September Voice 2016

CHAMBER CHALLENGES MAP AMENDMENT DECISION PAGE 2

MFG DAY CELEBRATIONS PAGE 17

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

ROCKFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY September 2016 | Volume 29 | No. 9

Business Briefs in

HEALTH CARE

Highlights of regional health care facilities, programs and technologies

By Barbara Connors Health care in the region constantly is evolving and changing with new facilities, programs, technologies and milestones to deliver better wellness to a broader number of people.

Organizations such as Mercyhealth, SwedishAmerican, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and Rosecrance Health Network are opening new facilities and launching new programs to reach out to underserved populations and meet

The Toche Cobas 8100 state-of-the-art robotic machine processes hospital specimens automatically. Source: roche.de specific health care needs. Educational institutions are researching better ways to diagnose and treat terminal illnesses, such as University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford in its work toward earlier diagnosis of lung cancer.

The following are recent health care highlights aimed at helping residents achieve their best health now.

AUTOMATED LAB TESTING Thanks to a $700,000 investment, Mercyhealth’s Rockton Avenue hospital will be the first in the area to use the automated Toche Cobas 8100, a state-ofthe-art robotic machine, to process blood

and urine samples. The machine receives the specimen, enters the information in the computer system, prepares it for testing, runs the appropriate chemical tests, and stores and archives it. For additional testing, the machine automatically retrieves the tube from storage and sends the specimen back for testing. The technology also allows the machine to identify and prioritize urgent specimens over routine testing.

“Health care professionals and laboratory staff will have more time to spend on individual patient care needs, and the wait time from testing to results is faster and more predictable,” said Laboratory Director Mamta Patel.

ROSECRANCE OPENS NEW CHICAGO FACILITY Rosecrance, headquartered in Rockford, added to its former number of six offices in the Chicago region with the Continued on page 10

International Women’s Baseball Center relocates to Rockford

Citizens are invited to sign up for the Rockford Police Department’s free, eightweek Citizens Police Academy, 6 to 8:30 p.m., on Wednesdays, beginning on Sept. 7 at COR Wellness Center, 120 N. 3rd St. Classes will highlight the police department’s organizational structure, community policing, patrol operations, state’s attorney, gang unit/criminal law, city ordinances, seasonal crime/ scams/ID theft and neighborhood network/watch groups.

To register visit www.rockford il.gov/police. For an application, contact Lt. Eric Bruno at Eric. bruno@rockfordil.gov or 779500-6474.

ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE SEEKS EMPLOYERS FOR FALL INTERNSHIPS Rock Valley College Career Services seeks local employers to collaborate this fall by offering internship opportunities in a variety of areas. Employers will offer realworld learning experiences, while gaining a return on investment; the ability to guide and gauge the talent of prospective employees, increase their productivity and give back to the community by retaining qualified graduates.

To learn more, contact Jennifer Wilkens at 815-921-4126 or j.wilkens@rockvalleycollege.edu.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Rockford Chamber’s

BUSINESS EXPO Sept. 22 • Giovanni’s

For more info, see page 30 SPONSORED BY

Tapping into the city’s baseball heritage

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

Join the Chamber’s LinkedIn Group

Baseball is about to become a major presence in Rockford again when the international headquarters of the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) in California relocates to a building across from Beyer Stadium.

The IWBC board, Winnebago County, Rockford Park District, The Friends of Beyer Stadium and City of Rockford will make the announcement on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m., at Beyer Stadium, the home of the famous Rockford Peaches. A reception will follow with former and current ball players, umpires and mangers, members of the IWBC board, and local officials and supporters.

Rockford is closely tied with baseball from the sport’s very beginnings.

Following the Civil War, it was home

RETIRED POLICE DOGS CAN BE ADOPTED BY HANDLERS

The Rockford Peaches won the championship four times during the 12-year history of the American Girls Professional Baseball League. to the Forest City Baseball Club and The Forest City Nine – earning the city the title, “The Cradle of Baseball in the West.” In 1871, the “Forest Citys” were one of the founding teams of the Continued on page 3

A new Illinois law takes effect next January that will give retiring police dogs the chance to be adopted by their handlers.

Gov. Rauner signed the Police Dog Retirement Act during a ceremony at the Illinois State Fair on First Responders Day, Aug. 13. K-9 police dogs used by a county, municipal or state law enforcement agency that are no longer fit for public service will be offered first to the handler on the force. If the officer does not want the dog, it then will be offered to another officer or employee of the agency, a non-profit agency, or a no-kill animal shelter that can facilitate an appropriate adoption for the dog.

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

Rockford Chamber, other public interest organizations join to challenge

Map Amendment Ballot Decision A diverse coalition of two dozen business, consumer and public interest organizations has urged the Illinois Supreme Court “to allow democracy to prevail and to let the people have their vote” on the Independent Map Amendment in the November election.

Signed by organizations “representing virtually every conceivable constituency and virtually every conceivable spot on the political spectrum,” the organizations in the coalition “are united in their concern for the future of Illinois and their support for a ballot initiative that will allow the people of Illinois to have a meaningful voice in shaping that future,” according to the “friend of the court” (amicus curiae) brief. Joining in on the brief are the Rockford, Chicagoland, Naperville, and Champaign County Chambers of Commerce, and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

The recorded debates from the state’s 1970 Constitutional Convention and previous Illinois Supreme Court rulings could not be clearer – the Illinois Supreme Court should reverse a recent Cook County Circuit Court ruling and order the Independent Map Amendment be put before voters in the

upcoming November election, according to the coalition’s opening brief filed Friday with the Court.

“The language of the Illinois Constitution and legislative history of the convention debates are indisputable,” said Dennis FitzSimons, Chair of Independent Maps. “Redistricting reform is clearly a topic that can be addressed by a citizen initiated amendment, and the Independent Map Amendment is exactly what the men and women who wrote the constitution had in mind when they granted Illinoisans this power.”

The 50-page brief is available on the Independent Maps website (www.

MapAmendment.org).

The brief argues that the Cook County Circuit Court ruling is an erroneous interpretation of the Illinois Constitution and is contrary to both the plain language of the constitution and the legislative debates of the constitutional convention. “Indeed, if allowed to stand, the circuit court’s ruling would effectively nullify the constitutional right of Illinois citizens to amend the legislative article through the initiative process, making it virtually impossible to craft a redistricting proposal that offers

any meaningful change,” the brief states.

Quoting extensively from the debates by the members of the convention, the brief demonstrates that the framers of the constitution identified redistricting as one of the “critical” areas that voters could address in a citizen-initiated amendment.

While citizen-initiated amendments are limited to structural and procedural subjects contained in the legislative article, the constitution’s “limited to” language was designed to prevent initiatives on substantive issues like taxes, abortion or the death penalty, but the language was not intended to stifle creativity of initiatives related to the legislature.

“The circuit court reached the wrong conclusion because it refused to interpret the Redistricting Initiative in a common sense manner, recognizing that each and every aspect of it is directly related to (and only to) redistricting,” the brief states.

“Under these circumstances, denying Illinois voters the right to vote on the Redistricting Initiative would deprive all of the citizens of Illinois of an important constitutional right reserved to the people by the 1970 constitution,” according to the brief, which points out that the circuit court ruling incorrectly rejected a “straight-

forward, Einar K. Forsman common sense Rockford Chamber interpretation” of Commerce of the constitution, isolated various aspects of the amendment and re-characterized them as pertaining to something other than redistricting.

“All of the provisions of the Redistricting Initiative are limited to the subject of redistricting: each and every one of them seeks to improve the redistricting process, by establishing better and more objective standards and by adopting new procedures to minimize self-interest and partisanship.”

“The more than 560,000 Illinoisans who signed our petitions to put this important reform on the ballot are counting on the Supreme Court to rule that this amendment be placed before voters in November,” FitzSimons said.

“And the many, many more Illinoisans frustrated by the lack of competition in legislative elections and the performance of the state legislature deserve an opportunity to repair the broken system that legislators refuse to reform.”

Source: MapAmendment.org

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Peaches

(continued from front page) National Association of Professional Baseball Players, which later became the National League.

In 1943, Phillip Wrigley, the chewing gum magnate and owner of the Chicago Cubs, started the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. While the men were at war, fans flocked to Beyer Stadium to see the Rockford Peaches.

The Peaches won the championship four times and came in second three times during the league’s 12-year history.

“How fitting is it that the IWBC wants to locate where the Peaches played their games,” said Scott H. Christiansen, Winnebago County board chairman, in a press release announcing the center’s relocation.

A Center for Baseball Again International Women’s Baseball Center, once reestablished across from Beyer Stadium on the corner of Seminary Street and 15th Avenue in

Rockford, will encompass educational, training and museum facilities for girls and women’s baseball, with additional room for clinics.

“This is not just about getting to play ball, it is about access to science and education, access to every aspect of baseball -- giving women an opportunity to get involved and to experience what sports can do for them,” said Dr. Kat Williams, president of the IWBC board.

“There are many different ways that a woman can be involved in baseball.

Maybe they aren’t necessarily good players, but might be a good statistician or coach or groundskeeper. There are lots of roles to play in the game of baseball, and this will give them access to those things.”

“The Midwest has been a real focal point of baseball for decades and decades,” she added. “The fact that the buildings are across from Beyer Stadium where the Peaches played is a definite plus.” theVoice —Barbara Connors, The Voice editor

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

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

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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.

The 1947 Greyhound Bus once used by the Rockford Peaches will be present for photo opportunities at the Sept. 3 announcement of the new International Women’s Baseball Center at Beyer Stadium.

A LEAGUE JUST FOR WOMEN Between 1940 and the fall of 1942, millions of women were employed to fill the shoes of men drafted for military duty. Philip K. Wrigley, Chicago chewing gum magnate and owner of the Chicago Cubs, reasoned that if women could take over for men in other fields of endeavor, they also could fill in on the ball field.

Wrigley grounded the teams in mid-sized war production cities in the Chicago circle area. His objectives for the league were as follows: ■■ To provide healthful spectator recreation for war workers.

■■ To motivate girls and women employed in war work to play ball themselves for needed exercise and recreation.

■■ To provide the smaller city populations with recreational opportunities only larger cities currently enjoyed — specifically attending professional baseball games.

—Barbara Connors, The Voice editor

Source: www.aagpbl.org (All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association)

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Member Profile PROFILE

Cellusuede Products, Inc.: A labor of love Staying in Rockford with room to grow

By Paul Anthony Arco

One of the best-kept secrets in Rockford might just be Cellusuede Products, Inc. Cellusuede Products is a company that makes flock, a fiber material that goes on welcome mats, automotive interiors, paint pads and other things to increase plushness.

“Flock is a specialized textile method using nylon, rayon and polyester,” said Andy Honkamp, president and CEO. “Imagine a long rope several hundred yards long that’s precision cut, dyed, finished and turned into a powder-like substance. Those fibers are then sprayed onto rubber, metal, wood, plastic (the act of spraying is flocking).”

Cellusuede was started by Jack Sutton in 1938 to manufacture flocked paper. The plant was located on Kishwaukee Street for the first seven years until it moved to North Madison Street in downtown Rockford. After making flock for its own use, the company began to supply the U.S. flocking industry in 1945. Soon, Cellusuede started to deliver cotton flock to the automotive industry. Flock is used to make glove boxes, center consoles and the rubber seal found along car windows.

These days, Cellusuede also produces flock for other industries, such as walk off mats, paint pads, heavy duty batteries, medical equipment, apparel, plastics and cosmetics. Cellusuede has supplied Hallmark and American Greeting cards for more than 40 years.

Cellusuede supplies to five continents and more than 20 countries.

The company supplies many major corporations including Johnson Controls, Exide Technologies and Abercrombie and Fitch. There are no local customers.

A typical batch size of flock is 125 pounds and takes about four hours to produce from the time the fibers are cut to packaging.

Plans for Serious Growth In 1989, Cellusuede became employee owned and now employs a staff of 30, mostly machine operators. “It’s been a labor of love,” said Honkamp who started working in the shop as a teenager and rejoined the company eight years ago. Last January, Honkamp became company president, replacing his father, Dave Honkamp, who now serves in a consultant role. “It’s a very unique business and has meant a lot to me personally. There are guys who I met as a teenager in the factory that still work here 25 years later.”

Cellusuede has moved to a 125,000-sq.-ft. building in Northrock Industrial Park, invested $3.5 million in upgrades and $1 million in new equipment to meet its plans for growth.

In 2014, Cellusuede bought 20 percent of Engineered Fibers in Shelton, Conn., which employs 16 employees.

Honkamp said Cellusuede will purchase the remaining 80 percent of the company within a couple of years and move its operations to Rockford.

The biggest news, however, coming out of Cellusuede these days is the company’s move from downtown Rockford to Elmwood Road in the Northrock Industrial Park. The 125,000-sq.-ft. building is the former headquarters of Three Hammer Construction and located nearby Sportscore One. The move came as part of a property swap with the owners of Prairie Street Brewhouse, who plan to use the former Cellusuede property on North Madison to further enhance what has quickly become a popular downtown destination.

As for Honkamp, he’s looking forward to a fresh start in a new location.

“This move will allow us to go from a $10 million to $20 million company,” he said. “We’ve invested $3.5 million in upgrades and another $1 million in new equipment. It will allow us to become more efficient and give us the ability to go out and earn new business. It’s also boosted employee morale. We couldn’t grow by staying downtown.

“We made a conscience decision to stay in Rockford,” Honkamp added.

“We looked at other options, including moving out of town. But we like Rockford and want to stay here. We’re happy with the way things turned out.”

CELLUSUEDE PRODUCTS, INC. Andy Honkamp, president 1515 Elmwood Road 815-964-8619 www.cellusuede.com

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September 2016

Local partners drive efforts to align workforce programs and services

By John Strandin, NIWA With more and more employers saying that attracting a skilled workforce is one of the keys to future business success and growth in the regional economy, the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance, the workforce board for Boone, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties, has developed new plans outlining strategies, goals and implementation actions necessary to align and coordinate workforce development, economic development and education.

The plans were developed along with other regional partners and support and are aligned with existing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) and other priorities, including those outlined by Transform Rockford, Alignment Rockford and other initiatives.

The Regional Plan, covering the fourcounty Northern Stateline region, presents six goals.

Integration of workforce, education, and economic development efforts to move the region’s strategies forward through increased collaboration, communication and shared resources.

Engagement of employers as champions for workforce solutions that meet their current and future needs, using existing sector partnerships as foundations for further collaboration.

Increased skill level of the workforce through bolstered education and training opportunities providing industryrecognized credentials, sought-after degrees and certificates, and regionally relevant career pathways.

Better connection of residents of all skill levels and socioeconomic groups to career opportunities by addressing their barriers to traditional employment and education and providing support for individuals to participate in co-ops and social entrepreneurship ventures.

Improved intake, tracking, and data management systems that are userfriendly, easily sharable among partners, and able to provide relevant information to measure progress and needs for the region’s workforce systems.

A well-marketed workforce system that encourages residents and employers to engage its programs and services and understand available opportunities.

The Local Plan, covering the threecounty workforce area, identifies implementation actions to be taken to address the six goals. The Local Vision is to advance the economic vitality of the region by providing individuals opportunities for education, employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship through an integrated, accessible, employer-driven system utilizing the resources of all partners to develop our human capital.

The two plans are required under the new federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and have been submitted to the state of Illinois.

Both are available online at www. theworkforceconnection.org.

There are 20 organizations in the three-county region involved in the public workforce system known as The Workforce Connection. The challenge facing providers is to align these services to make them seamless, cost-effective and accessible, helping workers gain the skills they require to be successful while meeting the needs of an engaged business community.

The ultimate goal, of course, is to connect workers to available jobs and connect employers with skilled workers. We welcome your active participation.

John Strandin is public relations & grant development manager at Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance. The NIWA Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13.

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IGNITE

Young Professionals

Eight One Five.

Spread the word on community pride 815 (to me) means community, support, friendship, memories and being original. It’s a pride that lives within us, sharing where we’re from, where we’ve been and what makes us happy. Catch anyone wearing a RAD 815 tee, and you’ll immediately know what they’re saying.

815 equals community. We all know that the 815 spans across the majority of northern Illinois. The pride for the 815 has become a staple in our region.

Something people didn’t care about five years ago is seemingly taking over as a way to stand up and be proud! It’s quite encouraging to see a community gather together and rock their pride for all to see.

815 means support. Support for local businesses and each other. Not only are people spending more time and potentially more money within our city, they’re simultaneously spreading the word and starting local conversation.

The exact situations that bring organic growth and a true appreciation for our community. Growing at a rate that is sustainable means we all adjust in a way that keeps our quality high and reputation on point.

815 is friendship. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people pass each other on the street and share a smile, laugh with each other or stop for a conversation, all because they’re wearing a RAD 815 tee. Breaking up a day with a friendly chat or happy moment means people are stepping out of their comfort zones and interacting again. Interaction leads to experiences, which turns into potentially life-altering events. Can it be better than friendship?

815 creates memories. As we all can relate, memories are attached to certain

Britney Lindgren IGNITE

life moments or situations.

The more the community rallies together, the more people are involved and creating.

Remember that time you spent the day touring around Rockford for 815 Day? Did you meet anyone new? Perhaps you found new businesses, walked the whole downtown, relaxed in our wonderful city? Memories are some of the only gifts we can pass along to our friends and families. They’re the most important!

815 sparks originality. It is something we vow to encourage on a daily basis.

Living a life as yourself is the #1 more important idea we can push. The 815 movement allows you to search within yourself as to what that means to you.

Your own originality includes all of the above, which makes you unique to this city and an incredible asset. Because of those traits, our city has the opportunity to continue moving forward, stronger than ever and with more positivity each day.

So what is it that I’m trying to say about this 815 stuff? It’s all inclusive (even if you do have a 779 … sorry guys! ), super positive, always growing, happy, lighthearted and full of pride. Remember your roots, whether they’re new or old, because they’re very important for living a life of adventure!

Britney Lindgren is RAD co-owner/IGNITE marketing director.

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

Rockford to receive ultra-fast Gigabit Internet service Rockford is part of a Chicago-area trial launched on Aug. 17 by Comcast to deliver ultra-fast speeds across entire communities. It will be one of the first markets in the nation to get speeds up to 1 Gigabit-per second (Gbps) using the communications lines already going into homes and businesses, signing up for service and plugging in a modem.

A 1 Gbps connection means: ■■ Downloading a five Gigabyte HD movie in 40 seconds.

■■ Downloading a 600 Megabyte TV episode in four seconds.

■■ Downloading a 150 Megabyte music album in two seconds.

■■ Downloading 15 Gigabyte video game in two minutes.

Once DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Internet service is available in a market, customers with Gigabit-capable devices will be able to sign up for a new plan. The every-day price of the new service with no contract is $139.95 plus taxes and fees. Comcast will test promotional pricing during the trial period. Visit Xfinity.com/gig.

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September 2016

Teachers, volunteers key to school improvement

District more than halfway through capital plan What does it mean to be a first choice school district? And why does it matter to Rockford?

There is a wealth of research supporting the value of a strong public school system to a community. In Rockford, we are seeing resurgence in our downtown. We are seeing energy and commitment to revitalization across the city. We are seeing a turnaround in our self-image.

Ultimately, though, we won’t be able to leverage these assets — capitalize on this human energy -- without a strong public school system.

We are getting there. The Chamber’s most recent public education survey showed that 72 percent of respondents would characterize the Rockford Public Schools as either “moving in a great direction” or “improving.” In surveys by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, we went from a 3 percent positive rating in 2011 to 33 percent positive in the most recent measure.

We are particularly proud of the upbeat attitude among our teachers: As part of our Strategic Plan process, we surveyed 2,000 teachers about trust and relationships. Eighty-three percent either agreed or strongly agreed that the district was moving in the right direction.

There’s local affirmation, and there’s also national recognition. Ford Next Generation Learning has named us a Model Community, one of only three in the nation. We earned the honor because of our expert implementation of high school academies.

There’s rigor, too. Jay Mathews of the Washington Post every year ranks America’s Most Challenging High Schools, using a formula based primarily on the number of students in Advanced Placement classes. This year, Auburn High School was No. 11 in the State of Illinois, while Guilford High School was No. 53.

What’s Ahead Are we there yet? No. We are well positioned for even more improvement, though, now that teachers have joined us in critical initiatives. Teachers are driving the curriculum and strengthening the teacher evaluation process — just two of the collaborative union-management projects that local education leaders could only dream about a few short years ago.

We are also partners with Rockford University in creating a master’s degree incentive program to retain our teachers and a teaching pathway to attract more

of our best and brightest students to a career in education.

The transformation is showing in our facilities, too. We’re past the halfway point of our $250 million capital plan.

We managed 100 projects at 22 schools this summer. We built additions with modern learning spaces. We relocated main offices to create a more secure environment. We installed lighting and flooring, new energy-efficient boilers and new windows.

We are also building two new elementary schools that will be open for the start of the 2018-19 school year.

One will be in Cherry Valley; one will be part of a Purpose Built Community revitalization project south of downtown Rockford.

The list goes on, and we will touch every school before we’re done.

Again, what are we building toward?

Why does this matter?

A thriving, first-choice public school system correlates with an economy that’s able to attract and retain employees. A first-choice system produces a workforce pipeline, pumping out students who are college and career ready, with high levels of civic engagement.

A first-choice system brings higher property values.

Three years ago, 91 percent of respondents to a national survey on realtor.com said school boundaries were important in their search for a new home.

This year, according to realtor.com, half of the home-buying population is willing to pay more than their budget to get into the right school district. More than half would give up other amenities.

The value of strong, first-choice schools is not news to some of our most loyal investors: the volunteers of RPS 205.

Last year, they contributed nearly 64,000 hours and more than $1.6 million in value to the district. They did it because they know: When they help the public schools, they help their community.

Being a first-choice district is a bold vision. But whether it’s the volunteers, the teachers, workers in the Welcome Center or people in Process Improvement, our staff members know they must find their place in this bold narrative. They must build the vision one contact, one student, one family at a time.

They know what the vision means, and they know that it matters.

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.

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‘The Way We’re Working’ There aren’t many things you can assume, but here’s a safe assumption: who you are drives what you do which determines what you get.

That being said, if who you are reaches for caffeine all day long, then what you do will be sluggish at best and what you get will be less than what you are looking for. If who you are struggles to maintain mental momentum due to the global pandemic of digital information overload, then what you do lacks focus, and what you get will be lacking altogether. Finally if who you are struggles to find meaning in what you do, then what you get will be a halfbaked inspiration-less version of what could be.

Consider this: Americans leave 4.5 million vacation days on the table each year, in spite of the fact that there’s an average increase of eight points on annual performance reviews when 10 vacation days have been used that year: the way we’re working isn’t working.

When we attempt to keep up with the over 500B emails sent daily worldwide, or catch a few of the 150M blogs in the sphere, or try to see what’s happening on the 800K new websites each year, or read a few of the 2B annual tweets, we can’t escape the feeling of drowning in a sea of information that deepens our poverty of attention: the way we’re working isn’t working.

Only 15 percent of us regularly exercise, even though we fully understand that in doing so we are one-third less likely to get Alzheimer’s, 85 percent less likely to contract heart disease, and ward off symptoms of depression with at least the same efficacy as anti-depressants: the way we’re working isn’t working.

In his latest work, The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working, Tony Schwartz of the Energy Project delivers a mountain of data revealing what our society habitually misses: the basic keys to productivity and engagement are the health and happiness of the people doing the work. People work better, smarter and longer when they are happy and healthy. Period. Who can argue with that?

So here’s the obvious question: what are you doing about it? Better still, what is your organization doing to help its people create or maintain optimal levels of health or happiness?

If you’re like the vast majority of our clients, that question is answered with a blank stare and a look of “that’s not our job.” And they are right, it’s not. But it could be!

sustainability). What am I doing regularly take care of myself, so I’m healthy, fit and resilient? What am I willing to do about it? b. Emotional (the energy for security). What am I doing to put myself in a position of feeling appreciated, cared for or valued for who I am and what I do? How can I help those around me feel valued? c. Mental (the energy for selfexpression). How free am I to express and/or develop my unique skills and talents? How do I encourage people around me to express who they are? d. Spiritual (the energy for significance). What gives meaning to what I do and who I am? How do I help people I work with find significance in their lives?

Four Dimensions of Health

Simple stuff. Managing energy exists as one of the critical pieces of

If you’d like to take a shot at the health and happiness thing, take the Energy Challenge (yeah, I just made that up and capitalized it to make it look like a thing) to help get you started.

So here’s the challenge: 1. Check out energyproject.com.

Watch a few of their short animations.

They are a fun snapshot of the four dimensions of health. The short videos describe the core energy sources for optimal health: sustainability, security, self-expression and significance.

Routinely recharging these energy sources keeps who you are in a position to be consistent with what you do.

2. Take a spare moment out of one day in each of the next four weeks to answer a couple of questions centering around the four dimensions of health: a. Physical (the energy for

Leadership Development news is sponsored by Comcast Business.

understanding who you are.

If you work to manage energy levels in these four Curt Hughes dimensions for The Anser Group yourself and the people around you, you enhance your odds that you are doing what you want to do so that what you get are the results you are looking for. Here’s the crazy thing: your organization’s health follows these same four dimensions … but that’s for a future article in The Voice.

Curt Hughes, managing partner & leadership coach, The Anser Group.

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

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September 2016

Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

Connections for aspiring entrepreneurs Turning your passion into a viable business

Entrepreneurship is a hidden love I discovered as an adult. This love was inspired by watching my father-in-law Bill Toft. Bill retired from the Belvidere Fire Department as a captain. In addition, he also has been a general contractor, realtor, plumber, real estate investor, and most recently, owner of Bush Gardens Bar and Grill in Belvidere.

If you or someone you know wants to get educated on entrepreneurship without many of the risks involved, consider signing up for Startup Weekend Rockford, run by Techstars.

It is exciting to talk about starting your own business. Owning your own business can be a very scary and lonely endeavor, but has many benefits as well.

Local business owners are essential for a community, and the Rockford area needs more of them.

If you are currently working in a job that is not a passion, then consider taking your zeal and turning it into a viable business. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to determine their own work/life balance. They have the ability to build the business team of their choosing. Also, there is the potential to increase income since someone else is not determining compensation.

Entrepreneurs can have a feeling of accomplishment from establishing a business they created and leaving a legacy for their family to continue.

Being an entrepreneur is not without risk or struggle. Many business owners utilize their own funds or leverage personal assets, which mean these can be lost. Smaller entrepreneurial organizations may have difficulty accessing capital and financing for capital projects, new business opportunities, and support during tough times.

Owning a business includes regulation and compliance filing requirements with federal, state and local governments.

Entrepreneurs must invest funds and time in good employees with the risk of losing them in the future. Also, one’s personal time is potentially dictated by the business.

Wanting to avoid the potential for a negative impact, many business owners do not share personal or business struggles. Therefore, it is important to have a network of trusted individuals that can provide support and resources.

Scot Dobbs Rockford University

Entrepreneurs are incredible assets to communities. They have created brand new industries, such as Internet shopping and mobile technologies, in addition to creating new, innovative products. These new industries and products have the potential to create new jobs. Profits can be spent in the local economy for products or services, invested in local businesses, or held by local financial institutions, which in turn provide for additional capital for lending. Local service companies depend on other local businesses to survive. Attorneys, accountants, bankers and other business service providers benefit from new businesses created by entrepreneurs.

Join Startup Weekend Rockford Communities need to educate more people to become entrepreneurs. This can be done through our schools, starting at the elementary level and continuing through higher education. Business ownership can be taught through classes and school clubs.

In addition, communities need to look for more ways for local entrepreneurs to connect with the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs to share their guidance and mentorship. However, I believe the best education comes from experience. If someone wants to become a business owner, they should look at starting a business by either doing one part-time while working in your main job or by making a new business your full-time job.

If you or someone you know wants to get educated on entrepreneurship without many of the risks involved, consider signing up for Startup Weekend Rockford. Startup Weekend is run by Techstars. In just 54 hours, attendees will experience the highs, lows, fun and pressure that make up life at a startup. As they learn how to create a real company, they will meet the very best mentors, investors, cofounders and sponsors who are ready to help them get started. Startup Weekend Rockford is on Nov. 11 to 13 at Rockford University.

You can learn more about attending or sponsoring by contacting me at sdobbs@ wipfli.com or 815-484-5606.

Scot Dobbs is a senior tax manager at Wipfli LLP. Dobbs is working with Rockford University to host Startup Weekend in November.

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

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Health Care Briefs (continued from front page)

September 2016 with a smoking history of 20 cigarettes a day for 30 years.

NOMINATIONS FOR CRUSADER SPIRIT OF CARING AWARD

Rosecrance adds a new facility in Chicago’s north-side Lakeview neighborhood.

Source: www.rosecrance.org opening of the new Rosecrance Lakeview at 3701 N. Ashland Ave., on the corner of Waveland Avenue in Chicago’s northside Lakeview neighborhood. The counseling center and living space offers treatment services for adults ages 18 and older struggling with substance abuse.

The outpatient counseling center is housed on the first floor. The upper floors offer a mix of short-term and longterm recovery housing for adults of all ages, and the Launch to Life Program, a longer-term housing option for young adults striving to make it through the college years and move towards a successful future.

NEW SWEDISHAMERICAN CLINIC OPENS SwedishAmerican Medical Group announced its new clinic at 2601 N. Main St., Rockford, which operates in the existing 9,400-sq.-ft. InnovaMed Clinic. It offers primary care services, including internal medicine from chronic conditions to acute care and preventative health, and diagnostic services including lab and X-ray.

InnovaMed Aesthetics will continue to offer aesthetic services for both men and women.

Nominations for the Crusader Community Health Spirit of Caring Award are being accepted until Sept. 7 for an individual or organization who has demonstrated outstanding efforts in caring for others. The Spirit of the Future Award honors persons who are under 40 years old and givers of time, talent and/or treasure. The award presentation will be at the Crusader 44th Anniversary Event, “An Evening of Caring,” on Friday, Oct. 2. Visit Crusader’s website www. crusaderhealth.org for information and a nomination form or call 815-490-1620.

GROUPS SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH NAMI — Northern Illinois invites mental illness survivors and families to share their knowledge and experience at regular support groups. The NAMI Family Support Group meets 7 to 8:30 p.m., the first Tuesday each month in the main conference rooms on the first floor adjacent to the SwedishAmerican Heart Hospital, Rockford. NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group meets 2 to 3:30 p.m., every Sunday at SwedishAmerican. NAMI Parents and Caregivers Support Group meets 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, on the fourth Monday each month.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford received a $50,000 grant by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to continue work on early screening of lung cancer. Dr. Neelu Puri, associate professor, department of biomedical sciences, will be principle investigator.

In 2014, 204 deaths were reported out of 245 cases of lung cancer in Winnebago County. The high mortality likely is due to late clinical diagnosis. Dr. Puri and her collaborators have hosted seminars and educational materials to promote and implement the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which call for early screening of lung cancer in individuals, 55 to 80,

SWEDISHAMERICAN FORMS MOBILE INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE PROGRAM SwedishAmerican launched through its foundation a two-year, $80,000 Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program with the Rockford Fire Department to assist its underserved patient population.

A successful six-month pilot program was conducted in 2014 between the Rockford Fire Department and SwedishAmerican. SwedishAmerican experienced a 54 percent reduction in emergency department visits, 38 percent reduction in ambulance runs and 28 percent reduction in hospital admissions by patients enrolled in the program.

Rockford Fire Lieutenant Trent Brass will fill the two-year MIH manager position and identify 20 or so patients discharged with diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, asthma, renal disease, stroke and post-heart attack diagnoses. He’ll make weekly visits to their homes and connect them with additional medical services and community resources.

Eventually, pharmacists will attend the home visits with Brass.

Experts advise to use insect repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists several brand names on its website.

Individuals also should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Home and business owners should be vigilant about removing standing water from flower pots, buckets and old tires, where mosquitoes might lay eggs. Visit ask.bbb.org.

WCHD REPORTS FIRST POSITIVE BIRD WITH WEST NILE Winnebago County Health Department announced on Aug. 5 that a crow from zip code 61115 (Machesney Park) tested positive for West Nile Virus.

It also reported two positive mosquito pools with WNV in 61115 and 61109. To date, there had not been any human cases reported in Winnebago County.

The peak period of transmission through the bite of an infected mosquito is mid-July through October. Report dead birds at 815-720-4245 or www. wchd.org. Visit www.idph.state.il.us for more information on WNV.

ZIKA SCAMS, AND WHAT REALLY WORKS SWEDISHAMERICAN LABOR AND DELIVERY AWARD

GRANT TO PROMOTE EARLY DETECTION OF LUNG CANCER

Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

SwedishAmerican is one of only six hospitals in Illinois to be given the 2016 Labor and Delivery Excellence Award, something it’s achieved for the second consecutive year. The facility delivers more than 2,500 babies a year -- more than any other hospital in northern Illinois.

OSF EARNS STROKE RECOGNITION FROM AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll. The award recognizes organizations that ensure that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

According to the American Heart

The Better Business Bureau and State Attorney’s Generals are warning consumers to guard themselves against worthless Zika products and scams.

“These products are being marketed as being ‘Zika protective’ or ‘Zika preventative.’ The problem is, they don’t work,” said Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau.

Scams come in various forms. The Securities and Exchange Commission issued a warning to investors to be on the lookout for companies that claim to be developing products or services relating to the Zika virus. They might include “pump-and-dump” schemes, in which con artists pump up a stock price with false rumors and then dump their shares before the stock drops again.

According to a report from Symantec, malicious spam email originating in Brazil claims to come from health and wellness sites with a message about fighting the virus. Now that the virus has been identified in several states in the United States, scammers are expected to begin trying similar tactics here.

GABBY’S LAW: SAVING LIVES FOR THOSE WITH SEPSIS The tragic death of a five-year-old girl led to a new law that requires Illinois hospitals to be better prepared to recognize and treat patients with sepsis or septic shock. Gov. Rauner signed Senate Bill 2403/Public Act 0990828 at a press conference Aug. 18 at the Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana. The new law, sponsored by State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), went into effect immediately.

Gabby Galbo of Monticello passed away in 2012 due to untreated sepsis.

Since then, her parents worked to pass this legislation in honor of her memory.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, sepsis is a progressive shutdown of the body’s organs and systems caused by systemic inflammation following infection that enters the blood or soft tissue. More than one million cases of sepsis occur each year, killing more than 258,000. theVoice

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September 2016

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Rockford-area physicians join battle against Alzheimer’s The Imaging Dementia – Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) study was launched in 2016 and is designed to assess the clinical impact of a specialized diagnostic technology known as positron emission tomography (PET). The IDEAS study combines the administration of special imaging drugs (called radiopharmaceuticals) with PET scanning in order to see beta-amyloid plaques (fatty deposits) in the brain. The presence of fatty deposits in the brain are associated with patients who are being evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of cognitive decline.

Rockford is one of roughly 200 communities across the United States participating in the IDEAS trial, which will enroll 18,488 eligible Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older. Physicians participating in this landmark study are examining PET images to better understand the role of beta-amyloid plaques in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Participation in the IDEAS study places Rockford on the cutting edge of Alzheimer’s research,” said Christopher

Source: mcb.berkeley.edu The PET scan itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and visualizes plaques present in the brain, which are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells in Alzheimer’s.

Vittore, M.D., Forest City Diagnostic Imaging, an independent diagnostic imaging facility located in Rockford. “We are particularly excited to use some of the newest radiopharmaceutical brain imaging agents in combination with PET technology.”

Better Diagnosis The PET scan itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and visualizes plaques present in the brain, which are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells in Alzheimer’s. Before amyloid PET, these plaques could only be detected by

Dr. Christopher Vittore Forest City Diagnostic Imaging

Dr. William Giakas Rockford Psychiatric Medical Services

examining the brain at autopsy.

“The IDEAS study gives physicians a good opportunity to look at the biochemistry of the brain, which makes for a more accurate diagnosis,” said William Giakas, M.D., Rockford Psychiatric Medical Services, a comprehensive psychiatric practice participating in the IDEAS study. “The brain images of trial participants will be especially useful for diagnosing abnormalities in patients who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment.”

In order for patients to participate in the IDEAS study, their physician must prove they meet certain medical criteria. The scans will be performed and interpreted by a specialist and results provided to the referring physician, who will communicate them with the patient and use them to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.

The IDEAS study protocol has been approved by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which stipulates that only participating providers

Dr. Regina Bielkus

will be reimbursed for PET scans.

“Rockford is fortunate to have Forest City Diagnostic Imaging enrolled in the IDEAS study,” commented Regina B. Bielkus M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “Local physicians now have the opportunity to enroll eligible patients in a study that may help confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and guide their treatment.”

If you are interested in the IDEAS study and would like more information, please contact Lisa Gille, Forest City Diagnostic Imaging, at lisa@forestcitydi.com.

Christopher Vittore, M.D., is a radiologist at Forest City Diagnostic Imaging. William Giakas, M.D., is a psychiatrist at Rockford Psychiatric Medical Services. Regina Bielkus, M.D., is a board certified adult neurologist and fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

The views expressed are those of Drs. Vittore’s, Giakas’ and Bielkus’ and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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September 2016

ADA

Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services.

People with a disability have a physical or mental impairment that affects one or more major life activities, such as walking, bathing, dressing, eating, preparing meals, going outside the home or doing housework. A disability can occur at birth or at any point in a person’s life.

The following is a demographic snapshot of the U.S. population with a disability and the various services available to them.

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION

56.7 million

The number of people in the United States in 2010 with a disability; representing 19 percent of the civilian, non-institutionalized population.

15.7 million

The number of people age 65 and older with at least one disability. Of this group, two-thirds had difficulty in walking or climbing stairs. The second-most cited disability was difficulty with independent living.

SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES

2,833

The number of business establishments providing special needs transportation in 2012, up 20.7 percent from 2007. They employed 61,605 people in 2012 and generated revenues of $3.5 billion.

25,964

The number of business establishments providing services for the elderly and people with disabilities in 2012, such as day care, nonmedical home care or homemaker services, social activities, group support and companionship. These businesses employed 901,359 workers and generated $34.1 billion in revenues.

7,832

The number of business establishments providing vocational rehabilitation services in 2012, such as job counseling, job training and work experience to people with disabilities. These businesses employed 312,659 people and generated revenues of $12.4 billion.

2,344

The number of business establishments providing translation and interpretation services in 2012, including sign language. These businesses employed 24,926 people and generated revenues of $4.2 billion.

3,597

The number of business establishments providing home health equipment rental in 2012, down 4.4 percent from 3,762 in 2007. Such businesses rent home-

type health and invalid equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen tanks, etc. These businesses employed 33,935 people in 2012 and generated revenues of $5.4 billion.

SPECIFIC DISABILITIES

10.8 million

The number of people age 18 and older in 2014 who were deaf or had significant difficulty hearing.

6.8 million

The number of people age 18 and older in 2014 with serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses.

20.6 million

The number of people age 18 and older in 2014 with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

12.8 million

The number of people age 18 and older in 2014 with serious difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions due to a physical, mental or emotional condition.

14.1 million

The number of people age 18 and older in 2014 with difficulty doing errands alone, such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping.

7.4 million

The number of people age 18 and older in 2014 with difficulty dressing or bathing.

OLDER PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

25.4%

The percentage who were age 85 and older with a disability among the population age 65 and older.

More than one-third

The proportion of people age 85 and older with a disability who lived alone, compared with one-fourth of those age 65 to 74.

12.6%

The percentage of older Americans living in a household with a disability living in poverty, compared with 7.2 percent of older household population without a disability.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

A symptom of modern life Text neck: It’s a real pain in the neck Do you have frequent neck, shoulder or back pain? You may have a recently identified condition called “text neck.”

The repetitive strain injury occurs when you spend considerable time looking down at your phone. Since 72 percent of Americans own smartphones, according to Pew Research Center, it’s likely to affect many of us at some point if we do not change the way we use our phones.

What Causes Text Neck?

Your neck is designed to support the weight of your head in an upright position.

Dropping your head increases the amount of pressure placed on the vertebrae in your neck and also strains muscles in your neck, shoulders and back.

When you hold your head at a 60-degree angle, like when you look down at your phone, it’s as if you suddenly added another 50 pounds of weight to your head. Because your neck was not designed to support so much weight, permanent damage eventually can occur.

If you spend a lot of time texting, playing games or surfing the Internet on your phone, the curvature of your neck may even be permanently affected. Although changes in the neck are often inevitable

due to aging, chiropractic physicians are starting to see young patients with serious wear and tear due to texting.

What Are the Symptoms of Text Neck?

■■ Neck, shoulder, back, arm and hand pain ■■ Headache ■■ Spasms in the neck, shoulder and back ■■ Numbness and tingling ■■ Change in posture ■■ Tight shoulder and neck muscles

Long-Term Effects of Text Neck Disc Problems. Your discs cushion the vertebrae in your spinal column.

Although they’re designed to be flexible, they are not meant to withstand the strong forces that occur when you constantly keep your head lowered. Over time, you may begin to experience cracked, slipped or herniated discs.

Pinched Nerves. Using bad posture when you text also can increase your risk of a pinched nerve. The problem occurs when bone or tissue presses on a nerve.

Arthritis. Wear and tear on your vertebrae can lead to early arthritis.

Bone Spurs. Bone spurs can develop

due to the stress on your spinal column and can cause pinched nerves.

Hunchback. Formally called kyphosis, the condition causes your back to become rounded due to a curvature of the spine.

Poor head position may also lead to other health problems. It’s harder for your lungs to expand completely when you sit in a hunched position. When you take in less air, your heart has to work harder to ensure that enough oxygen reaches every part of your body via your bloodstream.

back and neck symptoms may be higher if you Dr. Jacob Caraotta work in a job Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics that requires you to lower your head, and you spend much of your free time using your phone to text, surf or play games. If you have developed any of the symptoms of text neck, call a professional for help.

Who is at Risk?

Dr. Jacob Caraotta, Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics, is the only physician in Rockford board certified in chiropractic and orthopedics.

Anyone who spends time texting or using a smartphone can suffer from text neck. Your risk of developing painful

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

PREVENTING ‘TEXT NECK’

Hold your cell phone at eye level as much as possible. This holds true for all screens — laptops and tablets so you don’t have to bend your head forward.

Take frequent breaks from your phone and laptop throughout the day.

Set a timer or alarm that reminds you to get up and walk around every 20 to 30 minutes.

Spend a whole day being mindful of your posture. Is your head bent forward when you drive? When you watch TV?

Source: Spine-health.com

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Illinois bill governs practice of step therapy

Governor Rauner signed legislation aimed at limiting the practice of step therapy, insurance protocols requiring patients to fail first with less expensive medications before receiving what their doctors originally prescribed. HB 3549 received unanimous, bi-partisan support from both the House and Senate.

Under the new law, the step therapy process would become more transparent, requiring health plans to provide a reason(s) for denying a prescription drug. It also ensures overrides of the step therapy process if the prescription drug is contraindicated, if the patient has tried and failed on the drug previously, or if the patient is stable on their current prescription medication either from a previous or current health plan.

The new law will take effect beginning in January 2018. Similar legislation has been passed in other states across the country, including Indiana, Connecticut, Kentucky, Texas and Louisiana.

Committee releases report on state of mental health

Need to fund crisis services, more care for children After surveying the community to address service gaps, the Winnebago County Mental Health Advisory Committee set two top priorities for the community: increase inpatient and outpatient mental health services for children and secure funding for crisis response services. A total of 2,150 surveys were returned after distribution to providers, referral sources and community members with direct or indirect experiences with mental health services.

The most common community issues identified by survey participants involved crisis response services, availability for mental health treatment for children, a lack of support for people with intellectual/ developmental disabilities, the need for improved client identification and outreach and better case management.

Winnebago County is the only urban area in Illinois with no broad-based local funding support for mental health services. This lack of local dollars has been magnified as agencies have wrestled with state budget cuts and other grant reductions.

Strategies, Now and Later The advisory committee presented a report to Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen in July, who agreed that the two most immediate community-driven strategies should be: ■■ Fund crisis response services at Rosecrance through hospital trust funds.

■■ Establish pediatric mental health services at Mercy Health System’s Rockford Memorial Hospital on Rockton Avenue.

Future community-driven strategies proposed by the advisory committee: ■■ Develop a community support system for mental health in Winnebago County.

■■ Identify a coordinating group to implement and evaluate the community support system.

■■ Establish

long-term,

community-

driven funding sources for the community support system.

For the complete report, visit www. wchd.org. For more information, call 815720-4213, visit Winnebago County Mental Health Advisory Committee at facebook. com, or twitter.com/WinnCo_MHAC. -- Barbara Connors, The Voice editor The Mental Health Advisory Committee considered the broad definition of mental health to include: 1. Mental, emotional, and personality disorders as detailed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM 5).

2. Substance use disorders as defined in the DSM 5.

3. Intellectual/developmental disabilities.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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September 2016

Manufacturing Day Celebrations The 5th annual Manufacturing DaySM celebration in the Rockford area is right around the corner. Several special events are being planned during early October.

October 4 – How Manufacturing Drives the Economy A panel presentation for the manufacturing and business community Whether you are a manufacturer, banker, accountant, hospital administrator, or educator it’s likely you don’t know just how much the manufacturing activity in this community and across the nation actually impacts every other facet of the economy. On Oct. 4 at 4:00 p.m. you’re invited to attend a presentation by a panel of experts who will explore this phenomenon from a variety of viewpoints.

The presentation will be hosted by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) at their 833 Featherstone Road location in Rockford. The event is endorsed by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and there is no charge to attend. But you must register in advance; simply log on to www.mfgday.com/fmaevent to reserve your seat.

October 6 – Virtual Welding Experience for Students A hands-on technology exploration provided by Lincoln Electric and Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. What is it like to be a welder? That’s a pretty tough question to answer without being able to demonstrate the environment and equipment. One of the leading companies in the welding industry has, however, created a travelling virtual welding training system that allows student to practice their welding technique and also makes it possible for the average person to try their hand at the welding process in a simulated environment. The owners of Superior Joining Technologies in Machesney Park have made arrangements for the Lincoln Electric Virtual Welding experience to come to their facility at 1260 Turret Drive in Machesney Park on Thursday, Oct. 6. Educators and parents are welcome to bring students but need to register in advance. Log on to www. mfgday.com/events/2016/superiorjoining-technologies-inc-5 or call 815282-7581 to register.

Experience How It’s Made in Your Hometown Plans are already in the works, and numerous area manufacturers have committed to hosting events at their facility. Visitor’s get to talk to people who work in the industry as engineers, industrial designers, machine operators and company owners. They can put their hands on products made here in town that make our world a better place to live. See a list of the manufacturers in the Rockford area by logging on to www.mfgday.com/events. Visitors are encouraged to call before attending the respective facility.

October 11 -- Rock MFG DAY Experience Edge Factor Creator Jeremy Bout MC’s Multimedia Experience for Rockford It’s likely that most students in the Rockford region have no idea what’s made here unless they have a family member or neighbor who works in a manufacturing plant -- and even then they likely only know what that person makes. MFG DAY provides organized manufacturing facility tours for students from all the area schools on Tuesday, October 11th. Many area manufacturers will be opening their doors. Please contact the Rockford Chamber if you have an interest in participating as a manufacturing company. Manufacturers

Winners of the 2015 FastPitch Competition. Photo by Dave Seigel, Camera Craft.

NIU EIGERlab gears up for 10th FastPitch Competition

This year marks the 10th anniversary of NIU EIGERlab’s FastPitch Competition, held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at NIU-Rockford, and open to the public at 5 p.m.

Local innovators and entrepreneurs are invited to share their products, services or “ideas on a napkin” for a chance to win a $5,000 first prize, in addition to outstanding mentoring and exposure.

FastPitch offers entrepreneurs, inventors, startups, pre-startups, existing business owners and students (high school seniors and college) the opportunity to “pitch” their business idea or innovative business to a panel of esteemed judges from the business and investment community. Winners take home not only a cash prize, but also receive exposure to investors, business leaders, media and potential mentors.

Previous FastPitch Competition Presenter highlights ■■ Two pitchers have appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” and one received a deal.

■■ One has appeared on the Home Shopping Network.

■■ More than 400 people have pitched during the past nine years.

■■ Many presenters still have thriving businesses in the community.

Have an idea? Please join us! $5,000 for three minutes of your time! For more information, contact Sherry Pritz, NIU EIGERlab, at 815-753-2192 or Spritz@eigerlab.org.

can still sign up as tour hosts and schools can still sign up for one of the tours by contacting the Rockford Chamber at 815-987-8100 or emailing: info@ rockfordchamber.com The finale of Rockford’s Manufacturing Week happens at the on Tuesday, Oct. 11 when Jeremy Bout, creator of the Edge Factor program and eduFactor educational tools comes to Rockford to conduct his live, multimedia Rock MFG DAY experience. Many of you have seen the Edge Factor program over the past year on WTVO-TV and District 205 students have had access to eduFactor learning tools. Experience the fast-paced, engaging stage experience that only Jeremy Bout can create. He has a boundless passion for the manufacturing industry and shares the wonder of what manufacturing makes possible. Experience this program with the students in your life who want to know more about manufacturing. There’s no charge for admission, but you must pre-register. Sign-up today at www.mfgday.com/efrockford.

Thousands of MFG DAY events take place across North America. If you have friends or family members in other cities that may be interested in learning about manufacturing careers, share the link to www.mfgday.com so they can find the events closest to them.

A panel of co-producers comprised of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), and guest producer Industrial Strength Marketing (ISM) provide the centralized support necessary to coordinate this nationwide array of simultaneous events. The national media partner for 2016 is the Science Channel and the strategic content partner is Edge Factor.

Patricia Lee is project manager of MFG DAY Fabricators & Manufacturers Association.

Manufacturing News is sponsored by Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)

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September 2016

How levies are calculated This is part two of a series with Rockford Area REALTORS®.

This work is to be a preliminary step in the process of improving the property value/ tax situation (and future investment) in our region.

In the previous article in the August Voice to educate how the property tax bill is calculated, we discussed the assessed value portion of the math equation; showing how a home is assessed.

Today’s article is the other half of that equation, the levies that feed into the Mill Rate/Tax Rate.

A tax levy is the amount of money a taxing body budgets to cover their mandated service that needs to be

raised from real estate taxes for that year. There is a process that is used by each taxing body (including a time for individuals and businesses to ask questions about the budgets/levy during each taxing body’s budgeting process), and when this is complete, the levy is transmitted to the Winnebago County Clerk.

As briefly touched on in the last article, the tax rate is the total of all levies (money’s needed/budgets) for all taxing bodies, divided by the total assessed value of the county for all owned properties. For reference purposes; the Mill Rate for 2015, payable in 2016 for Tax Code 001 (primarily consisting of the City of Rockford) is 15.29 and is

directly related to the assessed value of the county’s properties within that tax code. This year’s Mill Rate increase has been the smallest since 2008 and all rates are available via Winnebago County. (www.winnebagocountyclerk.com/ pdfs/2015TaxCodesbyDistrict.pdf)

Getting the Mill Rate Below 15.0 The goal is to have the Mill Rate come down. It would be ideal to get it below 15.0 for 2016, payable in 2017. To

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affect the Mill Rate positively, we need to continue to have more businesses coming into our region, home values need to continue to grow (as a trend that recently has been reported by Winnebago County and Rockford Area REALTORS®) and as the property values do grow, decrease the number of property owners protesting the values of their properties in hopes of decreasing their overall tax bill.

Additionally on protests, the Winnebago County Board of Review and State Property Tax Appeal Board need to resolve protests issues quickly, and with the economic health and proper comparables in mind.

On the rate side of the equation, the taxing bodies need to be cognizant and fiscally responsible, including holding levies. With all of these factors in mind, the amount of our tax base will increase and if taxing bodies continue to be fiscally responsible, the overall affect will be holding and eventually decreasing the rate and tax bills.

Redeveloped RockfordIL.com The Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) has launched a redeveloped website.

This is a critical tool used to promote Your Opportunity Region to potential investors, site selectors and brokers. RockfordIL.com focuses on information target audiences need when making decisions.

The RAEDC, the economic development agency for the region, promotes the region outside the region and also collects data collection for economic growth. Each month statistical data will be updated related to the goals outlined in the Rockforward20/20 strategic plan; goals that will be accomplished by RAEDC and all of its economic partners.

The redeveloped website is being used by the RAEDC and our economic development partners to promote the area as part of the Rockforward20/20 strategic plan. A variety of sales methods are used to cultivate opportunities to generate capital investment, new and retained jobs, and new and renovated space, which lead to primary job growth in the area.

To ensure the best user experience, RockfordIL.com has been designed using a responsive layout, and the website’s complete content is available on all devices. The redeveloped website also is more SEO friendly, which will assist in higher placement for RAEDC-related key words.

“The new RAEDC website highlights the areas critical to users:

workforce, site availability and logistics,” states Mike Nicholas, president of the RAEDC. “We are excited about incorporating this highly functional website into our business attraction and retention tool box.”

Some of the features of the website include: Updated Navigation. The website features select, easily accessible information options on the home page, ensuring visitors can find information on Doing Business Here including workforce, incentives, starting and growing your business; local business resources including regional data & stats, and demographics; as well as the option to search for sites and buildings.

Searchable Buildings and Sites Database. The Location One Information System (LOIS) is a searchable real estate database of buildings and properties, with content updated by the Rockford Area REALTORS® and embedded within the RockfordIL.com framework. In addition to LOIS, a Qualified Sites Program currently is in development and will be embedded into the RAEDC’s website.

This website content will be managed and maintained by the Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

Searchable Databases. Visitors to the website can search for Rockford Area Aerospace Network members, RAEDC investors and businesses within the regional supply chains.

Visit the website at www.RockfordIL. com.

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September 2016

Earlier this year, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau partnered with local coffee roaster JavaMania to create a Real. Original Rockford-inspired coffee flavor called “Rockford Rising.”

What we challenged ourselves with was identifying a way to tell the story of Rockford through a fun and engaging medium — a medium that people use every day and would be easy to put into prize bags at sports tournaments and conferences that RACVB hosts.

The coffee has been a huge hit. The bold and daring flavor of the coffee is exactly how we want to portray our community, as we are a city rising for a new day and ready to enliven the experiences of those traveling to our community.

And the proof that people are coming is in the numbers.

Rockford and Winnebago County continue to see a rise in tourism spending expenditures – the total amount of money travelers spend during their time in the region – reaching $349.91 million in 2015, a 3 percent increase over the prior year’s record-setting numbers, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism.

The RACVB is extremely proud that tourism spending has reached new heights. But even more important are a few additional numbers related to overall spending.

Locally, tax revenue from tourism — funds that help local governments pay

Tourism economy continues to rise

City events saw overall increases for services residents rely on – reached $5.9 million, a 6 percent increase over the prior year. In addition, local tourism and hospitality industry employment increased 4 percent to 2,810 jobs.

A rise in local tax revenues and jobs is always something to smile about.

One Tough Mudder These numbers are even more encouraging when we see what the future can hold. These current record-setting numbers are from 2015 – before the UW Health Sports Factory and the expansion projects at Mercy Sportscore 2. These are numbers reported before what will be a record-setting summer for the Rockford City Market and the success of the first Tough Mudder.

How can one event like Tough Mudder have a big impact on the rising of our tourism economy? A post-event survey conducted by Tough Mudder gives some great insight about the impact on our community. Here are a few key

Josh Albrecht Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

takeaways from the post event survey: ■■ 17,222 total out-of-market visitors attended the event as a participant or spectator.

■■ 3,648 visitors for TM stayed in a local hotel.

■■ $6.1 million of total economic impact was generated with $3.3 million in direct spending.

■■ $184,232 generated in taxes and fees.

That is some amazing impact to our community.

But there is one big factor that these visitors cited in the survey that I think truly encompasses the value of tourism and the RACVB’s efforts to bring events like Tough Mudder to our region: “Of the total visitors, over 93 percent claimed they would not have visited the area were it not for the Tough Mudder event, and their visit to the area was solely related to Tough Mudder.”

Wow, what a great illustration of the impact of tourism and how it helps to define and showcase a community to the world.

This is why the image that we present to visitors when they are here is crucial to the continued development of the overall Rockford brand. A single event like Tough Mudder that brings in 17,222 people who do not reside in Rockford provides a tremendous opportunity for our community to tell its story. Each one of those participants is a potential new resident, new business owner or a return tourist.

In addition to the record-breaking economic impact in 2015, our region saw increased attendance overall for our sites and attractions as more are added to our community’s bevy of tourism resources.

It’s fun to see how in just a few short years many of Rockford’s traditions have really just gotten started. From Stroll on State to Dinner on the Dock to Tuesday Evening in the Gardens coming online as premier events, and Alpine Hills Adventure Park, West Rock Wake Park and Rockford City Market all becoming positive and popular attractions, Rockford is poised to continue rising for years to come.

And the best part is that we know we are just at the dawn of a new day. #gorockford #rockfordrising #rockfordexplorer Josh Albrecht is director of marketing & public affairs at the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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

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September 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Politics & scams: Consumers beware

Advice from the Better Business Bureau Political candidates aren’t the only ones working on convincing speeches during this election year. Some of most creative smooth talk and soaring rhetoric are coming from scam artists. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers that they could be targeted with phone calls and emails from scammers this summer and fall, using issues they care about and fake political justifications to access their money. Some of their favorite tactics:

Fake Campaign Fundraising Scammers sometimes make random calls claiming to represent a political party, an election committee member or candidate. Don’t fall for their request that you donate. Instead, ask for their contact information and try to reach them after hanging up. Better yet, research their party or their campaign office on your own and make your contribution through a legitimate campaign website. Tell them you’d prefer to do that when they first contact you.

Re-Registration Scams Some consumers get calls from scammers who claim to represent an election commission. They will tell you (falsely) that you have to re-register if you did not vote in the last election. If you receive any call about your voter registration needing to be updated, hang up and call your local Board of Elections.

Election Polling Prizes In some instances, scammers have called claiming to be surveying for a political party. They may ask legitimatesounding questions. Then the victim is told that he or she is eligible to receive a prize for their participation. All you have to do is provide them with a credit-card number to pay shipping, handling and/ or taxes on the prize. This is fraud. No legitimate polling company offers prizes for your participation.

Also, respondents have been asked to donate to a controversial cause, based on their answers to the questions. The scammer chooses a specific cause that your answers have indicated you would support. Resist the temptation. Make your donations only after you have called an organization that you are sympathetic toward. Don’t trust any anonymous callers to be who they say they are.

Vote-By-Phone Scams Scammers who claim to be giving you the opportunity to vote by phone, email or text message are fake. Such voting is illegitimate. These scams are often phishing attempts, trying to get your personal information. Hang up or delete the message.

For more consumer tips, visit www.bbb. org/chicago.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

September 2016

ON DIGITAL

21

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

1st Step Chiropractic, S.C., held a ribbon cutting on June 23 at 4519 Highcrest Road, Rockford.

A ribbon cutting took place on Aug. 10 for the Dedication of the Puri Family C.O.R.E. (Center of Research & Engagement) at Rockford Lutheran School, 3411 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

On August 10, 2016, Breakfast Buzz attendees heard from RACVB CEO, John Groh and Director of Destination Development, Tana Vettore on “The Business Case for Tourism.”

A ribbon cutting on Aug. 6 for the opening of the Rock Valley College’s “RVC Downtown” facility in the Rockford Register Star Tower, 100 E. State St., Rockford. This facility will offer college credit courses as well as Adult Education programs at an accessible, centralized location in the heart of downtown Rockford

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 17 for its first Goodwill Outlet Store at 740 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, behind Gustafson’s Furniture in North Towne Mall. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., it sells last chance textiles as low as $0.99 per pound and other merchandise at low fixed prices. New items will be rolled out every 30 minutes. The store will not accept donations.

Allen Heating & Cooling Inc., held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 23 at 122 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center held a “Topping Off” ceremony as the final beam in the erection of its $85 million bed pavilion was set into place on Aug. 16. The tradition in construction holds that an evergreen tree and the U.S. flag be placed on the beam prior to it being raised to the highest level of the building to signify luck. To honor and recognize its Catholic heritage and mission, also OSF attached a special, blessed cross to the beam. The pavilion is scheduled for completion in early 2018.

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September 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Rockford housing market on streak last seen in 2006

By Alex Gary

Rockford to become part of 1 Million Cups

By Alex Gary An effort to create entrepreneurial networks in nearly 100 communities, ranging from Anchorage, Ala., to Daytona Beach, Fla., is coming to Rockford in September.

Scot Dobbs, a certified public accountant for Wipfli LLP in Rockford, is among several organizing the first 1 Million Cups meeting on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. The program was developed by the Kansas City, Mo.-based Kauffman Foundation.

“The goal is to bring owners of businesses less than five years old together in the morning around coffee once a week to share their struggles and ideas,” Dobbs said. “The idea is to foster kind of an entrepreneurial community.”

Dobbs travelled to Madison, Wis., to see what the program was all about and then began working to bring it to Rockford. Dobbs said the crowd was a mix of small business owners and those who serve or help small businesses grow.

“If you want to build the economy of an area, you either have to find large companies to open here and create jobs or help the ones that are here succeed,” Dobbs said. Each weekly presenter gets six to 12 minutes to talk about his or her business and then field questions from the audience.

Carving out an Hour a Week The growth of the 1 Million Cups idea itself is pretty remarkable. Kauffman Foundation staffers launched the program in 2012 because it wanted to get to know the Kansas City entrepreneurial community better, and now its nearing 100 communities.

The final question asked of each presenter is “What can the (name of city) community do for you?”

The key, of course, to the success of 1 Million Cups in Rockford will be building the audience at each event to make it worthwhile. Small business owners wear many hats and carving out an hour or two weekly can be difficult.

“I talked to organizers in other cities and asked whether we should start once a month and build it from there,” Dobbs said. “They said it needs to be weekly.

People have to get into the habit of getting together or it loses momentum.”

Dobbs said they plan on holding the weekly meetings at a downtown location, but haven’t finalized where. Small business owners who would like to present their businesses and seek input on how to grow or just want more information should visit www.1millioncups.com/ rockford and click on the apply to present button.

Alex Gary is president of Alex Gary Communications Inc.

Small Business Success Rates Here are the survival rates of businesses started in 2005, as of 2015.

2005

100% (open at least part of 2005)

2006

80.1% (open at least part of 2006)

2007

68.7%

2008

60.2%

2009

52.6%

2010

46.8%

2011

43.2%

2012

40.5%

2013

38.2%

2014

35.9%

2015

33.8%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pace of racial change same in Winnebago County as U.S. Although the various cities within Winnebago County vary greatly when it comes to racial makeup, Winnebago County as a whole is pretty representative of the United States.

In June, the Census Bureau released its annual population estimates by race and ethnicity for states and counties. In 2010, 82.3 percent of Winnebago County was white, 12.5 percent was African American and 10.9 percent was Hispanic. Hispanics can be both white or African American according to census definitions. The U.S. was 78.4 percent white, 13 percent African American and 16.3 percent Hispanic.

By June 2015, according to census estimates, the white population in Winnebago County had dropped 1.3 percentage points to 81 percent, the African-American percentage had grown to 13.1 percent, and the percentage of Hispanics had grown 1.4 percentage points to 12.3 percent.

In the United States over the same time period, the white population dropped to 77.1 percent, the African-American percentage increased to 13.3 percent, and the Hispanic percentage grew by 1.3 percent to 17.6 percent.

The Rockford-area housing market quietly recorded a milestone in the first half of 2016 that hadn’t been hit since before the Great Recession.

In the second quarter, the median home sale price for Winnebago County was a healthy 18.1 percent above the second quarter of 2015, according to statistics from the Illinois Association of Realtors. It marked the eighth straight quarter, or two consecutive years, that the median home prices were higher year over year. The last time the local housing market had a streak that long ended in the first quarter of 2006.

Other important markers were the amount of sales and the actual median home sale price itself. In April, May and June, there were 1,149 homes sold

at a median price of $107,500. The number of homes sold was the highest for any quarter since the third quarter of 2008. And the median sale price topped $100,000 for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2010.

Home prices still have miles to go before they threaten the $129,700 median sale price in the fourth quarter of 2006, when all anyone needed to qualify for a mortgage was the ability to correctly sign their name. Still, they are miles above the bottom point of the aftermath of the Great Recession when in the first quarter of 2014, median home prices in Winnebago County fell all the way to $65,000.

Alex Gary is president of Alex Gary Communications Inc.

PERCENT CHANGE

MEDIAN HOME PRICES

Quarter 1Q 2005 2Q 2005 3Q 2005 4Q 2005 1Q 2006 2Q 2006 3Q 2006 4Q 2006 1Q 2007 2Q 2007 3Q 2007 4Q 2007 1Q 2008 2Q 2008 3Q 2008 4Q 2008 1Q 2009 2Q 2009 3Q 2009 4Q 2009 1Q 2010 2Q 2010 3Q 2010 4Q 2010 1Q 2011 2Q 2011 3Q 2011 4Q 2011 1Q 2012 2Q 2012 3Q 2012 4Q 2012 1Q 2013 2Q 2013 3Q 2013 4Q 2013 1Q 2014 2Q 2014 3Q 2014 4Q 2014 1Q 2015 2Q 2015 3Q 2015 4Q 2015 1Q 2016 2Q 2016

Illinois $187,000 $202,855 $210,000 $205,000 $197,381 $208,000 $209,000 $199,900 $196,000 $206,500 $207,000 $191,000 $187,500 $192,500 $190,000 $163,950 $145,000 $159,500 $164,000 $155,000 $144,600 $160,000 $154,000 $143,500 $130,200 $142,000 $145,000 $128,000 $125,000 $145,000 $145,000 $134,000 $128,000 $158,000 $165,000 $148,000 $139,113 $168,000 $163,000 $155,000 $155,000 $183,000 $181,000 $165,500 $165,000 $195,000

Illinois 10.00% 8.60% 10.50% 10.80% 5.60% 2.50% -0.50% -2.50% -0.70% -0.70% -1.00% -4.50% -4.30% -6.80% -8.20% -14.20% -22.70% -17.10% -13.70% -5.50% -0.30% 0.30% -6.10% -7.40% -10.00% -11.30% -5.80% -10.80% -4.00% 2.10% 0.00% 4.70% 2.40% 9.00% 13.80% 10.40% 8.70% 6.30% -1.20% 4.70% 11.40% 8.90% 11.00% 6.80% 6.50% 6.60%

Winnebago Co. 19.60% 13.60% 9.60% 4.30% 4.70% -1.60% 0.30% 4.70% -6.30% 4.80% 0.20% -10.60% -4.50% -7.80% -3.30% -2.50% -10.50% -6.60% -12.70% -6.30% 0.30% -3.20% -3.30% -5.60% -14.30% -19.40% -14.50% -21.50% -17.10% 0.40% 1.60% -0.80% 6.70% 1.10% -11.10% -1.20% -14.50% -11.40% 12.80% 6.50% 13.80% 16.70% 5.30% 3.70% 21.60% 18.10%

Winnebago Co. $119,250 $125,000 $126,000 $123,900 $124,900 $123,000 $126,425 $129,700 $117,000 $128,900 $126,707 $115,900 $111,750 $118,900 $122,500 $113,000 $100,000 $111,100 $107,000 $105,900 $100,250 $107,500 $103,500 $100,000 $85,900 $86,665 $88,500 $78,500 $71,250 $87,000 $89,950 $77,900 $76,000 $88,000 $80,000 $77,000 $65,000 $78,000 $90,228 $82,000 $74,000 $91,000 $95,000 $85,000 $90,000 $107,500

Illinois Association of Realtors

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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September 2016

Membership: 101 101 MEMBERSHIP

Member Coupons and Discounts Give Fellow Members a Boost

Did you know that one benefit of your Rockford Chamber membership is that you can post your coupons and discounts at www.rockfordchamber.com?

(Click directory, coupons)

Rockford Chamber’s 40 Leaders Under Forty is back!

It’s another way to build your business: By encouraging members to try your product or service.

Check out the coupons available at www.rockfordchamber.com now, print them out, share them with others through social media and use them yourself.

Not only will you help a fellow member and get a great deal, you’ll keep dollars in our community.

The Rockford Chamber brings back its popular recognition program, 40 Leaders Under Forty, this year.

Who are the great leaders under forty you know at your workplace, among your friends and volunteering for your favorite causes? These 40 Leaders will be announced and honored at a special celebration on Nov. 17. Each honoree will receive a certificate (or award) from the Chamber in recognition of their contributions and featured in The Voice newspaper and ONE magazine.

www.rockfordchamber.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE New Illinois Laws for 2016 Here are some laws related to state government and insurance that have taken affect this year. For specific language of the laws, visit www.ilga.gov.

STATE GOVERNMENT AND INSURANCE

African-American HIV/AIDS Response Fund HB 1004/PA 99-0054 Extends the date of repeal of the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Fund from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2026. It also amends the AIDS Confidentiality Act by making changes which have the potential to increase HIV testing in Illinois and subsequent identification of more HIV-positive citizens and residents of Illinois through the inclusion of additional health care providers in the definition of “health care professional” and by clarifying the definition of “informed consent” and allowing for the use of a single medical treatment consent form for documentation.

Autistic Dental Coverage HB 235/PA 99-0141 Provides that accident and health insurance policies must cover anesthetic charges for dental care if the individual is younger than age 19 and has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or has been diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Burn Victims Relief HB 4006/PA 99-0455 Establishes the seed money for the George Bailey Memorial Fund by diverting $1 from the $35 fee assessed on serious traffic violations. The George Bailey Memorial Program provides income to burn victims during the five-month waiting period for SSI benefits, which will be repaid from SSI funds when received or from any settlement the victim receives.

Duplicative IDs SB 1898/PA 99-0305 A Secretary of State (SOS) Initiative that limits the number of duplicative ID cards an individual can receive.

Allows SOS to issue a refund of fees if an application for a card is denied/ refused. Clarifies the expiration of non-U.S. citizen driver’s licenses.

Electronic Insurance Storage SB 1680/PA 99-0167 Allows for documents that are required by statute in an insurance transaction or that serve as evidence of insurance coverage, to be stored,

presented and delivered by electronic means.

Equal Opportunity Task Force HB 3840/PA 99-0158 Creates the “Equal Opportunity Task Force” to examine barriers to economic opportunity in economically depressed communities, issues that discourage local investment and business development, local community concerns and current economic conditions.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Fee HB 3543/PA 99-0039 Allows the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to assess reasonable receivership fees against any state bank or savings bank that does not maintain insurance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Flag Display HB 2932/PA 99-0372 Requires the Governor to issue an official notice to fly the U.S. national flag, the state flag of Illinois, and the appropriate military flag at half-staff upon the death of a resident of Illinois killed during on-duty training for active military duty.

Fleet Vehicle Fuel Requirement HB 3667/PA 99-0406 Requires that on and after Jan. 1, 2016, 15 percent of passenger vehicles, including dedicated or non-dedicated fuel type vehicles purchased with state funds, must be vehicles fueled by the specified alternative fuels.

Governmental Board/Commission Meeting Per Diem SB 1444/PA 99-0318 Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act to limit the ability of members of boards and commissions which are compensated on a per meeting basis from receiving compensation for more than one meeting held during any seven consecutive day period unless each meeting is more than four hours long or in the case of a bona fide emergency.

Home Equity Districts HB 3193/PA 99-0037 Amends the Home Equity Assurance Act to permit Home Equity Districts to create Low Interest Home Improvement loan programs through resolution of their commission.

Illinois Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act Sunset SB 1620/PA 99-0251 Extends the sunset date of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act through Jan. 1, 2020.

Illinois Notary Public Act Changes HB 2797/PA 99-0112 Authorizes the Secretary of State to create an online application system for those applying for appointment and commission as a notary public.

Also allows the Secretary of State to release photographs to SOS personnel for purposes of issuing and controlling notary public commissions.

Insurance Code Amendment SB 1764/PA 99-0421 Provides that insurers offering accident and health insurance to groups of more than 25 employees must provide coverage for infertility treatments to covered individuals unable to attain a viable pregnancy, or maintain a viable pregnancy.

Insurance Modifier Rate HB 2763/PA 99-0100 Provides that registered surgical assistants are reimbursed equally for services a physician acting in the same role would receive, as long as that assistant was brought in on a case-by-case basis and is not an employee of the hospital or clinic.

Insurance Provider Directory Updates SB 750/PA 99-0329 Provides that a provider network directory is updated regularly and shall not include providers that are not currently accepting patients at a location and/or have not treated patients at a location.

Information Release HB 3909/PA 99-0159 Allows the Fire Marshal and the Department of Insurance to prohibit the release of certain information to insurance companies if it would endanger the life of physical safety of law enforcement personnel or any other person.

The Great Pumpkin Pumpkin pie is the official state pie of Illinois, according to a law passed in 2016 (HB 208/PA 99-0364). Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state in the country, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture; harvesting nearly 12,300 acres — 40 percent more than the secondleading, pumpkin-producing state, Michigan.

Opportunities for At-Risk Women Act HB 3284/PA 99-0416 Creates a 12-member task force within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to design a plan to distribute materials detailing available resources to help aid at-risk women and their families become productive citizens.

Property Tax Complaints HB 2554/PA 99-0098 Amends the Property Tax Code to provide more detailed instruction for all parties involved during the Property Tax Board of Review complaint procedure, outside of Cook County.

Recyclable Stolen Metals Task Force HB 330/PA 99-0052 Creates the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force within the Office of the Secretary of State to look at ways to combat recyclable metal theft throughout the state, assist in developing regional task forces to combat recyclable metal theft, and consider and develop long-term solutions.

Recycling Labels HB 2495/PA 99-0306 States that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall work with nationally based consumer groups and trade associations to develop nationally recognized logos that can be used to specify whether a consumer product claimed to be recyclable by the manufacturer is compostable, biodegradable or recyclable.

Reverse Mortgage Act SB 1440/PA 99-0331 Creates the Reverse Mortgage Act by rewriting the entire reverse mortgage law. Consolidates duplicative and sometime conflicting state laws regarding reverse mortgages.

Road Fund Audit Clarification SB 1589/PA 99-0127 Resolves ambiguous and contradictory language to clarify that the Secretary of State should be depositing certain funds into the Road Fund, not the State Construction Account.

Scott’s Law Day HB 246/PA 99-0146 Designates Dec. 23 of each year to be “Scott’s Law Day,” to honor public safety workers and serve as a remembrance to motorists to use safety when passing stopped emergency vehicles.

Topical Eye Medication Coverage HB 3137/PA 99-0226 Coverage for topical eye medication shall not be denied when the medication is to treat a chronic condition of the eye.

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September 2016

New Chamber Members MEMBERS

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in July, 2016.

ADT Security Services, Inc. Aero Electric & Communications Co. American Red Cross, Rock River Chapter Arachnid - Bullshooter ARCO Machinery Movers LLC Auto Body Specialist Inc. Axberg, a Division of Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. Baymont Inn & Suites C & H Design Center Chem Processing, Inc. CHIP Alumni of Rock River Valley Come Together Rockford Comfort Inn of Rockford Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Ethnic Heritage Museum FBM Gypsum Supply of Illinois Focus Financial Advisors, Inc. Forest City Gear Co. Franchesco’s Ristorante Fridh Corporation G & O Landscaping Inc. Gleason Cutting Tools Corporation Gommel Design Gordon Flesch Company, Inc. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services Greenlee Textron Heritage Woods of Rockford Horizons Inc. Howe Freightways, Inc. HR Capital Management Consultants Ingenium Aerospace LLC It’s My Credit Union J & M Plating, Inc. JC Milling Co., Inc. Kelce & Company Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden Kovak Dermatology and Laser Institute LDR Cleaning & Restoration Maciano’s Pizza - Columbia Parkway Macktown, A Living History Education Center Mapleglen Care Center Midway Village Museum

Midwest Roofing Supply Montessori Private Academy Motivate Personal Physical Rehabilitation Mylan Institutional Inc. NIU EIGERlab Innovation Network North Park Rental Service, Inc. Northern Illinois Hospice Northern Illinois Insulation Northern Illinois University NyClo Screw Machine Products Paul Davis Restoration (JRD Construction) Premier Technologies Raymond James & Associates Reno & Zahm LLP RJ Link International, Inc. Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association Rockford Area Crime Stoppers, Inc. Rockford Association for Minority Management Rockford Electric Equipment Company Rockford Local Development Corporation Rockford MELD Rockform Carbide Manufacturing Rogers Brothers Galvanizing Roto-Rooter Sam’s Club, A Division of Wal-Mart Stores Shelter Insurance Companies Sinnissippi Apartments Inc. State Farm Insurance & Financial Services Stateline Realty/Stateline Rental Properties Stateline Youth for Christ Stockholm Inn Tavern on Clark The Ridge Condominium Association United States Postal Service USANA Health Sciences Westminster Presbyterian Church WinMan LLC Wired Cafe’

September 2016 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

30-YEAR MEMBER

Presence Saint Anne Center

20-YEAR MEMBERS

The Pension Specialists, Ltd. Thayer Lighting, Inc.

15-YEAR MEMBER Nelson Fire Protection

10-YEAR MEMBER

Ashley Furniture HomeStore

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Come Together Rockford First National Bank and Trust Company (Rockton) First National Bank and Trust Company (Roscoe) Giuseppe Verdi Society/Verdi Club Rise Broadband

11TH STREET EXPRESS PRINTING, INC.

Our mission is to provide you with the highest-quality products and services possible in a timely fashion and at a competitive price.

2135 11th St., 61104 Gary Ehrhardt 815-968-0208 www.11thstreetexpress.com

AT&T

Telecommunications, Developers 6270 E. State St., 61108 Alexandria Mendiola 815-399-8726 www.att.com

EASTON ASSOCIATES, LTD.

We are designers and creators of exciting and inspirational branded environments, trade show booths and displays.

2114 Harlem Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Derek Huffer 815-637-6990 www.eastondisplay.com

ILLINOIS MATERIAL HANDLING

A full service material handling distributor that offers a wide variety of products and services including, sales, leasing, training & service throughout northern Illinois.

3444 Precision Dr. Rockford, IL 61109 Rob Boeke 815-874-1610 www.imhlifts.com

LAURENT HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House in Rockford is the only building ever designed by the famed architect for a person with a disability.

4646 Spring Brook Road Rockford, IL 61114 Susan Barnes 815-877-2952 www.laurenthouse.com

NAMI - NORTHERN ILLINOIS

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Illinois offers support, provides education and resources, and advocates for those who needs our assistance.

P.O. Box 6971 Rockford, IL 61125 Danielle Angileri 815-963-2470 www.naminorthernillinois.org

PRAG’MADIK/A STRATEGIC CONSULTANCY A unique Quad Cities consultancy designing solutions to optimize front-of-the-house operations.

2501 Middle Road Davenport, IA 53803 Andrea Olson 319-321-7396 www.pragmadik.com

THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY (LLS) The mission is: Cure Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease and Myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

954 W. Washington Blvd., Ste. 305 Chicago, IL 60607 Annie Hart 312-651-7350 www.lls.org/il

TROPICAL OASIS CATERING Full service caterer. Everything is made fresh, never reheated with an on time guarantee.

210 N. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 Anthony Dini 815-328-8644 www.tropicaloasiscatering.com

TROPICAL OASIS CATERING & RESTAURANT Full service caterer. Everything is made fresh, never reheated with an on time guarantee.

11122 Station St. Garden Prairie, IL 61038 Anthony Dini 815-328-8644 www.tropicaloasiscatering.com

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For information on advertising, call 815

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September 2016

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the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Leslie Anderson

2. Dawna Menke

3. Erich Vargaz

4. Sherry Gaumond

5. Julie WIlliams

6. Dr. Pedro Rodriguez

7. Kim Lantta

8. Jen Hall

9. Tammy Kayse

10. Jean Lopez

11. Mary Flynn

12. Dr. Susan DeGuide

13. Dr. Linda Razbadouski

14. Jane Steffen

15. Jennifer Kessler

16. Cindy Rathke

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

BOARD APPOINTMENTS The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – Rockford Chapter elected Leslie Anderson (1), State Farm Insurance, as vice president of its board.

Dawna Menke (2), administrator of the SwedishAmerican Medical Center Belvidere, joined the Growth Dimensions board.

Erich Vargaz (3), financial advisor, The LaLoggia Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, joined the Carpenter’s Place board.

The Rock Valley College Board of Trustees on Aug. 15 appointed Jarid Funderburg, executive director, Growth Dimensions, to the seat vacated by Frank Haney’s resignation. The seat will be open for election along with two other expiring terms in April 2017.

Sherry Gaumond (4), IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, director of interior design, Larson & Darby Group, joined the Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc., board.

Julie Williams (5), associate IIDA, Larson & Darby Group, was appointed to the LYDIA Urban Academy board.

Medicine at Rockford as assistant dean of diversity and inclusion.

Michael Kirkley (19) as a system specialist.

Kim Lantta (7) joined Blackhawk Bank as vice president, cash management.

Kathy Albrecht (20) was promoted to assistant vice president, personal banking officer at Blackhawk Bank’s Belvidere office.

Jen Hall (8) joined Mercyhealth as its new vice president of government relations and community advocacy.

Klaas Financial promoted Tammy Kayse (9) to manager of support services and Jean Lopez (10) to coordinator of marketing & advertising services.

Upper Cervical Care Center – Rockford welcomed Mary Flynn (11) as front desk assistant.

Anne O’Keefe joined the Rockford Public Library as development officer.

Susan DeGuide, M.D. (12); Linda Razbadouski, M.D. (13), and Jane Steffen, APN (14) are staffing SwedishAmerican Medical Group’s new North Main Clinic in the 9,400-sq.-ft. InnovaMed Clinic.

Savant Capital Management hired the following for its Rockford office: Jennifer Kessler (15), front desk receptionist; Cindy Rathke (16), executive assistant to the CEO; Erik Wilberg (17), information technology specialist, and Kim Zell (18), portfolio accountant.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Rockford Park District hired Monique Bailey as its new figure skating director and announced Patty Pifer as the new Rockford Skating Club president.

Pedro Rodriguez, M.D. (6), joined the University of Illinois College of

Pro Com Systems Division of Ballard Companies, Inc., hired

17. Erik Wilberg

18. Kim Zell

19. Michael Kirkley

20. Kathy Albrecht

Rockford Bank & Trust hired Patti Clark (21) as assistant banking center manager.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Gary Love (22), CFP®, CPWA®, financial advisor, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, earned the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation from the Investment Management Consultants Association in conjunction with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Joshua Herrmann (23), a student at Bradley University, won the YMCA Intern Challenge and received a $1,500 college scholarship and $5,000 paid internship with the YMCA of Rock River Valley. Dalton Moriss came in second place, and Carly Kasicki third place.

Comfort Keepers Northwest Illinois named Anne Anderson (24) as caregiver of the month and Samantha Cavanaugh (25) as caregiver of the second quarter in June.

The following Savant Capital Management employees achieved new credentials: Matt Alley (26), associate’s degree in applied science in Cisco networking; LaVonne Brown (27), master of science degree in integrated

21. Patti Clark

22. Gary Love

marketing communication; Rachel Dano (28), Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional® designation; Keith Feggestad (29), master of science in management of information systems and GIAC Security Leadership certification; Theresa Harezlak (30), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® certification, and Deidra Hayes (31) and Beth Johnson (32), Registered Paraplanner™ designation.

Meridian named Tracy Lilja as Employee of the Month for July.

Comfort Keepers of Northwest Illinois named Julie Steele (33) as Comfort Keeper of the Month for July.

Scott Sullivan (34), partner, Williams McCarthy, was named to the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in America; selected by his peers in commercial litigation.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Mike, Tom, Katie and Ashton Eickman, Eickman’s Processing, Seward, attended the American Association of Meat Processors’ annual convention and Cured Meats Championship competition, July 20 to 23 in Omaha, Neb. Girl Scout alumna and former Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois board member Cathy Veal, and her husband Bill, donated $10,000 to establish a GSNI travel scholarship endowment.

John Pingo, Ph.D., BCBA-D, CEO, Goldie B. Floberg Center, will lead two sessions at the annual Illinois

(continued on page 27)

23. Joshua Herrmann

24. Anne Anderson

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September 2016

the News IN Members THEin NEWS

25. Samantha Cavanaugh

26. Matt Alley

27. LaVonne Brown

28. Rachel Dano

29. Keith Feggestad

30. Thersa Harezlak

31. Deidra Hayes

32. Beth Johnson

33. Julie Steele

34. Scott Sullivan

35. Kevin Camden

36. Randy Wright

Continued from page 26 Association of Rehabilitation Facilities educational conference, Oct. 18 and 19 in Normal, Ill., in front of more than 300 human services leaders.

Kevin Camden (35), PT, OCS and Randy Wright (36), ATC, MS, of

Orthopedic and Sports Therapy

Institute’s occupational medicine

division, which provides work injury prevention programs, traveled to the York, Pennsylvania and Kansas City, Mo., plants for Syncreon, to help them implement the same services that the Belvidere plant uses.

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September 2016

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that more than 600 owners and hobbyists of historic American Motors Corporation vehicles attended the 41st annual American Motors Owners Association Convention, July 27 to 30, at Tebala Event Center, for an estimated $184,000 in economic impact.

Woodward, Inc., announced that its board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.11 per share for the quarter, payable on Aug. 29, 2016, for stockholders of record as of Aug. 15, 2016.

Family Counseling Services of Northern Illinois received a $15,000 grant for Counseling Changes Lives – Everyone Should Have Access by the Dr. Louis and Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program to subsidize more than 300 hours of counseling services for low income individuals, families and couples.

Rockford Park District received a $25,000 grant to increase visibility and expand evening usage of the Rock River Recreation Path by the Dr. Louis and Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum received a $6,000 grant for The Digitization and Rehousing of the Tinker Collection project by the Community Arts & Humanities Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Community Grants Program. More than 10,000 original objects will be documented and cataloged using photography and scanned images and housed in proper archival materials.

WNIJ 89.5 FM seeks volunteers for the Northern Illinois Radio Information Service to do live readings of newspaper and magazine articles on the air for blind and print-impaired citizens. Visit northernpublicradio. org/niris or call Phil Masterton, 815-972-2955.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois received a more than $160,000 Corporation for National and Community Service federal grant. It committed to a program match with private and in-kind funds for Project Opportunity, which offers the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls affected by poverty and other at-risk factors.

Fehr Graham earned a spot on the Zweig Group Hot Firm List for the third year in a row; ranking #72 in the 100 fastest-growing privately-held architecture, engineering, planning and environmental consulting firms in the United States and Canada.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the American

Amateur Baseball Congress Willie Mays 10U World Series, July 29 to Aug. 3, and the Gil Hodges 11U and the Nolan Ryan 13U Championships, Aug. 5 to 10, generated nearly $468,900 for area businesses.

Eickman’s Processing took home a Grand Champion award for country bacon — dry cured in the American Association of Meat Processors’ annual convention and Cured Meats Championship competition in July, and a gold medal for smoked ham, perfect score gold medal for smoked bacon and silver medal for dried beef from the German Butchers Association at the IFFA show in Frankfurt, Germany in May. Ringland-Johnson Construction donated a portable office trailer to Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful for its medication disposal collection at Machesney Park Mall.

Savant Capital Management was recognized by Financial Advisor, Financial Times and InvestmentNews as one of the leading registered investment advisors in the country by Accounting Today.

SwedishAmerican’s Immediate Care, 2473 McFarland Road, Rockford, now is offering same-day appointments at 779-696-9202, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. The facility also is open for walk-ins, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sundays.

Comfort Keepers Northwest Illinois celebrates its 15th year as an area provider of in-home care for seniors.

The company commemorated the occasion with an open house honoring Anne and Jim Wilson, owners of the local franchise.

Rockford MELD received a $5,530 grant from the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program for new furniture for the MELD Transitional Living Program apartments.

SwedishAmerican Foundation held an employee book drive with donations of more than 1,200 books to support its four Little Free Libraries on campus and surrounding neighborhoods.

Rock River Development Partnership received at $3,000 grant from LINK Up Illinois to develop a coupon program to encourage shoppers to purchase the fruits and vegetables sold at Rockford City Market and North End City Market.

Rj Link International launched its newly designed website at www.rjlink. com to help customers with information before reaching out to its engineering solutions team.

Rockford Rescue Mission received a $3,300 donation from Napleton Auto Group of Rockford from money raised at a sales promotion in association with Napleton’s 20th

Anniversary Big Tent Event. A $50 donation was given for every vehicle sold from June 24 to July 11.

Employees of Thayer Lighting, Inc., participated in team training on advanced wireless LED control systems developed by RAB Lighting.

Mercyhealth was named one of the nation’s most wired health systems in 2016 by Health and Hospitals Networks magazine based on the 18th annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey released in July by the American Hospital Association’s Health Forum.

SupplyCore was recognized in the silver category by the Defense Logistics Agency as a Top Performing Industry Partner for fiscal year 2015 as part of the Department of Defense’s Superior Supplier Incentive Program.

The Friends of the Rockford Public Library on Aug. 23 celebrated its five-year anniversary of selling books, DVDs and CDs at its location inside the East Branch.

Rockford Park District’s 2016 Fall-Winter Program Guide is available at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/ guides. Printed copies also are available at its customer service locations.

Rock House Kids received usable school supplies for children in need this fall; collected from the past school year as a part of Reaching Every Student by Collecting Used Education Supplies. Five years ago, a 14 year-old named Max, contacted local schools to set up boxes donated by Pierce Box & Paper to collect usable school supplies. Rockford MELD and YSN participated, and children at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford sorted supplies as part of their Environmental Justice work.

UNION Savings BANK donated $600 to the Rock River Valley Pantry.

Byron Forest Preserve District announced that PrairieView Golf Club ranked #24 on the “Top 50 Course Under $50” list by Golf Advisor.

The 32nd annual SwedishAmerican State Street Mile named Boylan High School, with 33 runners participating, as the winner of the third-annual $1,000 High School Challenge.

Kiwanis Club of Rockford donated $125,000 to the Rockford Park District Foundation for a Tots Play Area to be built along the Sinnissippi Riverfront; to open early summer 2017.

The project is the first phase of the Children’s Exploration Station, with unique and non-traditional play spaces, and educational opportunities for Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens visitors and recreation path users.

Tickets are on sale at the BMO Harris Bank Center box office, Ticketmaster. com or 815-968-5222 for the Alton Brown: Eat Your Science Tour, featuring foodist, author and Food Network star, Alton Brown, at the

Coronado Performing Arts Center on April 5, 2017.

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) visited Rockford Rescue Mission to tour Pitney Place on Aug. 11. The facility opened in May and houses the Women’s Crisis Center and the Life Recovery Program. Kinzinger’s father Rus was CEO of Home Sweet Home Ministries in Bloomington, Ill., and a friend of executive director Sherry Pitney.

Crusader Community Health held an open house on Aug. 16 at its West State Street clinic celebrating its 44 years. It featured a tour of the clinic’s $1.25 million in improvements, and its new partners, Walgreens and West Side Primary Eye Care. The clinic requests new or gently used books for its lending library.

Rockford Park District announced that Golf Advisor ranked Aldeen Golf Club and Practice Centre as the top-rated course in July, and Aldeen, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, as the #21 Top Course under $50.

Growth Dimensions announced that Huntwood Business Park, located west of Belvidere near I-90, was added into the Belvidere-Boone County Enterprise Zone. This was a strong variable in retaining and expanding Evac Corporation. The business park also is home to Ringland-Johnson Construction.

The next Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) health and wellness program begins Oct. 3 at Swedish American Hospital’s BetterLife Wellness Center. Register by Sept. 23 at www.CHIPhealth.com, 815-975-4523 or jody.perrecone@ CHIPhealth.com.

Colorwave Graphics, LLC produced storefront graphics and displays for Bygone Brand, wrapped 3D printer tool carts for PBC Linear, printed and installed pole banners at Rockford University and decorated a delivery vehicle for Rock River Valley Pantry.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that Rockford and Winnebago County saw an increase in tourism spending expenditures, with $349.91 million spent in 2015, a three percent increase over the prior year’s record setting numbers, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism.

Larson & Darby Group won the People’s Choice Award for the Soelberg Industries’ “Show Off Your Soel Installation Contest” for its installation as a part of Rockford Memorial Hospital’s Tru-Beam linear accelerator renovation project to create a unique and calming space for patients in the cancer center.

Ringland-Johnson Construction will sponsor the Kids Around the World Annual Celebration Dinner on Oct. 6 at Giovanni’s.

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September 2016

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

Saturday, September 3

RAMP and OrthoIllinois host a Wheel-A-Thon to benefit RAMP, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., featuring a Half Marathon, 5K Run, 3K Walk/Wheel and Kids Fun Run at the Trolley Station at Riverview Park, 324 N Madison St., in downtown Rockford.

Register online at www. rampriverrun.com.

Tuesday, September 6

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford hosts a free health and wellness seminar, Evaluating Health Studies in the Age of Going Viral, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford. Speaker is Alice Hemenway, Pharm.D., BCPS, clinical assistant professor/clinical pharmacist, UIC College of Pharmacy/Mercyhealth. To register contact 815-395-5649 or prrockford@uic.edu or visit rockford. medicine.uic.edu.

Thursday, September 8

University of Illinois Extension Winnebago County holds Training Sessions for Illinois Master Naturalists on Thursday afternoons, 1 to 5 p.m., through Nov. 17. Call Sam Burbach, 815-986-4357, for questions. Register at http://web. extension.illinois.edu/jsw.

Women of Today’s Manufacturing presents How Your Culture Shapes Your Business, featuring the Field Fastener team, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at 9883 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park. Dinner included. Register at www.wotm-rockford.com.

Saturday, September 10

Caraotta Chiropractic Orthopedics hosts its 23rd-annual “Better Health 4 Life” event, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 4921 E. State St., Rockford. Visit www.orthochiro.com or call 815398-4004.

Operation Healthy U, a free health and wellness event for all ages, will be held 9:30 a.m. to noon at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave. For more information call 815-668-6296 or email pvello3@ uic.edu. In the case of rain, event will be moved indoors.

First National Bank and Trust hosts a free Electronic Recycling Drive in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, 9 a.m. to noon at 1882 Inman Parkway in Beloit, Wis. For a complete list of acceptable items, visit www. goodwillni.org/donate.

Monday, September 12

Rockford Park District presents Level 1 Western Saddle Up introductory basic skills lessons over four weeks for ages 7 and older at Lockwood Park and Trailside Equestrian Centre, 5201 Safford Road. Register online at www. rockfordparkdistrict.org or at its customer service locations.

Wednesday, September 14

Pro-seed, Cultivating Growth and Innovation, takes place on Sept. 14 and 15, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at NIU EIGERlab, NIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Design a business model that works, built on the successful Business Model Generation approach by Alex Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur. Call 815-753-2192.

Ticomix presents a free Security Workshop & Luncheon: Security Secrets to Protect Your Business Against Cyber Crime & Data Threats, noon to 3 p.m., at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Visit www.ticomix.com/ security or call Andrea Shives, 815-847-3407.

Thursday, September 15

Rockford MELD presents its third-annual MELD on the Rock, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Prairie Street

Brew House, 200 Prairie St. Includes dinner, 50/50 cash raffle, music by 3 Good Men, chance to win a “Rock and Setting” by Mincemoyer Jewelry and specialty beer tasting. Reserve at www.rockfordmeld.org.

Friday, September 16

Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) presents “Starting the Conversation: Understanding Diversity to Build Trust,” an interactive workshop on cultural competency led by LaDonna Wattley, LCSW, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford. For more information and to register visit WinnebagoCountyCasa.org. PDCs and 4.25 CEUs available.

The YWCA La Voz Latina Annual Recognition Banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m., at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center. The event includes a social hour, dinner, award presentation and dancing. Proceeds benefit YWCA La Voz Latina programming. Visit www.ywca.org/ nwil for tickets.

American Advertising Federation of Northern Illinois presents Zen and the Art of Video and Writing for Radio featuring Robert Jarzen, Entercom Radio, Milwaukee and Madison, 11:45 a.m., at Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford. Visit www. niadfed.org.

Saturday, September 17

Rockford Park District presents Creatures of the Night, 7 to 9 p.m., at Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford.

Free. No registration.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois hosts the 12th annual Thin Mint Sprint, 8 to 10 a.m., at the Boy Scout and Girl Scout Program Center, 7194 Vandiver Road, Cherry Valley (behind MC Sports). The event features an 8K Road Race and two-mile family run/walk through Swanson Hill, Baumann Park and

the Village of Cherry Valley. Register at www.girlscoutsni.org/tms.

SwedishAmerican’s BetterLife Wellness and the American Heart Association host a free Hispanic Wellness Fair, 9 a.m. to noon at the UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison Street, Rockford. For questions call 779-696-9700.

Thursday, September 22

University of Illinois Extension presents Are You Eating to Enjoy Retirement, featuring Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the Rockford Public Library main branch, classroom B, 215 N. Wyman St. Preregistration required at web. extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357.

Saturday, September 24

Illinois Bank & Trust’s Gear Street Banking Center and Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society present the 2016 Tour of Homes, with tours of prominent Galena homes, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Sept. 24 and 25. Visit www.galenahistory.org/ events/tour-of-historic-homes/ or call 815-777-9129.

Sunday, September 25

Figure-skating legend Janet Lynn will attend two Book-Signing Events promoting her new book, “The Wheel, Legacy of Excellence,” 10 to 11 a.m., at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, and 2 to 4 p.m., at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. A portion of proceeds benefits the Rockford Park District figure skating program.

Thursday, September 29

The Ethnic Heritage Museum presents its Celebrate Our Heritage fundraiser, 5 to 9 p.m., at Tebala Shrine Center, Rockford. To make reservations visit www.Ethnic HeritageMuseum.org or call 815289-3551.

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September 2016

EVENTS

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Upcoming Chamber Events SEPTEMBER, 2016 Thursday, September 8 11:30 am - 1pm Giovanni’s, Inc. 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

BUSINESS LUNCHEON SERIES

Education Outlook Luncheon

Keynote speaker is Dr. Ehren Jarrett, superintendent, Rockford Public Schools.

Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank (presenting) and Humana and SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (gold).

Friday, September 9

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Sponsored by AT&T. Wednesday, September 14 7:30 - 9:00 am Rockford University PURI Business School Bldg.,Room 124 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Breakfast Buzz

Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative, Speakers include Antonio Riley, HUD; Marium Barker, U.S. Department of Labor; Robert “Bo” Steiner, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Jason Keller, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Sponsored by RSM US LLP.

Thursday, September 15

Good Morning Rockford! 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Huntington Learning Center, 5301 E. State St., Ste. 104, Rockford.

Ribbon Cutting, Rockford Career College, 1130 S. Alpine Road, Ste. 100, Rockford. Open house, 3 to 6 p.m.; ribbon cutting, 4 p.m.

Monday, September 19

IGNITE Golf Outing, 1 to 5 p.m., The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford.

Tuesday, September 20

IGNITE Back to School Panel, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St. Panelists include Alignment Rockford, RAMP, The Literacy Council and CEANCI at 6 p.m.

Free, but bring school supplies to donate.

Thursday, September 22

Get Maximum Networking Benefits from Your Chamber Membership Luncheon, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., Giovanni’s, Inc., 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Speaker Lillian Bjorseth has been called a “networking expert” by the Chicago Tribune. Her industrystandard book, Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last, is in its third edition.

Sponsored by Associated Bank (keynote).

Thursday, September 22 2:00 - 7:00 pm Giovanni’s, Inc. 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Rockford Chamber

Business Expo The region’s largest business-to-business expo will kick off with a 12:30 p.m., keynote luncheon, followed by an expo with booths, giveaways and unique Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m.

Sponsored by Ticomix, Inc. (presenting); Comcast Business (gold); Thayer Lighting, Inc. (silver); SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (bronze); Meridian, and The Morrissey Family Businesses (Business After Hours) and Associated Bank (keynote).

Thursday, September 29

Ribbon Cutting, The Pregnancy Care Center, 4 to 5 p.m., 4108 Morsay Dr., Rockford.

OCTOBER, 2016 Wednesday, October 5

Business After Hours, Tinker Swiss Cottage, 5 to 7 p.m., 411 Kent St., Rockford.

Wednesday, October 12 7:30 - 9:00 am Rockford University PURI Business School Bldg., Room 124 5050 E. State St., Rockford

Breakfast Buzz Two Truths and a Lie: Millennial Style Millennials are the largest members of today’s workforce, and yet, they seem to be vexing the majority of the population – sometimes, even themselves. Join members of the IGNITE Leadership Team for a Breakfast Buzz focused on engaging, managing and working with Millennials as we showcase “truths” about working with Millennials and nix a few “lies” that often fly about the water cooler. Trophy not included.

Sponsored by RSM US LLP.

Thursday, October 13 Ribbon Cutting, new Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois’ admin/mission services building, 850 N. Church St., Rockford, 10 to 11 a.m.

Friday, October 14

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Sponsored by AT&T. Ribbon Cutting, SwedishAmerican North Main Clinic, 2601 N. Main St., Rockford, noon to 1 p.m.

Friday, October 19

Ribbon Cutting, Howard Johnson Hotel, 3909 11th St., Rockford, 4 to 5 p.m.

Friday, October 21

Ribbon Cutting and Open House, Illinois Material Handling, 3444 Precision Dr., Rockford. Open house, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; ribbon cutting, 2 p.m.

Thursday, October 27 11:30 am - 1pm Electrical Workers Union/ Local 364 IBEW 6820 Mill Rd., Rockford

BUSINESS LUNCHEON SERIES

What Does the Future Hold for Healthcare?

BMO Harris Bank (presenting); Humana, Rosecrance Health Network, and SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health (gold); and Alpha Controls & Services, and Schmeling Construction Co. (bronze).

OCTOBER VOICE SPECIAL SECTION: What’s Trending in

Legal/Financial/Insurance Industries?

For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

31

September 2016

Regional, National Indicators Advertisers Index THE ECONOMY ADVERTISERS U.S. Indicators July 2016 Consumer Price Index



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

      

The Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Lenox Healthcare for Women . . . . . . .13

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . .20

Northern Illinois Renewable Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

0.2 percent

Broadmoor Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4.9 percent

Catholic Diocese of Rockford . . . . . . . . 5

255,000

College of Medicine at Rockford . . . .14 Comcast Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

$0.08

Ege Worksmart Solutions, PC . . . . . .14

0.4 percent 0.6 percent (second quarter, 2016) 0.5 percent (second quarter, 2016) 0.1 percent 0.2 percent

RAEDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Rockford Bank & Trust Co. . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . .23, 27, 29, 30, 32

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

RSM US LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC . . 5

Unemployment Rates

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International . . . . . . . . .17

Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

OrthoIllinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 7 Van Galder Bus Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital . . . . . . . . . . .12

Region / State / Nation Mar 2016

April 2016

May 2016

June 2016

Rockford

7.7

6.9

6.6

6.3

Chicago

6.6

6.2

5.4

6.2

Illinois

6.5

6.6

6.4

6.2

United States

5.0

5.0

4.7

4.9

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

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Most & Least Stressed U.S. Cities in 2016 In the United States, stress affects more than 100 million Americans, or nearly a third of the population, for whom the leading source of stress continues to be money, followed by work, family and relationships. By one estimate, workplace-related stress costs our society more than $300 billion per year.

The good news, according to the American Psychological Association, is that stress generally is trending downward in the United States, with average levels decreasing since 2007. To identify the cities where Americans cope with their stress better than others, WalletHub’s analysts compared 150 cities across 27 key metrics, such as average work hours, job security, credit score, poverty rate, affordable housing, debt load, divorce, health, crime rate, hours of sleep and suicide rate.

out of 150 cities rated Work Money Family Stress Stress Stress

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Chair Elect Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Vice Chair Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank

Top 10 Most Stressed Cities Total Score

Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO ......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer ................................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology .................. 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment ................... 815-316-4317 Caitlin Ludwig, Vice President, Leadership Development ................... 815-316-4337 Stephanie Mathews, Administrative & Finance Assistant ................... 815-987-8100 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events ............................................. 815-316-4302 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller .............................. 815-316-4316 Sue Boyer, Member Relations ................................................ 815-316-4315 Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager ............. 815-316-4336 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ........................ 815-316-4320

Health Stress

Coping w/Stress

1. Detroit, Mich.

68.27

10

14

1

7

2

2. Mobile, Ala.

61.68

4

37

18

1

17

3. Birmingham, Ala.

61.42

18

2

6

2

83

4. Memphis, Tenn.

60.43

36

15

5

6

50

5. Cleveland, Ohio

60.15

57

19

2

24

23

6. Shreveport, La.

59.77

3

56

14

15

13

7. Columbus, Ga.

58.32

1

34

26

39

53

8. New Orleans, La.

57.70

23

18

20

35

14

9. Newark, N.J.

57.46

6

3

3

127

37

10. Montgomery, Ala.

57.21

11

17

29

19

40

30. Milwaukee, Wis.

50.81

74

31

23

73

43

33. Chicago, Ill.

50.57

15

23

59

90

41

147. Madison, Wis.

32.70

147

92

127

118

138

Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Immediate Past Chair Richard Walsh Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP

DIRECTORS

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Kris Kieper YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer of Rockford

Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health

Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Darlene Furst FurstStaffing Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems

Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank

Mark Peterson CBL Associates CherryVale

Patrick Shaw RSM US LLP Laura Williamson Rockford Park District

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

Dan Ross Williams-Manny Insurance Group

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