September Voice 2018

BARBARA OLSON CENTER OF HOPE TURNS 70

THE EXPO SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION PAGES 14-15

PAGE 4 THE VOICE IS ONLINE AT ROCKFORDCHAMBER.COM

of the Rockford Business Community

september 2018 | Volume 31 | No. 9

National best-selling author to lead Accountability

Workshop

When others let us down, break rules or fail to deliver on their promises, what do we do?

Unfortunately, most people choose to say or do nothing. In fact, research shows people waste $1,500 and an 8-hour workday every time they avoid an accountability conversation. In culture where accountability is void, people assume they don’t have the power or authority to raise a concern. Accountability is the key to healthy business growth and success, and yet, cultures of accountability are precious and rare.

On September 19, Joseph Grenny,

four-time New York Times bestselling author, dynamic keynote speaker and leading social scientist for business performance will lead a three-hour workshop at Tebala Event Center focused on the importance and return on investment of creating a culture of accountability. As kick-off to a yearlong study of accountability through the Rockford Leadership Alliance (RLA) and building upon themes in Grenny’s book Crucial Accountability, the workshop will provide actionable takeaways for attendees looking to resolve violated expectations, broken commitments and bad behavior in the workplace. The workshop is open to all. Registration can be found at www. rockfordchamber.com.

As the coauthor of four immediate New York Times bestsellers with more than three million copies in print: Crucial Conversations, Influencer, Crucial Accountability, and Change Anything, Grenny’s work has been translated

Joseph Grenny addresses the accountability question. into 28 languages, is available in 36 countries, and has generated results for 300 of the Fortune 500. He contributes regularly to Harvard Business Review and LinkedIn and has been featured in Forbes, Businessweek, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post. He has also appeared on The Today Show, CNN, Bloomberg, and Fox Business News.

An expert in his field, Grenny has Continued on page 3

Rockford Chamber Golf Classic plays to a sold-out house

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation creating the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission for plans to celebrate the famous road’s 100th anniversary in 2026. Also known as The Mother Road, Route 66 put Illinois on the national numbered highway network map in the late 1920s.

The route took travelers between Illinois and California.

“Illinois has a distinct place of honor in this famous road’s history. Not only is Chicago its starting point, our people were the first to pave it from end to end as it wound southwest toward St. Louis and on to the Missouri border,” Rauner said after signing House Bill 66. “This made it easier for motorists to travel and sparked a golden era of fun family road trips, with plenty of places to stop and enjoy along the way.”

Route 66 originally ran 2,448 miles from Michigan Avenue and East Adams Street in Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona on the way to Santa Monica, Calif.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! LUNCHEON

EDUCATION OUTLOOK

SEPT. 6 • radisson conference center For more info, see page 27 SPONSORED BY

BEYOND PARKS & REC: UNDERSTANDING THE COMMUNITY IMPACT OF YOUR ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT

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

148 golfers descended upon The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club on Monday, August 27 for a beautiful day of golf and fun with clients, friends, and co-workers.

The event was rescheduled from its original day in May due to wet conditions, but that did not stop the new date from really outdoing itself! Along with the golfers, there were 15 hole sponsors promoting their businesses out on the course and having fun engaging with the golfers. The Rockford Chamber team set

up an Irish Pub on one hole, in keeping with their “on the map” theme. While our chamber members work very hard throughout the year, there was still some time before summer ended for people to kick back in a casual environment and talk a little business while enjoying a beautiful day of golf, food, beverages, and camaraderie. Thanks to all for attending and to all of our sponsors, including Stratus Network/AT&T Partner Exchange (presenting). theVoice

In a special session with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce on October 11 from 7:30-9:00am at the new Rockford Bank & Trust Pavilion, Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine will provide an overview of the District’s master plan.

In a fitting style that we’ve come to know from the Park District, they recently chose to not only focus on some of the challenges before them, but to take a long-term look as to what is important to community residents and users of the parks for the long-range benefit of the community. To learn more specifics on the master plan, please see the article on page 10. To register for the upcoming breakfast event, please visit www.rockfordchamber.com.

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theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

positionChairman’s Perspective Rockford Chamber addresses issues and provides solution arenas We live in a world of information — every minute of every day. With devices in hand we are provided updates on every imaginable topic. With just a few clicks we can be deep into the topic of the day and soon overwhelmed. I believe that at some time all of us have said “enough” and attempt to shut down, or at least limit, the flood of information.

I see this as a sad byproduct of this unending torrent causing us to get numb, shut down and perhaps become a little hopeless. There are so many problems that it is beyond our ability to respond to it all, so we often choose to retreat.

If I stopped there, you would be justified in calling me a pessimist. But those of you who know me understand that I am a realistic optimist. Perhaps an oxymoron, but I choose to accept the title. I am generally upbeat and try to find the silver lining. But I am a firm believer that problems addressed with honesty, energy, and a true commitment to the best possible solution, if not solvable, are improvable. Most of the victories with the stubborn problems come after the sincere collaboration of talented, interested and motivated people.

Today, I give thanks to just such a

group of people. Your Rockford Chamber of Commerce continues to demonstrate the capacity to understand issues and pursue actions that move our business community, and often the community as a whole, in a better direction. Yes, I am a cheerleader for the Chamber and our community. I celebrate every time we make strides together to make this a better place to call home and conduct our business.

Here are a few examples of community issues your Chamber leadership is addressing and helping us all move forward: Public Education: One of the core assets of any successful community is the education available to its citizens.

Seven years ago, your Chamber, understanding the undeniable need for strong education, began working to enhance the partnership between the schools and the business community.

Realizing that if we are to succeed as a community, we need the best educated workforce. The collaboration with our schools highlighted the key priorities of employers, helping define educational success for our community.

Leadership Development: In 2016,

embracing the need to continue education in the workplace, your Chamber created the Center for Leadership Development.

A key component of the Center is the Rockford Leadership Alliance. The goal is to offer world class training, right here in Rockford, to a broad section of our business community. Educational opportunities are designed to add to the skill set of those already leading our broad base of companies. Offerings address the needs of future leaders and also provide resources for veteran leaders.

Small Business Development Center: The success of the business community includes a balance of small and large businesses. Acknowledging that starting a business is perhaps one of the most difficult jobs anyone can choose, your Chamber stepped forward to provide a home for the Illinois Small Business Development Center. Since its inception, the Center has worked with numerous clients, facilitating the process of moving from a good business idea to a viable business and employer.

Public Safety: Sadly, safety is a growing concern in almost every corner of our world. Rockford has not been

immune from this epidemic.

Many citizens Richard Zumwalt are joining Rockford Chamber forces with Board Chairman those tasked with safety in the community to understand the root causes and offer assistance. Your Chamber, through its Public Safety Council, is stepping forward on behalf of the business community to partner with law enforcement. Representing much of our business community, the Public Safety Council seeks to connect law enforcement with the considerable resources of the business community.

Even though the news on crime would cause many to throw up their hands in resignation, your Chamber is stepping forward to be a part of the solution.

The next time you are ready to give in to the negative impact of the daily news, remember that countless creative, talented, hard working neighbors are working to make things better for our community. And remember, your Chamber joins those citizens daily to make this a better place to live.

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“YES” Club hosts annual Rally for Peace Friday, September 21 is the International Day of Peace and the Young Eagles Success Club, YES Club will be hosting their Annual Rally for Peace Dinner. The YES club was recently selected as an official Illinois Bicentennial Event and will be held at Giovanni’s from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana and State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato are scheduled to speak.

The YES Club is an organization that works with area youth to increase their awareness of the importance of academic achievement, positive behavior, and social emotional learning. The YES Club also works to promote anti-drugs, alcohol, violence, crime and stress in Elementary, Middle, and High School students. For more information go to www.yesclubcep.us

Grenny

(continued from front page) conducted social science research with the goal to help leaders and organizations achieve new levels of performance throughout his thirty-year career. Specifically, he has focused on human behavior — the underlying written and unwritten rules that shape what employees do every day.

Throughout his career, Grenny has shared the stage with General Colin Powell, Jack Welch, Jim Collins, and Brené Brown at some of the world’s premier leadership conferences and organizations including: HSM World Business Forum, Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, American Society

of Training and Development and American Bankers Association.

Accountability conversations first start with the right problems. They involve learning to control strong emotions and master stories that cause them. They make others feel safe while prioritizing demands and disciplining when necessary. They look for solutions and deal with unexpected problems and emotions. They create complete plans built upon solid foundation.

Accountability matters.

Join us for an impactful, relevant and action-oriented workshop with one of the nation’s leading experts. We are proud to bring world-class talent to the world-class people in Rockford. Register online today. theVoice

Accountability: A Workshop with Joseph Grenny September 19, 2018 Tebala Event Center | 8-11:00 a.m.

Register online at www.rockfordchamber.com Chamber Members: Don’t forget to use your username and password to access members-only pricing.

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

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

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

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

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

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theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

PROFILE Member Profile

By Paul Anthony Arco Carm Herman knows the impact being felt at the Barbara Olson Center of Hope.

As executive director, she sees the good work being done around her every day.

The Center of Hope is a training program based in Rockford for adults with severe disabilities. The center offers educational, living and vocational skills that allow the participants to be as selfsufficient as possible.

Herman has worked with disabled individuals for more than 40 years.

“Individuals with disabilities are amazing to be around,” she said. “They inspire me. They help themselves and they help others. They have great attitudes and are well-grounded.”

And now the center is celebrating 70 years in business. The Center of Hope will host a 70th anniversary gala on Sept. 15 at Giovanni’s.

“It’s important for the community to know we’re still here after 70 years despite political and funding issues,” said Herman. “We’re still here because the community has supported this organization. Everything we do is focused on the participants. We remain strong because people want us to be here.”

Community Integration The Center of Hope started in 1948

Barbara Olson Center of Hope celebrates 70 years of encouraging lives of self-sufficiency.

Center of Hope celebrating 70 years

when children with developmental disabilities were denied access by public schools. Barbara Olson, her husband and other parents with disabled children decided to offer classroom activities in their homes. Eventually, the Rockford Parent Group built the first School of Hope on Arthur Avenue in 1959. The land and building were funded entirely by the parents’ donations and fundraising events.

The law changed in 1972 and public schools were required to provide a free, appropriate education to all children. But the need for programs and services for adults with disabilities continued to grow.

In 1982, the Whig Hill School building on Central was purchased and is now where the Barbara Olson Center of Hope resides.

And the center continues to grow.

There are currently 170 adults in the programs and the center has a staff of 70,

who teach a variety of topics including community safety, decision making, daily living skills and employment skills. The goal is to get the participants integrated more into the community.

New Site This Fall With that in mind, 10 years ago the Center of Hope opened its first satellite office. There are two locations – Volunteer Center at First Free Church and the Rockton Alternative Day program. A third site will open this fall on 173. The Volunteer Center allows participants to make a difference in the community – many of them have volunteered for Meals on Wheels, the Rock River Valley Food Pantry and bell ringing for the Salvation Army.

The center also has a business component. Two in-house businesses raise additional funds for the organization: Hope

Industries, which subcontracts jobs like assembly, labeling and packaging, and Super Shredders which can handle thousands of pounds of paper each day thanks to a heavy-duty shredder, baler, weigh scale and forklift the Center of Hope purchased 15 years ago with grant money. Last year, 115 participants earned a paycheck, of which 34 people earned minimum wage, and 81 worked on a piece rate.

Herman has seen many success stories over the years. “It’s amazing to see their progress,” she said. “Many of our participants have sensory issues, which can cause meltdowns. But our sensory programs allow these families to take their loved ones to restaurants or bowling, something they couldn’t do before.

It’s a wonderful feeling for everyone.

“We’re excited to say we’ve been here 70 years,” she added. “Our mission to help people become as independent as possible hasn’t changed. We are helping people live out their dreams. And that makes me happy.”

BARBARA OLSON CENTER OF HOPE Executive Director: Carm Herman 3206 North Central Ave. 815-964-9275 www.b-olsoncenterofhope.org

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

september 2018

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IGNITE Cup 2018

Record number of teams competed for the trophy IGNITE Cup Final Standings 2018

IGNITE Cup, now in its fifth year, is a summer-long competition for young professionals. With a record number of teams competing, 200 young professionals representing a range of companies participated in mini putt, trivia, canoe battleship, game night, field day and more. The competition is designed to help attract and retain young professionals to the Rockford region through fun, interactive events designed for easy networking and connection.

The competition also has a charity component. Participants are encouraged to raise money for local

non-profits, throughout these events, by participating in Penny Wars. This year, participants raised $2,200. Proceeds will be split among Haven Network (on behalf of Medicinal Unicorns), United Way of Rock River Valley (on behalf of New Kids on the Rockford) and Friends of the Coronado (on behalf of A Team Has No Name).

Congratulations to our first place team and winner of the cup, Medicinal Unicorns; our second place team, Rockford Float Club; and our third place team, Steve is a Traitor. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Blackhawk Bank.

1st

Medicinal Unicorns

567 points

2nd

Rockford Float Club

489 points

3rd

Steve is a Traitor

416 points

4th

New Kids on the Rock

331 points

5th

A Team Has No Name

326 points

6th

T3YP

318 points

7th

Baby Got Cash

288 points

8th

Jaycee Jalapenos

248 points

9th

Mermaid Pups

192 points

10th

After School Specials

172 points

11th

Daymakers

161 points

12th

PCT 3.0

151 points

13th

JBYDI

149 points

14th

The Justice League

125 points

15th

Wipfli’s Bad Assets

118 points

16th

Summer Is Coming

111 points

17th

Check Liver Light

101 points

18th

Sunk Your Battleship

94 points

19th

RSM

89 points

20th

Practice Velocity Squirrels

33 points

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theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective insight

It takes a village … part two Attract (and grow) top talent There is a lot of buzz around third grade reading lately. While research designating deficiencies in third grade reading as a significant risk factor is not new, it has come into focus in Rockford recently when a collective impact forum was held this June. The forum, hosted by NICNE and facilitated by the Tamarack Institute, sparked community conversations that focused on recent statistics indicating that a majority of our third graders are not reading at grade level. Despite what appears to be staggeringly adverse statistics, encouraging statistics show we have an education system to be proud of.

All of RPS 205’s Early Childhood Centers have earned the Gold Circle of Quality designation. At the elementary level, the school district has implemented Reading Horizons, a reading program focused in the areas of phonics to improve comprehension. Since implementation of this program, literacy growth rates for K-2 students have increased by 9 percent from 2017 to 2018, and national percentile rankings in literacy for RPS 205 Kindergarten students have increased by 15 points from 2017 to 2018.

Literacy by Third Grade While third grade reading is an

important indicator of future success, the focus should be on how we, as a community, can prepare our students with a solid foundation prior to third grade and outside of the academic experience. Such efforts should reach as far back as prenatal services and continue on throughout early childhood in identifying and striving to close opportunity gaps. It is not as much a matter of education as it is of social responsibility to provide additional support for those who were not provided critical foundational experiences such as family vacations exploring other cultures, or trips to the zoo or museum.

Evidence-based research continues to validate the major impacts on academic performance when effective school, family and community collaboration supports student outcomes. This is especially true for at-risk children and students facing poor academic performance.

Community Experts Needed Two Alignment pilots that were implemented this spring aim to tackle barriers to access for Rockford families.

One involves the designation of various community service providers to serve as a single-point-of-entry for basic services to help families navigate our often-confusing

system of services. The other involves the facilitation of playgroups that nurture parent-child interaction for families with children ages 0 to 3.

A new pilot is underway that supports the rollout of the school district’s new integrated literacy curriculum which includes real-world application through hands-on learning, guided reading with meaningful texts and project-based learning.

For this pilot, the Alignment Rockford Curriculum Design Support Team will be seeking community industry experts to help RPS 205 curriculum leadership teams in designing relevant real-world classroom experiences to support the curriculum. The pilot will begin with third grade, and it will guarantee that regardless of a student’s or a school’s resources, each student will be provided an equitable quality experience connecting community and curriculum with learning standards.

Endless Opportunities Jay Sandine, Rockford Park District executive director and Alignment Rockford governing board member envisions numerous ways the Rockford Park District can support early literacy initiatives.

“At your park district, we have 30,000 individual children Katy Haun Alignment Rockford registered for lessons, leagues, camps and programs each summer. Having our coaches and program leaders incorporating reading into the recreation curriculum is an easy, fun and impactful way of keeping our children from that summer slide so that they are ready to continue their learning and growth when schools starts,” he said.

It is up to our community to provide the needed wrap-around support as a partner to our public education system.

Join a team; brainstorm how your organization can support a culture of reading; encourage your employees to volunteer in the schools; commit your organization to supporting pilots. The opportunities are endless!

Katy Haun is operations manager at Alignment Rockford. Call 779-200-1963.

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

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

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A Few Words from RPS 205 Superintendent VIEWPOINT

A critical relationship with our community Linking young talent with opportunity People often think a school is a place you get a diploma, but a great school system means so much more.

In highly functioning communities, there’s a deep connection between the school district and the community. While student achievement is the primary job of schools, there are other ways educational systems can lift up a community.

I’ve talked a lot about the Rockford Public Schools vision, which is to be the first choice for all families.

I want to explain that vision in the framework of the three things a great school district does.

It links talent to opportunity. We’re following the leadership of Dr. Doug Jensen and Rock Valley College in connecting the talent of our students with the economic opportunity in the region.

We’re further honing the pathways within our high school academies, with the goal of 12 well-developed pathways divided among the four academies in each school.

We’re in the process of creating a second-semester experience that launches interested high school seniors into the engineering partnership between RVC

and Northern Illinois University.

Our academies typically progress from sophomore year to junior to senior, but we know we need more preparation and a more robust on-ramp when it comes to fields like aviation maintenance and engineering. So we’re working on that.

Our businesses don’t have to stay in Rockford. Neither do our students.

We need to get to the place where our students want to stay here because the opportunities are so great, and our companies want to stay here because the talent is so great.

A great school district also grows the community. Our school board’s work over the last seven years in lowering the tax levy by a cumulative $86 million is proof we don’t see our role in isolation. We’re continuing to honor our commitment to local property tax relief, supporting taxpayers and helping Rockford’s recovery.

Progress Made With the opening of Cherry Valley Elementary School this year and Constance Lane Elementary School

in 2019-20, the community is seeing just two examples of the payoff in a $279 million facilities upgrade. Cherry Valley has already exceeded enrollment expectations, which should make all of us proud of what we can accomplish.

Sometimes, capital improvements are measured in human capital. We are delighted that Rockford Promise was able to fund 22 scholarships for RPS 205 students. In fact, one of those scholarships was funded because of the work of East High School graduate Cole Bathje, whose senior seminar involved planning and executing a benefit concert for the Promise. The benefit was so successful, the scholarship now bears his name.

It all comes back, of course, to student achievement — to what our schools can do to help young people in our community achieve their dreams.

That’s where I come back to our 20 Mile March: what we learned from explorer Roald Amundsen and his diligent pursuit of a 1,400-mile goal to the South Pole in 1911. He insisted on the discipline of 20 miles — every single day, every team member.

In RPS 205, we have a new Dr. Ehren Jarrett tool to pace Superintendent our disciplined RPS 205 journey. A new school scorecard will be introduced this year and fully rolled out the following school year. It will help measure progress for each of our schools in the areas of student achievement, climate and culture, and continuous improvement.

These scorecards will tell us: Did we march our 20 miles? It starts with every student. Every teacher. Every team of teachers. Every school. The entire district.

The linkage must be solid at each point.

As we march toward our firstchoice vision, our focus will be student achievement. But we do not intend to lose sight of the critical relationship with our community.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

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

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 Destination

theVoice

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

Good news for Rockford Visitor spending reaches all-time high My colleagues and I at RACVB were pleased with a recent report showing increased visitor spending in Winnebago County for last year, but I must say we weren’t entirely surprised.

Considering the rising number of visitor attractions in the region, it doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict positive trends. There are many reasons why our visitor appeal has grown so significantly in recent years. And, there is a lot of credit to spread around.

Here’s a snapshot of the progress and growth our region’s visitor economy is seeing: ■ Visitor spending reached an all-time high of $383.7 million in 2017 (up 8.3 percent from 2016).

■ That spending put 3,084 people to work (up 6.9 percent) and generated payroll of $93.8 million (up 9.6 percent).

■ Dollars spent by visitors generated $21.8 million in state taxes and $7.78 million in local taxes (up 14.3 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively).

State Leader in Growth Looking back at trends over almost a decade, there’s even more to celebrate.

To keep our perspective on target, RACVB consistently reviews how we stack up against 12 other Illinois counties of similar size and scope. We measure ourselves against McLean, DuPage, Champaign, Lake, Peoria, Will, Sangamon, St. Clair, Madison, Kane, Rock Island and Cook counties.

From 2009 to 2017, Winnebago County outpaced all of those major metropolitan counties in visitor spending growth. Over that time span, spending increased by 53 percent in Winnebago County, easily surpassing the set average of 35 percent.

So what does it mean? The numbers confirm for me the success of strategies we’ve followed in recent years that involve important local, state and national partners in various roles that complement one another. Our strategies play to the region’s known strengths and assets, while also charting new territory to push the envelope on what’s possible.

Let me offer some examples. The Illinois Office of Tourism helps us distribute content that will get into print, be heard on radio or appear on TV or device screens. We make it easy for potential visitors to learn where to have a great meal, a good cup of coffee, a unique museum experience or a relaxing stroll in a garden or along the river.

Beyond that, we’ve been highly successful working with a national

John Groh

Rockford Area public relations Convention & firm to place Visitors Bureau stories in print, broadcast and online platforms that tell our story in Illinois and beyond.

Getting Creative We don’t just market what the region already has to offer. RACVB has a team devoted to destination development.

Their job is to create new initiatives or events that improve the quality of life and sense of place and pride among residents, while also attracting visitors.

Stroll on State, Forest City Beautiful and the rotating public sculpture project are initiatives of this team.

Of course, sports marketing is a big part of our job at RACVB, in partnership with many. The depth of our region’s capabilities in the sports market are highlighted, in part, through our sports ambassadors project featuring such hometown sports luminaries as Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors), Angel Martinez (world-class amateur boxer) and Corey Anderson (mixed martial arts fighter).

Beyond our obvious marketing efforts, we support and encourage entrepreneurs whose creative ventures improve quality of life and attract visitors. Their energy is palpable right now.

So, after the euphoria settles from the recent visitor analysis, what’s next? We’ll dig deeper into the numbers to confirm what’s working best and do more of that. Also, I can’t wait to see what comes from the destination development team, which is working with a task force appointed by Mayor Tom McNamara earlier this summer to redevelop Davis Park in downtown Rockford.

Knowing that potential visitors are inspired by visuals, we’re working hard to tell our story on platforms that feature images enticing enough to motivate people to come here and see the real thing.

For a few days, we’ll savor the good news. Then, it’s onward and upward with the numbers. The best is yet to come.

John Groh is president/CEO of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The mission of the RACVB is to drive quality of life and economic growth for our citizens through tourism marketing and destination development. www.gorockford.com The views expressed are Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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Guest Perspective insight

Power of local mortgage servicing

Making best decision to fit your needs Homebuyers place a great deal of emphasis on rate and closing costs when choosing a mortgage lender. And, while there are very important points to compare between lenders, one of the most critical questions to ask is if the lender retains service of their mortgages.

A mortgage lender who offers mortgage loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac gives their clients long term, fixed-rate options and keeps the loan at their financial institution after the loan closes. When a client has a question, has an issue of any kind or needs advice, they can turn to a local resource instead of a long-distance customer service department where problem solving can be elusive.

The benefits start immediately during the application process, with a much less complicated process and clear guidelines. In contrast, when a lender sells servicing to investors, they have additional guidelines which can make it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage.

These originating lenders have less control over the transaction, making timeframes difficult to meet, and limited flexibility.

Research Area Lenders The benefits of local servicing become even more important after the loan closes. In 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that more than 80 percent of mortgage complaints were related to misapplication of

Tammy Zurfluh payments.

Blackhawk Bank Regulatory action was leveled against one of the country’s largest mortgage servicers for failure to respond to consumer complaints, failure to credit borrower payments, botched escrow accounts, illegally foreclosed mortgage loans, mishandled PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) … and the list goes on.

Experience shows us that in circumstances where lenders help clients refinance their sold mortgage loan, or pay off large lenders and sub-servicers, clients can be negatively impacted by delayed and inaccurate payoff requests, delayed credit or escrow accounts and the inability to talk to the same person twice when problem resolution is needed.

The first step to finding out who maintains local servicing is to do some research on area lenders. Ask if they maintain their mortgages, service them locally and where mortgage payments are accepted. These questions will leave you better informed to make the best decision that fits your needs.

Tammy Zurfluh is vice president mortgage loan manager at Blackhawk Bank.

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

More Golf Classic Fun!

To see more photos, visit the Rockford Chamber’s Facebook page.

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theVoice

Guest Perspective insight

The Community-led Master Plan Thanks to all of you, the future of your Rockford Park District is very clear. Feedback has helped guide recommendations, which were revealed to our board of commissioners in August on areas to reinvest in, add or eliminate/ suspend. With declining revenue, both through fees and a declining tax base, along with population and demographic shifts, it is becoming more difficult to provide the same level of excellent service without an increase in revenue or a decrease in the district’s footprint.

■ Trending Program and Revenue Jay Sandine Opportunities Rockford Park District – Alternative, new or nontraditional year-round programming to attract new, current and non-golfers, expanded food and beverage service and merchandise, add gaming at Aldeen Golf Club

Eliminate - Reduce Footprint

■ Reduce Tax Subsidy – Achieve a reasonable tax subsidy at Aldeen Golf The district began a community-led Club, Alpine Hills Adventure Park, Carlson master plan process in March to determine Ice Arena and Riverview Ice House, priorities and allocation of resources of Mercyhealth Sportscore Complexes and taxpayer dollars. The process included: UW Health Sports Factory

Master Plan Process

■ Seven community engagement sessions ■ Recreational needs assessment survey (2,937 collected)

Privatization, Suspension or Elimination

■ Suspend operation of Forest City Queen and Trolley Car 36 for 2019; explore ■ Operations Advisory Committee -- seven privatization community members toured facilities, met ■ Continue to explore privatization of with team members, reviewed policies, Magic Waters Waterpark. If privatization asked questions, and provided feedback doesn’t occur, continue operations and ■ More than 100 neighborhood groups explore options.

■ Phone line for citizen feedback

and other organizations

■ Suspend operations of Sand Park Pool ■ Feedback sessions with youth at for 2019 due to mandated remediation work. Due to high tax subsidy needed neighborhood parks via chalkboards for aquatic facilities, explore partnership ■ Specific user groups meetings for ice, opportunities or reduce aquatic services. aquatics and golf ■ Golf Operations in 2019 – Close Alpine We received some very specific Hills golf course, explore re-use or privatize guidance from our community. Every (sale or lease) Elliot Golf Course, increase recommendation is based on community fees, increase park champions, add new priorities, expense, revenue, attendance, programs trends and access.

■ Golf Operations in 2020 – Depending on community support in 2019, could close Reinvest — Improve, Elliot Golf Course and one additional Allocate More Resources course ■ Neighborhood Parks – Features and programming for youth, teens and families ■ Sale or Lease of Land – Specific districtowned property with no recreational value, ■ Aging Infrastructure – Facilities, parks, such as various district-owned buildings trees, mechanical systems, playgrounds, (example: lease former administrative number of tennis courts, and capital needs office in Sinnissippi Park). Explore sale of area museums or lease of land in prime development ■ Community Partnerships – Connect locations, such 10 acres on Mercyhealth with those the district isn’t currently Sportscore Two campus. serving; strengthen mutually beneficial Next Steps partnerships District leaders are seeking board ■ Our Next Generation –Increase youth approval at the Sept. 11, 2018 meeting programming, leadership development regarding the recommendations. Once and job opportunities approved, the board will modify priority results and staff will develop a five-year Add Something New strategic plan to achieve board and ■ Investment in Trails – Creation of communities’ priorities. Fundraising world-class silent sports trail system at priorities will be established for Rockford Atwood Park Park District Foundation. Finally, staff will ■ Create/Enhance Destination – Parks/ develop the budget for 2019. Visit www. regional attractions different from rpdfoundation.org/getinvolved. neighborhood parks, featuring unique Jay Sandine is executive director of the Rockford recreational elements to suit different Park District. lifestyle needs, such as water features, family activities, events, camps. Finish The views expressed are those of Sandine’s and development of key assets at locations such do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. as performance area at Levings Park.

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

august 2018 | 11

Consider Quick Response Manufacturing Getting products in customers’ hands Business is thriving in U.S. manufacturing, and as a result, time has become the ultimate competitive advantage. Many companies are investing in different technologies and innovations to address the challenges that stem from high-mix, custom-engineered manufacturing environments, but some are missing the mark in terms of lead times. To reduce both internal and external lead times, now is a good time for U.S. manufacturers to consider Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM).

QRM Shortens Lead Times, Increases Competitiveness In today’s digital world, consumers are conducting a lot more research on available goods and services -- goods and services that they want as fast as possible with minimal effort. Lead times play a significant role in customer satisfaction and can be the deciding factor for a buyer to select one company over another.

Longer lead times not only create frustration among consumers, but they also present the following challenges for manufacturers: ■ The risk of running out of inventory or stocking up on more to compensate for unreliable suppliers.

■ Less time to react to quality control issues that may arise after the product is shipped and delivered.

■ Decreased response-time to market changes and inability to introduce new products.

■ Decreased accuracy in sales forecasts.

■ The risk of your product not being what the customer wants anymore once it finally gets delivered.

QRM is a company-wide approach first developed in the late 1980s by Rajan Suri, an industrial and systems engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This approach

educates businesses on how to cut both internal and external lead times in all phases of their manufacturing and office operations. QRM primarily focuses on time and is ideally suited for high-mix, low-volume and customengineered products while easily being integrated into existing Lean, Six Sigma and other improvement efforts.

Quick Response Manufacturing at its Core According to the Center of Quick Response Manufacturing, the strategy comprises four core concepts:

1. The Power of Time Firms that focus on scale and cost management strategies (mainly Lean) require a high degree of labor specialization and hierarchical structures that can have negative effects on lead times and generate hidden costs. Some of these costs include waste that doesn’t get calculated including: ■ Overhead ■ The amount of time it takes to process an order ■ The steps needed to finish a single process Between each step there is a waiting period before you can move onto the next step. QRM evaluates each process and analyzes the wait time (white space) versus actual work time (gray space) so strategies can be developed to eliminate the white space. Less white space means quicker response time for your customers.

2. Organization Structure The principles and tools of QRM are designed around a Focused Target Market Segment (FTMS), where shorter lead times provide the company maximum benefits; for example, separate processes versus combined departments when answering customer

questions.

Placing engineering, quoting and inside sales in one room reduces the wait time for the customer who is interested in purchasing a specific motor for a certain application.

Traditionally, email communication could be exchanged between the inside sales representative, to the manufacturing engineer, to the head engineer, back to the sales representative and finally back to the customer.

Each exchange potentially has a wait time on it versus an environment where all individuals are sitting next to each other and can communicate face-to-face as the customer is on the phone. A twoday turnaround time for the answer turns into a 15-minute conversation that ends in a sale over the phone.

3. System Dynamics QRM’s cellular structure applies common system dynamics principles that lead to improved capacity planning and optimized batch sizes to achieve short lead times.

Most companies assume they want to be close to 100 percent utilization in terms of their processes, but ideally it is better to target 80 percent. When you set yourself at 80 percent, you have a buffer to be flexible for all the fluctuations of incoming business and customer demand.

You would not turn down the opportunity to purchase a machine that you only use 40 percent of the time if it significantly increases your throughput throughout the process. That would be similar to making the argument that landing gear on an airplane is no longer needed because it is only used part of the time when flying. It is more efficient to place something in a QRM cell and measure the time it takes to get the part out of the office, through manufacturing, and finally to shipping then to remain focused on individual machine utilizations.

4. EnterpriseWide Application Time-based management principles

are

Meaghan Ziemba AME

applied to all parts of the organization including office operations, material planning, production control, supply chain, and new product introduction.

Some

companies

are

surprised

to find that 50 percent of their lead times stem from their office processes.

Customers are not interested in how their lead times get broken up. They just want their products as fast as they can get it from the time they order them. Applying QRM to your office processes and your supply chain can significantly cut costs in areas such as inventory.

It all comes down to speed. Speed is the differentiator that separates you from your competitors, because it places focus on the overall offer that you provide to your customers. QRM also allows manufacturers to compete as domestic suppliers against low-cost, overseas companies, because it allows them to react faster to any market changes that may occur.

To learn more about Quick Response Manufacturing and how to implement it into your company processes visit the QRM institute at qrm.engr.wisc.edu.

Meaghan Ziemba is content marketing manager

at

Advanced

Machine

&

Engineering.

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

Sponsored by AME

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theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

You might not have a culture of accountability if …

Time to assess your organization Organizations with cultures of accountability have the tough conversations during the meetings — even if it takes courage and a commitment from all those present to work towards the good of the organization.

In 1993, Jeff Foxworthy released an album entitled “You Might Be a Redneck If…” While I can’t say for certain that this was the start of a culture phenomenon or an offensive way to unfairly categorize people, I can say that it was a well-known culture phrase. Duct tape aside, I’m going to borrow the concept with a slightly more business-focused twist: Welcome to ‘You Might Not Have a Culture of Accountability If …’

You Might Not Have a Culture of Accountability If … There are

constantly meetings with no direct outcomes. Patrick Lencioni said it best with the title of his book, Death

By Meeting – so many meetings are so pointless. Often organizations get trapped in cycles of meetings that should have been sent via email.

Or, only exist because they always have. Organizations with cultures of accountability ask themselves if the meetings are really effective ways to meet their goals and if not, they take bold action – they stop having them.

You Might Not Have a Culture of Accountability If … After those (perhaps unnecessary) meetings, there are more, secret meetings. You know this trick well – the meeting after the meeting. It’s the spot in the office where small groups congregate to talk about everything that should have been said in the meeting. Rather than addressing a potential problem head on or asking for further clarity, meetings after the meeting waste time, encourage deconstructive conflict and simply do not move an organization towards success.

Organizations with cultures of accountability have the tough conversations during the meetings – even if it takes courage and a commitment from all those present to work towards the good of the organization.

You Might Not Have a Culture of Accountability If … Members of your staff find ways to work around other members or departments. Johnny doesn’t like working with David; Leslie doesn’t like working with Pat; and no one likes working with Stanley. While working around others happens for a variety of reasons (personal disputes, lack of trust, perceived inability), it always slows things down. When people aren’t able to sit down and face their differences in respectful, professional manners and instead find work-arounds to cut others out, it creates a culture of mistrust. Sure, perhaps Stanley is slow to complete projects. Or maybe Johnny has a particular body odor that makes it difficult to meet regarding upcoming projects. But these excuses are just that – excuses to not have an accountability conversation. Cultures of accountability don’t work around people – they work with people to create results that best work for the organization, even if it requires a conversation or two.

You Might Not Have a Culture of Accountability If … You’re constantly letting things slide. Letting things slide

turns into a slippery slope.

When we don’t ask for what we need and then have Caitlin Pusateri Rockford Chamber conversations when things don’t meet those expectations, we are allowing our organizations to be lesserversions of themselves. The employee that constantly takes extended breaks while others work overtime. The employee that continually breaks dress code policy. The star sales person who never completes the required forms on time or correctly.

All of these infractions could be overlooked and let slide. Or, they could be costing your organization thousands in wasted productivity and resentment from those following the rules. Cultures of accountability create environments in which people are held accountable for their actions – no matter where in the organization they may sit.

Create a Culture of Accountability Cultures of accountability are not always easy to create. They force us to face aspects of our organization that may require rolling up our sleeves and digging in to deep work. They require tough conversations, self-awareness and the willingness to commit to constant growth and improvement.

But cultures of accountability are also the key to employee productivity, attraction and retention of top talent, wild business success and truly meaningful work. No matter how great your organization currently is, without a culture of accountability, you’re leaving money (and so much more) on the table.

Ready to move your organization into a culture of accountability? Start by registering your leaders for this year’s Rockford Leadership Alliance.

You can find full details at www. rockfordchamber.com/rockfordleadership-alliance-rla. We kick off with accountability expert, Joseph Grenny, on Sept. 19.

Be sure that you and your leaders are at the table. Register today.

Caitlin Pusateri is vice president, leadership development at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

august 2018 | 13

Don Harkey, CEO of People Centric Consulting Group

Collaboration, leadership of high-performance communities Be The Change – The Voice – A Leader: How do you intensify community growth? The answer is collaborative leadership; but who is a leader? It’s more people than you think! Don Harkey, CEO of People Centric Consulting Group, will discuss how the connection between leadership and collaboration directly applies to a community’s success.

Participants will discover what we can do as a community to own our story.

No one single organization or person can be the voice alone.

Collaboration is a deeply human activity that can either hinder or nurture a community. To truly be collaborative, activities and initiatives need to be deliberately focused on working toward shared goals; otherwise, we are cooperating, not collaborating.

Harkey spent 10 years working for Fortune 500 Companies, where he developed skills helping people improve processes. He left the corporate world in 2005 to become a speaker to thousands of people at national conferences and as a consultant working with organizations to implement tactical processes that create high-performance cultures.

RAEDC ANNUAL MEETING Wednesday, Nov. 14 5 to 8 p.m.

Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center

Visit RockfordIL.com/

AnnualMeeting for more details.

Hosts for Airbus Supplier Symposium: Congressman Adam Kinzinger and the RAEDC This symposium is an opportunity for regional businesses to attend a targeted invitation for suppliers and partners who fit into the supply chain needs. To apply for participation, email Chelsea Fray at CFray@RockfordIL.com with company name, attendee’s names, and the primary contact name, phone and email address by Sept. 10.

The supplier symposium will include remarks from U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Illinois 16th Congressional District, a presentation from Airbus, and brief oneon-one meetings with Airbus representatives.

About Airbus At Airbus, partners and suppliers are part of the extended family, and they play a crucial role in the common business success.

Around 60 to 80 percent of Airbus’

activity is sourced and works with U.S. Rep. Adam more than Kinzinger 12,000 suppliers worldwide that provide products and services for flying and non-flying parts.

The United States has long been a valued industrial partner to Airbus. It is continuously developing its supplier base, focusing today on identifying partners offering innovative and disruptive technologies to enable it to provide first-class products and services to its U.S. and international customers.

Since 1990, it has spent more than $200 billion dollars with hundreds of U.S. suppliers – $48 billion in the last three years alone. This makes it the largest export company for the U.S. aerospace industry.

BUSINESS PROJECTS: BEGINNINGS

Specialty Screw Corporation hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for a new addition to their current facility. The new addition will be 20,000 square feet at an approximate cost of $2.5 million. The company plans to hire an additional 10 employees, and states that current business is doing extremely well, and they are excited to expand in the Rockford community.

SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, breaks ground on July 23 on its new special procedures catheterization laboratory, a 12,000-sq.-ft. expansion for interventional cardiology, interventional radiology and peripheral vascular procedures on the hospital’s downtown campus.

Completion is projected for summer 2019.

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theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

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| Our Small Business Spotlight

SEPTEMBER 2018 • theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

FastPitch’s ‘Secret Sauce’ Oh, the places they go

By Sherry Pritz Enderle, NIU EIGERlab

Thinker Ventures, Universal Die Cast, Wipfli and Wood CPAs.

Now in its 12th Year Whether you win one of FastPitch offers entrepreneurs, the six generous prizes, all inventors, startups, pre-startups, existing participants “win” by gaining business owners and students (high exposure, a valuable business school and college) the opportunity to “pitch” their business idea or innovative pitching experience and business to a panel of esteemed judges the opportunity to conduct from the business and investment market research at the expo! community. Winners take home not only It’s similar to ABC’s “Shark Tank,” only our judges are friendlier! Local innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to share their products, services, apps or “ideas on a napkin” for a chance to win. Whether you win one of the six generous prizes, all participants “win” by gaining exposure, a valuable business pitching experience and the opportunity to conduct market research at the expo!

In the past 11 years, we’ve experienced entrepreneurs win with just an ‘idea on a napkin,’ wowing the judges by sharing both impressive marketing materials and a convincing vision as to why and how they plan to introduce a cool service or utilitarian product to the world.

Don’t attempt to impress FastPitch’s judges with sky-high projections. Be yourself, convey why you feel this product, service, app, etc., will make a difference. That’s part of the “secret sauce” that FastPitch’s trainers will share during the essential and strongly suggested training sessions.

A large percentage of our sponsors have supported us since the beginning.

This year, First Northern Credit Union is our presenting sponsor. Signature sponsors include Colorlab Private Label, Growth Dimensions, Midland Bank, Rockford Bank & Trust, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Savant Capital Management, StateLine Angels,

cash prizes ($5,000 for the first place finisher!), but exposure to investors, business leaders, media, and potential mentors as well.

NIU EIGERlab’s FastPitch will be held Wednesday, Oct. 3 at NIURockford.

Where Are They Now? 2017 Competition First place: Dr. Trevor Gibbs’ Anestand. “We have finished our design and we’re obtaining quotes for the injection molding. We have an FDA consultant working on FDA registration and creating our quality program. We formed a C Corp and have partnered with investors. Anestand should be launched at the start of the new FDA year, which is October.”

Third place: Elisabeth Stecki’s Travel Sufficient Alcohol Kits. (TSAKit). “We continue to promote TSA-Kits at local events. In April, we participated as a vendor at Chicago’s Chocolate, Wine & Spirits Tasting Expo. We have submitted three utility and design patents for our TSA-Kits, and we are in the process of distributing TSA-Kits nationwide.”

Finalist: Levi Johnston’s Acutrack.

“We have started to test our product in Ace Hardware. We are also working with distributors from across the world seeking innovative new products such as Acutrack. We have hired our first employee, and under the ‘Hardware’

Dr. Trevor Gibbs presentation for a surgical anesthesia improved setup called Anestand was a first-place winner in the 2017 Fastpitch competition.

Acutrack is a maintenance-free display solution for pegged merchandise.

Sector. Acutrack was recognized by Red Herring as one of the 2018 Red Herring Top 100 N. America Awards Finalists!”

Finalist: Dapo Kolawole’s Citispoon. “We launched our beta app in December 2017 and launched our app at Techday NY in May 2018 -- now available in Apple’s App Store.

“We pitched at University of Iowa Alumni Venture School winning second place ($2,000). We came in first in the Southeast Chamber of Commerce’s Competition, which also included a media marketing package. We pitched at Founders Live Chicago where we received $5,000 in Amazon Web Services credits -- much needed for our app! Lastly, we pitched at Startup Grind Chicago!”

Mary Ley’s Styr O Tone musical instruments. “Our goal to make musical instruments from recycled plastics won us a $2,000 grant from the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department with the goal of recycling plastics into usable items.

“We are in the process of building our own machines to shred, melt, extrude and compress the plastic to create a variety of musical instruments. We will

The Homeland Security-compliant TSA-Kit™ for liquor at the airport or in the air. then begin designing and forging molds from recycled aluminum and steel to produce our musical instruments. It’s a brand new concept to the world and with all of us working together on this, we are confident we’ll be doing great things!

Our four-member mastermind team is highly experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about this project.”

The FastPitch registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 20. Presentation training sessions will be held Sept. 25 and 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For full FastPitch Competition details and sponsor list, visit the NIU EIGERlab’s website.

Sherry Pritz Enderle is marketing & events coordinator/business development at NIU EIGERlab Innovation Network and FastPitch’s event manager.

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

rockfordchamber.com • theVoice • SEPTEMBER 2018

Collective impact for innovation and transformation

By David Sidney, Transform Rockford Collective impact is a framework that is designed to guide the social innovation process. Without a framework, cross-sector collaboration risks turning into chaos.

Innovation brings a big vision. It seeks lots of collaboration. It involves a community of people. This work needs support. It needs a framework.

Collective impact is not the only framework for social innovation, but it is an approach that has been used by many communities in a multitude of initiatives across the world and has been demonstrated to impact community-wide change.

Innovation Occurs Within Every Sector However, there is a difference between innovation that occurs within a sector and innovation that happens across sectors.

Cross-sector innovation has come to be called social innovation. Social innovation does not simply refer to innovation that occurs within the social sector. It’s referring to innovation that occurs across sectors to transform the conditions that impact all sectors and people within a community or system. It thrives on participation from business owners, public offices, nonprofits and faith-based organizations. The chart below illustrates some of the main difference between social innovation and social programming, as identified through research.

Social Innovation is Process Oriented It’s not just a new product or service.

The innovation might improve the effectiveness of services or products, but the innovation is not itself a product or service. The vehicle that drives social innovation is collaboration and co-creation — not simply collaboration within sector,

as innovation might refer to within an industry, but collaboration across David Sydney sectors. Social Transform Rockford innovation seeks to change norms and systems. Its focus is broader than a consumer base that might be impacted through a program.

It seeks to change conditions of the community ecosystem. And its vision is transformation. It is about dynamic, transformational change over incremental improvement.

The grade-level reading initiative being supported by Alignment Rockford is a good example of a vision for change that requires social innovation. A data-walk exercise that took place at a stakeholder forum in June demonstrated the impact that complexity has on 3rd grade reading outcomes, with multiple contributing factors including truancy, income and mobility. There was an understanding among stakeholders that programs alone cannot address all the contributing factors.

The conditions of the community must change. This lead the third-grade reading initiative to a Collective Impact approach.

So, does collective impact drive innovation? Not exactly. Stakeholders drive innovation. Collaboration drives innovation. Community drives innovation.

Collective Impact provides a framework that guides community and stakeholders through the process of collaboration as they navigate complex ecosystems on their journey to transformation.

David Sidney is executive director at Transform Rockford.

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

Our Small Business Spotlight |

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| Our Small Business Spotlight

SEPTEMBER 2018 • theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective insight

Apprenticeships – training on the job A workforce development tool for businesses The Workforce Connection works to connect all partners necessary to develop our regional workforce. Our tagline, Get Connected, is exactly what happens when we bring partners together and help find solutions for local employers.

The Workforce Connection connects training providers with employers that are patient and willing to work with individuals who require technical training and lack work experience. The work experience individuals gain as they earn and learn is invaluable for both the individual and the employer.

Apprenticeships are partnership models meant to meet businesses’ current needs, adapt to tomorrow’s needs and alleviate workforce shortages.

We partner with Plumbers and Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Program to provide employers with highly skilled apprentices who benefit from being able to apply what they’ve learned in training in an actual work environment.

UA Local 23 Plumber, Pipefitter, and HVACR Fitter apprentices attend school two nights per week and receive on-thejob training during the day. At the end

of their five-year apprenticeship, they become UA Local 23 Journeymen, who earn the industry standard wage and benefit package.

Training Dollars Available Ceroni Piping and Construction Management in Cherry Valley provides process power piping, plumbing and fabrication for food manufacturers, utility companies, automotive industry, defense contractors and other industrial and commercial customers. Ceroni has offered apprentices from the Plumbers and Pipefitters training program opportunities to gain work experience, using on-the-job training dollars available through The Workforce Connection.

Ceroni said, “By being able to participate in this program, we are able to pass down savings to our contractors.

When we can pair an apprentice with an experienced journeyman, we ask our contractors for patience as we grow the workforce. Those contractors who choose

to support our efforts understand our commitment to Lisa M. Bly The Workforce our employees.”

Connection Under the Workforce Connection OJT program, we can reimburse up to 50 to 75 percent of wages paid to a newly hired employee for up to six months during training. Contact our business team for more information on how this program can work for you.

Apprenticeships are a key focus in our efforts to develop the workforce in the Rockford area, and we welcome the opportunity to help your business grow.

Lisa M. Bly, Ed.D., is executive director of The Workforce Connection, the workforce board for Boone, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.

Call 815-395-6688.

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

Notice of funding opportunity

The State of Illinois has posted a Notice of Funding Opportunity for projects that demonstrate how apprenticeship programs can be developed and administered. A strong apprenticeship program requires building and maintaining effective partnerships between the business, workforce system and education/training providers.

The state expects that four to seven grants of $50,000 to $500,000 will awarded under this NOFO, including two to three in northern Illinois.

Funding awards will correspond with the project’s anticipated outcomes and deliverables. Visit www.illinoisworknet.com/apprenticeshipnofo.

Tax reform provisions that affect businesses The IRS has created a site for business owners with questions on the changes made in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December 2017.

Visit IRS.gov/taxreform for these topics: ■ Income (including gains and losses)

■ Employer credit for paid Family and Medical Leave

■ Limitations on carried interest

■ Rehabilitation tax credit

■ Like-kind exchanges

■ International

■ Deductions and depreciation

■ Taxes, deductions and depreciation, income and more

■ Business interest expense ■ Depreciation and expensing

■ Taxes

■ Employer deduction for certain fringe benefits

■ Blended federal income tax ■ Transition tax on foreign earnings

■ Luxury automobile depreciation

■ Withholding on the transfer of partnership interests by foreign persons

■ Sexual harassment settlement payments ■ Credits

■ Opportunity zones

rockfordchamber.com • theVoice • SEPTEMBER 2018

“The company appears to be more innovative by creating a culture that supports employees,” Daniel Morgan said. He notes that employees will actually take less time off. A more flexible schedule allows them to respond more easily to life obstacles that arise.

With the tightest labor market in recent history, employers are getting creative in the ways they attract talented workers.

Offering flexible work arrangements, a priority of jobseekers, is one recruitment strategy. In a new Express survey, job seekers cite a “flexible work schedule” as the most important non-health benefit.

According to Express Employment Professionals franchise owner Jason Patrick of Nashville, employers who offer flexible work arrangements see other benefits beyond recruitment. It also improves morale and retention, he said.

Daniel Morgan, an Express franchise owner in Birmingham, Ala., adds that it improves a company’s overall image. “The company appears to be more innovative by creating a culture that supports employees,” he said. He notes that employees will actually take less time off. A more flexible schedule allows them to respond more easily to life obstacles that arise.

Our Small Business Spotlight |

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New survey: How do employers define ‘flexible work?’

Flexible Industrial Jobs?

Flexible work arrangements may come easy for “office jobs,” but what about industrial jobs? Lee Wenninger, an Express franchise owner in the Indianapolis area, explains how one local manufacturer found a way to offer flexibility when he was having trouble finding workers.

“There were a lot people he spoke with who wanted to work for him, but could not work a traditional shift,” Wenninger said.

Instead, the manufacturer opened his factory at 7 a.m. and turned out the lights at 9 p.m. Workers are required to produce a certain number of components daily; however, they can do so any time between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

So, some employees work a traditional eight-hour shift, while others work only three or four days until they reach their weekly allotment.

Rockford Statistics

“This allows retirees to come in early and then have the freedom to leave for appointments or other commitments,” Wenninger said. “They return later in the day to complete their allotment.

And there are parents who work while their children are in school, then leave when their kids come home from school and return after dinner to meet their quota.”

Flexible work survey: What do job seekers want?

In a survey of job seekers, Express asked respondents, “What benefits — not including healthcare — do you value most from employers?” “Flexible work schedule” was the number one answer.

Similarly, “opportunities to work from home/remotely” was the number three answer.

Express surveyed business leaders and asked them, “What does ‘flexible work’ mean to you?”

“Technology, communication channels, family structures, business practices and commuting habits have all changed dramatically over the last couple decades — even the last few years in some cases — so it’s only logical that work arrangements can and should adapt as well,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express.

“It’s much easier to build a workforce that will take a company into the future if the company’s practices aren’t stuck in the past. Of course, not every arrangement will work in every situation. But a company shouldn’t see offering flexible work as a concession to employees; they should see it as a way to build a more committed, productive team and a stronger, forward-looking business.”

Source: Express Employment Professionals’ jobseeker blog, Movin’ On Up.

The City of Rockford infographics help residents and businesses understand the key metrics by which the City measures its performance.

City departments use dozens of statistics to track the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of critical city services. Slide presentations of these key metrics are posted monthly on the City website and released to the media and public.View the full presentation deck on the City website: https://rockfordil.gov/news/rockstat/

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R O C K F O R D

SEPTEMBER 2018 • theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Exploration of trends & research Their impact in Northern Illinois What are some of the trends shaping our current lives and where will they take us in the future? How will the future employee change the behavior of working-class America, and how will employers change their outlook toward employees? Most interestingly: What will occur in working-class America in trying to embrace new businesses and cultural values for America in general?

As the SBDC Director, I receive more than my share of questions that I have no clue how to answer. One in particular that is frequently asked is: What are the future trends for small business? With a wide smile, and hopefully a polite manner, I typically answer, “I’m not too sure because I’m more interested and concerned about the present.”

Truth is, I work hard to take care of what is in front of me vs. what may or may not occur in the near future. I care about trends and the future, it matters to all of us. I read it frequently and study it with tedious care; however, I cannot get caught up in what “smart people” are saying might happen. What if it does not happen?

Then what?

That said, I have reviewed a few studies that I believe are worthy of some reflection, and very possibly a few moments of your valuable time.

Some Points of Reference Let me provide a few “thin on the ground,” reference points for our information.

The way government defines small business and the manner in which “business owners” define small business are different. Small business is delineated by top line dollars and cash flow; all other components are secondary. Government

defines small business by the number of employees the organization has.

At the SBDC, we work with a variety of businesses from start-ups, zero top line, emerging businesses with just enough for break-even, to businesses that have 15 to 20 employees, with three million top line, good cash-flow months to others that demand a line of credit. Regardless of where the business falls on that continuum, every business is constantly solving problems. I frequently tell people starting a business, “If you have never been humbled, be prepared, because starting a business will be the single most self-effacing experience of your life. Be prepared to wake up at 3 a.m., and never go back to sleep.”

I reference two credible reports: The Intuit, “2020 Report” and the NFIB Research Foundation, “The Voice of Small Business.” Both pieces of information are well documented with charts, graphs and predictions based on historical data.

(Together both reports exceed 140 pages.)

But, the most important part of these reports is how this impacts and affects northern Illinois and our city of Rockford.

My purpose is to shed a few lumens on that. The information is so vast and dense I’ll probably extend this subject to next month also. I will make it abundantly clear when I reference the reports and when I offer my opinion.

Women Come Out Strong Demographically, “It’s a She-conomy …

According to analysis by Booz & Company.

Globally, 870 million women (globally) who have not previously participated in the mainstream economy will gain employment or start their own business.”

(Intuit 2020)

We observe that every day. Women are stronger, more determined and prepared for hardship through the process of establishing a new venture. It is heartening to experience that dedication in northern Illinois. If they don’t have money, they go find money; if they need a business plan and do not have the skills to write it, they find someone who can fill that void. They find a way. Men do also, but the sheer willpower and courage in today’s market belongs to the female genre.

The second demographical trend … “the shift from rural to urban will continue, with about 60% of the global population living in cities and suburbs by 2020. More than 50 cities worldwide will boast more than 5 million inhabitants, with more than 20 megacities teeming with more than 10 million residents.” (Intuit 2020) I do not believe we need to expand on this trend, we experience this shift every day in northern Illinois. It isn’t going away.

Three Social Trends Let’s change gears to social trends.

There are three that capture the attention of northern Illinois: “Social Media,” “Localism Creates a New Way of Life,” and finally, “Customers Control the Relationship.”

At the Small Development Center, the initial conversation is focused toward the business concept, the employment history, financial position, strengths vs. weaknesses and lastly, the level of acumen with “Social Media.” We have never heard, “I know all

there is to know about social media capabilities to reach my audience, and expand my reach.”

Never.

Which Bo Boger is good. The reaSBDC son it’s positive is because social media changes frequently, and it can help strengthen the marketing approach to your new or seasoned venture.

The second trend, “Localism,” is directed toward work-life balance. It is no longer a myth: It is reality. The generations beyond the baby-boomers are demanding it, and they are the keys to the Kingdom.

This change and prioritization of how we live is no longer just a good idea – it’s reality.

And finally, “Customers Control the Relationship.” Customers are more informed and educated than ever before.

The products and services provided are compared and scrutinized through the internet with every click of the laptop.

Next month we will continue talking trends and how they impact the northern Illinois and Rockford markets covering Economic Trends, Technology Trends: The Ubiquity of Technology, and other trends and research.

Bo Boger is director at the Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT THE SBDC The Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce offers services free of charge to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Rockford area, both chamber members and non-members. As a partnership between the Rockford Chamber and the Illinois DCEO, it operates out of NIU EIGERlab, NIURockford, 8500 E. State St., and maintains an office at the chamber’s downtown location.

For questions, contact Bo Boger, SBDC director, at 815-316-4301.

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

september 2018

business

Woodward, Inc.’s board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.1425 per share for the quarter, payable on Sept. 4, 2018, for stockholders of record as of Aug. 21, 2018. Net sales were $588 million for the third quarter of 2018, an increase of seven percent from the prior year quarter.

V2 Marketing Communications organized, promoted and facilitated Chicago National Association of Dance Masters’ 106th Summer Dance Workshop with five dance tracks and more than 500 participants at the Doubletree Chicago-Oak Brook, Ill. Mercyhealth Development Foundation’s annual Golf Play Day on June 25 at the Beloit Club with 120 participants raised more than $23,000 for Mercyhealth at Home.

KMK Media Group was hired by LR Communications in Leaf River, Ill., and developed an ad campaign leading to web hits and inquiries online for the company’s telecommunications business-toconsumer services. KMK was hired

by Pierce Distribution Services Company to handle its marketing efforts.

Savant Capital Management was recognized by Financial Advisor, Financial Times and InvestmentNews as a leading Registered Investment Advisor firm and by Accounting Today as one of the nation’s leading CPA firms by assets under management.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomed the annual Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses back to Rockford for three weekends at BMO Harris Bank Center in July and August; drawing roughly 13,500 attendees for an estimated economic impact of $589,500.

The sixth-annual Rock River Robotics Off-season Competition on July 28 at the Rock Valley College PE Center drew 36 teams, 700 participants and 2,000 fans from four Midwestern states. Four $1,000 scholarships were awarded to 2018 R2OC student participants from nonprofit R2OC and Rock Valley College Foundation. R2OC also earmarked up to $6,000 in grant funding for robotics programs in Boone, Stephenson and Winnebago counties.

Mrs. Fisher’s Potato Chips launched new packaging in late May 2018 based on a design presented to it almost eight years ago in 2010

by GinestraWatson Co. The city of South Beloit, Stenstrom Excavation & Blacktop Group and Fehr Graham celebrated the $1.6 million in improvements to Blackhawk Boulevard, Oak Grove Avenue and Donor Drive with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 16. Fehr Graham completed the civil engineering design for the project to spur development in these areas.

Niche in the categories of private K-12 school, private high school, college-prep private high school and high school for STEM. The school also ranked in the top three for most diversity among private high schools in Winnebago County.

KMK Media Group worked with the Oregon School District to create communication pieces with “Need to Know” information for families on the first day of school for elementary, middle and high school students and parents.

SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health announced the winners of the school challenge for the most registered and participating students, staff and faculty of the State Street Mile in August: Winnebago High School ($1,000), Freeport Middle School ($750) and Maria Montessori School ($500).

Rockford Park District’s Fall/Winter 2018/2019 Program Guide is available at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/guides, facilities and customer service locations. Registration is open for most offerings in the guide The Every Step Counts: Rosecrance Recovery 5K Walk/Run at Rosecrance Berry Campus in August drew nearly 500 people and raised nearly $40,000.

Rockford Rescue Mission’s website took first place in the Media Innovation Competition hosted by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions for organizations with annual operating budgets of more than $5 million.

The Rock Valley College Allied Health Division hosts free information sessions this fall for certified nursing assistant, dental hygiene, fire science, fitness, wellness and sport, registered nursing, respiratory care and surgical technology in the Health Sciences Center at its main campus, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. Visit rockvalleycollege.edu/infosessions.

Keith Country Day School ranked the #1 private school in Winnebago County with an overall A+ rating by

The American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs unveiled its 20th anniversary logo.

Get to know your Ambassadors: STEVE CUNNINGHAM What is your favorite thing about being an ambassador?

As an employee of the Mercyhealth system – which is investing heavily in the Rockford area – it’s exciting to be on hand when new businesses open their doors or an existing business completes an expansion project.

So many good things are happening in this community, and I enjoy representing the Chamber on these occasions. I have met many great people who are committed to helping Rockford reach its potential and look forward to meeting many more.

Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal. Honest. Determined.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Golf. A bad day on the golf course is almost as good as a good day at work.

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

Business Briefs

RAMP hired Chartwell Agency to assist with branding and strategy for its OnRAMP Curriculum & Training products, including comprehensive disability curriculum for Kindergarten through 12th grade and an ecommerce website, OnRAMPtraining.com.

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University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford held its White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 11 for the 59 first-year medical students in the Class of 2022 who arrived on campus.

Rosecrance will open a new Center for Recovery at 2302 Moreland Blvd., in Champaign in late December with adult residential and outpatient substance use treatment and structured, supportive recovery, grounded in the principles of 12-step recovery.

SwedishAmerican Medical Group/ Belvidere opened a Little Free Library at 1625 S. State St., in Belvidere.

RAMP is offering seating for private parties on The Patio to enjoy City Market for up to 50 people and the opportunity for preferred parking for 33 at a discounted rate on Fridays, 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., through Sept. 28.

Rosecrance received a nearly $30,000 grant from the United Way of Greater McHenry County in July in support of the Rosecrance McHenry programs, including drug and alcohol counseling and family and individual counseling.

The first Medtronic Micra Leadless Pacemaker, a new medical device about the size of a large vitamin, was implanted at Mercyhealth Rockford in a patient who suffered from chronic atrial fibrillation in August -- the first patient in northern Illinois to have this surgery.

Visitor spending in Rockford and Winnebago County reached an all-time high of $383.7 million in 2017, an increase of 8.3 percent over 2016, according to the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

in the news Members in the News

1. Brock Morlan

2. O Phothiboupha

3. Adam Murray

4. Deb Nau

5. Jim Wang

6. Peggy Kruger

7. Julie O’Rourke

8. Ivonn Ramos

9. Steve Pearson

10. Ryan Connor

11. Ryan Sword

12. Sal Marino

13. Barb Ripley

14. Tom Lasley

15. Dr. Karen Liao

16. Alec Gierzynski

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

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Entré Computer Solutions transitioned Ryan Connor (10) to Avaya sales representative and Ryan Sword (11) to inside sales.

GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford welcomed Brock Morlan (1), principal, Marquette Elementary School, and founder-owner-lead trainer for the National Organization for Treating Trauma, to its board.

CoyleKiley Insurance welcomed Sal Marino (12) as an employee benefits consultant and Barb Ripley (13) as a wealth management sales assistant and customer service representative.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Barbara Olson Center of Hope hired Tom Lasley (14) as director of development.

University Club of Rockford promoted O Phothiboupha (2) to head chef and Adam Murray (3) to sous chef.

Deb Nau (4) is executive director of The Parks Chamber of Commerce.

TheFranaGroup hired Deborah Thomas as a coding/billing specialist.

Stillman Bank welcomed Jim Wang (5), vice president and commercial loan officer, and Peggy Kruger (6), commercial loan officer.

Julie O’Rourke (7) joined Associated Bank as senior vice president, Rockford market leader, private client services.

J.L. Clark welcomed Lori Mack as controller in the accounting department.

Ivonn Ramos (8) became a licensed producer for Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc. Fairhaven welcomed Steve Pearson (9) as director of facility operations.

17. Tyrone Garrett

18. Jeff Reese

Karen Liao, M.D. (15), joined the UI Health L.P. Johnson Family Health Center, part of University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, as an attending physician.

Fehr Graham hired Alec Gierzynski (16) as a hydrogeologist.

The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford hired Tyrone Garrett (17) for its Positive Choices program in local schools.

Jeff Reese (18) is the new CEO of Van Matre HealthSouth.

Dr. Annie Fridh (19), Rosecrance, was appointed vice president of operations of Jackson Recovery Centers, Sioux City, Iowa.

Blackhawk Bank promoted Marisol Benitez (20) to AVP CRA and compliance officer.

Geraldine “Geri” Fox, M.D. (21), MHPE, FAACAP, is the new chair and clinical professor in the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford Department of Psychiatry.

19. Dr. Annie Fridh

20. Marisol Benitez

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford graduated the following residents: Zena Alyashae, M.D.; Medha Chunduru, M.D.; Marsha Dunkley, M.D.; Karen Liao, M.D.; Johnathan Luis Martins, M.D.; Saud A. Siddiqui, M.D., and Jithinraj Edakkanambeth Varayil, M.D. (family medicine); Tyrone R. Brand, M.D., and Harneet K. Gahley, M.D. (Dixon rural training track), and Serene Antoinette Bethune, D.O. (Monroe family medicine residency).

Beth Marlewski (22), secretary, received the Resourceful, Organized, Student-centered, Exemplary (ROSE) award by the Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford family medicine residency program awarded Mary Jo Ironside, M.D., and Kenton Lee, M.D., as L.P. Johnson Family Health Center Faculty of the Year; James Cole, D.O., Geoffrey Tsaras, M.D., and Pradeep Raju, M.D., as Outstanding Rotation Attending Physicians, and Sameer Ansar, M.D., as 2018 Outstanding Community Preceptor.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley announced Ariadna Fernandez, sophomore, engineering, Rock Valley College, as the winner of the YMCA Intern Challenge. She received a $1,500 scholarship and $5,000 paid internship with the organization of her choosing. Nia Neal was named second and Andrea Bent third place.

21. Dr. Geraldine Fox

22. Beth Marlewski

Jennifer Reisinger (23), financial advisor, Edward Jones, earned her CRPS designation.

Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, presented Certificates of Recognition from the Illinois Senate to Mark Pickett and Ryan Craig. Their heroic efforts saved mortician Bruce Salley from drowning in a flash flood in June in the parking lot of Rockford Plaza at Charles and 20th streets. Pickett and Craig pulled Salley from his car; pinned against a guardrail along Keith Creek and engulfed by rushing water. The rescue received national attention. A third man, Manuel Meza, and two East High School students, Markinez Gray and Demari Hart, assisted in the rescue and received certificates.

SwedishAmerican awarded 10 one-year $1,000 scholarships to children of the Associates’ Children Scholarship Program: Renee Chanthalangsy, Emma Harper, Lauren Holder, Colin Kaecker, Hunter Luke, Ryan McKnight, David Perian, Olivia Sawyer, Kelsey Walker and Morgan Zellner.

Google recognized Heather Kelley (24), principal, V2 Marketing, as a Google Analytics certified professional.

Young athletes of the Rockford Park District Rockford FIRE Track & Field Run headed to the 2018 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa this summer: Kyle Agunod, Zion Braimah, Izaiah

Continued on page 23

23. Jennifer Reisinger

24. Heather Kelley

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

september 2018

in the news Members in the News

25. Jakob Loescher

26. Tim Bardell

27. Andrew Morgenroth

28. Kerry Schaible

OF GENERAL INTEREST

29. Mike Mastroianni

30. Dr. Thomas Wright

(continued from page 22) Braimah, Javius Catlin, Brandon Ferguson, Kaitlyn Ferguson, Michelle Gasmund, Alonzo Latimore, Sydney Lofton, Kendra Love and Mikah Reynolds.

Jakob Loescher (25), financial advisor, Savant Capital Management, was named to Forbes’ list of America’s Top NextGeneration Wealth Advisors; ranking #10 in the nation and #2 in Illinois.

Tim Bardell (26) is Meridian’s Employee of the Month in July.

Andrew Morgenroth (27), senior specialist in compliance with Wipfli LLP’s financial institutions practice, obtained his Certified Mortgage Quality Control Specialist (CMQCS) designation from the National Association of Mortgage Underwriters.

Kerry Schaible (28), CLU, RCIP, ChFC, WMC, financial advisor, Northwestern Mutual, will be part of a five-person keynote field panel on innovative retirement planning and distribution strategies at the 138th annual meeting in Milwaukee.

Mike Mastroianni (29), author and president, MDM Consulting, facilitated a strategic planning session for the Rockford Regional Health Council to direct its activities for the next three years. Mastroianni and Bo Boger, director, Illinois SBDC at Rockford Chamber, presented a session on Succession Planning at Nonprofit Day 2018 in DeKalb, Ill. Dr. Thomas Wright (30), chief medical officer, Rosecrance, participated in a panel discussion at the Opioid Awareness Community Forum in July at Northern Illinois University. Other participants were Congressmen Adam Kinzinger; Kristin Crowley, WREX-TV (moderator); Doug O’Brien, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Sheriff Gary Caruana, Winnebago County; Dr. John Pakiela, Mercyhealth, and Bobby Gattone, New Directions Sober Living.

SupplyCore named to Inc.’s fastestgrowing companies in America Rockford-based SupplyCore Inc., has been honored for the eighth time in Inc. magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States. This is a distinction only two percent of companies have made of the tens of thousands that have applied over the years.

SupplyCore Inc., a supply chain management and technology solutions integrator and federal defense contractor headquartered in downtown Rockford, ranks #1939 and is one of 241 Illinois companies and the only Rockford-based company to make the 2018 list.

The company founded in 1987 had revenue of $342.9 million in 2017, according to www.inc.com/profile/supplycore; outpacing the revenue of the top 10 companies on the list. Rankings were based according to percentage growth of annual revenue over a three-year period, 2014 to 2017.

“As a growth company, we have created new jobs, promoted associates from within, supported important causes within our communities, and improved the readiness of our customers,” said Peter Provenzano, president and CEO. “This recognition is a testament to all of our stakeholders and our work together.”

For more information, including company profiles and an interactive database sorted by industry, region and other criteria, visit www.inc. com/inc5000.

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Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in July, 2018.

ADT Security Services, Inc. American Solutions for Business (Formerly Skyward Promotions) Auto Body Specialist Inc. Axberg, a Division of Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. B & H Office Furniture Broadway Florist Cleo College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Concordia University of Wisconsin Custom Training Resources Dry Otter Basement Water Proofing/Concrete Raising Event Floral Fairfield Inn & Suites First Northern Credit Union Forest City Gear Co. ForeverLawn Chicago Friends of the Coronado Gommel Design Greenlee Heritage Woods of Rockford Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Honest Pest Control Inc. Horizons Inc. Howe Freightways, Inc. HR Capital Management Consultants Ignition Studio, Inc. Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) Illinois State Credit Union Ingenium Aerospace LLC J.L.Clark K&J Finishing, Inc. Key Realty, Inc. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden KP Counseling Management, LLC Laurent House Foundation, Inc. Lawn Care by Walter, Inc. LDR Cleaning & Restoration Mary’s Market Midway Village Museum Midwest Mailworks, Inc. Mr. Goodwater, Inc. Northern Illinois Hospice Northern Illinois Insulation Northern Public Radio (WNIU/WNIJ/NIRIS)

Northwestern Mutual NyClo Screw Machine Products Parker Hannifin Corporation Peterson Meadows Prairie Street Brewing Co. Project First Rate RAC Adjustment Company Reno & Zahm LLP RJ Link International, Inc. RK Dixon Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association Rockford Association for Minority Management Rockford Electric Equipment Company Rockford Lutheran School Rockford Park District Rockford Speedway/Forest Hills Lodge Rockford Symphony Orchestra Rockform Carbide Manufacturing Samco Sales & Marketing Inc. Servpro of Rockford Sinnissippi Apartments Inc. Sosnowski Szeto, LLP Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc. Springfield Electric Supply Company SPXFLOW Hydraulic Technologies Stockholm Inn Terracon, Inc. The Anser Group The Frame Shoppe (Zanco Framing Inc.) The Music Academy Tovar Snow Professionals Town Square Publications USANA Health Sciences Watt Global Media

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

New Chamber Members CARDINAL STAFFING

SPRINT STORE

Staffing company 1632 S. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008 Eva Macias 815-323-6030 www.cardinalstaffing.com

Wireless industry 6602 E. State St., 61108 Bonnie Millam 815-381-8700

EMPOWERING WORD CHRISTIAN CENTER A loving, friendly, and welcoming church family preaching and teaching the empowering word of God. 4010 E. State St., 61108 Pastor Alvin White 815-243-0724 www.empoweringword.net

ESTWING MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. Designing and manufacturing the world’s most durable, comfortable and attractive striking and struck tools.

2647 8th St., 61109 Sharon Phillips 815-397-9521 www.estwing.com

GAMBINO REALTORS KEVIN L. FISHER, BROKER 3815 N. Mulford Road, 61114 Kevin L. Fisher, RENE 815-494-9595 www.kfisher.gogambino.com

INFINITE SOUL VIBRATIONS Holistic Jewelry Store 1448 Temple Cir., 61108 Tamika Brown 815-742-0092

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) - East State

Health, Wellness 106 S. Madison St., 61104 Mike Zahniser 815-985-3645 www.transformrockford.com

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) - Riverside Blvd

SPECTRUM PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL OF ROCKFORD

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.) - Downtown

Westminster Presbyterian Church William Charles, Ltd. WinMan LLC WPS Health Insurance

September 2018 Member Anniversaries

STATELINE YOUTH FOR CHRIST Seeking to empower disadvantaged teens spiritually, socially, and emotionally through creative programs and healthy relationships with adult mentors.

1288 S. Alpine Road, 61108 Haddon Anderson 815-399-7203 www.statelineyfc.org

STRAIGHTLINE MOVING INC. Moving service 5257 Swanson Road, Ste. 2 Roscoe, IL 61073 Tim Stewart 815-708-7875 www.straightlinemovingcompany. com

TRICOCI UNIVERSITY OF BEAUTY CULTURE, LLC Providing the highest quality beauty education, focused on ethical leadership, values, innovation and advanced skills.

5485 E. State St., 61108 April Cauthen 815-226-9848 www.tricociuniversity.com

WINDSOR AUTO SALES, INC Automobile dealer 7010 N. Alpine Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Nick Shutkas 815-877-4450 www.Windsorautoinc.com

WINNEBAGO MOTOR HOMES Recreational vehicles sales and service 6841 Auburn St., 61101 Terry Franklin 815-964-5591 www.winnebagomotorhomes.com

An independent school for students that can flourish in self-directed, rigorous programs 4848 Turner St. Rockford, IL 61107 Dr. Mary Beth Cunat 815-877-1600 www.spectrumschool.org

Thank you to our members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

20-YEAR MEMBERS

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Briargate Management, LLC Crystal Precision Drilling, Inc. Nutrition Works, Inc. Pathfinder Wealth Management, Inc. QPS Employment Group Rockford Rigging, Inc.

A-1 Dry Cleaning & Laundry Cedar Hill Condominium Association

15-YEAR MEMBER Gary W. Anderson Architects

5-YEAR MEMBERS State Farm Insurance & Financial Services

Are you a Member with News to Share?

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

DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

september 2018

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on digital

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

Mercyhealth holds a press conference at its new Riverside campus on July 25, celebrating its designation as the only state-designated children’s hospital in the northern Illinois region from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Rockford Rescue Mission holds a community dedication on July 27 for its new William Howard and Lucille D. Dittmar Performing Arts Center on the second floor of the mission. A curriculum will be developed for residents of the Life Recovery Program to develop their talents in music, theater, dance and other modes of performance.

SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, breaks ground on Aug. 2 on its $60 million, state-of-the art Women and Children’s Tower on its main hospital campus in downtown Rockford. It includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and secure NICU rooftop healing garden for patients and families. Completion is projected for spring 2021.

Pizza Hut holds a ribbon cutting on July 30 at a new location, 575 S. Perryville Road, Rockford.

Ring Container Technologies held a ribbon cutting and open house on Aug. 23 at 4689 Assembly Dr., Rockford.

Edward Jones - Trina Bankord Andersen, Financial Advisor, held a ribbon cutting and open house on Aug. 23 at 109 N. Show Place Dr., Ste. 1, Rockford.

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| september 2018

community

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

Community Events

SEPTEMBER 2018

Saturday, September 8

Lifescape Community Services, Inc., presents Lifescape Senior Expo, 9 Senator Stadelman’s HoopStars, a a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rock Valley College free 3-on-3 tournament for boys and Physical Education Center. Information, girls, third through eighth grade, takes services and products for older adults place 1 to 5 p.m., at UW Health and families and wide range of food Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., options. Contact Zach Satterlee at Rockford. Register at www. zsatterlee@lifescapeservices.org or senatorstadelman.com.

815-963-1609.

Monday, September 3

Day, 10:30 a.m., at the Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Register at gigisplayhouse.org/ rockford/golf-outing.

Thursday, September 13

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau presents Sport Stories, 11:30 a.m., with Roscoe native Nicole Briscoe, ESPN SportsCenter anchor, at the Rockford Bank & Trust Pavilion, Thursday, September 6 Rockford Area Arts Council presents Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Beattie Is ... Back with a gathering and Road, Rockford. Briscoe will moderate Edward Jones - Jen Reisinger drumming circle, 9 to 10 a.m., at Beattie a panel discussion with regional natives presents A Woman’s Retirement Park; animated arts walk (parade) from Jody Deery, Rockford Speedway, and Outlook at 6 p.m., Sept. 6, or 10 a.m., Sept. 22 at 4949 Harrison Ave., the park to festival grounds, 10 to 10:30 Kenny Gould, Team USA Boxing 1988 a.m., and festival, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Olympic bronze medalist. Visit www.

Rockford. Seating is limited. Please gorockford.com/sportstories. call Kathy at 815-397-5157 to reserve at City Market Pavilion, 100 Water St., Rockford.

Free.

Visit www. your spot.

Rockford Park District hosts a free artsforeveryone.com, contact a.naber@ Outdoor Public Art Guided Walking SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer artsforeveryone.com or 815-963-6765.

Tour along the Rock River Recreation Center invites you to attend The Rockford Park District hosts an Path; 11 a.m., at Nicholas Conservatory Healing Power of Nature, 2:30 to 7:15 Overnight Stay at the Birds of Prey & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St. p.m., 3535 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford. exhibit at Atwood Center for families, Features 16 unique sculptures. For Free for current patients; $10 for the Sept. 8 to 9 at 2685 New Milford School questions call 815-987-8858 or visit community. Pre-registration required by Road, Rockford. Register online at www.nicholasconservatory.com.

Sept. 4. Call 779-696-7081. www.atwoodpark.org.

Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Midway Village Museum presents First National Bank and Trust hosts a presents Healthy Living for Your Brain Moonlight Garden Party, 5:30 to 7:30 free Electronic Recycling Drives, 9 to and Body: Tips from the Latest p.m., at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. noon, in partnership with Goodwill Research, 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Winn Live music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres by Industries of Northern Illinois at 1882 Prairie, 1545 Forest Road. Freeport.

Mary’s Market and wine and beer Inman Pkwy., Beloit, Wis. Register at 815-484-1300. tasting by Artale Wines. RSVP with Saturday, September 15 Monday, September 10 Michelle at 815-397-9112, ext. 109, or development@midwayvillage.com.

GiGi’s presents the “No Bull” Golf Play Barbara Olson Center of Hope presents the 70th anniversary Sensory Gala, 5 to 11 p.m., at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Features Jeremy and Jen DeWeerdt, City First Church, and Mark Blazer, Blazer Foundation. The DeWeerdts have a child with Down’s syndrome. Dinner, cash bar, live and silent auctions, interactive sensory room display and dancing. Visit 815-964-9275, ext. 265, or www.b-olsoncenterofhope.org.

Greenwich Village Art Fair takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sept. 15, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Sept. 16, at Rockford Art Museum grounds at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St. Visit facebook.com/greenwichvillageartfair and rockfordartmuseum.org.

Carz R Us hosts a free Community Appreciation Bash, 1 to 4 p.m., 10208 Smythe Ave., Machesney Park. Food, live music, bounce house, magician, Hammy from the IceHogs, giveaways, dunk-tank fundraiser and face painting. Classic car owners are invited to bring their cars for guests to enjoy.

Sunday, September 16

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, presents the Hot Diggity Dog Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring dog adoption and advocacy agencies, pet-related vendors and doggie costume contest. For questions email info@klehm.org or call 815-965-8146.

Tuesday, September 18

Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois presents Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Imanuel Lutheran Church 925 Belvidere Road, Belvidere. Register at 815-484-1300.

Thursday, September 20

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council host a Symposium with Airbus on becoming a supplier and/or partner, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Giovanni’s 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Registration required by Sept. 10 at CFray@RockfordIL.com.

Saturday, September 22

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, presents Glow in the Garden, 6 to 9 p.m., with a 5k run, 200m kids fun run, interactive family stations, colorful lanterns floating on the Eclipse Lagoon and live music on the Riverview Terrace. Visit www. nicholasconservatory.com/glow-inthe-garden or call 815-987-8858.

Saturday, September 29

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois presents the 14th annual Thin Mint Sprint, 8 a.m., at the Rockford Program Center, 7194 Vandiver Road, Cherry Valley. 8K Road Race, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk. Register at runsignup.com/gsnitms.

Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center presents Galaxy Guardians, part of the In the Outdoors series, 7 to 9 p.m., at Seth B. Atwood Park, OCTOBER 2018 2685 New Milford School Road. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood or Tuesday, October 2 Memory Loss, Dementia and call 815-966-8747 for groups of five or Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics, 1 more. to 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 to 5 p.m., at Rockford Promise presents 2018 Raise Highland Community College, 2998 the Roof, 6 to 11 p.m., a fundraiser for Pearl City Road, Freeport. Register at 2019 Promise Scholars at Rock Valley 815-484-1300.

College’s Starlight Theater, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Tickets at eventbrite.com Thursday, October 4 or call 815-262-9002.

Rock House Kids presents Streets & SwedishAmerican’s Ryan Jury Child Development Learning Center presents a free Health Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. For questions call 779-696-9501.

Sweets 2018, its signature fundraising event, 6 to 9 p.m., Radisson Convention Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Appetizers, gourmet desserts, entertainment and silent auction. Call 815-962-5067.

theVoice • rockfordchamber.com

september 2018

chamber

Upcoming Chamber Events

SEPTEMBER, 2018 Wednesday, September 5

Ribbon Cutting at Roxy Carmichael Boutique, 11 a.m. to noon at 310 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.

Business After Hours at Entré Computer Solutions, 5 to 7 p.m., at 8900 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park.

Thursday, September 6 11:30 am - 1:15 pm Radisson Conference Center 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford

EDUCATION OUTLOOK LUNCHEON

In the Education Outlook luncheon, RPS 205 Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett outlines the district’s progress and opportunities in making the region a top community.

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

Wednesday, September 12

Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rockford University PURI Business School Building, Room 124, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Bo Boger, Small Business Development Center, presents “Making a Good Decision About People.” Sponsored by RSM US LLP. Ribbon Cutting at Rockford Bank & Trust Pavilion, 4 to 5 p.m., Aldeen Golf Club, 1868 Reid Farm Road, Rockford.

Thursday, September 13

Ambassador Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Restoration Café, 625 W. State St., Rockford.

Friday, September 14

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

Wednesday, September 19

Accountability: Bridging the Gap Between Expectations & Results, 8 to 11 a.m., at Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford.

Half-day workshop led by bestselling author Joseph Grenny. Includes breakfast and copy of Grenny’s book, Crucial Accountability.

Open House and Ribbon Cutting at Baird Wealth Management, 3 to 7 p.m., at 2601 Reid Farm Road, Ste. A, Rockford. Ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 25

Ribbon Cutting at Fastsigns of Rockford, 4 to 5 p.m., at 7310 Walton St., Ste. C, Rockford.

Thursday, September 27 1-5 pm UW Health Sports Factory 305 S. Madison St., Rockford

THE EXPOSITION

Experience Rockford’s vibrant and unique business community at The Exposition.

The prime place for connecting, exhibitors and attendees alike can expect an energizing day of opportunity & exposure.

Sponsored by Comcast Business and Mercyhealth (gold), Thayer Lighting Inc. and Vixen Productions (silver), Meridian (bronze) and Staff Management, Inc. (hospitality).

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Advertisers Index advertisers Advanced Machine & Engineering . . 11

Midland States Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

The Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

NIU Eigerlab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . .23 Comcast Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . .17 OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Entré Computer Solutions . . . . . . . . . .6

Rockford Bank & Trust Co. . . . . . . . . .8

Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Rockford Chamber of

Illinois Small Business Development Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Commerce . . . . . . 10, 12, 14-15, 21, 26

Knopp Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 McDaniels Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Rockford Systems, LLC . . . . . . . . . . .8 Savant Capital Management . . . . . . . .5

MercyCare Health Plans . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Thursday, September 27

Using LinkedIn to Generate a Steady Stream of Sales Prospects with LinkedIn expert Wayne Breitbarth, 3 to 4 p.m., at UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. Sponsored by Gallagher.

OCTOBER, 2018 Monday, October 1

Ribbon Cutting at Christina Rae Salon Spa Ltd., 4 to 5 p.m., at 109 N Showplace Dr., Ste. 113, Rockford.

Tuesday, October 2

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mary’s Market, 4431 E. State St., Rockford. Sponsored by Associated Bank.

Thursday, October 4

Business After Hours at Upper Iowa University - Rockford Center, 5 to 7 p.m., at 1161 Tebala Blvd., Rockford.

Friday, October 5

Ribbon Cutting at Rockford OMS, 2:30 to 3 p.m., at 449 Roxbury Road, Rockford.

Wednesday, October 10

Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rockford University PURI Business School Building, Room 124, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Beverly Broyles, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, presents “Recycling at Work.”

Sponsored by RSM US LLP.

Thursday, October 11

Beyond Parks & Rec: Understanding the Community Impact of YOUR Rockford Park District, 7:30 to 9 a.m., at Rockford Bank & Trust Pavilion, 1902 Reid Farm Rd., Rockford.

Friday, October 12

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

Tuesday, October 16

Chamber 101 with Speed Networking, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Rockford Public Library, East Branch, 6685 E. State St., Rockford.

Sponsored by MembersAlliance Credit Union.

of the Rockford Business Community

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ...............................................Direct Line Harold “Bo” Boger, IL Small Business Development Center Director ...............................................................815-316-4301 Cori Currey, Membership Development Executive ................................815-316-4336 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO .......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer .................................... 815-316-4312 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep..........815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology ................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment .................... 815-316-4317 Phoebe Morris, Program & Event Coordinator.............................. 815-316-4302 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations...................................................815-316-4315 Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development ....................815-316-4337 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller ............................... 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ......................... 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Richard Zumwalt Z Resource Chair-Elect Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Vice Chair Dan Ross Gallagher Williams-Manny Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Immediate Past Chair Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc.

DIRECTORS Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP Jan Bowman TLC Construction LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management Paula Carynski OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc. Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc.

Sue Schrieber Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Mercyhealth Division of UW Health John Schuster Rosecrance Health Rebecca Epperson Network Chartwell Agency Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems

Karl Swanson Rockford Bank & Trust Co

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Udaya Talwar Woodward

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Elizabeth Lee Greenlee Textron

Kris L. Kieper Jean Crosby Machajewski Berkshire Hathaway YWCA Northwestern HomeServices Crosby Illinois Starck Real Estate Mike Paterson Doug Curry Mid-West Family Stenstrom Excavation Broadcasting and Blacktop Group Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale

Jon Thompson Butitta Brothers Automotive

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

OCTOBER VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS Life to the Fittest (Healthcare & Wellness) Living a Rewarding Retirement (Senior Living) For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100