September Voice 2023

of the rockford business community

Rockford Chamber of Commerce, RAEDC and Greater Rockford Growth Partnership to merge New, combined organization – Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce – to develop and support regional businesses

On Thursday, August 17, board members from Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC), and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP) voted to merge the three organizations to provide one consolidated, focused approach to benefit regional businesses.

The new organization will be named the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and will integrate all three groups under one board of directors and one leader.

Previously, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the RAEDC created a partnership under GRGP in which the organizations retained their individual organizational status, each with their own board of directors.

For the past few months, board members and subcommittees have investigated best practices from peer organizations and communities. They also reviewed the legal, strategic and operational impact of a possible merger.

“There has been extraordinary work put forth by individuals on all three boards to discuss and debate the options best suited for our businesses and our community overall,” said Jeff Hultman, board chair, GRGP. “The merged organization will provide a consolidated and relentless focus on the value proposition to deliver ROI to members, investors and the public sector.”

Next generation talent Building tomorrow’s workforce today

By Andrew Wright, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Over the past few years, companies have aggressively competed to hire talented, dedicated employees in a marketplace with a high demand for workers. Except for a spike in unemployment that coincided with the COVID-related lockdowns, unemployment in Winnebago county has remained at or near 10-year lows, with only around 6% of the population unemployed but actively searching for employment since 2015.

These trends have created a push for both public and private investment in developing a next generation workforce that’s ready to hit the ground running.

Jenny Wade is senior campus recruiter for RSM, an accounting and financial

The committee selected the name, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, after conducting extensive research on the top 25 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and evaluating the structures and naming of their combined chamber of commerce and economic development organizations.

The RAEDC and Rockford Chamber will continue their focuses but as committees under the umbrella of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

The economic development committee work will focus on attracting, retaining and growing businesses and jobs in the region.

The chamber committee will continue its focus on leading business growth by advocating for the interests of business, and providing services and educational opportunities that help its members grow.

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NEW CONCERT VENUE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT LEVINGS PARK

Hard Rock Casino Rockford, Ringland-Johnson Construction and the Rockford Park District unveiled plans for a permanent concert venue at Levings Park (1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford), which includes an 807-square-foot concrete stage; two 165-square-foot dressing rooms, each with air conditioning and heat; and a durable metal roof along with upgraded lighting and sound equipment.

Costs for architecture, engineering and construction are funded by Ringland-Johnson Construction and Hard Rock Casino Rockford. Construction began in August and should be completed before the first summer concert in 2024.

FREE LIBRARY CARDS FOR QUALIFYING STUDENTS

As part of the Illinois Cards for Kids Act, the Rockford Public Library (RPL) is giving free library cards to qualifying students (K-12) based on income eligibility guidelines, even if they live outside RPL’s designated library service area. Students 13 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to apply for a free card. The parent/ guardian must provide photo ID with current address, proof of income, proof of RPS 205 attendance, and a signed copy of the Free Student Certification form, which can be obtained from library staff.

services company. She says demand for interns in her industry is high. In an office location like Madison or Rockford, RSM has 10 or more paid interns working on accounting, consulting or auditing projects at any point.

“We recruit 1700 interns across Canada and the United States each year,” she said. “This summer, I’ve recruited 28 interns for the Rockford and Wisconsin locations, with around eight this past winter.

“Our goal is to transition interns into associates. Most firms have this sort of

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Unaccompanied students 14 or older may be issued a card if they have photo ID, proof of address, proof of RPS205 attendance, proof of parent/ guardian income, and the Free Student Certification form signed by a parent/guardian.

Photo ID includes school ID, state ID or passport. Acceptable proof of income includes recent tax return, recent pay stub or IPA form. Acceptable proof of address includes current utility bill, delivered mail or photo ID.

Acceptable proof of RPS205 attendance includes school ID, mail from school or recent report card.

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce will oversee and manage these groups to encourage more collaboration internally and across the region. The new organization also will support and influence other business initiatives, including community branding, talent attraction, workforce development, entrepreneurship, safety, regional education, infrastructure and public policy.

“This merger helps ensure a proactive and consolidated approach to business recruitment and retention for our region,” said Jean Crosby, board chair, Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “We have the unique and exciting opportunity to advance a common agenda to support our current businesses, new businesses and vital organizations in our community.”

“We are in an exceptional position to create specificity where we will play a role as a partner and influencer to build a healthy business community,” said Jimmy Rozinsky, board chair, RAEDC. “As a result of this merger our current business leaders – and potential new business prospects – will find an easy and collaborative connection to positively impact their organization.”

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will be

comprised of an equal number of board members from all three existing boards to ensure equal representation for all current organizations. Those board members will then select ex-officio board members from the public and community sector.

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will meet soon to finalize a job description and conduct a nationwide search for a CEO. It is expected to have a CEO hired before the end of 2023.

Until the CEO is named, Caitlin Pusateri, president of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, will report to the to-be-named board chair of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce and eventually to the CEO. The position of the economic development leader, vacant as of September 1, 2023 by the resignation of Therese Thill, will be hired by the new CEO.

The merger is expected to be finalized by the end of September.

New Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce board members slated

At its August 22 meeting, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee, led by Immediate Past Chair Dan Ross, presented a slate of

nominees for the inaugural Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. As part of the merger plan, the initial board of directors will be comprised of five individuals from each of the respective organizations –Greater Rockford Growth Partnership, Rockford Chamber of Commerce and Rockford Area Economic Development Council – as well as five voting, exofficios to be named by the board when seated. To allow for continuity and a future rolling nomination process, initial board members will serve twoor three-year terms, based on results of

a lottery, with future board terms set at two years.

The nominating committee received an overwhelming response of qualified individuals interested in board service from the current Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. With 11 extremely qualified individuals, the nominating committee had the difficult task of pairing the list down to five.

The following individuals were recommended for nomination to the Board of Directors for the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce with terms beginning October 1, 2023:

Rockford Chamber of Commerce representatives:

Travis Anderson, UW Health

Lesly Couper, workplace

Jean Crosby, Berkshire Hathaway Crosby Starck Real Estate

Troy Haggestad, WilliamsMcCarthy, LLP

Carly LaMonica, LaMonica Beverages

Rockford Area Economic Development representatives:

Eric Cunningham, Collins Aerospace

Tom Green, Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera, LLP

Conor Brown, NorthWest Illi nois Alliance of REALTORS®

Wendy Alsteen, Hard Rock Casino

Mick Gronewold, Fehr Graham

Greater Rockford Growth Partnership representatives:

Jeff Hultman, Illinois Bank & Trust

Dietmar Goellner, Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.

Paula Carynski, OSF Healthcare

Terry Voskuil, Woodward

Frank Wehrstein, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

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Destination  ILLINOIS, USA

Your opinions, a side of cheese fries and Rockford’s future

Take

When you welcome friends, family and business associates to Rockford, where do you suggest they stay, spend time and eat?

From your travels, what have you seen and experienced that you think would add to our quality of life and make the Rockford area even more appealing to potential visitors?

To get answers to these and other questions, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce launched a survey for residents of Winnebago and Boone Counties. The survey can be accessed at www.gorockford.com/survey.

The results of the survey will feed into Momentum 2035: A Destination Blueprint for the Rockford Region – our region’s new destination master plan. At RACVB we believe our community’s

future is built on shared aspirations. So, this survey is a platform for every voice to be heard. The feedback we receive will help us create a new roadmap that reflects our collective vision.

This planning process was launched in response to the widespread disruption caused by the pandemic to hospitality and tourism businesses and affiliated organizations. Momentum 2035 aims to further establish and strengthen a vibrant, resilient and diversified tourism sector for the region, ensuring its longterm growth and success.

A catalyst for economic growth

Tourism isn’t just about travelers passing through; it’s a cornerstone of economic prosperity. In 2021, visitors spent $436.4 million in the Rockford

region. Those dollars contribute directly to local businesses, generating revenue that ripples through the community.

From hotels and restaurants to local artisans and shops – and the businesses that supply, finance and insure them –the economic impact of tourism nurtures entrepreneurship, boosts job creation and increases tax revenue.

The insights gained from the Resident Survey will help Winnebago and Boone Counties strategically capitalize on strengths and offerings, ensuring a vibrant tourism industry that sustains businesses and livelihoods.

Investment in infrastructure and development

The power of tourism also serves as a catalyst for improving a city’s infrastructure. As our region seeks to diversify its offerings and attract visitors with unique experiences, it will likely invest in enhancing amenities, facilities and public spaces. The Resident Survey can provide insights into what types of attractions entice visitors, paving the way for strategic development that benefits both tourists and residents alike.

A resilient source of revenue

The global pandemic reminded us of the importance of diversified revenue streams. Tourism offers an additional source of income, as visitors continue to seek new experiences and destinations.

In 2021, travel generated nearly $5 billion in state and local tax revenue in Illinois, and visitors to Winnebago County paid $37 million in tourismrelated tax revenue. By focusing on creating an appealing environment through the insights gained from the survey, the region can position itself as an attractive option for travelers, ensuring a steady stream of revenue for Boone and Winnebago counties.

Take the survey today

You can take the online survey in English or in Spanish at www. gorockford.com/survey or by using the QR code below. The survey is open until September 30 and all participants will receive a mailed certificate for free cheese fries from longtime local restaurant favorite, Beef-A-Roo.

Join us in continuing to grow Rockford and the region as a tourism destination – one that delights visitors, fills residents with pride and fuels our economy.

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Breau

GUEST COLUMNIST

Authenticity in organizational communication

How to maintain an authentic voice in the midst of an artificial shift

If you’re anything like me, you are both excited and terrified of the possibilities of artificial intelligence. As we navigate how to incorporate it into our strategies or leave it alone entirely, I want to remind us all of one important thing – nothing artificial can tell your organization’s story better than you.

In fact, when communicating both internally and externally, we should be anything BUT artificial. We should be radically authentic, incredibly genuine, and true to the values of our organization.

Using AI may be easier than starting from scratch when making a plan. Or you may want to use it as a spring board for new ideas. And I’m all for using technology for our benefit. (Save me some time? Make my life easier? Yes, please!) However, I encourage us all to use our unique and authentic voice when communicating on behalf of our businesses and organizations.

Each of us has a unique story that no one else can tell for us. It often takes years to learn or craft your tone, build your brand and maintain the authenticity of it. It’s a long game, but it’s worth it. The authenticity that pours out of your actions and into your communications is what creates loyal customers, dedicated employees, committed volunteers and strong donors.

Along the way, those people decided to support you because they learned to trust you. That trust was built through authentically communicating what your organization is all about, how you handle business and the way you provide your product or services. When your brand stands for something important, your communication is genuine and the actions of employees and supporters align. That my friends, is where the magic happens.

I know the power of these things can be intimidating. It may even cause some imposter syndrome to sneak in with thoughts like, “Well Chat GPT is a better writer than I’ll ever be.”

But let’s frame those thoughts in a different way. What is it that your business does differently from your competitors? How does your organization serve our community in a way nobody else can? What do YOU bring to the table that is unique to you? Home in on that; speak about it well, and speak about it often. We can’t afford to lose sight of how critical and authentic connection is. While it is necessary to keep up with the times and stay up to speed on technology, this artificial and digital shift is also teaching us a lot about human connection and communication. The main takeaway being nothing can replace it. If anything, we’re craving it more now than ever.

Our challenge now is to swim upstream, go against the grain and stand out from the crowd through personal contact and authentic storytelling. As leaders, authenticity must be a core value for ourselves and our work. I believe it will be a driver of success for our businesses and organizations for years to come and will make us stand out in a crowd that will inevitably start to look and sound increasingly similar.

So stay authentic. Stay true to your brand and your mission. We all want to hear stories that come from the heart of your business or organization. We want to see the real stuff, the real people and the real work that is impacting our community in so many incredible ways.

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

MIRANDA SWANSON VP of marketing and fund development, Remedies Renewing Lives

profile profileMEMBER PROFILE

Vixen Productions

“We were hired for highlight reels at events, brought in to produce commercials, and new opportunities kept presenting themselves,” Iske said.

Eighteen years later, Iske has been running Vixen Productions for half of her life. The company has continued to evolve. They now produce videos to promote community events, work with companies to create training and educational videos about their products, and help businesses develop marketing videos for social media.

Lonnie Iske grew up on the road. Her parents were performers in a Top 40 cover band called Ivory Coast, and that’s where Iske learned about the value of editing.

“Editing has a rhythm to it, it relates well to music. It’s actual composition,” she said.

Iske’s passion for music and attunement to the importance of editing allowed her to play into her strengths as she pursued a creative career of her own.

“Originally, I studied to become an illustrator,” Iske said. “I took a video class and discovered that video production is what I wanted to do most.”

By the time she turned 18, she’d started her own video production studio— Vixen Productions. Iske found herself working with the music community she’d come to know traveling with her family, filming promotions and videos with bands on tour and musicians with new releases to launch.

“I loved doing music videos to start out. It helped me hone my craft, working quickly and on the fly,” she said. “Live settings have all kinds of challenges you have to overcome and adapt to. We focused on local bands as well as national acts. We worked on footage for Summerfest; I loved it because it reminded me of my childhood, being on the road again.”

Vixen started attracting clients from new industries as more people saw the music videos they produced.

“We’ve had experience working in education, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, e-commerce and a variety of other industries,” Iske said. “Each project, regardless of scale, helps us discover new perspectives, connect with remarkable people and fuel our passion.”

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara is pleased with the city’s partnership with the company: “Each and every time I work with Vixen, I’m impressed by their professionalism and creativity. They are incredible partners who help us tell our story to our residents through video.”

And they’ve made the necessary investments to ensure quality and stay current with production trends and technology.

“We have high quality gear, featuring camera equipment that can shoot in 4K and 6K fidelity, and our sound quality is even better. While some audiences can handle poor video quality, bad audio quality will lose viewers fast,” Iske said.

At its essence, Vixen Productions is about using the tools they have to help their clients tell a story. And Iske believes crafting the right story is the most important way to build a brand and develop a public image.

“You can’t just throw video clips together and have them make sense any more than you can throw [music] chords together and create a hit song. There’s a craft to storytelling that we bring to each project,” she said. “We’re driven by inspiration in the work we do and the impact we help create.”

See samples of Vixen’s work at www. vixenproductions.net

ROCKFORD AREA COUNCIL

economic development

Midwest Aerospace Renaissance

MAC2023 heralds a new era in aerospace development, collaboration and advancement

The Midwest Aerospace Conference (MAC) has firmly established itself as a platform for innovation, collaboration and transformation within the aerospace industry. As industry leaders, visionaries and innovators gather for MAC2023, the conference promises to herald a new era in aerospace development and collaboration. Set against the backdrop of technological advancements and global challenges, this event serves as a powerful catalyst for change, fostering partnerships, electrifying aerospace and nurturing groundbreaking ideas.

One of the most remarkable outcomes of the conference is the convergence of small and large companies, fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. Through our matchmaking process with govmates, a technology scouting platform that pairs nontraditional defense contractors within the federal community, it’s not uncommon to witness a startup engaging in conversation with an industry titan. This cross-pollination of ideas often gives rise to unexpected collaborations, sparking the birth of innovations that reshape the aerospace landscape.

This year, the electrification of the aerospace industry is a theme that will reverberate throughout the MAC sessions. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, electric propulsion systems are emerging as a transformative force. Attendees will hear presentations that delve into cutting-edge technologies and the progress being made in electrification. They’ll also learn about ways the industry is pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

At the heart of MAC2023 is the keynote address that will offer profound insights into the state of the industry. Pratt & Whitney’s portfolio of products takes center stage, with a deep dive into how technological advancements are enriching both present-day aircraft engines and shaping the future of propulsion systems. Geoff Hunt will examine the intricate interplay between innovation, sustainability and performance, outlining how these factors are influencing engine design. Attendees are sure to be left with a tangible sense of the monumental strides the industry is taking towards

cleaner, more efficient and more powerful engines.

MAC2023’s agenda encompasses a diverse array of sessions, each a potential turning point in the aerospace journey. Workforce development takes center stage, addressing the pressing need for skilled professionals in a rapidly changing industry. There will be discussions on funding opportunities in Illinois to open doors for Midwest companies, propelling them toward realization of their aerospace ambitions. Unlocking opportunities in aerospace procurements is a masterclass in navigating the complex web of contracts and acquisitions, helping businesses seize their rightful place in the aerospace value chain. Breakout sessions on aerospace electrification trends are a testament to the conference’s commitment to innovation. Pioneers in electric propulsion systems will share their insights, unleashing a wave of inspiration among attendees.

The MAC exhibit room is a microcosm of the aerospace industry, featuring a wide range of innovations and companies. Attendees can mingle, forge connections and be inspired by new ideas. A chance encounter between a materials scientist and an avionics engineer can give rise to a partnership that transforms aircraft interiors. This vibrant space is a testament to MAC’s role in nurturing a culture of innovation and collaboration.

As MAC2023 quickly approaches on September 20, it becomes evident that this conference is more than a mere gathering of industry professionals. It’s a nexus of progress, a hotbed of ideas and a launchpad for transformation. With each talk, breakout session and networking opportunity, the aerospace industry moves one step closer to a future that promises cleaner skies, higher efficiency and unprecedented innovation. The Midwest Aerospace Conference isn’t just shaping the future, it’s propelling us into it.

To learn more about MAC2023 and to register, visit rockfordil.com.

The views expressed are those of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Midwest Aerospace Conference September 20

Register now for MAC2023

The Midwest Aerospace Conference, MAC2023, kicks off September 20 and will be a day full of engaging sessions, industry insights and networking opportunities.

To register, head to rockfordil.com and click on the registration button on the MAC2023 page. You will then be linked to the ticketing page where you will select how many tickets you would like to purchase and input your information. Once you have selected your tickets, you have the option to add matchmaking.

Matchmaking is when buyers and sellers are connected based on specific criteria that matches their business needs and interest. Personalized oneon-one meetings are scheduled, and companies are given the opportunity to make personal connections with potential buyers of their products or services.

All individuals interested in participating in matchmaking need to be registered for the conference, but only the company will register for matchmaking. For example, five people from your company want to attend the event and do matchmaking. You would select five conference tickets and one matchmaking add-on.

Registration for matchmaking ends September 13, so act now to reserve your spot to participate.

New this year, MAC2023 is bringing in new, prime contractors to the area for these face-to-face meetings through govmates, a technology scouting platform that pairs nontraditional defense contractors within the federal community.

Teaming partnerships as a result of the conference have led to success for businesses large and small in the past. The goal of matchmaking with govmates is to foster collaboration and partnerships in the business community while providing Rockfordarea companies access to more prime contractors with the intention to increase sales.

Beyond matchmaking, MAC2023

will feature a lineup of industry experts and speakers that encompass a diverse array of topics focused on the future of aerospace.

MAC2023 speaker lineup

• Welcome address: David Forward, vice president of operations, Woodward Inc. and co-chair of the Rockford Area Aerospace Network; and Therese Thill, president of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

• Keynote address: Geoff Hunt, senior vice president, Engineering & Technology at Pratt & Whitney

• Industry update: Mike Stengel, principal, Aerodynamic Advisory

• Building the workforce of tomorrow – today: David Boulay, president, IMEC

• Funding Opportunities in the State of Illinois: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

• Supplier Spotlight – Unlock Opportunities in Aerospace Procurements: Saba T. Jaffery, executive director of Power & Control Supply Chain, Collins Aerospace; and Ted Frericks, director of Global Supply Chain accountable for Global Category Management, Woodward

• Breakout Session A: Net Zero by 2050 – The Contribution of Electrification to Aviation Sustainability, Todd Spierling, senior technical fellow at Collins Aerospace

• Breakout Session A: Electrification Breakout, Brian Steele, Nexus program director, Textron e-Aviation

• Breakout Session B: Business Preparation Steps before Automation, Ken Wunderlich, technical specialist, IMEC

• Breakout Session B: Generation Gap to Generation Bridge: Mapping the Employee Journey Across Generation, Angelika Nowosadko, technical specialist, IMEC

Be inspired by renowned speakers, engage in interactive breakout sessions, and network with industry leaders, peers and exhibitors in our exhibit room at MAC2023.

GUEST COLUMNIST

What it takes to be a “best place to work”

Send a powerful message that your organization cares about its employees

RACHEL SPRAYBERRY director of human resources, Rock Valley Credit Union

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is a crucial goal for organizations striving for success. A key factor in achieving this is being recognized as a “best place to work.” Companies that cultivate a positive workplace culture and prioritize their employees’ well-being not only enjoy higher productivity and innovation but also establish a reputation that attracts the best and brightest. Here are just some of the ways you can become a best place to work.

Foster a positive and inclusive culture

A strong company culture is the foundation of becoming a best place to work. Foster an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is a priority. Encourage open communication, collaboration and mutual respect among employees. Implement regular team-building activities, workshops and events that

promote a sense of belonging and unity within the organization.

Prioritize work-life balance

Recognize that employee well-being extends beyond the workplace. Promote a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible hours. Encourage employees to take breaks, disconnect after work hours and use their vacation days to recharge. A workforce that feels supported in balancing their personal and professional lives is more engaged and motivated.

Invest in employee development

Empower your employees by providing opportunities for skill development and career growth. Offer training programs, mentorship initiatives and workshops that help individuals expand their skill sets and advance within the company. When employees see a clear path for

their professional growth, they are more likely to remain loyal to the organization.

Recognize and reward excellence

Acknowledge and reward outstanding performance to motivate employees and boost morale. Implement a recognition program that highlights achievements and contributions across all levels of the organization. Whether through monetary rewards, promotions or public praise, consistent recognition reinforces the value of hard work and dedication.

Provide comprehensive benefits

Comprehensive benefits packages play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent. Offer competitive compensation, health insurance, retirement plans and other perks that cater to employees’ needs and preferences. Consider unique benefits such as wellness programs, mental health support, birthday time off and familyfriendly policies to demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being.

Encourage innovation and collaboration

Create an environment that fosters innovation by encouraging employees to share their ideas and perspectives. Establish cross-functional teams to tackle challenges and encourage the exchange of diverse viewpoints. Regularly solicit

feedback and involve employees in decision-making processes, making them feel valued and integral to the company’s success.

Prioritize employee health and wellness

Promote a healthy and vibrant workplace by providing wellness initiatives that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Organize wellness challenges, yoga classes, meditation sessions and stressrelief workshops. Demonstrating a commitment to an employee’s overall wellness sends a powerful message that the organization cares.

Becoming a best place to work requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes employee well-being, fosters a positive culture and promotes growth and development. By investing in your employees and creating an environment where they feel valued, supported and empowered, you can position your organization as a magnet for talent in the competitive employment market. A strong commitment to your workforce is not only the foundation of a thriving workplace but also a recipe for sustained excellence.

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

pipeline – so if we hire three interns, our goal is to fill three associate level spots with those interns.”

Interning allows students to understand the demands of the job and the corporate culture of the company. For those looking for long-term careers, a positive corporate culture is essential.

Wade, now in her fourth year with RSM, often gets asked why she stays with RSM?

“I always tell them it’s because of the people who work here. The people are so welcoming, and nobody in management above you is unwilling to help you to succeed,” she said.

Benefits like self-managed time off, flexible working hours and CPA certification bonuses are important when recruiting candidates in a field where the numbers of people graduating with accounting degrees has declined.

“Recruiting quality interns will help you find your next generation of leadership,” Wade said.

The post-COVID generation

“Students see life differently, now,” said Deepshikha Shukla, provost and vice president of academic affairs with Rockford University. “Isolation was the main effect of COVID. For many, that slowed social and emotional growth.”

A recent business summit at Rockford University reinforced the demand for soft skills development among Rockfordarea businesses looking to hire young professionals.

“In college, you can control your schedule, so time management becomes more important. At the same time, students got used to doing things with

the use of technology, so you’re seeing students using technology in a more effective way,” Shukla said.

College and post-secondary education organizations pivoted to using technology as well, developing online lessons and educational videos to serve as an alternative form of education.

“There’s no reason for that not to continue as a part of the student’s education,” Shukla said. “These resources can serve as a scaffold for learning, allowing that classroom time for more interaction and collaborative learning.”

Students feel these changes can, and should, apply to their careers as well.

“The ability to be flexible both in the workplace and in life has significant value now. The notion that work exists from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is no longer the norm. Students entering the workforce know that if they have the talent, they can forge a career for themselves at any place and at any time. They’re thinking about being productive from a place that many haven’t thought of before,” Shukla said.

But bringing people together still has value.

“If jobs offer the sort of feedback and camaraderie with co-workers that enhance their experience, that positive feedback loop helps worker development. Without that positive feedback loop, developing young employees may not happen as efficiently,” Shukla said.

Also, ongoing development in the workforce has become a bigger driver of staff development.

“Virtual training, work at your own pace, virtual reality, augmented reality –this technology can help train employees in a much different way than in-person

training could,” he said.

Health care and the next generation

Technology is also particularly important when applying for and recruiting for jobs in the highlycompetitive health care industry.

“We have shifted to a virtual recruitment model, which has increased our efficiency and helped us to meet people where they’re at and when they’re available. Virtual interviews have reduced barriers to recruitment,” said Kristin Hamblock, chief human resources officer with Rosecrance Behavioral Health.

Partnerships with several local colleges like Northern Illinois University, UIC College of Medicine, and others, give interested students a preview of the culture at Rosecrance.

“We have a robust internship program, targeting people at the beginning of their career, even before they come to work for us full-time,” Hamblock said.

Rosecrance and RSM both use human resources technology partners like Brazen – a commonly used platform for virtual career fairs and online hiring events. “

“While we’re still doing face-to-face, in-person interviews, we’ve invested in using Brazen for doing virtual interviews and career fairs, because it’s commonly used by universities and colleges. Currently, we’re doing a virtual career fair once a month,” Hamblock said.

Recruiting and onboarding technology must also be streamlined, especially in an industry that already requires a great deal of licensing, accreditation, certification and training.

“We are making sure that we’re as efficient as possible in the process of hiring. It’s easy to lose people if you make them jump through extra steps and extra click-throughs. New hires have less tolerance for administrative stuff,” Hamblock said. “In our industry, when we already have extra steps to qualify, we need to be streamlined and seamless so we don’t lose quality candidates.”

New hires get a strong benefit package, including a front-load of vacation hours and a mentor outside of their direct management. Continuing education and career development is encouraged,

tuition reimbursement is available, and staff is encouraged to pursue other opportunities within the Rosecrance ecosystem if a new interest arises.

“Our system works best when we’re making sure we have great training and onboarding for new staff members, showing staff what a good work environment and successful work outcomes look like through mentorship, and a focus on the overall well-being of the staff, mentally and physically,” Hamblock said.

Aerospace, the next generation

Collins Aerospace is a national leader in developing the next generation of talent, investing over $100,000 annually in Rockford-area programs designed to attract young professionals to roles within the aerospace industry. This includes active collaborations with Rockford University, Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University, investing in scholarships and internships.

Iryna Stepanchuk, director of human resources for Collins Aerospace, has worked on recruiting talent for the past six years.

“Recruiting and retaining young professionals is so important to us for various reasons; they are the future of our organization. It critical for us to fill the pipeline with our future leaders,” she said “We learned that by fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, it allows us to lead the way for young talent that are seeking professional growth and fulfilment within their career journey.

“What we’ve done well is to prioritize the top candidates by engaging with these students on campus through purposeful events with student groups that align with their higher needs. For instance, providing inspiring leaders from Collins to visit campuses and address questions from a Society of Women Engineers chapter. We’re not just talking about Collins Aerospace, but we’re also creating a bridge between aspiration and reality with women in leadership,” Stepanchuk said.

Collins is also pursuing opportunities beyond its immediate geographic area, with programs that include relocation packages and on-site visits, showing young professionals the diverse

Photos provided by Rockford Public Schools District 205 Career Academies program

experiences Collins offers.

Last year, Collins launched their “Copilot” program, a guided growth and support program for young professionals that connected student interns with a buddy/copilot for guidance and support. There’s also added networking opportunities for interns and co-ops, creating in-person events to connect with peers.

“Pairing those experiences, not just focusing on one experience, helps us make sure there’s a balanced view and perspective and a broadened experience that we can offer to these young professionals.

“Many students have had experiences working leading up to their university experience. Life experiences can add value to helping us understand how

you may respond to your internship and co-op opportunities. You can tell us about how you navigated those experiences and developed your skills,” Stepanchuk said. “We’re looking for driven individuals who are looking to take on a challenge. Leadership tasks or opportunities – whether it’s student organizations or associations – are a highlight on a resume.”

The next generation of Rockford students

Jessica Hayes is excited about Rockford Public School graduates. Hayes is the Work Based Learning coordinator at Rockford Public School District 205, helping develop and promote programs known as the College & Career Academies.

“We start from a place of discovering what is best for the student,” Hayes said. “We’re making classes more applicable to the real world. Employers who see the classes our students are taking and the knowledge that they’re gaining want to hire people who will know what they’re doing when they set foot on the floor.”

Today’s classes include high school pathways to internships and certifications that can include college-level credits, and professional certifications that help a smooth transition from high school to the next step of career development. Freshmen attend an Academy Expo event to learn about career opportunities, find out more about careers that interest them, and begin their journey with elective classes that teach the knowledge and skills those careers would require.

“Our goal is to help students become college-, career- and life-ready,” Hayes said. “Many students think of a career in one narrow way. Many get exposure to different jobs and career concepts and find out that it’s completely different than they initially thought.”

The Academies program allows students to pursue college course programs that include visits to Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University and other schools to get information about how to apply and what programs are available.

Students pursuing post-high school careers have opportunities to talk to

community partners, many of which can also help graduates get post-graduate education to further their careers.

Sophomores who continue to pursue their careers make site visits with local companies hiring people with the skills the students are learning in their career track. Juniors are encouraged to participate in a full job shadow program, followed by paid summer internships.

By the time the students graduate as seniors, they’ve earned credentials and certifications in their career of interest.

“Many students don’t even realize that companies are willing to pay for training,” “Students are getting job offers where they’ve been interning,” Hayes said.

And students are often very receptive to programs when they can see the realworld applications of the work they’re doing in class.

“The word of mouth we get from our seniors talking to our juniors is so positive. ‘You need to go experience this,’ and ‘Every kid should do this’ are frequently heard when students talk to each other about these programs.

“We have great kids. Come get involved. We need the community to come in and help support the work we do. Students need locations for senior internships. Show them about your career and how they can come work for you. Host job shadows and offer internships. Get involved,” Hayes said.

PAUL NOLLEY executive director, Project First Rate

GUEST COLUMNIST The next generation of union trades

Introducing young people to careers in building and construction

Equal pay for equal work. Postsecondary education without student debt. Fair wages and good benefits. Opportunities to create something meaningful with one’s own talents. Solidarity.

When I visit with students across the region, I’m reminded of how young people embody a unique sense of optimism. It’s often connected with their hopes of doing something meaningful with their talents and passions. Their vision for their future is often rooted in the values they strongly believe in. They want a career where their potential is acknowledged and encouraged to grow while being compensated fairly for their talent and hard work.

The unionized building and construction trades embody the above values and opportunities and offer a path

to a financially secure future – a genuine pathway to a solidly middle-class life. While a career in the trades is certainly not a fit for everyone (but then again, neither is one that requires sitting in a cubical from 8 to 5), it can be overlooked and stigmatized by those who guide and coach the next generation of workers.

I’m the last person who will disparage the value of a four-year education from a university or college. We undoubtedly need more critical thinkers in our society. We need engineers and chemists. We need writers, artists and musicians. We must have all of these types of workers to maintain a robust and democratic society.

But we also need bricklayers, pipefitters and iron workers. We need high-quality talent to create and rebuild the physical environment we all interact

5 steps to building a talent pipeline

How to develop an ongoing pool of qualified job candidates

By Jessica Elliott, contributor, Co – by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

A talent pipeline consists of the processes, systems, strategies, and technologies used to find job candidates. The framework helps your small business source and categorize applicants. Instead of starting from scratch whenever you need to fill a position, your human resources team can quickly dip into your talent pipeline and identify qualified candidates. Take these steps to develop a plan and build a talent pipeline.

Outline challenges and objectives

Your talent pipeline should solve existing problems and meet future needs. To better understand your challenges, work with department leaders to get a clear view of your workforce needs. Perform skills gap tests on current staff, recent new hires and former job applicants. Next, assess current and upcoming talent needs. Consider changes affecting staffing, such as business growth or internal restructuring.

At this point, your team can start developing short- and long-term recruiting and hiring goals that align with high-level business objectives. Define your talent management key performance indicators (KPIs), which allow you to measure your pipeline’s effectiveness.

Craft a talent pipeline sourcing strategy

Think about the types of employees you hire, including temporary help, freelancers, and full- and part-time staff. Then consider the different ways that work best for finding qualified employees. Use data showing what worked previously and collect information supporting new methods. Also, during this process, look at technology tools for hiring, such as applicant tracking systems (ATS). Software platforms can help your company identify and communicate with prospects.

Internal and external candidate sources may consist of:

• Website career portals.

• Job boards.

• Employee referrals.

• Networking events.

• Former employee and applicant database.

• Online forums and social media.

• Staffing agencies.

• Recruiting databases.

• Direct outreach.

• Community or campus career fairs.

• Recruitment marketing.

• Internships.

• Local high schools and colleges.

with every day. And young people need opportunities they can pursue without being burdened by lifelong debt.

Many young people want to see their talents applied in the real world and have just compensation in exchange. They want to know they are valued for their hard work and skills, not their appearance or socioeconomic status. They look for jobs with dignity and careers that don’t leave them feeling like they’re in a one-sided relationship with their employer.

The careers in our region’s union building and construction trades check these boxes and more and should be a consideration for the next generation of workers looking to find meaningful work with fair wages and equal pay.

As an industry, we have a responsibility to share these opportunities with people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are still underrepresented in the industry. Women make up about 10%

This is also a good time to consider joining or starting an employer collaborative. An employer collaborative refers to two or more businesses working together to achieve development and hiring goals. The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) framework provides six strategies for building talent supply chains, starting with an employer collaborative.

Develop a talent database

A talent container is critical to your pipeline strategy. It’s a searchable database that stores information on all potential candidates. Companies with an existing ATS can integrate their database to streamline the process. A sourced applicant goes into your database and is organized into several categories, which can be sorted and ranked by H.R.

A structured approach offers classifications, such as:

• Primary skill set.

• Preferred job type.

• Years of experience.

• Pay range.

• Individual hard and soft skills.

• Location.

• Industry expertise.

Engage and nurture pipeline candidates

A talent pipeline involves establishing relationships with people before adding them to your database. This approach helps you source highly qualified applicants and maintain a connection, even if you’re not ready to hire. Similar to nurturing a customer, pipeline communication

of the workforce. We are supporting and funding the efforts of Tradeswomen United of Northwestern Illinois to ensure that all women and girls know they can be just as successful in the trades as a man can. Workers of color are a significantly higher proportion of the building trades workforce than they were just a decade ago, but we continue to make investments in apprenticeship readiness and encourage the revival of shop classes in public education so we can build on and accelerate this momentum.

We have a lot to deal with as a country and as a democracy, and young people should be front and center in the conversation as their future is at stake. This is also true when we discuss meaningful career opportunities that can provide a family-sustaining income and benefits. Careers in a union trade offer this and so much more, and we need to make sure that students of all backgrounds know what it takes to enter the industry and have the resources and support necessary to be successful.

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

requires a personalized outreach strategy. It’s a process of engaging with people in your pipeline and documenting pertinent conversations or changes to candidate files.

Talent pipeline management includes:

• Posting or sending workplace and job updates.

• Offering relevant resources and assistance.

• Creating recruitment videos.

• Performing candidate experience audits.

• Sending emails or newsletters.

• Designing compelling career pages.

• Displaying employee advancement prospects.

• Highlighting worker reskilling and upskilling opportunities.

• Focus on upskilling and reskilling your employees Small businesses should look internally to fill current and future job positions because current team members are critical to your talent pipeline. Moreover, job applicants view hiring companies more favorably when they offer employee training and development programs. According to Gallup’s American Upskilling Study, 65% of workers believe employer-provided upskilling is very important when evaluating a potential new job,” and “48% would switch to a new job if offered skills training opportunities.

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

GUEST COLUMNIST

Building assets not statistics

Helping young people become responsible citizens

WILLIAM CHATMAN executive director/ CEO of Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc.

Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. (CCS), is a nonprofit specializing in workforce development that leads to sustainable wages, meaningful community engagement and affordable housing. The organization offers two workforce development programs – YouthBuild Rockford and ROCKFORWORK –and two community programs – The Advance Learning Program for Higher Achievements (ALPHA) and Alive & Free.

YouthBuild Rockford

This nine-month program serves low-income, unemployed youth (ages 16-24) who are not attending school. It provides academic education, vocational skills training, positive peer support, leadership development, job placement and follow-up. Participants build and rehabilitate housing for low-income families and have produced 56 units of affordable housing since the program began in 1994.

The program has served 1,155 young people to date, including

• 79% minority

• 88% low-income

• 53% criminal record

• 97% high school dropouts

Nearly 80% of the youth enrolled were placed in employment and/or postsecondary education by the time they

completed the program, and 69% retained at that placement for at least a year.

ROCKFORWORK

Established in 2020, ROCKFORWORK is a 90-day program that serves at-risk, transition-age youth (ages 16-24) who have graduated high school but are not sure about their next steps. Participants receive short-term vocational training that leads to industry-recognized credentials for certified nursing assistant (CNA), commercial driver’s license (CDL), welding, construction or culinary arts. The program offers life skills training, mentoring, personal counseling, peer support, restorative justice, employment readiness, job placement and follow-up support.

The Advance Learning Program for Higher Achievements (ALPHA)

ALPHA is a mentorship and violence prevention program for youth (ages 1124) with the goal of helping increase the school district graduation rate to 75%. ALPHA offers safe place programming that includes fitness/nutrition; mentorship; academic tutoring; life skills training, including communication skills and self-control development; and community engagement.

GUEST COLUMNIST

Refusing to go to school

There may be more than meets the eye

With the 2023-2024 school year approaching, we need to talk about getting our kids back into the routine of a structured environment for up to eight hours a day. For some school-aged children, going back to school after a long summer of fun can be incredibly difficult and anxiety provoking. As a parent, it can be frustrating beyond measure when it’s time to head to the bus stop and the kids are refusing to go to school.

If you’re having a vivid flashback of exactly that situation, fear not. Your child may be struggling with something commonly known as “school refusal.” In most cases, school refusal is recognized among healthcare professionals as behaviors and feelings that fall beneath

the anxiety disorder umbrella.

Some school-aged kiddos will be able to accurately describe or pinpoint specific reasons for why they are anxious and/or refusing to go back to school. Major life events, such as a change in living situation, divorce in the family, death of a loved one, starting a new school, are all examples of why a child might be exhibiting signs of school refusal and anxiety about returning to school. Other children may not be able to describe or identify why they are refusing to go school. Regardless, it is likely they’re putting their foot down about not attending school.

Each case is different. They may claim to be sick that morning or they may miss

Alive & Free

This trauma-based therapy program was established in 2023 to provide all CCS clients with screening, customized behavioral health plans and therapeutic services to help them address trauma and self-limiting behaviors.

All these programs are vital to the Rockford community, because they help catch young people who are falling through the cracks at other institutions.

For example:

• The public school system has a 64% graduation rate and an 11% dropout rate.

• Every year, about 20,000 people leave Illinois prisons, and two in five will return to prison within three years, costing taxpayers more than $13 billion dollars.

When young people come through our doors, they are hungry for opportunities. They want to do better. To be better. As they learn how to navigate life and face their fears, they begin to come alive with hope in a caring environment that helps change the trajectory of their lives. They learn societal rules that help them understand and meet employer expectations.

For example, a young person who has the habit of being on their phone all of the time could be fired from their job if they take that habit into the workplace. CSS

the bus in purpose and so on. Often in more severe cases, you might see obvious physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, restless legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

No matter the severity, each child deserves comfort and empathy during this time. As a parent, it can be incredibly difficult to empathize with your child when you have your own day to get on with. But a little empathy and patience will go a long way. Ultimately, the goal is to have your child attend school regularly and without issue. Attending to your child’s needs with intention and empathy, rather than ripping off the band-aid at the end of the summer, yields more success.

If your child struggles with school refusal and anxiety about returning to school, there are strategies you can use to help them cope. You can start with a general conversation, with no particular agenda in mind. Be curious about what they are looking forward to and what they might be nervous about this upcoming school year. Remember that your child may not be able to clearly describe their fears, but opening the

clients aren’t allowed to have their cell phones while in programming, so they learn to function and focus without it.

Another example is learning selfcontrol and self-expression. Some young people instinctively lash out in anger, because they can’t properly express themselves when they feel wronged. At CCS, our young people are taught how to express themselves in a productive way and advocate for solutions. Proper communication is the backbone of successful relationships, and our programs teach communication skills every day.

CCS is committed to helping young people become responsible citizens that pay their taxes versus statistics that the entire community pays for in so many different ways. Not too long ago, I was one of those young people who fell through the cracks. Thanks to CCS and the YouthBuild Rockford program, I’ve become an asset to my community, and I’m working to help others do the same.

William Chatman is the executive director and CEO of Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. (CCS), and a 2002 graduate of the YouthBuild Rockford program.

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

door to the conversation is a good place to start.

You can try limited exposures with them, such as visiting the school’s website to get to know the school better, browsing through the school’s directory to find their teacher, participating in a school’s open house if possible, or simply driving by the school.

Finding support for the entire family may also create more opportunities for success. Consulting with a support team comprised of other parental figures, school professionals, physicians and mental health professionals can provide more insight and repair for past, current and future concerns. Individual and family counseling can provide a safe space to feel heard and facilitate growth for the individual and/or family.

You are not alone, and your child may not simply be refusing to go to school to be difficult. Opening your child up to discussion and aiding them along the process is the first step to a long road, but a worthwhile habit to begin nonetheless.

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

RAIA LIPFORD, LPC assistant clinician, Along the Path Counseling Services, P.C.

GUEST COLUMNIST Is coworking right for you?

Flexible workspace options for employees and employers alike

NELLIE MILLER director of marketing at MPOWR and SupplyCore Inc.

Leasing office space used to mean hunting down an available unit, signing a lengthy commercial lease and shelling out big bucks. And if you couldn’t find the right square footage or the monthly rent didn’t fit your budget, you were relegated to working from your kitchen table or the coffee shop down the street with the spotty WIFI.

Freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, attorneys and other professional service providers have discovered a third place to work—coworking centers. Now more than ever, like-minded business owners and organizations are setting up shop in these flexible office spaces. There, they can make connections, collaborate with peers, and build their networks while growing their business— without the hefty price tag and longterm commitment.

What is coworking?

While the first known coworking spaces date back to 1995, the concept gained recognition in the early 2000s. Today, research company Statista reports

that hundreds of thousands of people share 6,000+ coworking spaces across the U.S., and that number is climbing.

Coworking spaces or flexible workspaces are known for being costeffective, adaptable work environments where you can rent floating desks, shared workspaces or private offices at an affordable rate. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, average prices range from $200 per month on the low end to $700 on the high end (depending on location), and in many cases, the rental agreement is month-to-month.

Coworking office spaces are great for fully remote employees. They’re also a boon to employers who want face time with their teams. In an article published in The Atlantic, Dr. Tracy Hadden Loh wrote, “Gallup’s polling and many other surveys and studies have found that a majority of workers prefer a hybrid model with some inperson work. The bottom line is that workers want to get out of their homes, but they absolutely do not want to return to the old office.”

How to choose a flexible workspace

Even though there’s no long-term lease attached, it makes sense to choose a coworking space that reflects the kind of experience you want to have when you’re in “work mode.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Environment. Some coworking offices are modern, and some haven’t been updated since NSYNC recorded “Bye Bye Bye.” That could be good or bad, depending on your taste. And what about the view? Do you perform your best work in a small, cozy space without distractions or do you prefer big windows that let in tons of natural light?

• Setup. Check availability on the type of space you need. If you need privacy, but a floating desk is the only space available, is that okay? Are there meeting rooms for you to

use when meeting with clients or coworkers?

• Perks. Find out what the rental or membership fee includes. Are you getting just a desk and internet, or can you use the building’s mailing address? Are there networking events? It makes sense to figure out what amenities you want.

• Take a tour. Before you sign up, consider visiting the space and walking around. Does it pass the “vibe check?” Could you see yourself working there? Some coworking spaces are designed to spark creativity and innovation, while others are focused solely on utility.

• Community. Is it every person for themselves or will you be part of a community? If you thrive in a collaborative environment, choose a coworking space that intentionally fosters relationships among members. If you prefer to go it alone, a quieter building with a more independent culture might be a better fit. Flexible workspaces offer meaningful benefits for companies and organizations—large and small. Try one out for a day or a month to find out.

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

Nominations open for 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Awards

Who is your community champion?

The nominations for the 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Awards are now open. The Excalibur Award, created and launched by the Rockford Register Star in 1971, honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in community service. It was joined by the Excelsior Award, which honors an organization of the same merit, in 1979.

After a brief hiatus, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL), in partnership with the Rockford Register Star and the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), recently announced an organizational collaboration that has facilitated the return of the Excalibur and Excelsior Awards.

In addition to the Excalibur and Excelsior Awards, four new awards were added honoring “Community Champions” from each of the four counties of our region (Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago). Each recipient will receive a cash prize which individuals may donate to the charity of their choice and organizations may use to further their mission and support their work.

Nominations will be accepted online through October 2. Eligibility, criteria and selection process details may be found at www.excaliburexcelsior.com/nominate.

Finalists will be honored and the 2023 recipients announced at the 2023 Excalibur and Excelsior Award Ceremony, Thursday, December 14, 2023.

Find full details about the history of the awards, the nomination and selection process, and the 2023 Award Ceremony at www.excaliburexcelsior.com

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois has served Northern Illinois since 1953. CFNIL works to inspire endowment and promote philanthropy for the current and future needs of the people of Northern Illinois. Learn more about their work and commitment to philanthropy and effective grantmaking at www.cfnil.org.

NICNE has provided capacity building support for nonprofit organizations since 2004. To learn more about NICNE’s work to promote, model and grow innovation, excellence and social impact go to www. niu.edu/nicne.

DR. EHREN JARRETT RPS205

Reshaping the education landscape

Students, neighborhoods and families working together

Rockford Public Schools aims to reshape the educational landscape through a fusion of district and state strategies that seeks to eradicate educational disparities linked to zip codes and ensure every student has access to a high-performing school.

The crux of this transformation lies in emphasizing both standards of practice and the state scorecard. It sets unwavering expectations for internal measurements like curriculum implementation, student and family engagement, and school support systems. But it also delves into ways the State of Illinois evaluates school performance on crucial metrics like graduation rates and test scores.

The district captures the school’s progress on the internal and external metrics through a simple four-point scale and a coloring system, so we can measure improvement. The good news is that, after two years, the vast majority of RPS 205 schools are demonstrating progress on both district and state accountability measures.

So how do we support schools that need greater resources and support? As

additional state funding dollars have come to RPS 205, all 41 schools receive extra funding. However, our schools that serve students with the greatest need receive a higher percentage of that funding. The extra dollars provide principals with discretionary funding to put toward staff and materials that enhance student opportunities. The good news is that additional funding has occurred while keeping the property tax levy flat for 10 consecutive years. The school board’s commitment to a flat local tax rate has allowed the rate to drop from a peak rate of $7.93 to its current rate of $5.72.

A high-performing school is an essential pillar of a thriving neighborhood, but it’s a collaborative effort. Government entities, nonprofit organizations and the community at large must join forces. The missing link has been a good way to measure the vulnerability of a neighborhood. Thankfully, partnerships with Alignment Rockford and UCLA have created tools like the Erikson Development Instrument and the Neighborhood

Equity Index. These quantify neighborhood vulnerability and guide strategic investments.

We aspire to create a community where school and neighborhood improvement go hand in hand. As schools progress, vulnerable neighborhoods should receive proportionate investments. However, this vision’s realization hinges on an essential element—family commitment to attendance.

The Illinois Board of Education defines chronic absenteeism as a student missing more than 10% of school days. For RPS 205 students, that number is 18 days. Chronic absenteeism remains a challenge in our community, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The district’s average chronic absenteeism rate of 46% is a 15-point improvement from the peak pandemic rate. Improving chronic absenteeism rates in each school

is the third pillar of the shared effort to improve schools.

A united front from all stakeholders is key to our collective success. We can’t achieve transformation by pointing fingers; it demands shared responsibility and encouragement. Education, neighborhoods and families are intertwined, with each sector’s success directly influencing the others. We celebrate each other’s victories independently, but we thrive when working together. Collective work, rather than isolated efforts, is the bedrock of the community’s transformative journey. A brighter, more equitable future for Rockford’s students, neighborhoods and families rests on a collective commitment to change.

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

2023 RPS ACADEMY EXPO OCTOBER 18

Be a part of the experience

The Academy Expo allows local businesses to connect with high school freshmen and showcase careers in their respective industries through hands-on activities. Freshmen Rockford Public Schools participate in the Academy Expo each year to learn from industry experts and see firsthand where each College and Career Academy and Pathway can lead. After the Expo, students make an informed decision about which College and Career Academy to join their sophomore year. There are several ways you or your business can participate in Academy Expo.

Industry experts

Help build your future workforce by hosting a booth at the Academy Expo. You’ll have the chance to talk with students, answer their questions and engage them through an interactive, hands-on activity that showcases a career in your industry. At least two business representatives should work at each booth. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

All industries are needed and welcome. Industry experts in graphic design, art, marketing, etc. are of great interest and frequently underrepresented.

Hospitality ambassadors

As a hospitality ambassador, you’ll work in teams to create a welcoming environment for students. You’ll help build excitement for the event and connect students to potential career opportunities. Inperson assistance and donations are welcome.

VIP Tours

Are you new to the expo and usure where to begin? Take a studentled tour of the event.

The Academy Expo is Wednesday, October 18, 8 a.m.– 3:15 p.m. at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Set up is 3-7 p.m. on October 17.

Please contact Jessica Hayes, work based learning coordinator, at Jessica.hayes@rps205.com with any questions. Visit www.rps205.com/ community/volunteer/academy-expo to register.

GUEST COLUMNIST 50 Years of Cider N’ Cinnamon

Celebrating the enduring power of creativity, craftsmanship and community

The weekend of October 7-8, Edgebrook Mall’s Cider N’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair will celebrate 50 years of tradition and treasures. This beloved event has become a staple for local shoppers, signifying the beginning of autumn.

As we celebrate 50 years, we are reminded of the heartwarming stories of unique, one-of-a-kind items that not only captured our imaginations but became cherished heirlooms passing through generations. This celebration also highlights the vendors whose passion for their craft far outweighs commercial gains, preserving the event’s authenticity and soul.

Cider N’ Cinnamon is a treasure trove for those seeking to find that special item. Karen Tilly, a 45-year event attendee, recounts how she stumbled upon a hand-carved wooden truck she purchased for her grandson for Christmas: “The quality is something you just can’t find anywhere else. After the show ended, I decided I wanted to get Luca some cars to go along with his truck.” Having kept the vendor’s business card, Tilly was able to contact him and add to the collection. This kind of personalized service makes our show invaluable to many.

The event attracts artisans like Jim and Lauren Killam of Wander North Creations who pour their hearts into their work, resulting in creations that hold a piece of their heritage and faith.

“Our family heritage is half Swedish. In the late 1940s, Jim’s grandmother started a home business, combining intricate wood crafting with Swedish folk art. Today, we are inspired by her creative artistry and our family heritage which always seems to point north,” Lauren said. “Wander North also refers

to our faith journey. What at times seems like wandering is revealed to be a long, beautiful journey Godward.”

Janet Davis of Janet’s PlanetTransformations in Jewelry has a passion for a customized projects that make a personal connection.

“My desire is to give people a token of their ancestors to remember versus keeping grandma’s jewelry in a box in the attic,” said Davis, whose shadow box heirloom art pieces are a huge hit with Cider N’ Cinnamon attendees. “After a personal interaction with a customer last year, [the customer] called me after the show and commissioned nine more pieces. Each one utilized her grandmother’s jewelry and incorporated something about the recipient. One was a wine glass with a watch face displaying 5 o’clock because the daughter receiving it was a bartender.”

As we celebrate five decades of Cider N’ Cinnamon, we are commemorating a legacy of connection, artistry and community. The stories of unique finds turned into cherished heirlooms and the dedication of vendors who infuse their work with passion remind us there will always be a place for traditions that celebrate the beauty of the human touch.

As we look ahead to the event’s future, we are reminded that its essence lies in shared experiences and memories that continue to enrich our lives and unite our community.

Sandy Dingus is the marketing and special event coordinator for Edgebrook. She has 30 years of experience in advertising and promotional product development.

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

SANDY DINGUS marketing and events coordinator, Edgebrook

Warning signs of clinical depression

How to identify them and where to find help

Knowing the warning signs of clinical depression and anxiety is essential in providing support and care to yourself, friends and loved ones who may be struggling. Over the past five years, mental health awareness in the U.S. has seen significant progress. In 2018, the country faced two distinct mental health crises—the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic among adults and the alarming rise in suicide rates among youth and teens. Suicide became the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 18-25, prompting increased attention to mental health concerns.

The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted mental health, leading to a surge in depression and anxiety rates across all age groups in 2020 and 2021. Although these rates stabilized in 2022, the residual effects of the pandemic continue to contribute to high levels of depression and anxiety among adults in the U.S.

In the U.S., around 20 million report depression and close to 80 million report anxiety diagnoses, marking an increase of nearly 20% for each diagnosis from pre-pandemic levels. These rising rates underscore the importance of keeping a watchful eye on friends, family and loved ones.

Clinical depression and anxiety differ from ordinary periods of sadness or worry that do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis. For both conditions, the threshold for a clinical diagnosis is relatively high. Symptoms must be present every day for at least two weeks and significantly disrupt daily life, causing impairments in work, school, social activities and/or relationships.

Depression warning signs include persistent sadness, excessive crying, feelings of worthlessness, detachment from activities and loved ones, difficulty concentrating, changes in weight, sleep disturbances, unexplained physical pains and even suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

It is crucial to take any talk of suicide seriously and seek immediate help from professionals.

Anxiety manifests emotionally as fear, agitation, irritation, negative forecasting, and constant tension or stress. Physically, anxiety may lead to tachycardia, unexplained aches and pains, tremors, excessive sweating, and gastrointestinal issues.

Treatment for depression and anxiety usually involves a combination of counseling or therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and complementary therapies. Counseling can be individual, group-based or involve family sessions. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) commonly used for both conditions. Anxiety may be additionally treated with prolonged exposure therapy (PET), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure and response prevention (ERP).

Medications such as antidepressants and anxiolytics are often prescribed to manage symptoms. New treatments for depression, treatment-resistant depression and certain anxiety diagnoses include SPRAVATO® (esketamine) and ketamine. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment recently approved by the FDA, providing quick relief from depressive

symptoms.

Complementary therapies like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tai chi and acupuncture have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, can also positively impact mental well-being.

There has been a notable transformation in attitudes toward mental health. People now openly discuss their experiences with treatment and therapy, celebrating successes and sharing their journeys with friends and family.

Despite this progress, it remains crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety to seek professional support promptly. Mental health conditions rarely resolve on their own and can worsen if left untreated. Encouraging early intervention and seeking help from mental health professionals can lead to more successful treatment outcomes.

Megan Ford, MSW, LSW is a therapist at Relief Mental Health, an outpatient provider of treatments and therapies for mental health diagnoses. It has 10 clinics in three states, including one in Rockford. For more information, visit reliefmh.com.

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

SARA VINSON BENZEL media relations manager, UW Health

GUEST COLUMNIST

UW Health opens new employer-based clinic

RPS District 205 employees gain new health care options

Rockford Public Schools District 205 has partnered with UW Health to open two employer-based primary care clinics exclusively for employees and dependents of Rockford Public Schools District 205. Located in existing UW Health clinics at 2473 McFarland Road and 2601 North Main Street, the new centers began seeing patients on Aug. 1.

The school district is Rockford’s largest employer with about 4,000 employees and the sixth Rockford-area employer to partner with UW Health to establish their own health clinic for employees.

UW Health began providing employerbased clinics in 2017 when it partnered with Woodward to open the Woodward Health Center.

“We are very excited about this new opportunity and proud to begin a partnership with District 205,” said Travis Andersen, CEO, UW Health in northern Illinois. “This employer-based care model has proven to be very successful in the

past, as it enables improved access to comprehensive and affordable health care services and wellness programs.”

The RPS 205 Employee Health Center is only available to school district employees and dependents who are covered under the District 205 PPO health insurance plan. The clinic offers adult and pediatric primary care services, including:

• office visits for preventive, acute and chronic disease management

• laboratory services

• immunizations and vaccinations

• care coordination

• annual physicals

• sports physicals

• wellness services

• limited pharmacy services

Key features of the UW Health employer-based clinic model that RPS 205 chose to offer its members includes same-day access to a provider for acute

health care issues, longer appointment times and no out-of-pocket costs to utilize the clinic services.

“We are honored to be selected as the care team for District 205 and eager to provide its employees with the remarkable care for which UW Health is known,” Andersen said.

District 205 selected UW Health to manage and operate their employerbased clinic through a competitive bid process, according to Ehren Jarrett, superintendent, Rockford Public Schools District 205.

“UW Health was the only organization that was able to meet the needs of our members by offering two clinic locations, serving the east and west sides of Rockford,” he said. “This is not only good for our members but for the city as a whole as we continue investing in all areas of Rockford.”

The 2473 McFarland Road location is open five days a week, and the 2601

North Main Street location is open three days a week.

Other local UW Health employerbased clinics include Woodward Health Center and Woodward Occupational Health Center, Partners Health Center, which currently serves 94 local employer groups, Winnebago County Employee Health Center and Belvidere District 100 Wellness Center.

“We’re deeply committed to this community, and we’re in all parts of the geography of this community,” Andersen said. “A healthy community is about healthy business, healthy education, healthy environment. It’s more than just being a health care system. We want to be deeply involved in making this a great place to live, work, teach and grow up.”

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

GUEST COLUMNIST

Addressing burnout at work

Recognizing its many forms and how to help

KRISTIN HAMBLOCK chief human resources officer, Rosecrance Health Network

Work-related burnout is not simply having an “off day.” It’s the consistent experience of negative feelings that occur when someone is headed to work or begins their shift. It’s when people begin to mourn the weekend and dread entering a physical space that causes them anxiety, causing them to question why they’re returning.

It can be apathy that replaces the enthusiasm someone once had toward their daily duties. The coworker who once gave their team morale boosts may begin to become withdrawn, lethargic or even agitated.

Negative emotions often intensify over time, eventually becoming a mental barrier that hinders individuals from expressing themselves freely. This added pressure can disrupt their productivity and even cause them to lose their confidence to complete projects they’ve successfully completed in the past.

Avoiding negative feelings toward

work or other stressors is a short fix, but it can be harmful when it becomes the primary way those feelings are managed.

What further complicates burnout is that not everyone has access to the same resources. The team member who works two jobs to make ends meet may find it difficult to practice mental well-being. The same can be true for someone who is in a high-profile position with a great deal of responsibility and less time for themselves.

And burnout is only worsening. Early this year, U.S.-based thinktank Future Forum released survey results of 10,243 workers across the U.S., Australia, France, Germany, Japan and the U.K. The survey revealed that 42% of global workers reported burnout, the highest it’s been since May 2021.

The best thing we can do for our colleagues is to support them and allow them the opportunity to address their underlying stressors. If you notice that

your once enthusiastic boss or teammate is no longer showing up like they have in the past, try these strategies to show your support.

Burnout support strategies

• Ask yourself if there’s something you’re doing to contribute to the burnout. Ask yourself if it is necessary to send an email after hours or if it can wait. Perhaps it’s a Saturday, but you have a great idea you want to share with them. Consider writing the email but scheduling it to go to them when they are due back in the office.

• Temporarily refocus their attention toward projects that play to their strengths. Talk with them about their strengths and weaknesses, and direct them toward projects that allow them to tap into their strengths.

• Discuss how you can support them. Asking your direct report how you can help may uncover that they are overexerting themselves on tasks that can be handled by someone else on the team. It may also reveal that they need additional support to complete their projects.

• Remind employees about employee assistance available to them. It’s important to continually promote the employee assistance program services available through the workplace so struggling employees know where to find emotional support.

• Educate employees about other mental health resources. Share information with employees about the mental health resources available in the community. Another option is to promote the resources that are provided through an employer’s health plan.

People experience stress differently. Stress can affect our attachment to our values. When employees are overworked, they may begin to let things slide that they typically wouldn’t. Taking time to address a colleague’s work-related stress helps them and the team.

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

42% of Global workers reported burnout, the highest reported since May 2021

OSF OnCall Connect On the Go van

Expanding education and care in the Rockford region

By Paul Anthony Arco, contributor

Rockford-area residents will soon see the new OSF OnCall Connect On the Go van in their neighborhoods. The mobile unit will be staffed by digital health navigators who will help tutor individuals 18 and older on how to use technology and digital tools to connect with health care resources and virtual care options.

“We understand that not everyone is comfortable with navigating technology, especially when it comes to their health,” said Brandi Clark, vice president, OSF OnCall, the digital health division of OSF HealthCare. “Our OSF OnCall On the Go team will help individuals download and navigate apps that can help them manage their health, including OSF MyChart. The team also helps people enroll in certain services and activate their accounts on their own phone or personal device.”

The OSF OnCall team will offer a variety of health services and educational resources:

• Health screenings for blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose and total cholesterol.

• How to schedule a primary care

provider visit, a mammogram or find an urgent care location.

• How to download and use health apps, such as OSF MyChart, and how to connect to OSF OnCall Urgent Care for a virtual visit, available 24/7.

• How to connect with social services to request assistance with needs such as food, housing or transportation.

“Our team of digital health navigators understand that there are often social and non-clinical barriers to health care,” Clark said. “And we’re proud to help with those too. From housing to transportation, our team can provide direct referrals to community-based organizations that can help.”

Empower Boone and Rockford Rescue Mission are key partners and will regularly host the On the Go van to help people navigate care options and digital tools.

“We truly appreciate partnering with OSF and the OnCall Connect On the Go van,” said Brenda Valadez, executive director at Empower Boone. “It provides one-stop shopping for our clients, especially seniors who have trouble

getting to appointments.

“Having partners like OSF come to us helps save on fuel, saves on finding rides to appointments and most importantly helps get our clients healthy,” Valadez said. “We see single parents, seniors and veterans from Boone, Winnebago, Harvard and even Janesville. What an asset to have this service under one umbrella.”

Organizations interested in hosting the OSF OnCall On the Go van can submit a request online at www. osfhealthcare.org/oncall/connectonthego.

OSF OnCall Connect On the Go is provided through the Medicaid Innovation Collaborative (MIC), a statefunded, five-year initiative is designed to transform health care delivery to improve outcomes, decrease disparities and

reduce costs using sustainable programs. MIC provides digital care services and personalized support for Illinois Medicaid patients through programs developed by OSF OnCall, including chronic condition support with remote patient monitoring, digital health and wellness education and coaching, plus 24/7 pregnancy and postpartum care and digital support.

Digital health navigators will help qualified individuals enroll in those Medicaid-supported programs during the van stops. Two additional On the Go vans will be deployed in nearby communities early next year.

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

OSF OnCall (a part of Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare) offers full-scale digital health and convenient care options. Providing an array of services anytime, anywhere, OSF OnCall includes digital platforms and software to connect people with care 24/7 using smartphone apps, text-based check-ins and video visits with live support. OSF OnCall Urgent Care offers in-person or virtual visits for minor injuries and illness. OSF OnCall Connect supports people through digital and at-home care. OSF OnCall also represents other at-home and hospital-based digital care, including remote monitoring, intensive care and hospitalist programs, as well as a digital hospital option. Learn more at osfoncall.org.

in the newsMEMBERS IN THE NEWS

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Jim Derry (1), CEO, Field Fastener, and Annie Hobson (2), senior manager K-12 student leadership, Active Minds, joined the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Board of Directors.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS, DEATHS

Hughes Resources welcomed Rosie Aranda (3), Brittney Bryant (4), and Katrina Mendoza (5) as staffing specialists and promoted Ashley Grindle (6) to regional manager.

Illinois Extension welcomed Kathryn Seebruck (7) as a crop sciences and agronomy educator in Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. The Winnebago County State’s Attorney recognized the outstanding work of its summer interns: law students Evan Pinsel, David Chrest, Jack Zerfahs, Jake Schutter, Kiera Kamedula, McKinzie Callahan, Nicholas Bimmerle, Calvin Wiegand and Rabia Amin; and college students Bryn Hansmeier, Kalib Aboobaker, Ivan Belmontes, Madison Marconi, Rachel Jocson, Ranikka Moore, Sydney Hermes and Yazmine McCrimmon. The office also welcomed new attorneys Gary Kovanda, Donna Kelly (8) and Mark Aiello (9); and new full-time staff Will Sieracki (10), Katie

Zimmerman (11), Hedy Laredo (12), Bethani Larson (13), Elizabeth LupercioDelgadillo (14), Alison Menke (15), Nicholas Markley (16), Alexzandra Colbert (17) and Paula Richeson (18) Chartwell promoted Audrey Moon (19) to director and Elizabeth Lazdins (20) to first impressions officer.

OSF HealthCare announced the addition of Tolulope Olu-Lawal, MD (21), as a new internal medicine physician; Dr. Joseph Auteri, MD (22), as a new lead cardiothoracic surgeon at the OSF Cardiovascular Institute; Mirza Ali, MD (23), as a new pulmonology specialist at OSF Medical Group – Lung & Pulmonology.

Mark Votruba (24) joined Midland Wealth Management as a senior portfolio manager.

Along the Path Counseling Services, P.C. welcomed Raia Lipford, LPC (25). His focus is individual and group counseling with adolescents and young adults.

Forest City Gear welcomed Andrew Vincent (26) as engineering manager.

Mercyhealth welcomed Palanikumar Balasundaram, MD (27), board certified pediatrician and fellowship trained neonatologist, to the staff of Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside.

Rock Valley College welcomed Jeremiah Kramper as the new concert band director.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois welcomed Kate Black (28) as program and development associate. Abreo promoted Dan Scroggins (29) to wine and hospitality curator.

Rock Valley Credit Union promoted Shandra Bland (30) to lead collector and Dylan Henderson (31) to collector. Rockford Mutual Insurance Company promoted John O’Connor (32) to senior database administrator. Kristen Lyons (33), commercial underwriter, celebrated five years with Rockford Mutual.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. (Reinhart) announced that shareholders David Hanson (34) and Jeffery Makeever (35) were named to the 2023 edition of the IAM Patent 1000.

The Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association (NIBCA) held a ceremony for their newly inducted honorary members recognizing their dedication and commitment to the construction industry.

Award recipients:

Angelo Bruscato, Cardinal Glass Co.; John Fridh, John Fridh & Sons, Inc.; Erick Haglund, Security Building, Inc.; Brad Heinrich, Rockford Structures

Construction Co.; William Naretta, McDermaid Roofing & Insulation Co.; William Reitzel, Reitzel Construction Co.; Gerald Rudolph, Rudolph Masonry, Inc.; Joseph Scandroli, Sr., Scandroli Construction Co.; Robert Stroup, Cord Construction Co.; Glen Turpoff, NIBCA

Posthumous honorary awards: Carl Scandroli, Scandroli Construction Co.; Roger Schmeling, Schmeling Construction Co.

Olson Aluminum Castings recognized Tom Strauss for 45 years of service. Tom started with the company when he was in high school and went on to hold a variety of roles, including lead of the melt department.

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

1. Jim Derry

15. Alison Menke

8. Donna Kelly

22. Dr. Joseph Auteri, MD

29. Dan Scroggins

2. Annie Hobson

16. Nicholas Markley

9. Mark Aiello

23. Mirza Ali, MD

30. Shandra Bland

3. Rosie Aranda

17. Alexzandra Colbert

10. Will Sieracki

24. Mark Votruba

31. Dylan Henderson

4. Brittney Bryant

18. Paula Richeson

11. Katie Zimmerman

25. Raia Lipford, LPC

32. John O’Connor

5. Katrina Mendoza

19. Audrey Moon

12. Hedy Laredo

26. Andrew Vincent

33. Kristen Lyons

6. Ashley Grindle

20. Elizabeth Lazdins

7. Kathryn Seebruck

21. Tolulope OluLawal, MD

13. Bethani Larson

27. Palanikumar Balasundaram, MD

34. David Hanson

14. Elizabeth Lupercio-Delgadillo

28. Kate Black

35. Jeffery Makeever

business BUSINESS BRIEFS

Savant Wealth Management, a nationally recognized, fee-only registered investment advisor (RIA), acquired Dover, Delaware-based Raymond F. Book & Associates, P.A., and its affiliated fee-only RIA, Wealth Management Group, LLC, which has assets under management (AUM) of $376.3 million as of 6/30/23. The partnership, which closed on July 19, 2023, brings Savant’s combined tax and accounting team to nearly 100 tax and accounting professionals.

In June, Savant topped Accounting Today’s 2023 Wealth Magnets list, which ranks CPA firms by AUM.

Per Mar Security Services is ranked 14th in SDM’s 2023 Top Systems Integrators Report. Stronger large project sales coupled with acquisition activity helped the company deliver on increased expectations in 2022.

OrthoIllinois, a leading bone and joint health care provider in northern Illinois, announced the completion of the OrthoMidwest Surgery Center at 2102 Freeman Parkway, Beloit, Wisconsin. The outpatient, ambulatory surgery center will be the second facility in the country to utilize Zimmer Biomet’s OmniTM Suite. OmniTM Suite is an intelligent operating room that uses advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence capabilities, to optimize workflow and minimize manual activities, allowing more time for patient care.

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), representing more than 200,000 surgical nurses across the country, named OrthoIllinois Surgery Center in Rockford as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation. This award recognizes the medical center for its commitment to patient and workplace safety by taking a comprehensive approach to ensuring a smoke-free environment wherever surgical smoke is generated.

The Rockford IceHogs revealed plans to celebrate the 25th season of IceHogs hockey in Rockford, including a commemorative logo and a specialty jersey. The commemorative logo prominently features the number 25 along with the year 1999, the IceHogs’ inaugural season. Hammy, the Hogs’ mascot, is also included on the commemorative logo as he was on the team’s original logo that debuted on Mar. 25, 1999. The IceHogs will apply the newly minted 25th season logo onto promotional items and giveaways throughout the 2023-24 schedule.

On Friday, Aug. 18, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen made fresh, hot pizzas for lunch at Rockford Rescue Mission. The traveling kitchen, a bright orange semi-truck, has served nearly four million people around

the U.S., including several times at the Mission. The Love Kitchen serves the food insecure, people without housing, disaster survivors, military and first responders. Local Little Caesars franchise owners and employees volunteer their time, food and labor to support the program.

OSF HealthCare was again recognized on the Forbes list of Best Employers by State for 2023. It’s the fifth year in a row OSF has been included in this prestigious recognition presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

Rockford Park District’s Fall/ Winter 2023/2024 Program Guide is available free of charge online at http://www.rockfordparkdistrict. org/guides, at Rockford Park District Customer Service locations (UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford and Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park) and in limited quantities at many other park district facilities. Registration is open for lessons, camps, leagues and more for area youth, adult, and families to enjoy from September through December 2023.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois concluded the successful “BOOK Your Classroom” event, July 31-August 4 at Goodwill’s administrative office, located at 850 North Church Street, Rockford. This initiative provided 64 area teachers with over 1,200 free books for students aged preschool through eighth grade, emphasizing Goodwill’s dedication to supporting education and promoting literacy among young learners in the community.

Golden Apple Foundation will soon kick off Golden Apple nominations for 6th-12th grade teachers. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2p8x57ux to nominate a special teacher.

Savant Wealth Management was named to the Inc. 5000 annual list of fastest-growing private companies in America. Ranking No. 4,589 overall and No. 248 in the financial services industry, this is Savant’s inaugural year of being recognized on the prestigious list.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of a comprehensive Resident Survey to gather insights from residents about enhancing the community’s appeal and boosting tourism growth in the region. Survey participants will receive a free, iconic Rockford delight – cheese fries from Beef-A-Roo. All residents in Winnebago and Boone Counties are invited to participate and provide insight on how to elevate the area’s profile as an inviting and appealing destination. Residents can fill out the

survey online through September 30, 2023\ The survey is accessible in English and Spanish at www. gorockford.com/survey. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Natural Land Institute (NLI) has renewed its land trust accreditation - proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to conservation excellence. NLI provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Natural Land Institute’s lands will be protected forever.

Chartwell Agency, an awardwinning marketing firm based in northern Illinois, recently received four dotCOMM Awards from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. This year, Chartwell Agency received a platinum award, the top honor, as well as gold and honorable mentions. The firm received the following recognitions- Platinum: Rockford University Horizon Grant Campaign; Gold: Klehm Arboretum Website Redesign; Honorable Mention: Alignment Rockford Website Redesign and Rock River Valley Blood Center “We Need Blood Like . . .” Campaign

AT&T is participating in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible households can save up to $30/mo. off their internet or wireless service, or up to $75/mo. if living on qualifying Tribal lands. The ACP is a federal program created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program can help qualified households pay for connectivity services such as wireless and internet plans. The program extends and modifies the more temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit.

A household is eligible for the ACP if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria listed:

1. Participates in one of these assistance programs:

• SNAP

• Medicaid

• Free and Reduced-price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits

Lifeline

2. Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

3. Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

• Tribal TANF

• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Tribal Head Start (income-based) Visit https://www.att.com/affordableconnectivity-program/ to learn more. The Rockford Area Arts Council received multiple grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) totaling $73,400:

• IACA Community Arts Access Grant—awarded to the Rockford Area Arts Council in the amount of $40,000. Through IACA CommArts funds and a generous contribution from the City of Rockford, the Arts Council will award nearly $60,000 to local arts and culture organizations in 2024 for programmatic, organizational and/ or events-based efforts.

• IACA Partners in Excellence (PIE) grant—awarded to the Rockford Area Arts Council in the amount of $29,400.

• IACA Special Grants-Poetry Out Loud (POL)—awarded to the Rockford Area Arts Council in the amount of $4,000. Through IACA funds and a lot of encouragement from the POL program coordinators, the Arts Council will host Poetry Out Loud, a regional, high school, memorization and recitation poetry contest.

Forest City Gear, an industryleading manufacturer of fine- and medium-pitch custom gears, will be exhibiting at the Motion + Power Technology Expo October 17-19, 2023, in Detroit. Owned by the American Gear Manufacturers Association, partnered with the National Fluid Power Association, and co-located with Heat Treating Society and IMAT 2023, MPT Expo connects manufacturers, suppliers and buyers across motion power, fluid power and power transmission industries.

OSF HealthCare announced that patients enrolled in BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois Medicaid will be able to access all OSF HealthCare hospitals and physicians as part of their insurance plan. The coverage applies across the state of Illinois and includes access to OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in

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

Peoria, the most comprehensive children’s hospital in the state outside of Chicago.

Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

(above) celebrated 815 Day by hosting a special luncheon for their agents, staff and vendors. They also held a Stuff the Bus School Supply

Drive, collecting over 150 backpacks full of school supplies, which were delivered to three local schools in the RPS 205 School District. Dickerson & Nieman strives to make a difference within the Rockford community and lives by their motto, “Live Here. Work here. Give here.”

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Aircraft Gear Corporation (Beacon St)

Aircraft Gear Corporation (11th Street)

Bill Doran Company

C & H Design Center

Comprehensive Community Solutions

Event Floral

Express Employment Professionals

First National Bank and Trust

Forest City Gear Co.

Fridh Corporation

Hilton Garden Inn

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Historic Auto Attractions

Howe Freightways, Inc.

HR Capital Management Consultants

HUB-REMSEN Print Group

Hughes Resources

Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)

Ingenium Aerospace LLC

Midwest Mailworks, Inc.

Midwest Title Services

Mindy Joy Photography

Morgan Building Maintenance Inc.

Mr. Goodwater, Inc.

Natural Land Institute

Nikolas Ritschel Foundation

Northern Illinois Institute for the Healing of Racism, Inc. - Come Together Rockford (NIIHR, Inc.)

Northwest Recovery

Northwestern Mutual

NTS Technical Systems

Rock River Service Company

Rockford Art Museum

Rockford Association for Minority Management

Rockford Cosmopolitan Club

Rockford Endodontics

- Alex C. Moore, DMD, PC

Rockford Generation

Rockford Lutheran School

Rockford Symphony Orchestra

Servpro of Rockford

Smeja Homestead Foundation

Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc.

SPXFLOW Hydraulic Technologies

State Farm Insurance

- Leslie West Agency

Stateline Youth for Christ

Stockholm Inn

The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties

T-Mobile

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

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

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

William Charles Construction

Wired Café

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY

303 N Main St Ste 200, 61101 Ted Duckett (815) 395-6645

www.ides.state.il.us

NEW ERA GOLDEN CARE

Recruitment and talent acquistion

Alexander Reyes (779) 513-1270

www.neweragoldencare.com

Weldstar

was awarded the Excellence in Distribution Americas Award 2022 by Hypertherm. Weldstar is only one of seven independent distributors of Hypertherm products in the U.S. to receive the distinction.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

ROCKFORD BARBELL

Improving the social and emotional well-being of youth through mindful movement and traumainformed practices.

213 N 3rd St, 61107

Elliot Ganet (630) 701-4942

www.rockfordbarbell.com

SPHERION STAFFING & RECRUITING

Providing comprehensive staffing & recruiting service

5411 E State St Ste 3, 61108

Austin Kassner (815) 397-5075

www.spherion.com/rockford

SEPTEMBER 2023 ANNIVERSARIES

Thank

25 YEAR MEMBERS

Briargate Management, LLC

Crystal Precision Drilling, Inc. Nutrition Works, Inc.

QPS Employment Group

Rockford Rigging, Inc.

20 YEAR MEMBERS

Studio GWA

15 YEAR MEMBERS

A-1 Dry Cleaners & Laundry

Cedar Hill Condominium Association

10 YEAR MEMBERS

State Farm Insurance - Leslie West Agency

5 YEAR MEMBERS

Alpine Body Shop, Inc.

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Erna Colborn, AAMS™, CRPS™, ABFP™, Financial Advisor

Getz Fire Equipment Company

HUB-REMSEN Print Group

The Insurance Guy, LLC

Irontek

(below)

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

ONGOING SEPTEMBER 8 – OCTOBER 6

Mapping Rockford Through History - Rockford Area Arts Council Rockford City Hall, 425 East State Street, Rockford. City Hall is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Ten artists were asked to explore one of Rockford’s historic districts/neighborhoods and create their version of a map of that area. The show will hang in the lobby of Rockford City Hall. Closing reception is Friday, October 6, 5-9 p.m., the last night of Fall ArtScene. Artists: Arin Whitmore, Carly Rose, Drew Eurek, Dustin Damiani, Jaymes Fedor, Jenny Mathews, Margaret McGraw, Marsha Goodheart, Nathan J Taylor, Nick Cashmere

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

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

Fall Prairie Harvest Day – Natural Land Institute, 9 a.m.-noon, Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton. This free family-friendly event is perfect for groups, families and individuals of all ages. Volunteers will have fun learning how to identify the plants in their dormant stage, and seed guides will show them how to properly collect the seeds. Participants will also enjoy discovering other interesting plants and animals, such as grasshoppers, butterflies, birds, 13-lined ground squirrels and other amazing wildlife.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Red, White & True Blue Golf Play Day, 11 a.m. shotgun start, Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Road, Rockford. Registration is $120 per golfer/ $450 a foursome and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch and much more. Proceeds benefit Circle of Change-Veterans, First Responder and Youth Dog Programs. For any questions about the event or Circle of Change please call or text Erin Rabon at 815-200-9020 or email contact@ circleofchangeprogram.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Thin Mint Sprint, 8:30 a.m., Lions Park, 747 S River Rd, Fox River Grove. Benefiting the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

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

DEVIATE Beloit, 6-11 p.m., Ironworks Campus Spine (Geronimo Hospitality Group), 525 Third Street, Suite 300, Beloit. DEVIATE (21+) is an electrifying art show, an epic party and an interactive experience all rolled into one. Think cutting-edge contemporary art, live music that will leave you begging for an encore, and an industrial vibe that’s sure to get your blood pumping. Tickets at https://www.simpletix.com/e/deviate-beloit-tickets-140819

Raise the Roof Gala, 6 p.m., Starlight Theatre – Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford. Rockford Promise presents its annual Raise the Roof Gala. Put away your dress clothes and break out your favorite college gear for this year’s Elevated Tailgate-themed event. Sizzling dinner selections, traditional tailgate games with a twist, and local craft beers on tap as the community celebrates another year of changing students’ and families’ lives in Rockford, and helping transform the region. Go to www. rockfordpromise.org/events/ for tickets.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

September Wine Tasting Club, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Artale & Co., 6876 Spring Creek Rd. #128, Rockford. The tasting will be organized by varietal, appellation or region. Each tasting will consist of six to eight wines. The blind tasting format is guaranteed to provide ample opportunity for lively discussion and learning. Cost is $20 per person. Only 12 spots available per month. Advanced reservation required over the phone or in person. August topic: Bordeaux Style Red Blends (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petite Verdot).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Exit the King, 7:30 p.m., Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Tickets available at ticketor.com/ rockforduniversity

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

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

Exit the King, 7:30 p.m., Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Tickets available at ticketor.com/ rockforduniversity

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Exit the King, 7:30 p.m., Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Tickets available at ticketor.com/ rockforduniversity

1 Million Meal Packing Event with Kids Around the World. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. Volunteers are needed to help pack 1 MILLION meals for underprivileged children in Zambia, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Head to www. kidsaroundtheworld.com/rockford1m/ to sign up to volunteer. Contact Brian Wahl for more information at brianw@katw.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Exit the King, 2 p.m., Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Tickets available at ticketor.com/ rockforduniversity

1 Million Meal Packing Event with Kids Around the World. 1-6 p.m., UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford. Volunteers are needed to help pack 1 MILLION meals for underprivileged children in Zambia, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Head to www.kidsaroundtheworld. com/rockford1m/ to sign up to volunteer. Contact Brian Wahl for more information at brianw@katw.org.

OCTOBER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

Celebrate Our Heritage: Through Movement, 6-8:30 p.m., Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront, 416 S. Main Street, Rockford. The “Celebrate our Heritage: Through Movement” is a fundraising event for the Ethnic Heritage Museum. This event will feature performances of traditional dances, music and more from various cultures, showcasing the beauty and richness of movement as an expression of cultural identity. In addition to the performances, there will be food, drinks, and opportunities to connect with members of the community. Order your tickets online at www. ethnicheritagemuseum.org/gala-tickets.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

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

House of Mercy Homeless Center Charity Ball – Mercyhealth Development Foundation, 5 p.m., The Celtic House, 1417 W. Airport Road, Janesville. This black-tie evening begins with a social hour, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, followed by a gourmet dinner, music and a collection of outstanding items and packages to bid on.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk, 10 a.m., Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. Curran Contracting is proud to partner with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to sponsor an Out of the Darkness Community Walk to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Go to www.supporting.afsp.org/index. cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=9656 to register for free or make a donation.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

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

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

CHaMBER CHAMBER EVENTS ADVERTISERS INDEX

SEPTEMBER 2023

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Annual Dinner, 5 pm, Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd. Presented by OSF Healthcare.

Keynote speaker: Kyle Scheele.

OCTOBER 2023

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

Business Over Lunch - Finance

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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

The Update, 9 am, NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford. Premiere Small Business Sponsor: Thayer Energy Solutions. Speakers include Mayor Tom McNamara - City of Rockford, Jennifer CaccippagliaFamily Peace Center & J. Jeffers/ Colman Yards

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26

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

NOVEMBER 2023

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Pow(H)er, 8:15 am, Prairie Street Brewing, 200 Prairie St, Rockford. Presented by AT&T.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

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

CHAMBER

Jamar Luster Ripe Life Juice

Dawna Menke OSF HealthCare

Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Christina Valdez CMM & Associates

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Caitlin Pusateri, President, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Ira

Sherry Harlan, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction Co

Brent Scott Rockford Community Bank

Teri Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

Ryan Snider Rockford Ice Hogs

Therese Thill Rockford Area Economic Development Council John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau