius offering NUCCA, which restores the ability of the brain to regulate and normalize all the systems and joints of the body through a gentle adjustment without twisting, cracking or popping. It helps people with a variety of conditions including migraines, fibromyalgia, disc herniations and sciatica.

theVoice

September 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Your Best Health Now

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Make healthy habits a family affair Get the whole family involved Quality time with family is very important but often is hard to come by. Likewise, having a healthy, fit family also is becoming increasingly difficult because of crammed schedules and not-so-healthy fast food options. While it might seem impossible to fit it all in, combining family time with healthy activities can be a big win for today’s modern family.

Making changes to the family culture can be difficult, so consider starting small. Get the Kids Involved in Meal Planning and Prep Planning healthy meals should be a family activity. If you have picky eaters, have them help with the grocery shopping and cooking instead of trying to guess what they will eat. Kids are often more willing to try new and different foods if they are involved in the selection and preparation process.

Everyone in the family can take some part in household duties regardless of their age. Older children can cut fruits and veggies, while younger children can mix ingredients together. If there are two adults, split the cooking and cleaning duties so there isn’t as much to do after eating. This will give you more time to spend together as a family. Making changes to the family culture can be difficult, so consider starting small. At first, pick one or two days per week to make meal prepping and cleaning a family activity, then add more days as your family gets used to the new system. By getting everyone involved, you will have shared experiences and can try new foods together, and prepping food together gives you more time to plan healthy meals instead of turning to something that can just be heated up or going through the drive-thru on the way home.

Make Exercise a Family Activity Having a hard time getting exercise in or getting the kids away from the television and video games? New

research shows the amount of time we spend sitting is extremely detrimental to our health, so it’s time to make exercise a priority for the whole family. Making exercise a family activity can be as simple as going outside for a walk together, riding bikes as a family and playing sports together, like T-ball, soccer, tennis, swimming or volleyball. A little family competition can be a good thing. If your family prefers structured activities, look to local park districts and gyms for classes that can be taken together. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center offers a program called Fit Families that teaches parents and their kids about nutrition and exercise. The program also includes planned exercises for the kids, and parents can use the fitness center at the OSF Center for Health to get their own workout in while kids are in class.

Nathan Hamman osteoporosis. OSF Saint Anthony However, it is Medical Center also important to set a good example for our kids. We can’t expect them to put their phones or games down and go play outside like we did when we were kids unless we are role-modeling physical activity for them. We also can’t expect kids to eat new or healthy foods if we are not doing the same. Making time to spend with the family and to maintain healthy habits is becoming more and more challenging, but by using family time to incorporate good nutrition and exercise, both can be worked into today’s busy schedules.

Set a Positive Example

Nathan Hamman, M.S., R.D., LDN, is a registered/licensed dietitian at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and manager of the wellness and weight management programs at the medical center.

As adults we need to make sure we get plenty of physical activity and good nutrition to maintain a healthy weight and to prevent heart disease, diabetes and

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

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Your Best Health Now

September 2015

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Knead out stress, soreness Whether it’s for relaxation after a long day or as a way to manage pain, massage has become a resource incorporated into everyday people’s lives. Roughly 32.6 million adult Americans (15 percent of the U.S. population) had a massage at least once between July, 2013 and July, 2014, according to the Association of Massage Therapists. Getting a massage is a fabulous way to cope with stress and to give those sore, exhausted neck, back and leg muscles some relief. Medical studies have found massage may also help: chronic muscle pain (back, shoulder, neck and legs), anxiety, stress, trouble sleeping (insomnia), migraines, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, hypertension, post-op recovery, and sports injuries. Selecting the right massage therapist is unique to each individual. You may try several therapists before finding the best one for you. Before making an appointment, there are several aspects to consider including licensing, modalities, pressure and therapist preferences.

Licensing Most states (including Illinois) require licensing for massage therapists as well as extensive continuing education requirements; however other states have no re-

What to consider when choosing a therapist

quirements. Verify the regulations in your state. No matter where you live, you should find a massage therapist that has undergone professional training. It is an accepted medical practice, so finding a professional is a must. It is particularly important if you have ever experienced any muscle injuries, back problems or are seeking relief from any of the medical issues listed above.

Modalities and Pressure Each massage therapist is certified in different modalities, including: Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that typically uses light to medium pressure with long gliding strokes. This helps increase circulation and blood flow to the heart. Other techniques used in this type of massage include kneading, friction and rhythmic tapping to help relax and energize you, along with helping to alleviate low levels of tightness and pain. Deep tissue massage. This massage technique uses deeper pressure and slower strokes to target the deep layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with moderate to severe muscle tightness or soreness. Sports massage. This can involve a number of separate techniques geared toward people involved in any sport activi-

ties. It is commonly used pre- or post- sporting event. It is a great way to help prevent or treat injuries or to improve performance. Reflexology. Reflexology applies pressure to areas predominantly in the hands and feet called “reflex zones.” The reflex zones are believed to correlate with different areas of the body. When pressure is applied to these zones, it helps relieve any stress or other problematic conditions going on with those specific body areas. Cranial Sacral Therapy. Gentle techniques addressing the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum that offers effective relief for headaches, TMJD, back and neck pain. Prenatal Massage. A collection of techniques used to address the special needs and physical changes related to pregnancy. (Prenatal massage practitioners should have additional training related specifically to this area.)

Therapist Preferences Each massage therapist is unique and has his or her own individual style and technique. An aspect to consider is that therapists usually massage with either lotions, creams, oils or gels to increase or reduce the friction of their hands. If you have allergies or have a preference,

speak with your massage therapist Amanda Stroud beforehand. Massage Envy Variations include the use of heating or cooling during the massage, aromatherapies or tools used in the session. Ask questions and find out your therapist’s routine. How can you find the right massage therapist for you? Ask friends or family who receive massage regularly for their recommendations. Speak with previous clients. Reputation often is the best way, and good massage therapists leave a trail of happy customers. You also could request references from massage therapists. Finally, the cost of massage therapy can vary dramatically from well over $100 per hour to less than $50. Costs might be covered by your health insurance or flexible spending account. Amanda Stroud is lead massage therapist at Massage Envy in Rockford and a proud graduate of the massage therapy program at Rockford Career College. The views expressed are those of Stroud’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Your Best Health Now

September 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

The changing face of pharmacy When people think of a community pharmacist, they often think of a person behind the prescription counter typing on a computer, putting pills from a big bottle into a small bottle, putting a label on the bottle and giving it to a pharmacy technician to hand to a patient. When I graduated from pharmacy school almost 40 years ago, that was a large part of a community pharmacists’ job. There certainly were other responsibilities often unseen by patients, such as checking for appropriate dosages, looking for drug interactions and compounding commercially unavailable dosage forms, but pharmacists rarely came out from behind the counter and interacted with patients. How things have changed in the last 40 years! Required education for a pharmacist has gone from a five-year bachelor of science degree to a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree that requires six to eight years to complete. The increase in education has resulted in a greater emphasis on learning about the appropriate application of drug use in various disease states and practical application through clinical experiences in healthcare settings. That means that pharmacists are equipped to administer vaccinations, review patients’ medication regimens, teach individuals how to use their medicines safely and effectively and collaborate with the patients’ other healthcare providers to prevent harmful drug interactions. Some pharmacists operate clinics that address special medication issues, such as how to safely use anticoagulation drugs, and offer advice on how to manage chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure and diabetes. Community pharmacists also take part in health promotion campaigns in their communities on a wide range of topics, including tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse, drug use during pregnancy and poison prevention.

Expansion of Pharmacists’ Roles While the majority of pharmacists practice in the community pharmacy setting, there are many other traditional and nontraditional pharmacist roles. The hospital pharmacist’s primary role is similar to the primary role of community pharmacists, namely ensuring safe and effective drug use. In other words, making sure the right patient receives the right drug in the right dose at the right time. Hospital pharmacists’ roles are expanding. They access medical records and influence drug selection and dosage regimens, monitor patient compliance and therapeutic response and recognize and report adverse drug reactions. They calculate dosages to avoid toxicities, and educate patients on medications before

discharge. They Dr. David W. Bartels University of Illinois are members of College of Pharmacy policymaking at Rockford committees on drug selection, use of antibiotics and hospital infections. Many specialty pharmacist positions have developed. There are compounding pharmacists, critical care pharmacists, drug information specialists, home infusions pharmacists, emergency department pharmacists, hospice pharmacists, infectious disease pharmacists, long-term care or consultant pharmacists, managed care pharmacists, nutrition support pharmacists, nuclear pharmacists, oncology pharmacists, operating suite pharmacists and pediatric pharmacists. Each of these specialty areas requires additional training and expertise for the pharmacist to provide highly specialized care for patients. Nontraditional roles of pharmacists include academic pharmacists who work in schools of pharmacy and medicine where they teach future healthcare professionals, participate in the care of patients in a variety of clinical settings, and conduct research. Some pharmacists work in the pharmaceutical industry from entry level to top management. The FDA has several roles for pharmacists, including pharmacologist, consumer safety officer and reviewer of data for new drugs being considered for approval. Professional pharmacy organizations have pharmacists in a variety of management, lobbying and political roles. Health informatics pharmacists use computers and complex data bases for storing, analyzing and retrieving medical information. The most exciting opportunity on the horizon for pharmacists is medication therapy management (MTM). MTM will provide the opportunity for pharmacists to use their training as independent healthcare providers, help improve healthcare and receive fair compensation. If pharmacists also receive provider status in the Social Security Act, this could usher in an era of pharmacist entrepreneurs and expand the profession in a new direction. Regardless of the role, pharmacists value their patients and seek to improve community healthcare options. Have you visited your pharmacist lately? Next time you do, strike up a conversation about your health needs or concerns. He or she is a valuable resource and an integral part of your healthcare team. David W. Bartels, Pharm.D., is vice dean and clinical professor at University of Illinois College of Pharmacy at Rockford. The views expressed are those of Dr. Bartels’ and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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Your Best Health Now

September 2015

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Take steps to remove back pain from your life In 2001, September was officially declared pain awareness month, thanks to the efforts of a coalition of more than 80 organizations across the country. The American Chronic Pain Association estimates that nearly 100 million people suffer from some type of chronic pain. That being said, it’s no surprise than in 2012 the Institute of Medicine reported that the economic burden of pain exceeds $500 billion per year in the United States, including health care utilization costs and lost workforce productivity – and lower back pain alone accounts for 40 percent of those missed work days. Lower back pain is one of the top two reasons that people visit doctors. It’s important for people to better understand how to avoid back pain, how best to identify the source of the pain and how to reduce pain once it’s been identified.

Pain Avoidance Many of us will experience some form of back pain in our lifetime. A well-known trigger for back pain is an unhealthy work environment. Whether you’re working construction or sitting at a desk, there are risks involved. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of sources offering advice on best practices for

a spine-friendly work environment. Although everyone’s situation is different and research should be done based on your specific environment, some universal tips include standing up, stretching, avoiding strain on your neck and investing in an ergonomic chair or desk. Finally, be mindful of your posture. You could be sitting in the most cutting-edge ergonomic chair on the market, but if you’re slouched over with your legs crossed, you’re still putting stress on your spine. Regardless of how careful we are to avoid back pain triggers, many of us will still experience some form of back pain in our lifetime. The next step is to identify the source of your pain and understand your treatment options.

Pain Identification There are many common misconceptions about pain, which often discourages people to seek treatment. The largest of these culprits are “ignoring the pain will make it go away” and “those who seek help are weak.” However, when it comes to back pain, the earlier you identify your pain and receive treatment the less likely it is that it will turn into chronic pain. So when should you seek a doctor for

treatment? Back pain is much less common in young people. If you’re under 20 years old and are experiencing back pain it can be seen as a red flag. Seek a doctor for precautionary measures. Are your legs tingling? Numbness or tingling in the legs can be a symptom of a more severe problem. Finally, if you’ve been experiencing pain for more than four weeks, it’s likely that the issue will not resolve on its own. Even if your pain does resolve within a month, 30 percent of people see a reoccurrence of pain within six months, and 40 percent of people see a reoccurrence of pain within the year.

Pain Reduction Once pain has been accepted and identified, it’s important to understand available treatment options. The best way to determine the right treatment options is through detailed, thorough conversations with your doctor. Do some research to understand the right questions to ask and make sure you’ve chosen a doctor that will take the time to explain both your surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. If you and your doctor make the mutual decision to proceed with surgery, make sure you talk through not only the procedure,

but the postop routine as well. Ask about Dr. Christopher Sliva post-surgery Rockford Spine Center pain reducers such as Exparel, a medication that provides prolonged postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours and allows patients to go home up to two days earlier than traditional medications. Rockford Spine Center is one of the only spine centers in the country using Exparel, allowing for a more rapid recovery for those who are out of work or wanting to get back to personal and business activities. Pain can be an intimidating, life-altering presence in your everyday routine. Embrace Pain Awareness month this September by taking the initiative to remove pain from your life. Whether that means taking precautionary steps to avoid pain, accepting and identifying the source of your pain or researching treatment options – remember, you’re in control. Dr. Christopher Sliva is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with Rockford Spine Center in Rockford. The views expressed are those of Dr. Sliva’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

September 2015 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Your Best Health Now

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Medical marijuana dispensary to open in 2015 Some implications for employers

Matt Sobolewski Mapleglen Care Center

the

employers, the act creates a certain

passing of the

amount of uncertainty and raises

Compassion-

issues regarding how their employ-

With

ate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, 410 ILCS 130/1, et seq. (the “Act”), Illinois has joined 24 other states and Washington, D.C.,

ment manuals and workplace drug policies should be modified to comply with the act.

Protections for Employers

in allowing registered patients to

The good news is that the act

use medicinal marijuana to treat

does provide certain protections

symptoms associated with certain

for employers. For example, the act

qualifying medical conditions. For

does not prevent an employer from

ACCORDING TO THE ACT, “DEBILITATING MEDICAL CONDITION” MEANS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: cancer

myoclonus

glaucoma

dystonia

positive status for human immunodeficiency virus

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) (Complex Regional Pain Syndromes Type I)

acquired immune deficiency syndrome hepatitis C amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Crohn’s disease agitation of Alzheimer’s disease cachexia/wasting syndrome muscular dystrophy severe fibromyalgia spinal cord disease (including but not limited to arachnoiditis, Tarlov cysts, hydromyelia, syringomyelia),

causalgia CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndromes Type II) neurofibromatosis chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy Sjogren’s syndrome lupus interstitial cystitis myasthenia gravis hydrocephalus

rheumatoid arthritis

nail-patella syndrome

fibrous dysplasia

residual limb pain

spinal cord injury

seizures (including those characteristic of epilepsy)

traumatic brain injury and postconcussion syndrome multiple sclerosis Arnold-Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) Parkinson’s Tourette’s

any other debilitating medical condition or its treatment that is added by the Department of Public Health by rule as provided in Section 45. For more information, visit www.ilga. gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3. asp?ActID=3503&ChapterID=35

adopting “reasonable regulations” concerning the consumption and storage of medical cannabis by registered patients or prohibit “an employer from enforcing a policy concerning drug testing, zerotolerance or a drug free workplace provided the policy is applied in a nondiscriminatory manner.” (410 ILCS 130/50(a), (b)). The act also does not “limit an employer from disciplining a registered qualifying patient for violating a workplace drug policy” or “an employer’s ability to discipline an employee for failing a drug test if failing to do so would put the employer in violation of federal law or cause it to lose a federal contract or funding.” (410 ILCS 130/50(c), (d)).

Drug Testing Issues Drug testing comes with some unique issues that employers should be aware of as they review their workplace drug policies, specifically as it pertains to cannabis. “Tolerance” generally means that at stable dosing, the effects of drugs may vary from one individual to the next or may be diminished over time in a given individual. Additionally, since tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal component of cannabis responsible for the cerebral effects, is stored in the body’s fat cells, short-term occasional users might test positive for THC for three to four days, frequent users about 10 days, and heavy, long-term users more than 60 days. Moreover, most drug tests detect the inactive metabolite of THC (THC-COOH), which is not psychoactive. Accordingly, “it is inadvisable to try to predict effects based on blood THC concentrations alone, and currently impossible to predict specific effects based on THC-COOH concentrations.” (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheet. U.S. Department of Transportation Report No. DOT HS 809 725; April 2014 (Revised)). Indeed, a patient who used

small

Dr. Paul Manganelli Mapleglen Care Center

quantity of marijuana days

ago

for a migraine and a worker with multiple sclerosis who chronically uses cannabis twice daily for pain and spasms will both test positive and yet still might be excellent workers with no significant workrelated

impairment.

Employers

should realize that a positive test and impairment are not necessarily the same thing and should make sure to elect the type of testing that makes the most sense for them, their businesses, and that complies with the act.

Conclusion The bottom line is this, as registered medical

patients

begin

marijuana

using Illinois,

employers must clearly articulate their workplace drug policies to their employees. It also is crucial that employers understand the issues and closely work with their legal counsel to ensure their workplace drug

policies

and

employment

manuals comply with the act and understand the potential litigation risks associated with their proposed actions

involving

qualified

registered patient and employee. Matt Sobolewski, Esq., and Paul Manganelli, M.D., are part owners of Mapleglen Care Center LLC, 4777 Stenstrom Road, Rockford, a medical marijuana dispensary committed to offering registered patients in Illinois with the highest quality cannabis to treat symptoms associated with qualifying medical conditions. Plans are to open in late 2015. The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon or construed as medical or legal advice for any specific situation. The views expressed are those of Sobolewski and Dr. Manganelli’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2015

Employee marijuana use Complying with state, federal regulations By Joanne Deschenaux, J.D., SHRM Twenty states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized possession of marijuana for medical use, and Washington and Colorado also allow recreational use. But federal law still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug — one with no legal use. Although state laws vary, what is true in every state is that these laws don’t require employers to permit drug use in the workplace. Here are some tips from SHRM to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and protection of workplace safety. ■■ Review your state’s laws on discrimination against marijuana users. Make sure your policies are consistent with state anti-discrimination statutes. ■■ Continue to comply with federal regulations. ■■ Review your drug-use and drug-testing policies to ensure that they clearly explain your expectations regarding impairment, marijuana use outside of company time and drug testing. ■■ Make sure you are prepared to consistently follow your stated procedures. ■■ As part of your review, articulate whether you wish to ban all employee drug use or merely impairment. ■■ Employers should be aware that the

presence of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) in the body might not indicate someone is impaired. An employee may only feel the effects of marijuana for a matter of hours, yet THC can be detected for several days — or even weeks — if the employee is a frequent user. ■■ Communicate your policy to all employees and clearly state what is expected of them. ■■ Train your managers about confidentiality relating to sensitive employee information — including drug-test results and requests for accommodations for medical conditions for which marijuana is prescribed (especially under state law). If you choose to have a zero-tolerance policy, consider: Will you look to federal law to justify a true zero-tolerance policy? Are you an organization that is required to abide by federal law? Visit www.shrm. org. Click on Legal Issues, State and Local Resources. Joanne Deschenaux, J.D., is SHRM’s senior legal editor. The views expressed are those of Deschenaux’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Your Best Health Now

September 2015

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Where Are They Now? The second year of the Rockford Chamber’s 40 Leaders Under 40 program, in 2009, brought another impressive list of area movers, shakers and up-and-comers. Here’s a look at what some of them are doing now!

Rev. Herbert L. Johnson, Jr. (Pastor J) What were you doing when you were chosen as a 40 Leader Under 40? (in 2009) I served as pastor of Liberty Baptist Church on the west side of Rockford and the community at large. What are you up to now? I serve the stateline area as a Lead Pastor of Freedom: “A Church Without Walls,” the vice chairman of Rockford Mass Transit District, a moderator of North Central Baptist Association and a board member of Rockford Metropolitan Planning Agency. I’ve developed a media presence; sharing and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Community-Wide Text Club and television inspirational messages/ commercials on WTVO, Fox 39, My Network TV and Bounce Rockford TV. What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? Serving our community

(above, left) In 2009, Rev. Herbert Johnson, Jr., served as pastor of Liberty Baptist Church on the west side of Rockford before he was 40 years old.

(above, left) In 2009, Dan Ross was CFO for Williams-Manny Insurance Group. Now he’s president.

(above, right) “The key turning point in my life is losing 140 plus pounds. In 2009, I weighed a little more than 340 pounds. As of July, 2015, I weighed 200 pounds.”

(above, right) Off the clock … “I like spending time with my family … particularly camping, fishing and helping out with the kids’ activities.”

allows a person to grow in their individual talents and gifts, while providing opportunities for others to excel. What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry?

Don’t sweat the “big stuff.” Remain focus and committed, and the results are invaluable! Who is your role model and why? I admire Dr. Charles F. Thomas, Doug Thiesen and President

Barack Obama. These men embody compassion, integrity and a desire to see people who follow them succeed. These men are dynamic leaders!!

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2015

40/40

(continued from page 22) Any key turning points in your career or family? The key turning point in my life is losing 140 plus pounds. In 2009, I weighed a little more than 340 pounds. As of July, 2015, I weighed 200 pounds. (My goal weight is 180). This weight loss has given me incredible energy to serve our great city (Rockford), and a healthy perspective on life.

Dan Ross What were you doing when you were chosen as a 40 Leader Under 40? (in 2009) I was CFO for Williams-Manny Insurance Group. What are you up to now? I am president of Williams-Manny Insurance Group. What would be the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during that time? Not to get too Ferris Bueller on you, but “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” What advice would you give to those coming up in your industry? Keep your eye on the customer and not the product. What we sell is a commodity … how we understand the needs of those we serve is all that matters. Who is your role model and why? My dad. He passed away

The second year of the Rockford Chamber’s 40 Leaders Under 40 program brought another impressive list of area movers, shakers and up-and-comers. 2009, amd I miss him every day. He taught me what being a man is really about. It isn’t about what I own, what I do or what I know. It is all about being there for others and, above all, putting my family first. Any key turning points in your career or family? I think it is easy to look back and say “this was a turning point,” or “that was a good or bad decision,” but in reality, my life is a compilation of countless large and small events that have brought me to where I am today.

PYSK

Here are some questions from 2009 … Adjective that best describes you. Compassionate. Dan Ross Pet peeve. Complaining. I do it far more than I should, and it tends to bring everyone with. Dan Ross Any hidden talents? This may be the same as 2009, which means I haven’t developed any new talents, but I am double jointed. Not sure if that is a talent, but I got that going for me. I love to sing and act … when no one is watching. Dan Ross When I grow up, I want to be … Old. I used to fear growing older, but now I look at it as an accomplishment. The alternative is much scarier. Dan Ross

Who are the People You Should Know? Find out at a special event announcing this year’s honorees on Oct. 22 at

Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. A special issue of the

November Voice along with our fifth edition of One magazine will highlight these visible leaders and unsung heros of our community.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2015

Income growth good, not great You usually can find good and bad in any set of data, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ 2013 real per capita personal income data is a good example. Released in July, the real per capita personal income of Boone and Winnebago counties increased 0.7 percent from 2012 to 2013, growing from $37,884 to $38,139. That tied the Rockford metropolitan statistical area for 94th (out of 381) in terms of the largest percentage increase. The real per capita personal income grew here in 2013 at a greater rate than places such as Fort Collins, Colo. (up 0.6 percent), the Quad Cities (up 0.2 percent) and Eugene, Ore. (up 0.1 percent). The BEA estimated that residents in 176 MSAs saw their personal income decline from 2012 to 2013. These areas included Peoria, where income fell 3.3 percent, and was topped (or bottomed) by The Villages

Healthy lifestyles means more than running on the bike path By Alex Gary As president of the Rockford Park District’s Board of Commissioners, Ian Linnabary knows intimately the various recreational assets Rockford has to offer. From state parks and extensive bike paths to multiple swimming options and countless fields, parks and golf courses, there is no shortage of options for someone who wants to stay active. As co-lead of Transform Rockford’s “healthy lifestyles” spoke, along with Jim Schmitt of Bergstrom Inc., Linnabary said he is learning why those amenities aren’t being used more often. “You talk about ‘aha moments.’ I’ve always kind of wondered why there isn’t greater attendance,” said Linnabary, an attorney with Reno and Zahm LLP whose Facebook page is filled with photos of bicycling trips from around the country. “We have to improve education, fix the crime issue and improve our socio-economic status to help people live healthier lives.” A report given by the Winnebago County Health Department to Transform Rockford details many of the challenges: Winnebago County ranked in the bottom half of Illinois’ 102 counties in all eight categories — such as quality of life, clinical care and physical environment — tracked in the 2015 County Health Rankings. Nearly 28 percent of adults in Winnebago County have a BMI — body mass index — above 35, which is considered high-risk obesity. That percentage is well above state and national averages. 21.7 percent of Winnebago County adults still smoke cigarettes. The Illinois rate is 18.4 percent, and it’s just 18.1 percent in the United States.

Living in a Food Desert The healthy lifestyles spoke, along with the other 13 spokes, still are mainly in the gathering data and ideas stage. Transform Rockford’s timeline calls for the spoke to lead to draft strategies,

called “cases for action,” by this fall for the community to review.

“One idea that really struck was converting old warehouses into grow houses,” said Schmitt. “I wasn’t aware we had these ‘food deserts’ with so many people living more than one mile from a grocery store.” Already through several events as well as from the community conversations in 2013 and 2014, dozens of ideas have been collected. Linnabary and Schmitt weren’t ready to begin diving into the more interesting/realistic ones, but they did talk about the role of food in a healthy community. “One idea that really struck was converting old warehouses into grow houses,” said Schmitt. “I wasn’t aware we had these ‘food deserts’ with so many people living more than one mile from a grocery store.” The grocery trend has been well documented. Large grocery chains nationally and in Rockford have taken over markets, crowding out neighborhood stores. The just-opened Meijer stores are located predictably off Perryville Road in Machesney Park and on Rockford’s far east side. Meanwhile, all of southwest Rockford is considered a food desert. One other point Schmitt and Linnabary stressed is that improving healthy lifestyles is the easiest one for the entire community to rally behind. “A lot of the things that are going to have to be done to improve the area might involve a smaller group of people,” Schmitt said. “Everyone can be a part of improving the health of the community just by getting out and being more active, eating better, joining a group activity and recruiting others to be in it.” Alex =Gary is a Transform Rockford volunteer.

in Florida, where the real per capita personal income fell from $41,624 in 2012 to $38,896 in 2013, a 6.6 percent plunge. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that income in 2013 didn’t keep pace with many of the nearby MSAs or the United States as a whole. Real per capita personal income in the United States metropolitan areas increased by two percent. It marked the third time in the past five years that real personal income in the United States outpaced Rockford. This is a big deal. It’s why a company such as Whole Foods ignores Rockford, while places such as Family Dollar thrive here. According to the BEA data, the 10 MSAs where real per capita personal income increased the most included two other Illinois MSAs as well as a neighbor to the north. Alex Gary is a Transform Rockford volunteer.

Rank/MSA

2012 Income

2013 Income

Percentage Change

1. Danville, Ill.

$40,407

$42,398

4.9

2. Sioux City, IA-NE-SD

$43,415

$45,500

4.8

3. Monroe, Mich.

$36,929

$38,681

4.7

4. Janesville-Beloit, Wis.

$36,869

$38,449

4.3

5. Valdosta, Ga.

$35,724

$37,163

4.0

6. Wheeling, WV-Ohio

$40,470

$41,815

3.3

7. Merced, Calif.

$30,206

$31,153

3.1

8. El Centro, Calif.

$32,073

$33,078

3.1

9. Hinesville, Ga.

$28,742

$29,613

3.0

10. Kankakee, Ill.

$33,677

$34,671

3.0

94 (tie). Rockford, Ill.

$37,884

$38,139

0.7

The role of subsidized housing in a great community Since June, there has been much public hand-wringing over a proposal by the Rockford Housing Authority and its development partner, Gorman & Co. of Wisconsin, to build new affordable housing units in the South New Towne area just off East State Street near Rockford University. After a contentious meeting on June 18 at Gregory School, Gorman & Co., pulled a proposal that would call for a 65-unit complex of apartments and single-family homes to be home mainly to residents of Fairgrounds Valley. Fairgrounds is a RHA public housing unit that has long been marred by neighborhood crime. By the time of this publication, Gorman is likely to have filed a new proposal. The RHA has long-term plans to tear down Fairgrounds and move those residents to neighborhoods throughout Rockford. A Supreme Court case decided in July mandates that cities that receive federal funding can no longer just put affordable and public housing units in poor, minority areas. As part of this summer’s debate, the amount of public and affordable housing in Rockford became an issue, with many believing the area already has too much subsidized housing. Looking at numbers from the web site, www.affordablehousingonline.com, that does not appear to be the case. Rockford ranks just eighth in the state when it comes to subsidized housing units per 1,000 people among Illinois’ larger cities.

In Illinois by City

Total Units

Pop.

Per 1,000

Zion

1,246

24,339

51.2

DeKalb

1,463

43,849

33.4

Peoria

3,845

116,513

33.0

Decatur

1,937

74,710

25.9

Chicago

63,936

2,718,782

23.5

Waukegan

1,846

88,826

20.8

Springfield

2,378

117,006

20.3

Rockford

2,940

150,251

19.6

Joliet

1,557

147,806

10.5

Aurora

1,627

199,963

8.1

According to the site’s statistics, Rockford has 2,940 total Section 8, Section 811, Section 202, Low Income Housing Tax Credit, Section 515 and senior housing units, which equates to 19.6 units per 1,000 people. Cities such as DeKalb, Peoria, Chicago and Springfield have higher concentrations. Transform Rockford’s goal is to help the city become one of the nation’s top 25 cities to live in by 2025. When compared to Livability.com’s top 25 cities for 2015, it shows that Rockford would be on the high end in terms of subsidized housing. What this data means isn’t clear. Many of the cities on the Livability list have always had historically low levels of poverty, especially when compared to manufacturing-heavy Rockford, which tends to get hit hard by recessions and take longer to recover. Alex Gary is a Transform Rockford volunteer.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2015

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Local nonprofits explore ‘Toxic Charity’

Reexamining how to best serve clients, the community

Brad Roos NICNE

On Sept. 23, 2014, Bob Lupton, author of the widely read book, “Toxic Charity,” spoke to more than 350 people at a luncheon organized by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) at Rockford University. About 200 people attended the Q&A session immediately afterwards, and 150 attended Lupton’s presentation at a Rockford University Forum event the prior evening. Many of the attendees at each of the events were leaders, staff members or board members of local nonprofit organizations. Many, if not most of those attending the Lupton presentations, did so because they had read “Toxic Charity” and found it most engaging. Lupton’s main point: “Charitable dollars should address crisis situations; chronic problems should be addressed by development.” By “development,” Lupton throughout his book, and indeed most of his professional life, meant “neighborhood development,” or community and economic development with a specific geographic focus. Lupton further argues that when charitable dollars are directed to chronic problems, too often the results are harmful for the recipients of the charity — making them dependent on charity rather than empowering them to become self-sustaining. Though well intended, the charitable efforts become “toxic.” Because community-wide interest in the “toxic charity” concept remained strong long after Lupton’s presentations, NICNE invited nonprofits to a twohour-long meeting on Nov. 10 to further explore the topic. The discussion was vigorous and emotional. Some nonprofit staff complained that they were losing donors because the donors had read “Toxic Charity” and had concluded that they should no longer direct their charitable contributions to those nonprofits, because they thought those nonprofits’ programs are “toxic” to their clients. Most of the nonprofits present wondered how to “de-toxify” their mission and their programs. Much of the discussion focused on Lupton’s “Oath for Compassionate Service.” Based on the Hypocratic Oath taken by healthcare workers, the main points of Lupton’s “oath” are, “don’t do for others what they can do for themselves” and “above all, do no harm.”

based neighborhood development organization, I was asked to facilitate the discussion. “I opened the discussion with a brief presentation of the common perception I opened the discussion with a of the role nonprofits are expected to play in our community. The point … brief presentation was that nonprofits play a vital and normal role in our economy by helping to of the common return people to ‘Productive America.’ Nearly everyone understands this role.” perception of the role nonprofits are Going back to the model for returning may, for some, be a mis-interpretation expected to play in our community. people to productive America, the of Lupton’s book. The very title, “Toxic The point of the presentation was group agreed that de-toxifying meant Charity” could be easily taken to mean that nonprofits play a vital and normal employment training. Lupton would that all charity is toxic. Taken even role in our economy by helping to return agree: development usually means further, some have wrongly concluded people to “Productive America.” Nearly developing people for jobs. Someone in that “Toxic Charity” supports the everyone understands this role. Help sick the group recited the familiar saying, attitude, “I got mine, now you go get people get well so they can return to work “Give a person a fish and they eat for a yours!” There are moral overtones to or home duties. Help the disabled learn day; teach them to fish and they eat for a such an attitude, and I know that is not to live with and beyond their disability lifetime.” And nearly as quickly someone what Bob Lupton believes. He has seen and re-enter productive America. Help else added, “But it depends on who owns and responded both organizationally to stabilize the lives of the materially the pond.” and personally to too many crises to poor and then train them to reconnect Again, Lupton would agree: believe that we should not help our with the community. But not all sick Development usually also means people get better. Not all disabled people developing jobs for people (giving access neighbors when they are suffering. can re-enter productive America. Not all to the pond.) Many local nonprofits In fact, his life’s work as a Christian materially poor people can be stabilized provide various programs to train people community developer is powerfully to reconnect with the community. This for jobs. Few of us have created jobs. We motivated by his compassion for others troubles us all and makes us wonder if wondered if this is really something we and his desire to see not just short-term we are getting it right – if some of our should be doing or whether it is a task relief, but sustainable improvements. efforts are toxic. for the marketplace. It didn’t take long Nonprofits want to hold their clients to conclude that, at least in the past, accountable to the requirements of their Discussion and Realities the competitive marketplace has been a programs, but we do not want to make Much of the discussion focused on the very tough place for many of our clients moral evaluations as to their worthiness nature of the relationships we nonprofit to enter, let alone remain. And yet, the to receive assistance. Big difference! staffers have with those we serve (many group agreed to keep meeting to uncover I am proud of the good work our local of us struggle with what to call the folks ways to better serve people and the nonprofits are doing. I hope you are, too. on the other end of our programs and community in less toxic ways. Their in-depth, intelligent, experienceservices.) Using a matrix of relationship informed discussions of “Toxic Charity” characteristics, we noted that nearly all of Defining Client ‘Accountability’ demonstrate that they are willing us have quid-pro-quo relationships with Nonprofits also reported that to explore new ways to address the our clients. That is, we do something discussions within their organizations needs of those in our community who for them, and they must do something wrestled with making their clients are struggling. This is hard, complex for us. But, reflecting on the “Oath for accountable. The word “accountability” work. Indeed, throughout the country Compassionate Service,” we concluded came up time and time again. We nonprofits are re-examining their that we should work toward a richer determined that when we want to make missions and programs and weeding out relationship with our clients – perhaps our clients accountable, we mean we the toxic elements. Bob Lupton, himself one which better resembles neighbors. want them to be and remain eligible for is now busily traveling the Unites States; We also concluded that such a radical the services we provide. For example, if engaging with nonprofits to do just that. shift would not be accomplished by just a client claims to have a certain income, Locally, we have pledged to meet giving our staff customer service training. we want to verify that. If a client is every two weeks for the indefinite future What to do? One brave soul suggested supposed to make a certain number of that we each go back to our nonprofits job applications, we want to hold them and are determined to de-toxify our work. I invite you to support our community’s and just try something. Give it 90 days accountable to do so. and come back to report. We also concluded that we don’t want nonprofits as we press forward with The group reconvened on March “accountability” to mean “worthiness.” these changes. To join the Toxic Charity 7 and many reported that they had At our best, we don’t want to make moral discussion, contact NICNE at 815-394spent considerable time reviewing evaluations of our clients. We don’t want 4384.

Returning to ‘Productive America’

their programs and the nature of the relationships they have with their clients. One nonprofit reported that they had gone so far as estimating the cost of implementing their changes – it would be a lot of money but their board supported the new initiative.

Feeling the need for further exploration of the topic, the nonprofits decided to meet again on Dec. 5. As a long-time friend of Lupton and as a 24year CEO of ZION Development, a faith-

to determine if they are morally worthy to receive our services. Such determinations are none of our business, and they could have at their roots prejudices that we all fight to keep out of our decision-making. This discussion of accountability was an emotional one, and it touches on what

Brad Roos, representing NICNE, is recently retired as CEO of ZION Development. The views expressed are those of Roos’ and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

September 2015

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Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE New Illinois Laws for 2015 Here are some laws related to crime, courts, corrections and law enforcement that have taken affect this year. For specific language of the laws, visit www.ilga.gov.

CRIME, COURTS, CORRECTIONS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Sealing Records HB 5815/PA 98-0635 Allows for the sealing of a court supervision or a conviction for a municipal ordinance violation. The intent is to allow for a cannabis or alcohol ordinance violation to be sealed in the same manner that a misdemeanor supervision or conviction for an alcohol or cannabis offense can currently be sealed. Juvenile Records SB 978/PA 98-0637 Requires the Department of State Police to automatically expunge all records pertaining to the arrest of a minor if the arrest did not result in a delinquency petition being filed. The state would have to expunge arrests automatically when the minor turns 18 and only if the minor was not arrested within six months of the minor’s most recent arrest. Ticket Quotas SB 3411/PA 98-0650 Prohibits counties, municipalities, conservation police and state police from implementing ticket quotas. Juvenile Justice Employees HB 4781/PA 98-0689 Makes changes to the qualifications of Department of Juvenile Justice personnel. Expands the types of bachelor’s degrees that can be considered for employment if the candidate has at least two years experience in juvenile justice. Victim Registry Confidentiality HB 4266/PA 98-0717 Prohibits the Prisoner Review Board from releasing the name or address of a victim to anyone other than law enforcement. Prohibits the Attorney General’s office from releasing the personal information of any person or entity registered to receive a victim’s information or notifications to anyone other than state or local officials. Probation Officers and Firearms HB 4417/PA 98-0725 Designed to give probation officers more access to firearms training. This is an initiative of the Illinois Probation and Court Services

Association. They are required to be trained, but because they do not meet the current definition of “peace officer” in either the Police Training Act or Illinois Peace Office Training Act, they can have a difficult time securing training. Bulletproof Vests HB 5688/PA 98-0743 Requires law enforcement agencies to provide bulletproof vests for officers. Outlines requirements that the law enforcement agency, the state and local governments must pursue to provide funding for the cost of these vests. Since 1999, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program has reimbursed more than 13,000 jurisdictions, a total of $288 million in federal funds for the purchase of over one million vests (1,146,909 as of December, 2013). Based on data collected and recorded by BJA staff, in FY 2012, protective vests were directly attributable to saving the lives of at least 33 law enforcement and corrections officers, in 20 different states. Escape Attempt Ramifications SB 3332/PA 98-0770 Provides that a person in the custody of (rather than committed to) the Department of Human Services under the provisions of the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act who is under a detention order, commitment order, conditional release order or other court order who intentionally escapes from any secure facility or from a Department employee or any of its agents (rather than a person committed to the Department of Human Services under the provisions of the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act or in detention with the Department of Human Services awaiting such a commitment) who intentionally escapes from any secure residential facility or from a Department employee or any of its agents (rather than the custody of an employee of that facility) commits a Class 2 felony.

“Ban the Box” Criminal Records HB 5701/PA 98-0774 Prohibits private employers with 15 or more employees from asking a job applicant about their criminal history until the applicant has been selected

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September 2015

Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE for an interview or, if there is not an interview, until after a conditional offer of employment is made. It has been called “ban the box” after the check-box that appears on some employment applications asking if the individual has been convicted of a crime. Advocates argue that the legislation allows applicants to have the opportunity to address questions about their past criminal records in person, during an interview. Community Service SB 2709/PA 98-0824 Provides that giving blood or volunteering at a blood bank does not qualify as community service. Drones SB 2937/ PA 980831 Prohibits a law enforcement agency from using a drone owned by a private third party to acquire information (with certain exceptions). Allows the use of a drone without a search warrant, if law enforcement is using a drone during a disaster or public health emergency (flood, tornado, earth quake). It does not require an official declaration of a disaster or public health emergency prior to use. Law Enforcement Misconduct SB 2695/PA 98-0867 Provides that an employee of a law enforcement agency commits official misconduct when he or she knowingly uses or communicates, directly or indirectly, information acquired in the course of employment, which obstructs, impedes or prevents the investigation, apprehension or prosecution of any criminal offense or person. Specifies that the defendant must have had intent to disrupt the case. Out-of-State Attorneys HB 4235/PA 98-0895 Allows a licensed attorney from another state to appear in front of the Illinois Commerce Commission. This legislation was introduced due to a recent Supreme Court rule change. Probation Services HB 4082/PA 98-0892 Allows a probation department to meet with a minor offender (and his or her attorney) in a preliminary conference. TASC Ineligibility HB 4236/PA 98-0896 Adds Class-4 felony stalking to the list of crimes that would make an individual ineligible for Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) participation. TASC is a not-for-profit organization that provides behavioral health recovery management services for individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Criminal Fortification HB 4269/PA 98-0897 Includes preventing or impeding lawful entry of law enforcements entry through the use of video surveillance, motion sensing devices or booby traps as part of the criminal fortification of a residence or building. Law enforcement has found that criminals are increasingly reliant on technology as a way to inhibit law enforcement at locations where illegal activity occurs, and this legislation would incorporate these techniques into current law. “Skype” Search Warrants HB 4594/ PA 98-0905 Allows for electronic search warrants that use simultaneous audio and video transmission between the person requesting the search warrant and the judge. The chief judge or presiding judge in the issuing jurisdiction is to determine standards and best practices policies for filing and retaining the transmissions. Grooming HB 5290/PA 98-0919 Adds a new provision to the “grooming” statute, in which someone uses the Internet to seduce or entice a child to commit a sex offense, to stipulate that the crime would also include the distribution of photographs depicting the sex organs of a child.

Restitution HB 5950/PA 98-0940 Sets forth procedures for a crime victim, through the court, to enforce the payment of restitution by a convicted person sentenced to probation, conditional discharge, or supervision. If payment of restitution as ordered has not been made, the victim can file a petition that restitution payments are still unpaid. The court then would hold a review hearing to either extend the probation, conditional discharge, or supervision or issue a judgment for the unpaid restitution.

September 2015

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the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Sharon Phillips

2. John Groh

3. Grant Moore

4. Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board

5. Mike Broski

6. Jedediah Cantrell

7. Gordon Eggers, Jr.

8. Paul Gaier

9. Tom Kress

10. Lisa LaSala

11. Linda Lumpkin

12. Michael Paterson

13. Danielle Potter

14. George Hausermann

15. Beth Jacobsen

16. Bill Miller

17. Shannon McElroy

18. Mike Roberts

19. Chris Busker

20. Roberta Grove

21. Steve Parsons

22. Dr. William Sandoval

23. Dr. Karen Phelan

24. Dr. Michael Potts

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Sharon Phillips (1), First National Bank and Trust Company, was appointed to the NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region board. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois elected new and continuing board members including officers: Scott F. McCleary, chair; Bobbie Riley, first vice-chair; Mark M. Ackerman, second vice-chair; Christin Giedd, secretary, and Robert Quimby, treasurer. John Groh (2), Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, was named to the Destination Marketing Association board for a three-year term. Grant Moore (3), Savant Capital Management, was appointed to the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors Midwest board. SwedishAmerican appointed Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board (4), Pilgrim Baptist Church, and Mike Broski (5), Entré Computers, to its board. Will Geske, Edward Jones, accepted the position of president of the Rotary Club of Loves Park. United Way of Rockford River Valley named Linda Gerber, Rock River Valley Blood Center as board chair, and Jim Ryan, City of Rockford, as vice chair/secretary. New board members are: Jedediah Cantrell (6), SwedishAmerican Health System; Gordon Eggers, Jr. (7), Crusader Community Health; Paul Gaier (8), Rockford

Register Star; Tom Kress (9), Associated Bank; Lisa LaSala (10), American Red Cross, Rock River Chapter; Linda Lumpkin (11), Rockford School District #205; Michael Paterson (12), Mid-West Family Broadcasting, and Danielle Potter (13), Rockford Park District.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS First National Bank and Trust Company promoted George Hausermann (14) to senior vice president, senior technology and operations officer, and Dawn Fields to senior credit analyst and officer. Beth Jacobsen (15) joined as a trust officer in the wealth management group. Staff Management, Inc., hired Bill Miller (16), PHR, as a human resources manager. John Morrissey Accountants hired Shannon McElroy (17), EA, as an accountant. Mike Roberts (18), Ticomix, was promoted to vice president of marketing. Rockford University named Belinda Wholeben, Ed.D., as interim vice president of academic affairs and provost.

Blackhawk Bank hired Sharon Daniels and Cindy Eterno as personal bankers in the Beloit market and Steve Parsons (21) as vice president business banking. William Sandoval, M.D. (22), joined Rockford Health Physicians – Belvidere as a board certified family practitioner who speaks Spanish and English. Karen Phelan, M.D. (23), and Michael Potts, M.D. (24), joined the pediatric department at the clinic on McFarland Ave. Aaron Frye, M.D. (25), joined the plastic surgery department. Dr. Asif Khan (26) joined RHS Interventional Neuroradiology program. McClure Engineering Associates, Inc., hired Andy Huftalin (27) as a project engineer. First Midwest Group hired Courtney Baryshnikova (28) as a leasing agent. Dr. Thomas Wright (29), chief medical officer, Rosecrance Health Network, was honored in August as Addiction Professional magazine’s “Outstanding Clinician of the Year” in the physician category. Deanna (Dee) Lacny, Rock House Kids, was promoted to chief operating officer.

Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center hired Chris Busker (19) as marketing and sales director.

CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc. hired Tom Graceffa (30) as Commercial Producer.

Rockford Orthopedic Associates promoted Roberta Grove (20) to senior account manager of its occupational health service line.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley hired Michelle Polivka (31) as executive director of marketing and communications.

Entré Computer Solutions hired Josh Pfluger (32), delivery, and Lisa Blakley (33), purchasing agent. Rockford Area Economic Development Council hired Dennis McCarthy as director of national business development.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS The Young Professionals of Green County honored Keith McCormick (34), commercial banker at First National Bank and Trust Company as a 2015 Outstanding Young Professional. Theresa Wendhausen (35), CFMP, assistant vice president and branding and communications officer, graduated from the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking in Philadelphia and received a Wharton Leadership Certificate. Bonnie Arrington (36) and Brandon Latino (37), Spectrum Insurance Agency, attended “Insuring Commercial Property” in June for seven continuing education credits. Karla Rodgers (38) completed a Pekin Insurance “Introduction to Commercial Lines” class in June for 12 credits. Phil Thompson (39) attended the James K. Ruble Seminar in Elk Grove, Ill., earning 12 credits by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. Karina Leanos Sanchez (40) completed “Life Insurance Introduction” by Pekin Insurance for nine credits Chris Soutar (41) and Entré Computer Solutions earned the CompTia Managed Services Trustmark.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2015

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

25. Dr. Aaron Frye

26. Dr. Asif Khan

27. Andy Huftalin

28. Courtney Baryshnikova

29. Dr. Thomas Wright

30. Thomas Graceffa

31. Michelle Polivka

32. Josh Pfluger

33. Lisa Blakley

34. Keith McCormick

35. Theresa Wendhausen

36. Bonnie Arrington

37. Brandon Latino

38. Karla Rodgers

39. Phil Thompson

40. Karina Leanos Sanchez

41. Chris Soutar

42. Liz Wood

43. Dr. Scott Trenhaile

44. Dr. Brian Bear

45. Shawn Rooney

46. Spencer Haydary

47. Dr. Ann Gantzer

48. Chad Thompson

Liz Wood (42), marketing coordinator, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, was named as a 2015 recipient of the 30 Under 30 program by the Destination Marketing Association International and founding program partner SearchWide. Dr. Scott Trenhaile (43), Rockford Orthopedic Associates, announced the Midwest’s first successful implementation of OrthoSpace Ltd.’s InSpace™ biodegradable balloon system at the Rockford Orthopedic Surgery Center.

Brian Huels, assistant professor of accounting, and Jennifer Jenkins, adjunct professor of English, received Rockford University’s 2015 Excellence in Teaching awards. Chelsea Ballou, assistant vice president, marketing innovations and analytics officer, First National Bank and Trust, earned the designation of Certified Financial Marketing Professional through the Institute of Certified Bankers. Anna Toye earned the designation of SHRM-Certified Practitioner through the Society for Human Resource Management.

Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd., named hand surgery specialist Dr. Brian Bear (44), Rockford Orthopedic Associates, for inclusion in its Top Doctors this year. Will Geske, financial advisor, Edward Jones, received the firm’s Goodknight Plan Completion Recognition Award. He won several awards at the firm’s summer regional meetings for helping clients and was nominated for Financial Advisor of the Year in his region. Shawn Rooney (45), financial advisor, was authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to use the certification mark CFP®.

Rock Valley College graduate Spencer Haydary (46) is one of 10 two-year college students in the nation to receive the 2015 Phi Theta Kappa Hites Transfer Scholarship of $7,500 toward his baccalaureate degree.

OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dr. Ann Gantzer (47), chief nursing officer, and Chad Thompson (49), ED director, SwedishAmerican, presented, “Revamping Patient Flow for Impressive Outcomes in Length of Stay and Patient Satisfaction,” at the national American Hospital Association conference in July in Philadelphia.

September 2015

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Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY U.S. Indicators July 2015 Consumer Price Index



Unemployment Rate

0.1 percent 5.3 percent

Payroll Employment Average Hourly Earnings Producer Price Index Employment Cost Index Productivity U.S. Import Price Index U.S. Export Price Index

      

215,000 $0.05 0.2 percent 0.2 percent (second quarter, 2015) 1.3 percent (second quarter, 2015) 0.9 percent 0.2 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Population Clock As of Aug. 19, 2015

U.S. 321,551,738

World 7,263,688,620

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Unemployment Rates Region / State / Nation Mar 15

Apr 15

May 15

June 15

Rockford

6.8

5.8

5.9

6.1

Chicago

6.4

5.9

6.0

6.3

Illinois

6.0

5.9

United States

5.5

5.4

5.5

5.3

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Illinois Has the 10th Best School System Personal finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of the states with the best and worst school systems for 2015 based 13 key metrics. The Economic Policy Institute has reported that income is higher in states where the workforce is well educated, and thus more productive. With better earnings, workers in turn can contribute more taxes to beef up state budgets over the long run. Here’s where Illinois ranked on a few of those key metrics:

Quality of Schools in Illinois

Rank........ Metric 1st........... % of High School Graduates Who Completed the ACT 2nd.......... Average SAT Score 23rd......... Dropout Rate 26th......... Bullying Incidents Rate 27th......... School Safety 30th......... Pupil-Teacher Ratio (1=Best; 25=Avg.)

Source: WalletHub.com

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September 2015

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

Tuesday, September 1

University of Illinois Extension and UW-Extension presents Green Industry Field Day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, Wis. Register at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or 815-986-4357.

Wednesday, September 2

Rockford Park District hosts its final Tunes on the Terrace this season, 5 to 7 p.m., on Sept. 2 with Jodi Beach and on Sept. 9 with Tom Mac Group at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St. Call 815-987-1670 for information and dinner reservations.

Friday, September 4

Nominations are due for Crusader Community Health’s Spirit of Caring Awards. Four persons and one organization will receive Spirit of Caring awards and one person under 40 years old will receive a Spirit of the Future award at the 43rd-annual An Evening of Caring, on Oct. 16 at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Visit www.crusaderhealth.org to download the nomination form.

Saturday, September 5

RAMP has reinvented its Wheel-AThon; partnering with Rockford Orthopedic and RunRight Clinic in Run Walk Wheel for RAMP, a half marathon, 5K run, 3K walk/wheel and kids fun run. Walk-up registration at 6:30 a.m., with events to follow. Register online at www.runwalkwheel. com before Sept. 3. Comedian Mike Epps performs at 8 p.m., at BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, along with comedian Michael Blackson. Tickets at the box office, Ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Monday, September 7

State Sen. Steve Stadelman hosts HoopStars, a free 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament that will draw more than 400 boy and girl players in grades 3 to 8 to Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford. Register by Sept. 2 at www.senatorstadelman hoopstars.eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, September 9

Dr. Arvind Ponnambalam, pulmonary specialist, SwedishAmerican presents Lung Cancer: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Treatments, 7:30 a.m., at the Keen Age Center, Boone County Council on Aging, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Register at 815-544-9893. Caring Canines presents The Power of Pets, 7 to 9 p.m., at SwedishAmerican Hospital, 1401 E. State St., Rockford. Dr. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., certified applied animal behaviorist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will talk about the biology behind why we love our dogs and cats so much. Register at 779696-7081.

Community Events COMMUNITY

Thursday, September 10

Next Rockford General Membership Meeting Annual Strategy Session, 7:30 a.m., YWCA of Rockford, 4990 E. State St. Interested Gen X/Y are welcome to attend. Contact Scott Anderson, sanderson@rustoleum.com or 815-904-2407. Rockford MELD presents the second-annual MELD on the Rock, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St. Music by 3 GOOD MEN of Men of our Times. Visit www.rockfordmeld.org. University of Illinois Extension invites individuals to participate in the Master Naturalist volunteer training program on Thursdays, 1 to 5 p.m., Sept. 10 to Nov. 19. A $250 fee includes a training manual, instruction and ongoing volunteer support. Visit web.extension.illinois. edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357.

Friday, September 11

Loretta Lynn & Martina McBride perform, 8 p.m., at the BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. Visit www.thebmoharrisbankcenter. com, the box office or call 815968-5222. Midway Village Museum presents Midway Hits The Fairway at Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford. Register at 11:30 a.m.; lunch and 12:30 p.m., shotgun start (scramble). Hors d’oeuvres and awards to follow. Register at www. midwayvillage.com or call 815-3979112, ext. 103.

Saturday, September 12

Rock Valley College presents A Day at RVC, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., in celebration of its 50th anniversary at 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Activities include 5K race, kids games, robotic demonstrations, academic presentations, walking tours, food, local bands and fireworks at dusk. Visit RockValleyCollege. edu/50. Rockford Public Library presents Ballet Folklórico Mexico, 2 to 3 p.m., Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St. Celebrating cultures from Veracruz to Tamaulipas, and traditions of the ancient Aztecs, Michoacans, Buerreros, Sonoras and Jaliscos. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics, 4921 E. State St., Rockford, hosts its 22th annual Better Health 4 Life event, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., benefiting The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford. Free healthcare, refreshments and prizes for a donation. For an appointment call 815-398-4004. First National Bank and Trust hosts a free Electronic Recycling Drive in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois at 1795 Madison Road, Beloit, Wis. FNBT will donate $.01 to Goodwill for every pound

collected. Visit www.goodwillni.org/ donate for a complete list of acceptable items. Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony Saturdays: Powerful Percussion for families, 10 to 11 a.m., at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Call 815-229-9390. Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, hosts a Mum and Aster Sale, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plants are in 8-inch pots. Plants can be pre-ordered until Sept. 1 by calling Kathy at 815-972-2829. Natural Land Institute presents a Fall Prairie Harvest Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton. Free. Register at 815-964-6666 or skjohnsen@naturalland.org.

Tuesday, September 15

CHIP (Complete Health Improvement Program) hosts its next Health and Wellness program at the Rockford Public Library, 6685 E. State St. Register by Sept. 4 at www. CHIPhealth.com, 815-975-4523 or jody.perrecone@CHIPhealth.com.

Wednesday, September 16

Corporate executives, sustainability leaders, building engineers and facility managers are invited to the 2015 Energy Efficiency Expo: Innovation and Action, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Ill. Keynote speaker is Swapnil Shah, CEO and founder of First Fuel, Inc. Earn CEUs from AFE, AIA, BOC, BOMI, GBCI and IACET. Visit www.ecw.org. Judson University’s School of Business and Professional Students hosts an Open House, 5:30 p.m., for undergraduate and graduate degrees at its Rockford campus, 1055 Featherstone Road. To RSVP contact Rini De Alwis, Dharini.DeAlwis@ info.judsonu.edu or 847-628-5029 or Tonya White, Tonya.White@info. judsonu.edu or 847-628-5028. Visit www.judsonu.edu/adultprofessional.

Thursday, September 17

Lifescape Community Services presents Senior Expo “Launch Your Dreams,” featuring Illinois native and retired astronaut, Joseph Tanner, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 17 and 18 at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. Loves Park. Includes Senior Follies, legal clinic, health screenings, door prizes, nutrition bingo and more than 100 exhibitors. Call 815-963-1609. RAMP present DeKalb County Changing Attitudes Breaking Barriers Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at Faranda’s, 302 Grove St., DeKalb, Ill. Keynote speaker is Ann Ford, executive director of Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living, Springfield, Ill. Register at 815-7563202 or www.classy.org/dekalbramp.

Rockford Public Library presents The Ecology of Democracy: Finding Ways to Have a Stronger Hand in Shaping Our Future, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., main library, classroom B, 215 N. Wyman St. Zoe Norwood and Fay Muhammad discuss ways citizens can address problems based on The Ecology of Democracy on Citizenship Day. Contact 815-9876626 or znorwood@ rockfordpubliclibrary.org for a copy of the book and to reserve a seat. Registration is not required.

Friday, September 18

American Ad Federation of Northern Illinois presents GMOs, Spider Goats, Pink Slime & Government Shutdowns: Social Media Response to Controversies presented by Kristin Runge, University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Center for Community and Economic Development. 11:45 a.m. -1:00 p.m., Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford. AAF members, $20, non-members, $25, students, $10. Registration required at www.niadfed.org.

Saturday, September 19

Rockford Public Library presents Fresh and Local – Comparing Apples to Apples, 2 to 4 p.m., Nordlof Center, large multi-purpose room, 118 N. Main St. Registration required at 815-965-7606. Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center presents Howls & Owls, 7 to 9 p.m., at Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road. Visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood or call 815-987-8800.

Sunday, September 20,

CHIP Alumni and Vegetarians in Motion present a Showing of the film documentary PlantPure Nation, 5 p.m., at the Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford.

Monday, September 21

YWCA and AAUW, Rockford, present a Viewing of the documentary film “I Am a Girl,” 7:30 p.m., at AMC Showplace 16, 8301 E. State St., Rockford. Reserve by Sept. 10 by visiting gathr.us/screening/11613.

Wednesday, September 23

Rosie’s Birthday Club hosts its sixth-annual Have Your Cake and Eat it Too fundraiser, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Visit www. rosiesbirthdayclub.org or call 815-543-7770.

Saturday, September 26

Midway Village Museum presents World War II Days, a re-enactment, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. Saturday battle shows: 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.; Sunday battle show: 2:30 p.m. For a list of events and tickets, visit www.midwayvillage.com or call 815-397-9112.

September 2015

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members. First National Bank and Trust Company earned BauerFinancial’s 5-Star Superior rating for excelling in capital, loan quality and profitability for the last 15 consecutive quarters. Wipfli LLP expanded its risk advisory and forensic services practice to include a variety of services dedicated to cybersecurity. It ranked #12 on the 2015 Accounting Today VAR 100 list. NetSuite Inc., the industry’s leading provider of cloud-based financials/ ERP and omni-channel commerce software suites, announced that the firm joined the NetSuite Solution Provider Program to advance its cloud practice. It also became the first U.S. partner to provide business process outsourcing (BPO) powered by Microsoft. The BPO platform currently is offered in Europe. Woodward, Inc., reported financial results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2015 ending June 30, with net sales of $494.8 million, a decrease of six percent from the third quarter of last year. Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois awarded Rock Valley

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

College $11,000 in scholarship funds for persons with disabilities to advance their education. It has awarded $68,000 in scholarships to the college since the program began in 2010. It will award scholarships to six other area community colleges this year for a total of $44,000, thanks to contributions by customers.

Chartwell Agency was hired by TISCO to support a transition to SAP and a simultaneous launch of a new e-commerce platform in May. First Free Rockford retained Chartwell to assist with marketing, public relations, social media support and a campaign targeted at millennials set to launch in early October.

KMK Media Group was hired by Brightbill/Ericson Eye Associates New Vision Laser Center, specializing in Lasik surgery and specialized eye services, to redesign and optimize its current website. It completed a brochure for MD SkinCenter, a dermatology clinic in Rockford. It completed new signage and brand identities for River Bluff Nursing Home and Winnebago County Animal Services, both government entities of Winnebago County. It developed a marketing plan for animal services.

V2 Marketing Communications organized, promoted and facilitated an eight-day workshop and banquet event for Chicago National Association of Dance Masters’ 103rd Summer Dance Workshop for more than 500 participants. United Way of Rock River Valley hired V2 to manage ongoing social media and search engine optimization for the organization.

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County received a $2,607 grant in July from the Nature Conservancy’s Volunteer Stewardship Network for supplies for its volunteer stewardship program. Volunteers assist with planting and propagating native plants and trees, seed collection and invasive species control, as well as wildlife monitoring.

New Chamber Members MEMBERS BILL DORAN COMPANY

THE OERTEL AGENCY

Fresh Cut Flower and Floral Supplies, Wholesaler 619 W. Jefferson St., 61103 Bill LaFever 815-965-6042 www.billdoran.com

Corporate Event Management, Branding, Design and PR Service 4320 Spring Creek Road, 61107 Courtney Oertel 815-608-6747 www.oertelagency.com

CENTRAL PAYMENTS

RUSSELL CELLULAR

Merchant Services/Credit Card 4802 Majestic Pass Loves Park, IL 61111 Bobby Ingram 815-621-3692

Verizon Premium Retailer Specializing in All Home Solutions and Cellular Needs of the Best 4GLTE Network 721 S. Perryville Road, 61108 Sue Shepherd 815-391-0250

CUSTOM TRAINING RESOURCES Full Array of Soft Skill Workshops and Services Diane Navickis 815-289-1412

MAPLEGLEN CARE CENTER Medical Marijuana Dispensary 4777 Stenstrom Road, 61109 Amy Manganelli 888-mgcc-732 www.mapleglencc.com

STATE FARM INSURANCE BRIAN FAULK 3600 E. State St., 61108 Brian Faulk, CLU 815-398-2552 www.brianfaulk.com

WINMAN LLC Advanced ERP Systems P.O. Box 39 Rockton, IL 61072 Kim Droessler 815-980-1800 www.winman.com

Over the past three years, Fehr Graham acquired Arnold Lundgren Associates, Rockford; Sodemann & Associates, Champaign, Ill.; TeKippe Engineering, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Alpha Terra Science, Inc., Plymouth, Wis., for a total of 10 offices in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin and nearly 150 full-time staff. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the 2015 United States Specialty Sports Association Girls Fastpitch14U “B” National Championships, July 30 to Aug. 2, and the American Amateur Baseball Congress Willie Mays 10U World Series, July 31 to Aug. 5, resulted in an estimated $430,000 in economic impact for the region. Thayer Lighting became a distributor of Lumca Lighting (lumca.com), a contemporary line of outdoor LED products based in Quebec, Canada. Judson University was among the 58 higher learning institutions named as “2015 Christian Colleges of Distinction” for the 2015-2016 academic year as an excellent school with a strong focus on teaching undergraduates and providing innovative learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Ahman Green, former NFL running back and all-time leading rusher for the Green Bay Packers, visited the pediatric unit and cancer center at Rockford Memorial Hospital on Aug. 7. The Rockford Rotary Club joined the Rock River Valley Peace Coalition in having Rockford designated a City of Peace, with a presentation by the International Cities of Peace on Aug. 3 during the City Council Meeting. Edward Jones moved up 18 spots to No. 426 on the 2015 FORTUNE

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

500 List published by FORTUNE magazine, with more than $6.3 billion in revenue for 2014. It has made the list for a third consecutive year. RESCUES (Reaching Every Student by Collecting Used Education Supplies) worked with Rockford MELD, Rock House Kids, Youth Services Network and other local non-profits to collect usable school supplies for delivery to Rock House Kids in August for students in need this fall. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimated an economic impact of $279,000 from the 2015 Indmar Marine Engines Division 1 Show Ski National Championships hosted by the Ski Broncs at Shorewood Park in August. This is the eighth time the Ski Broncs has hosted the 41-year event. A $15,000 gift from Emmanuel Episcopal Church prevented the immediate closure of Shelter Care Ministries’ Jubilee Center, a drop-in facility for people with chronic mental illnesses at the church. Shelter Care has permanently closed Careers & MORE, a program for job readiness training and life coaching, due to state budget uncertainties. Three teams won grand prizes for participating in Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s Get Outside! program in August. Teams of children and families had their passports stamped for activities encouraging physical activity. Team Howell won the guided paddling trip donated by Rocktown Adventures. Team Weston won the family fishing package. Team Dennis won the nature photography package donated by Camera Craft. RAMP received $20,000 from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for a pilot employment program for high school students with disabilities focused on job readiness, job development and case management. Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners recognized Magic Waters Waterpark and Aquatics staff for receiving an overall score of “exceeds” for outstanding performance during a July audit. The Rockford Park District Fall/ Winter 2015/2016 Program Guide is available at www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/guides, park district facilities and customer service locations. Registration is open.

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September 2015

Membership: 101 101 MEMBERSHIP

Need a Speaker for Your Event? Tap into this Valuable Member Benefit:

Speakers Bureau

The Rockford Chamber is loaded with members who are experts in their fields, and ready to share their valuable knowledge and insights.

Two Ways to Participate 1. Request a Speaker

The Speakers Bureau is a group of business professionals skilled in giving keynotes, lectures, panels and hands-on training for a wide

range of specialties. Speakers are listed by category and alphabetically by last name. Requests can be forwarded to all speakers in a category … or to an individual speaker. You will be contacted with a match

within seven to 10 business days. Please make your request at least

two months prior to your event, and discuss with the speaker any fees/ honorariums in advance. 2. Be a Speaker

Any member in good standing of the Rockford Chamber is eligible to

be listed as a speaker at no charge (non-members pay $195 per year). Speakers can be listed in up to two categories. Unless otherwise

agreed, presentations should not market any specific company or

service offerings. Applications are available at the chamber website. Speaker Categories • Human Resources and Organizational Development • Sales and Marketing • Communications • Finance • Personal Development • Customer Service • Technology • Continuous Improvement

Visit www.rockfordchamber.com

Click on Resources to access the Speakers Bureau page to search available speakers, make a request or apply as a speaker yourself!

For questions, call 815 987-8100 or email Heidi Garner at hgarner@rockfordchamber.com.

Tips for a Successful Speaking Engagement

1. Allow a minimum of two months notice to ensure availability. 2. Speaking engagements should be a minimum of 60 minutes - 45 minutes speaking; 15 minutes question and answer. Discuss with your speaker your particular needs. 3. As this is a voluntary program, a specific speaker may not always be available when you need them. Feel free to contact the Rockford Chamber. We might be able to suggest another speaker for you. 4. Provide the speaker with details about your meeting: date, time, length of presentation, location, audience, goals and purpose, how many people will attend, any special podium or audiovisual needs. 5. Prior to the event, reconfirm with your speaker the details of the speaking engagement, including handout information and overnight accommodations, if necessary. 6. Please contact the Rockford

Chamber to help secure a replacement should a speaker be unable at the last minute to fulfill the engagement — due to illness, work emergency or personal emergency. If you should need to cancel the program, contact the speaker as soon as possible. Expenses incurred by the speaker may need to be covered by the canceling organization. 7. Discuss and confirm in writing with the speaker any expenses to be covered by your organization. 8. Unless previously agreed, speakers should not to sell or promote any personal products or services. 9. Ask the speaker in advance if you desire to videotape the session. 10. Ask attendees to evaluate the speaker. Provide general feedback on the speaker’s presentation within 10 days of the program. 11. After the presentation, one of the nicest ways to show your appreciation for the speaker’s time and effort is to send a letter of appreciation.

September 2015

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in July, 2015. ADT Security Services, Inc. Anderson Environmental & Engineering Co. Androck Hardware Corporation Auto Body Specialist Inc. Axberg, a Division of Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. Brian Thomas Photography, Inc. Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center, Home of CoCo Key Water Resort Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Concordia University of Wisconsin Corporate Services, Inc. Dale Carnegie Training Focus Financial Advisors, Inc. Fridh Corporation Friends of the Coronado GE Aviation GFI Metal Treating Inc. Giovanni’s, Inc. Gordon Flesch Company, Inc. Heinzeroth Marketing Group Heritage Woods of Rockford Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Home Instead Senior Care Honest Pest Control Inc. Horizons Inc. Humana Ignition Studio, Inc. Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) J. Carlson Growers, Inc. Johnny Pamcakes K&J Finishing, Inc. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden KP Counseling, Ltd. LDR Cleaning & Restoration Lonnie’s Stonecrafters, Inc. Midwest Mailworks, Inc. Motivate Personal Physical Rehabilitation Northern Illinois Hospice

Northern Illinois Optical Company Northern Public Radio (WNIU/WNIJ/NIRIS) Northwest Bank of Rockford Northwestern Mutual NyClo Screw Machine Products Olson Aluminum Casting Ltd. Orthopedic & Sports Therapy Institute - Byron Peterson Meadows PNC Bank Premier Technologies Print Jet Proactive Business Networking Solutions R. J. Bowers Distributors, Inc. Reno & Zahm LLP Ring Container Technologies Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated Rock River Service Company Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center Rockford Apartment Association Rockford Association for Minority Management Rockford Electric Equipment Company Rockford Local Development Corporation Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry Rocknel Fastener, Inc. Roto-Rooter Sinnissippi Apartments Inc. Smeja Foundation Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc. Stateline Realty/Stateline Rental Properties Stockholm Inn Terracon, Inc. The UPS Store Thermo Fisher Scientific Town Square Publications Universal Feeder, Inc. William Charles, Ltd. Wipfli LLP

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Stacy Wallace

Company: LDR Cleaning & Restoration Position: Marketing Manager

How long have you been an Ambassador? Almost 6 years!

What do you like most about being an Ambassador? I love networking and getting to know the other ambassadors, as well as the new businesses that join our community. Being an ambassador over the years has allowed me to develop solid personal and business relationships, and increased visibility for my company.

September 2015 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events SEPTEMBER, 2015 Tuesday, September 1

Ribbon Cutting at CoyleKiley Insurance Agency Inc., 401 E. State St., floor 4, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, September 2

Manufacturers’ Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Danfoss Power Electronics, 4401 N. Bell School Road, Loves Park. Topic is Academy Updates and Manufacturing Day. Thursday, September 3 11:30am - 1:30pm Radisson Conference Center 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Education Outlook LUNCHEON Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett has overseen the passage of a $250 million facilities plan, high school redesign, expanded access to early childhood and more. Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank (presenting); SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (gold); Rock Valley College (silver); and Larson & Darby Group, Rasmussen College and Rock River Valley Blood Center (bronze).

Tuesday, September 8

IGNITE Lunch Outside of the Box – Transformation Rockford, noon to 1 p.m., Rasmussen College board room, 6000 E. State St., fourth floor. Mike Schablaske, executive director for Transform Rockford, will discuss what work still needs to be done and how IGNITE members can get involved. Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815-289-0880 or nnelson@ thehsb.com. Wednesday, September 9 7:30 - 9:30 am Rock Valley College, Woodward Technology Center 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Breakfast Buzz Breakfast Buzz speaker TBA — for more information, please visit www.rockfordchamber.com. Sponsored by McGladrey.

Wednesday, September 9 Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@ gmail.com.

20-YEAR MEMBER

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Maculan Chiropractic Clinic

Abreo Restaurant Amberwood Care Centre

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Friday, September 11

15-YEAR MEMBERS Home Environment Center of Rockford, Ltd. Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects

Header Die & Tool, Inc. Luther Center

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Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Guest

speakers are Loves Park Mayor Darryl Lindberg and Loves Park Police Chief Rodney Scott. Prior to Mayor Lindberg’s election on May 1, 1997, he served as a law enforcement officer in Loves Park and was police chief for 18 years. He’s a graduate of the FBI National Academy. To join, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Tuesday, September 15

Rockford Chamber 101 with Speed Networking, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rockford Mass Transit District, Eastside Transfer Center, 725 Lyford Road, Rockford. Sponsored by MembersAlliance Credit Union.

Monday, September 21

IGNITE Golf Outing, 1 p.m., The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford.

Tuesday, September 22

Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815-289-0880 or nnelson@ thehsb.com. Wednesday, September 23 Expo1:30 - 5:30pm; BAH 5:30 - 7:30pm Giovanni’s 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

ROCKFORD CHAMBER

Business Expo Booths, giveaways, luncheon speaker, networking activities, breakout sessions. Polishing Your Professional Presence Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, Inc., 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Presenter is Susan Richardson, founder of Etiquette Essentials LLC, on Business Etiquette. Tips on first impressions, body language, introductions, telephone and correspondence etiquette, business entertaining, dining and closing. Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in Big Al’s Bar. Sponsored by Ticomix, Inc. (presenting); Comcast Business (gold); SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health, and Thayer Lighting, Inc., (silver); and WPS Health Insurance (bronze).

Wednesday, September 23

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@gmail.com. Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

Thursday, September 24

Ribbon Cutting & Open House at Home Instead Senior Care, 929 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 202, Rockford, 4 to 6 p.m.; ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Tour the new office, meet staff and discover the range of services.

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September 2015

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events OCTOBER, 2015 Thursday, October 1

Business After Hours at Rockford Country Club, 5 to 7 p.m., 2500 Oxford St., Rockford.

Tuesday, October 6

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St., Rockford. Business owners Linda Campos, Campos Construction, and Patti Thayer, Thayer Lighting, present Overcoming Business Obstacles. Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Friday, October 9

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. To join, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Tuesday, October 13

Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815289-0880 or nnelson@thehsb.com.

Wednesday, October 14

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@ gmail.com. Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

Thursday, October 22 5:30 - 7:30pm Prairie Street Brewhouse 200 Prairie St., Rockford

ROCKFORD CHAMBER

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS

The Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Alpine Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Arthritis Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Associated Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Blackhawk Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . 27

People You Should Know

Broadmoor Agency, Inc.. . . . . . . . . 12

Greet and meet the 2015 class of movers and shakers in the Rockford area.

Comcast Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Sponsored by OSF Healthcare (presenting), SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (hospitality) and The Alliance (business).

Catholic Diocese of Rockford. . . . . 13 CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Humana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Illinois Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Tuesday, October 27

Advantage Club – Superstars, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Nick Nelson, Harvard State Bank, 815289-0880 or nnelson@thehsb.com.

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . 26 OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Rockford Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . 11 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . 23, 26, 29, 30, 33 Rockford Spine Center. . . . . . . . . . 16 Rockford University . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sikich LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

IMEC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Klaas Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health. . . . . . . . . 14

Massage Envy Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Thayer Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

McGladrey LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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

MedMar, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Van Matre HealthSouth. . . . . . . . . . 19

Wednesday, October 28

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, Key Realty, Commercial & Industrial, Teriw1214@ gmail.com.

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

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Deanna Watts, 815-968-9881 or Deanna@rockfordcc.com.

Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology................... 815-316-4338

Thursday, October 29

Sue Boyer, Member Relations................................................. 815-316-4315

Ribbon Cutting at U.S. Cellular, 6150 E. State St., Ste. 142, Rockford, 10 to 11 a.m.

Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment. . .................. 815-316-4317 Joy Moriarty, Vice President, Finance........................................ 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events. . ............................................ 815-316-4302 Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager.............. 815-316-4336 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator......................... 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Vice Chair Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Richard Walsh Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP

Let your Voice be heard Do you have news to share?

MercyRockford Health System. . . . . 4

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

DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Darlene Furst FurstStaffing Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems Dr. Robert Head Rockford University Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Henry Seybold Rockford Health System

Mike Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Patrick Shaw McGladrey LLP

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer of Rockford

Laura Pigatti Williamson Rockford Park District

Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates CherryVale Tim Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy Dan Ross Williams-Manny Insurance Group

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

OCTOBER 2015 SPECIAL SECTIONS:

Updates from the Legal/Financial Community Insurance Industry Update For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100