2024 | Volume 37 | No. 9
Rockford’s expanding senior population
How seniors and senior services impact our economy
By The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Rockford’s senior population is booming. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.5% of Rockford’s total population is 65 or older.
This regional statistic reflects a national trend of a rapidly increasing senior population, which is expected to continue growing. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the number of Americans age 65 and older is projected to increase by 47% from 2022 to 2050, with the group’s share of the total population projected to rise from 17% to 23%.
Not only that, they’re also working past retirement age. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that older adults are projected to work longer than in the
past. By 2032, 25% of men and 17% of women age 65 and over are projected to be in the labor force.
What does this mean for Rockford? It’s likely that many national trends will ring true for our local aging population as well. Not only will there be a need for increased community involvement and support to care for our region’s everexpanding group of elders, but more plentiful economic opportunities will result from catering to this age group.
The aging population will have an impact on the workforce from multiple angles, from more elders remaining in the workforce to younger workers needing flexible work schedules to care for older relatives.
Chamber members like Comfort Keepers Rockford, Assisting Hands
Home Care, and the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter are prepared to accommodate the needs of Rockford’s expanding senior population and their loved ones.
Elder community support and advocacy
As the region’s senior population grows, community support and advocacy for this age group and their families will become increasingly important.
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter works diligently to provide resources to this growing population in the Rockford area. The association serves 250,000 Illinois residents living with the disease, as well as their families and caregivers. In Winnebago County, there (continued on page 7)
Midwest Aerospace Conference
Register now for MAC2024 Oct. 17
The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) will once again host the Midwest Aerospace Conference –MAC2024, Oct. 17 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront.
This annual aerospace conference brings together experts, designers, manufacturers, engineers, educators and vendors for a full day of innovation and collaboration.
Supply chain matchmaking continues to be one of the main attractions of MAC2024, connecting Rockford-area companies with influential aerospace contractors. Partnerships help drive small business growth, and MAC2024 offers a prime opportunity for local businesses to forge new relationships.
The latest trends and technology in aerospace will be showcased in the exhibit room, where attendees can engage with exhibitors and fellow participants to
NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET
Northern Illinois Food Bank is relocating its Winnebago Community Market to 1397 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford, and renaming it the Northern Illinois Food Bank Neighborhood Market.
The new 30,000 sq. ft. Neighborhood Market location will provide:
• Improved grocery shopping experience in the onsite food pantry.
• Two dock doors and ample retail and back-of-store warehouse space.
• Smoother pick-up process for food pantries.
• Expanded services and resources for community.
• Greater visibility and accessibility to the community
The Food Bank is raising funds for the relocation and build-out. Four donors have committed a total of $122,000 as a challenge grant that will match donations to the Neighborhood Market Campaign. For more information, please visit www. SolveHungerToday.org/ RockfordRelocation
explore new ideas and develop valuable connections that can lead to future opportunities.
This year’s powerful lineup of speakers includes thought leaders from throughout the aerospace industry sharing their practical insights and vision for the future.
The conference will also feature interactive breakout sessions where attendees can share ideas and best practices. Topics include:
• Emerging trends in aerospace
• Building a skilled workforce
• Solutions for financing automation
• Doing business with the U.S. Department of Defense
• Doing business with Quebec
• Compliance and cyber security planning
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TOURISM IS BIG BUSINESS Visitor spending in Rockford and Winnebago County reached a record-breaking $515.4 million in 2023, capping three years of growth and topping pre-pandemic spending of $483 million in 2019.
Statewide, Illinois welcomed 112.4 million visitors in 2023, generating 278,200 tourismrelated jobs and $82.6 billion in total economic impact.
The local increase in spending also contributed to employment and payroll growth, resulting in the creation of 74 new positions for local individuals for a total of 4,654 jobs supported by tourism and $165 million in payroll directly supported by visitors. Further, visitor spending contributed $14.2 million in local tax revenue and $33.3 million in state tax revenue.
FROM THE CEO Relentless
Executing on our vision for a thriving business community
It’s not news that the past few years at the chamber have been marked by transition, change, and a good deal of uncertainty. It’s been nearly a year since the Rockford Area Economic Development Council and Rockford Chamber of Commerce merged into the new Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC). Streamlining the GRCC structure was a strong strategy toward gaining efficiency and productivity, yet we still have significant work to do on the path toward organizational excellence. Again, that’s not news.
The news is, that with a new leader in place, we can move beyond internal issues and shift toward external opportunities. We can execute on the board’s vision to “relentlessly grow, develop, and support a thriving business community.” The need for execution is one of the reasons the board of the new GRCC approached me about serving as CEO. Execution has been a hallmark of
my career, and I’m focusing my skills on executing the final details of the merger, and more importantly, on the relentless pursuit of our vision.
The relentless drive toward our vision requires thoughtful application of our time, talent, and treasure. In terms of talent, relentless also describes the efforts of the GRCC staff during this merger and transition. The team has endured months and months of uncertainty — uncertainty while boards structured and restructured the organization, as leaders came and went, as offices were moved and moved again, as fellow employees were laid off, and as stakeholders reduced funding.
And yet, amidst all this change, the staff persevered and relentlessly served our members.
They continued business retention visits; completed business attraction requests for information; supported partnerships with elected officials and other organizations; celebrated
new businesses with ribbon cuttings; published newsletters and The Voice without missing a beat; overhauled the membership investment packages; produced networking and member recognition programs and events; elevated Leadership Rockford, our renowned leader development program; and literally “kept the lights on” by managing day-to-day operations. Relentless!
For all their relentlessness and more, I wholeheartedly thank:
• Melissa Adams for being the type of administrative assistant who acts like an assistant administrator. Thanks for your relentless ownership of the daily details that make or break an organization, especially an organization in transition. I appreciate your ability to anticipate needs and fulfill them with your unique combination of thoroughness and thoughtfulness.
• Doug Hessong for providing the continuity that only a 22-year team member can bring to an organization that benefits from an anchor in its history. Thanks for your relentless willingness to help others get their work done, from designing communications, to troubleshooting software, and simply saying “yes” to random requests for help.
• Alex Keedi for honoring the importance of our business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts by relentlessly pursuing new opportunities, while also ensuring members are heard and helped. Thanks for assisting businesses with programs and incentives that support growth and keep companies competitive. Thanks for giving your all toward growing our economy.
• Carmen Kellerman for leading our educational and networking events through the post-pandemic recovery and into an environment where gatherings are being redefined and reinvented. Thanks for keeping Leadership Rockford strong and for adding your meeting planning talents to our annual Midwest Aerospace Conference.
• Caitlin Pusateri for sustaining overall leadership of the combined organization throughout the transition and recruitment of a CEO. Thanks for interacting with the board, connecting with elected officials, supporting committees, addressing the media, reinventing membership, managing software conversions, handling marketing, and relentlessly keeping our staff moving forward and our members happy.
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ANGELA KAY LARSON, CEO, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
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• Kristen Muehlfelder for relentlessly ensuring service to our more than 900 member organizations and for continuing to deliver chamber “classics.” Our core programs are at the heart of member service, and, thanks to you, our Ambassadors, networking, and ribbon cutting programs continue to celebrate new business milestones and deliver on expectations.
• Matt Zarembski for transitioning “investors” and “members” into “investments in membership” as we reimagined the chamber’s value and overhauled our membership program. Thanks too for contributing to the migration of our new enterprise software program – work that remains in process and will require your relentless attention to the details and member needs.
As the newest member of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce team, I will add my own level of relentlessness to the mix. As we set a course toward our future vision, I will push us to relentlessly rely on member input and feedback. I will ensure the team remains true to our mission and values. And I will focus our time, talent, and treasure toward “relentlessly growing, developing, and supporting a thriving business community.”
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Whether you are an entrepreneur, a student aspiring to enter the industry, or a seasoned professional, this conference promises to be a transformative experience that will propel your career forward and advance the aerospace industry in our region.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the MAC2024. Register for the conference now at business.rockfordchamber.com. Contact ckellerman@rockfordchamber.com to learn more about the event, register as an exhibitor, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
JOIN US AS WE SHAPE THE FUTURE OF AEROSPACE IN OUR REGION
Aerospace Conference – MAC2024 Thursday, Oct. 17
profile profileMEMBER PROFILE
“At Danfoss we have a mission to focus on sustainability, which applies not only to our products but to our world and our community at large,” said Julie Newell, head of Supply Chain North America for Danfoss Drives. “We take a lot of pride in what our company manufactures and how we’re giving back to the community and contributing to sustainability.”
With an emphasis on energyefficient and sustainable technologies, Danfoss specializes in climate and energy engineering solutions. It provides products and services for a wide range of industries, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and industrial automation.
Founded in Denmark in 1933, Danfoss is a privately held company that employs 42,000 people worldwide — 450 in the Rockford region. It has 100 factories in 20 countries and serves customers across the globe.
Its Loves Park facility, a division of Danfoss Drives, manufactures variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other electronic motor control solutions. The products are designed to optimize energy efficiency and control the speed of electric motors used in various applications across industries such as HVAC, water and wastewater, industrial automation, and renewable energy.
The company’s Loves Park facility is one of only three application development centers in North America. Through these innovation hubs, Danfoss brings together customers from across the continent to demonstrate and customize solutions.
Despite its international presence, Danfoss is invested the Rockford region.
“We are committed to supporting local manufacturing and creating jobs in the communities where we operate,” Newell said. “We don’t want it to just be work; we want people to feel pride and want to share that with their families and in the community.”
As part of the Danfoss strategy to be a local employer of choice, they offer a strong culture, employee resource groups, and opportunities to get involved in the community. Local employee groups frequently volunteer with United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and other nonprofits.
Danfoss has been a member of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) for more than a decade. Newell emphasized that the networking, knowledge sharing, and educational opportunities have been extremely beneficial to Danfoss.
“GRCC offers visibility into what the community has to offer and the different businesses we can engage with,” Newell said. “It’s a great opportunity to get visibility, education, and communication around manufacturing in our local community.”
Through the GRCC, Danfoss has established partnerships with local community colleges to offer internship programs, employing up to 10 summer interns a year. They also offer co-ops that allow qualifying students to continue to work part-time at Danfoss while completing their degree. This strengthens the company’s hiring pipeline and benefits the community.
“Danfoss recognizes the power of partnership with chambers across the U.S. and what they have to offer at the local level,” Newell said.
Looking ahead, Danfoss anticipates growth in the Rockford region.
“We have a new technology that’s being manufactured here in Loves Park that is part of the broader strategy at Danfoss,” Newell said. “The North American customer base is a growth opportunity, and with that comes the growth of our team locally. Partnership with the GRCC is going to be critical as we move forward.”
Presenting Sponsor:
GUEST COLUMNIST Tackling hunger in our community
Food
Security ACTION Summit Oct. 17
The Rockford community is invited to the Food Security ACTION Summit on Thursday, Oct. 17, noon to 3 p.m., at Riverfront Museum Park. The purpose of this free event is to help create an action plan to ensure all people in our community have access to quality, affordable food, and an equitable food system. We have the tools and resources to address this critical issue. Your attendance and input will help mobilize the effort and make a difference in the lives of your neighbors in need of food. Hunger is often hidden but is a significant issue for our community. The reasons are complex, but we know:
• A growing number of our neighbors are facing food insecurity (11,000).
• Winnebago County has the third highest rate of child food insecurity in the state at 20.7%, nearly double the state average of 11.3%.
• Rockford has a 22% poverty rate, nearly double the state average of 11.9%.
• Winnebago County residents face food insecurity at 15.8%, a rate higher than the national average (12.8%).
• One-third of our food-insecure neighbors live above the SNAP threshold.
About the summit
Julie Yurko, president and CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, will set the stage by sharing data on food insecurity, hunger, and local food systems.
Sherrie Tussler, CEO emeritus of the Milwaukee Hunger Task Force, will talk about innovative strategies employed to address hunger and build a sustainable, comprehensive food system in Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
Panelists will share insights about our community and local food systems:
Mary Cacioppi Bridges to Prosperity
Ron Clewer
Gorman & Company
Anna Garrison
Community & Economic Development, City of Rockford
Ravneet Kaur University of Illinois College of Medicine
Adam Little Community Activist, Community Life Center of Rockford
Yvette Sellers
Northern Illinois Food Bank
The event will culminate in facilitated breakout sessions to identify solutions and next steps to ensure nutritious food is plentiful and accessible to people across our community, no matter where they live.
For more information about the summit, visit the events page of the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) at www.niu.edu/ nicne
Attendees can register for free at Action-on-Food-Security.eventbrite.com Gift cards will be available for attendees with food insecurity lived experience.
The action summit is hosted by the food insecurity task force as part of the belonging initiative led by NICNE and is made possible with support from The Kjellstrom Family Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Rockford, and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.
The views expressed are those of Welte and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
RON WELTE Food Insecurity Task Force
EHREN JARRETT, superintendent, RPS 205
Success is no accident
Record-setting results for the 2023-2024 school year
As a superintendent, August is my favorite month.
Students are wrapping up their summer learning, and teachers are eagerly preparing classrooms, filled with excitement and optimism.
This year, as we kick off the 2024-2025 school year, our excitement is at an alltime high.
Preliminary data suggests that 20232024 was a record-setting year for RPS 205. Significant improvements in middle and high school on-track rates are boosting graduation rates. High school SAT and elementary literacy scores are also on the rise.
Additionally, with a tax rate decrease to $5.17, Rockford public schools now have the lowest tax rate in Boone and Winnebago County.
The board also passed a new fiveyear, $180 million facilities plan, which includes expanding special programming, investing in 39 schools, and establishing a newcomer center and a college and career readiness center.
These successes are no accident.
The RPS Board of Education has consistently focused on student achievement, taxes, and facilities. Our universal goals embedded in my employment contract emphasize improving academic outcomes for all students.
Sine 2013, five consecutive boards have held the tax levy flat, boosting property values by more than $1 billion and saving taxpayers nearly $300 million.
Our latest facilities plan is the third in 12 years, with a recent $165 million investment ensuring all classrooms are air conditioned by September.
At our August administrative retreat, we celebrated these achievements with our principals and district leaders, then immediately shifted focus to the future. Our principals are dedicated to creating supportive conditions for students and teachers at the classroom level. The district office is equally committed to enhancing the quality of services we provide to schools.
Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the predictability of student outcomes by zip code, and our work is far from over.
We don’t do this work alone.
Partnerships, like Rockford Promise with the city of Rockford and Northern Illinois University, ensure full-tuition scholarships for all RPS students who are Rockford residents with a 3.0 GPA. Many of our students also attend Rockford University and Rock Valley College. Additionally, our high school academies, supported by community partnerships, guide hundreds of graduates into the workforce, trades, military, or entrepreneurship. Seven of our high school academies have received model status from the National Career Academy Council.
As we embark on a new school year, we are proud to collaborate with schools, the district, and the community to make the 2024-2025 school year our most successful yet.
ERNA COLBORN,
GUEST COLUMNIST
Avoid becoming burden in retirement
Steps you can take before and after you retire
Some 72% of retirees say one of their biggest fears is becoming a burden to their families, according to a 2021 survey by Age Wave and Edward Jones. Here are some steps can you take, before and during retirement, to help lighten the load on your loved ones in the future.
Build your retirement savings
The greater your financial resources, the less likely it is you’ll ever have to count on your grown children for financial support. You may have access to a 401(k) or similar retirement plan at work, so take advantage of it. Even with an employer-sponsored plan, you also may be eligible to contribute to an IRA. In addition to offering a variety of investment options, a 401(k) and IRA provide potential tax advantages. And once you do retire, be careful about how much you withdraw each year from your retirement plans and other investments.
Plan for health care costs
Once you are retired, health care costs will be a significant expense. You may have Medicare, but you’ll also want to consider your need for supplemental health insurance to cover traditional medical costs.
You’ll want to consider another potential health-related expense: longterm care. You may never need the services of a home health aide or a stay in a nursing home, but no one can predict the future. Medicare does not cover most costs for long-term care, which can be quite high.
In 2021, the annual national median cost for a private room in a nursing home was over $108,000, while the median cost for a full-time home health aide was nearly $62,000, according to a survey by Genworth, an insurance company. You may want to consult with a financial professional on strategies for protecting yourself from these costs.
Create necessary legal documents
If something were to happen to you, and you didn’t have the appropriate legal documents in place, your loved ones could be placed in a bind, both financially and emotionally. That’s why it’s a good idea to create documents such as a durable financial power of attorney, which lets you name someone to manage your finances if you became incapacitated, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t make them yourself. You’ll want to work with a legal professional to develop the documents appropriate for your needs.
Evaluate your housing needs
As you enter retirement, you may want to evaluate your living situation. Could you downsize to a smaller home or perhaps a condominium or apartment? Not only might you save money with such a move, but you could also end up relieving your grown children of the responsibilities and hassles involved in clearing out and selling your home should you become unable to do so yourself during the later years of your retirement.
By taking these measures, along with others, you can go a long way toward maintaining your independence and putting yourself in a place where you won’t burden your grown children. And that’s a good place to be.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
The views expressed are those of Edward Jones, Member SIPC, and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
CFP®, CRPS™, ABFP™, AAMS™, financial advisor, Edward Jones
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are over 6,000 individuals 65 years and older living with Alzheimer’s, 11.4% of the area’s senior population.
“In Rockford, we offer free community and family education and outreach programs throughout the year – from support groups to online resources like ALZNavigator™, an interactive online tool to help guide users to their next steps in their journey,” said Taylor Adolphson, senior manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Rockford and McHenry County), Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.
To achieve its mission, the Alzheimer’s Association relies on partnerships with local companies and organizations interested in supporting Alzheimer’s care and research.
“We encourage senior and nonsenior focused service organizations and businesses to partner with us – whether it’s hosting an education program, facilitating a support group, or participating in or sponsoring the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held Sept. 14 in Rockford,” Adolphson said.
Another area organization that’s actively involved in serving Rockford’s growing elder population is Assisting Hands Rockford, which provides highquality, personalized care for aging loved ones. They have a particular focus on the region’s aging veteran population.
“The growth in veterans seeking support is largely due to our strong community partnerships. Organizations and advocates reach out to us for our expertise in finding assistance for veterans,” said Jennifer Dexter, CDP, CPR/AED, administrator and manager of Assisting Hands Home Care, serving Rockford and surrounding areas. “Our expertise in Veterans Administration (VA) benefits has been a cornerstone of our services, as we have helped over 100 veterans successfully navigate the complexities of the application process and access the benefits they’re entitled to.”
To raise awareness of their services for the aging veteran community, the company participates in and supports local events, such as:
• Cosponsoring the Vietnam Veterans Day event at Don Carter Lanes, where more than 50 veterans came together for a day filled with camaraderie, raffles, giveaways, lunch, and bowling in their honor.
• Holding the 5K Ruck March, an event aimed at raising awareness of veteran suicide prevention and the services provided at the Rockford Vet Center. The last event drew more than 100 participants.
• Hosting the Table of Honor at the Rockford Rivets stadium this past summer, where 40 veterans were honored at home games.
• Upcoming events include:
o Sponsorship of Benny’s@Nest on Sept. 7 to help raise funds for Vets Roll, a community initiative that offers veterans a fully funded trip to their memorials alongside fellow service members.
o Sponsorship of the 29th annual Vietnam to Now POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, “Patriotism in Today’s World,” on Sept. 20.
Last year, the Rockford office was awarded the prestigious 2023 Veteran Advocate Award from the Assisting Hands Home Care corporate office.
“Other recent accolades, including the Top Producer Award and the Veteran Advocate Award, reflect our unwavering dedication to serving those who have served our country,” Dexter said.
Assisting Hands isn’t the only local company helping aging veterans. Comfort Keepers Rockford, which provides nonmedical, in-home care services to help seniors remain independent in their homes, also provides services through the VA. They work with veterans to help them determine eligibility for services –all at no cost to them.
Elder job creation and economic growth opportunities
As this population continues to expand in the Rockford region, jobs and economic opportunities are growing with them.
Comfort Keepers Rockford is one local company seeing an increase in demand for their elder care services.
“We are just hitting the peak of the baby boom generation, so the population of seniors needing this type of care is continuing to increase,” said Mark Podemski, owner, Comfort Keepers Rockford. “Dementia care services is one area that’s continuing to grow in demand, which is therefore increasing the demand for qualified caregivers.”
Assisting Hands has also seen an increase in demand for senior care services, specifically specialized 24/7 care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia as these conditions become more prevalent. As requests for respite services for family caregivers increase, the company continues to connect families to the support they need to prevent caregiver burnout.
Assisting Hands has also seen an increase in demand for in-home caregivers in the Rockford area, as more individuals are choosing to age in place rather than transition to assisted living facilities. The company is actively recruiting and training new caregivers to continue delivering exceptional care to their clients.
“We currently employ about 50 caregivers who are dedicated to providing compassionate, reliable care to our clients in the Rockford region. And we are continuing to grow as the requests for our services increase,” Dexter said. “More families are turning to us for our expert assistance in managing care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia at home.”
As more seniors are aging in place, they’re also increasing their participation in the labor force, providing them with a sense of purpose and greater financial stability. It also provides local companies with needed labor.
Although many in this age group are not seeking full-time or physically demanding roles, they may be interested in continuing in their current roles or take on new positions like teaching or working seasonal jobs.
Brian Kaskie, Ph. D., professor of Health Policy at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, is on the forefront of studying the trend of older adults remaining in or re-entering the workforce. He shared his expertise on age-inclusive management strategies for businesses at a GRCC luncheon this summer.
“Persons over 50 are the only sector of the labor force that has actually been increasing their work participation, with more people age 65 and older in the labor force than ever before,” Kaskie said. “The advantages to employers in hiring this age group are numerous, as older adults are often more responsible employees, possess excellent customer service skills, and are more willing to serve as mentors to younger employees.”
For those interested in continuing to work into their golden years, Kaskie recommends the following resources and strategies:
• AARP.org provides information about creating a resume, applying for work in a modern medium (such as LinkedIn), and connecting older adults to employers that are considered senior-friendly.
• Leveraging local employment services such as the nationally financed Senior Employment Program to access resources and job opportunities.
• Enrolling at local community colleges to complete coursework that can lead to job placement. For example, many
of these colleges offer culinary training and can help link senior students with employers.
Although some employers are more open to hiring older workers, existing stereotypes can be a barrier to entry. However, Kaskie maintains that, with the increase in demand for part-time seasonal labor, employers should keep an open mind.
“Regional employers need to start thinking about older persons as a viable workforce solution,” Kaskie said. “Researchers have found that many of the stereotypes about older workers are just not true. They don’t actually cost more in terms of health insurance and benefits and are often just as capable of learning new technology.”
Looking beyond the horizon
The senior population will only continue growing. And, as it does, these organizations, advocates, and companies will be vital to ensuring this cohort’s needs continue to be met.
A big part of planning ahead for success is accessing the support and business opportunities made possible through their involvement in the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
“The chamber has been an invaluable partner in our growth and success, providing us with networking opportunities, business resources, and advocacy that help us navigate the local market and connect with other businesses and potential clients,” Dexter said. “Their support has been instrumental in our ability to expand and serve more families in the Rockford region.”
There are opportunities for the chamber to continue the economic momentum of this sector by building awareness of key issues impacting Rockford’s senior population. Kaskie, for instance, believes there is ample opportunity for the chamber to highlight the viability and availability of older workers with area businesses.
“By hosting a presentation on aging workforce participation and linking relevant resources, the chamber can help advance awareness with employers about the profound change happening to the workforce, encouraging them to think more seriously about adopting strategies that can improve the recruitment and retention of workers over 50 years old,” Kaskie said.
Podemski believes that the chamber can provide value by helping employers understand elder issues that affect the community: “Employers are impacted by the demands of an employee caring for aging loved ones. And any support we can offer would aid in providing loving care to our seniors.”
While the economic impact of elder issues is important, quality care for seniors remains paramount.
“As we move forward, we remain focused on our mission of providing exceptional care and continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients and their families,” Dexter said.
The Illinois Aging Network
A look at the IDoA’s State Plan on Aging
By The Illinois Department on Aging
The Illinois Aging Network is made up of many local, state, and federal systems that provide services to older adults and their caregivers. Some of these service systems are guided through the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), while others are through other systems such as health care, housing, transportation, and the private sector.
Guided by IDoA, the aging network provides state-subsidized home and community-based services and support through funding from the Older Americans Act, the 1915c Medicaid-Waiver services, and general revenue funds. Services are supposed to support connections, independence, and individual rights as well as purpose, value, and dignity.
The following is an executive summary of IDoA’s State Plan on Aging and the role of the Illinois Aging Network in executing that plan.
(NOTE: Illinois requested a oneyear extension of the current State Plan on Aging from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), so that the existing State Plan, as described here, will remain in effect, without change, until September 30, 2025.)
State Plan on Aging
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the year 2030 is a turning point for the population of the U.S. It marks the year that all baby boomers will be older than 65 and when immigration is likely to be the primary driver of population growth in the country.
The State of Illinois is experiencing this change in demographics similar to other states across the nation. In 2018, there were an estimated 2.8 million adults age 60+ in Illinois, representing 22% of the population.
Growth among older adults in Illinois is expected to continue, with those age 60+ increasing to 25% by 2030. This growth does not come without more sobering statistics. In 2018, 9.9% of individuals age 60+ had incomes below 100% of the federal poverty level, and 39.4% of older adults 60+ lived alone
Despite these challenges, the aging network continues to provide crucial services so older adults can remain in their homes and communities. In FY 2019, 71,000 individuals received Community Care Program services. With this data in mind, it is crucial for Illinois to take an innovative and forward-thinking
approach to developing our State Plan on Aging for FY 2022- FY 2024, to ensure older Illinoisans and their caregivers are provided the necessary services that allow for independence and the ability to maintain their quality of life.
In addition to the changes in the demographics of Illinois’ aging population coupled with the projected growth in the population of older adults, we anticipate the needs of these individuals and their caregivers will evolve. We have learned from the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic that the challenges older adults face today may not be the same in the future. Our older adults are an increasingly diverse population (LGBT, racial and ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities) with complex co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and earlier onset of dementia. Moving forward, the improved integration of healthcare and social services is paramount. The aging network has been responding to the social determinants of
health (SDOH) throughout its history, for example, promoting food security and access to home delivered meals. However, the Illinois Department on Aging has traditionally viewed its community service model as a “social” model. Over the past several years, the national trend has been moving towards improved integration of healthcare and social services. Here in Illinois, the aging network plays a critical role in assisting older adults with navigating the managed care landscape and, in addition to quality healthcare, the SDOH play a pivotal role in supporting older adults’ ability to remain independent and living in their own homes.
COVID-19 also brought to the forefront the negative impact of social isolation and loneliness older adults experience. It highlighted the need for innovative approaches, including expanded access to technology for staying connected but also to ensure access to essential healthcare. Recent analysis of fee-for-service Medicare data
during the early period of the COVID-19 shutdown indicated 40% of primary care visits were completed via telehealth. This is an increase from 0.1% of primary care visits via telehealth prior to the pandemic. However, technology, like a tablet or iPad is not enough; we have learned from grant programs and the Area Agencies on Aging initiatives that education and proper technical support is vital for full utilization of a device.
Over the last several years, the department has moved toward utilizing data to drive policy and programmatic decisions. The implementation of the automated critical event reporting system and the adult protective case management system provide the department with the ability to analyze trends and better evaluate the effectiveness of services. The implementation of the new Aging Cares Community Care Program (CCP) case management system will provide additional data points related to the CCP population. We expect growth in the number of older adults who may be eligible for CCP in future years, and when SDOH (i.e. access to transportation, healthy and nutritious food) are taken into consideration it is critical for the aging network to prepare to meet older adults’ current needs and address those we anticipate in the future.
How we address the changing needs while still ensuring that older adults are able to age in place as much as possible presents a challenge for the aging network.
To prepare for the changing landscape, we worked to develop goals, strategies, and objectives in the State Plan “to answer the needs and experiences of older adults and the families who stand by them now and into the foreseeable future.”
The FY 2022 - FY2024 State Plan aligns with the broader department strategic priorities that were established in 2019. The priorities created the foundation for development of the goals for the plan and align with the four focus areas as outlined in the Administration for Community Living (ACL) State Unit on Aging Directors Letter #02-2019. The strategic priorities include:
• Support older adults’ ability to remain independent and in their own homes through the provision of quality home and communitybased services with a strong focus on healthy aging and prevention.
• Respond and follow up on reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and persons with disabilities through the Adult Protective Services and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
• Ensure adequate capacity for services and supports in the aging network for the projected growth in the aging population. Stabilize the aging workforce and partner with experts in the field to expand training opportunities.
• Maximize federal, state, local and private resources to sustain and
expand services and supports to older adults. Ensure the aging provider network is an integral component of options covered by managed care.
• Promote responsive management through the enhanced use of data to drive programmatic decisions and enhanced IT systems to improve efficiencies within the delivery of services.
• Address social determinants of health including but not limited to housing, food, education, employment, healthy behaviors, transportation, and personal safety to improve health and reduce longstanding disparities in health and health care. Continue statewide expansion of age-friendly communities.
The FY 2022 - FY 2024 State Plan on Aging focuses on key goals and objectives of the Illinois Department on Aging, and in partnership with the aging network, will work to implement and monitor to ensure older adults and their caregivers are provided with the highest quality services and resources over the next three years and into the future.
Goal 1: Fulfill mandate as the State Unit on Aging to effectively administer the Older Americans Act, Title III and Title VII core programs in partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging and other partners in the aging network.
Goal 2: Expand and ensure equitable
access to programs that address the social determinants of health, with a focus on identifying and understanding the needs of underserved and diverse populations.
Goal 3: Maximize federal, state, local, and private resources to sustain and expand services and supports to older adults.
Goal 4: Ensure that adequate capacity for services and supports is developed in the aging network to prepare for the projected growth and diversity in the aging population.
Goal 5: Enable older Illinoisans, their families, and other consumers to choose and easily access options that support older adults’ ability to stay in their homes and communities.
Goal 6: Ensure implementation of federally mandated Person-Centered Planning practices statewide.
Goal 7: Prevent and improve response to abuse, neglect and exploitation while preserving rights of older adults and persons with disabilities in all settings.
Goal 8: Promote responsive management and improve efficiencies within the delivery of services through the use of data and enhanced IT systems.
Find the State’s full State Plan on Aging at https://ilaging.illinois.gov/.
The views expressed are those of the Illinois Department on Aging and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
GUEST COLUMNIST
Managing healthcare costs in retirement
What to know about healthcare savings accounts
A confluence of factors – longevity, inflation, a confusing healthcare landscape, and the limitations of Medicare – can have a significant effect on a person’s ability to afford their medical expenses in retirement. In fact, it’s a topic that concerns many Americans. A recent study by Fidelity found that 70% of respondents feel unprepared to cover healthcare expenses in retirement. However, those who have health savings accounts (HSAs) feel more prepared (47%) compared to just 27% of people who don’t have an HSA.
If you are still working, an HSA is an excellent way to stockpile money to pay for healthcare costs in retirement. The same Fidelity study estimated that a 65-year-old couple retiring this year can expect to spend an average of $315,000 in healthcare and medical expenses in retirement, so it never hurts to start saving early. In 2024, individuals can contribute up to $4,150 for themselves or $8,300 for family coverage, and those 55
and older can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution.
You can only open an HSA if you have a qualifying high-deductible health plan. Ostensibly, having an HSA enables you to save pre-tax dollars to cover healthcare costs that your insurance doesn’t pay. Those who can afford to pay out-ofpocket for healthcare costs now, while contributing to their HSA, can create a sizeable nest egg for medical expenses in retirement. Here are some other key points to understand about HSAs. You can invest the funds within your HSA.
HSAs work a bit like IRAs, in that the money you contribute can be invested. Another similarity between HSAs and IRAs is that they are both tax-advantaged accounts. HSAs offer an even greater after-tax result as they offer a triple tax advantage compared to a Traditional or Roth IRA. Let’s count the ways: First, contributions are pre-tax (if you
contribute through payroll deduction) or tax deductible (if you contribute posttax dollars). Second, the funds inside the HSA grow tax-free. Finally, HSA withdrawals are also tax-free when used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
HSAs have no “use it or lose it” provision, and they remain with you even if you change jobs.
Unlike a flexible savings account, which must be spent by the end of the year, HSA contributions stay with the owner. Moreover, if you move to another job, you can take your account with you.
You can make a one-time rollover from your IRA to fund your HSA.
This is a tax-savvy move for individuals with large IRA balances who are approaching the age where they will have to take required minimum distributions.
You can withdraw funds from your HSA for non-medical expenses
But if you do, expect to pay ordinary income tax as well as a 20% penalty. If you are 65 or older and use the money for a non-medical expense, you won’t face a penalty but will still be taxed at your ordinary income rate.
Once you go on Medicare, you can no longer contribute to an HSA.
However, you can withdraw money to use for qualified medical expenses.
That’s all fine and dandy for preretirees, but what about those already in retirement? According to Savant’s tax director Kelli Peterson, the obvious answer is Medicare, which consists of four parts:
• Part A (Original Medicare) covers hospital care, most skilled nursing facilities, and hospice/home health services. If you previously paid more than 40 quarters of Medicare payroll tax while working, Part A is premiumfree.
• Part B (Original Medicare) covers doctor visits, clinical lab services, outpatient and preventive care, screenings, surgical fees/supplies, and physical and occupational therapy.
The premiums for Part B are based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) reported on your tax return from two years ago.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines parts A and B and can also include prescription drug coverage. The premiums are based on the type of plan you choose and what is covered by the plan.
• Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) covers your prescriptions. These premiums are also based on your MAGI as reported on your tax return from two years ago.
You may need a Medicare supplement to help cover the costs of unexpected medical events, or a “Medigap” policy that can help pay for any out-of-pocket costs not covered by the Medicare plans previously listed (such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles).
Another option is to consider a life insurance policy with a long-term care benefit. These policies can be used for long-term care expenses and will pay a death benefit when the policyholder dies. The death benefit will decrease, however, if you use the policy to cover long-term care expenses.
Your financial advisor can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option and may be able to suggest other alternatives depending on your personal financial situation. As the Fidelity study shows, it’s never too early to start planning for this potentially significant cost in retirement.
This is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment or financial advice. Please consult your investment and financial professional(s) regarding your unique situation.
The views expressed are those of Alexander and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
You’re never too old to start a business
The advantages of wisdom, connections and practical experience
By Robert Roy Britt , contributor – CO by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Don’t give up on that great business idea, no matter how old you are. People who start businesses in their 40s, 50s and even into their 60s typically succeed as well if not better than younger entrepreneurs, extensive research reveals.
A new study finds entrepreneurs who begin while in their 50s succeed at roughly the same rate as people starting up in their 20s. Specifically, an entrepreneur starting at age 53 is as likely to be as successful, over time, as one launching a company at age 29, according to study leader Hao Zhao, PhD, an associate professor of management at the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The findings hold up across genders.
“Older women were more successful than younger women,” Zhao told CO—.
Although many famous entrepreneurs founded their companies in their early 20s, the chances of launching a successful business gradually decline until around age 41, when the odds begin to improve again. This could be due to any number of challenges for people in early mid-life, from raising kids to caring for elderly parents, the study said.
The research, involving a review of 102 previous studies that each looked at an average of 600 entrepreneurs, is published in the January 2021 issue of the Journal of Business Venturing. It suggests younger entrepreneurs may be bolder and more tech savvy, while people in their 50s often start with a leg up on wisdom, financial capital and business connections—a view that could help overturn some stereotypes about aging and entrepreneurship that are particularly poignant today.
“The United States has an increasing population of older adults that have skills and knowledge valuable to society,” Zhao said. “This study helps to illustrate their strengths.”
Our skewed perceptions
Some experts have theorized that youth often comes with better cognitive skills, greater awareness of current technologies and trends, and less resistance to disruptive change that can be crucial to successful innovation. While that may all be true, such advantages rarely seem to outweigh experience.
In fact, the average age for founders of fastest-growing new ventures— the top 0.1% based on employment growth—is 45, according to comprehensive analysis of 2.7 million company founders by researchers at the MIT Sloan School of Management and other business schools. Successful IPOs and acquisitions are also most likely to result when founders launch the businesses while in their mid-40s.
But 45 is not some magical number. Because the majority of new entrepreneurs happen to be around that age, the average age doesn’t tell the whole story.
So the researchers also compared success as a function of age. By that measure, the typical 50-year-old founder is 1.8 times more likely to achieve high growth than the typical 30-year-old founder, and those who start in their early 20s are the least likely to build highgrowth companies—succeeding only extremely rarely.
“These findings strongly reject common hypotheses that emphasize youth as a key trait of successful entrepreneurs,” the researchers wrote. “Successful entrepreneurs are middleaged, not young. We find no evidence to suggest that founders in their 20s are especially likely to succeed. Rather, all evidence points to founders being especially successful when starting businesses in middle age or beyond, while young founders appear disadvantaged.”
Leveraging experience
Relevant experience clearly matters to startup success.
“The number of years that one spends in the same industry as the startup was predictive of that company’s future performance,” said study team member J. Daniel Kim, PhD, an assistant professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
The wild success and ubiquitous news coverage of a handful of young founders — think Zuckerberg, Jobs and Gates — skews our views of the typical ages of successful entrepreneurs, Kim and his colleagues conclude. Even so, their research does not suggest it’s a good idea should wait.
“Zuckerberg founding a company at age 19 was the right time to do that,” Kim said. “But we’re trying to make this general point that this link between entrepreneurship and age is a really strong one.”
While this study did not analyze gender differences, the benefits of age almost surely accrue for women, too. “After 50 can be a great time in life for women to launch companies,” writes Kerry Hannon, author of the book “Never Too Old to Get Rich: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life.” In a Forbes article, Hannon interviewed several experts who agree and even note that older women
typically have advantages over men in their ability to make more and more diverse connections with others.
Other research has found some precise ways in which experience can help. In a 2018 survey of more than 2,000 businesses by the Kauffman Foundation, 32% of startup owners under age 45 said getting a business license was difficult, a process that confounded only 23% of older entrepreneurs. Similarly, the younger set struggled more with loan applications.
The upshot, according to Zhao, “Despite the stereotype, 50s and 60s are actually a good time to start new businesses,” he said. “Older people have many advantages, such as a greater amount of financial capital, social connection, work and management experience, life wisdom, and lighter family obligations, all of which can offset the gradual decline of risk propensity, memory, and hands-on technical skills. They are as likely to be successful as those in the 20s and early 30s, as long as they carefully utilize those strengths— such as picking a business and industry that they are familiar with.”
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.
Age-friendly community planning
A free tool for civic leaders
By Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies
The Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) recently released a policy profile on “The Emergence of Age-friendly Thinking in Community Planning.” The profile helps civic leaders better understand the demographic shift to an older population, what that can mean for a community, and how to plan for those challenges and opportunities.
The full text of the policy profile is available for free at go.niu.edu/ policyprofiles.
By 2030, for the first time, there will be more Americans over age 65 than under age 18. This is happening because people are living longer, and young adults are having fewer babies.
The CGS policy profile addresses the following questions:
• What is an age-friendly community?
• Why should our community be age friendly?
• How do we become an age-friendly community?
“Age-friendly community” refers to a community that supports all ages, including older residents, in a way that enables them to age in place comfortably and engage meaningfully with the community as a whole.
The CGS policy profile notes that an age-friendly community is good for all ages, because older and younger people often want the same things.
Only a third of adults expect to live
in a development specifically for older people. This means that two-thirds of adults expect a typical neighborhood in their community to meet their needs as they age. The policy profile provides information on the demographic, economic, and social aspects of planning for an aging population.
“The journey towards age-friendly communities begins with a deep understanding of demographic trends and the recognition of the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals,” said Mim Evans, profile author.
The following is an excerpt from the profile:
Introduction
The demographic landscape of the United States is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a projected surge in the population aged 65 and above in the upcoming years. As communities confront the challenges associated with an aging populace, there is a growing need to prioritize age-friendly thinking and planning. This imperative calls for a strategic approach to community planning, emphasizing making daily living easier and improving the quality of life for both older residents and visitors. Recognizing this demographic shift, communities are encouraged to proactively engage in age-friendly planning efforts, shaping environments that acknowledge and accommodate the needs of older individuals.
Community awareness and the demographics of age
The United States, along with many other postindustrial nations, is experiencing an aging population. For example, the anticipated growth in the U.S. population of individuals aged 65 and above is substantial, and it is expected to rise from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, marking a 47% increase. Additionally, the proportion of this age group within the overall population is forecasted to climb from 17% to 23%.
This demographic shift reflects the aging trend in the U.S., where the median age has risen from 30.0 to 38.9 between 1980 and 2022. A significant portion of states, nearly one-third (17), exhibited a median age surpassing 40 in 2022 i. The chart below shows the U.S. population growth from 1950 with a projected population growth to 2100.
The growth in the aging population is evident in communities, both large and small, across Illinois and the U.S.
This increasing demographic cohort is converging with existing community attributes, places and design features that are not quite as age-friendly as they might be or could become. The desire and need to accommodate an ever-growing older population have created a movement to pause, think, and plan for age-friendly communities. Demographics, economics, and social impact all factor into why communities are pursuing age-friendly ideas, plans, and initiatives. The data suggests all age groups will experience a decline in their share of the total population, with the notable exception of the 65+ age group.
To continue reading or to learn more, view the policy profile at go.niu.edu/ policyprofiles.
The views expressed are those of Northern Illinois University and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
profile profileMEMBER PROFILE
Nik’s Wish
The night before 21-year-old Nikolas Ritschel died of cancer, he asked his mother to make a promise to help bring joy to young people like him.
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation was the one thing that put a smile on Nik’s face,” said Kelli Ritschel Boehle, Nik’s mom and founder of Nik’s Wish. “It gave him something to be happy about, and he was able to be excited rather than focusing on all the horrendous things he was going through. The wish was like his Willy Wonka golden ticket.”
But during Nik’s treatment at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, he met another young patient, Nate, who was diagnosed shortly after he turned 18 and was ineligible for Make-AWish. This revelation struck Nik deeply, and he knew something had to be done. He charged his mother with helping others like Nate — young adults ages 18-24 who exceeded the age limit for traditional wish-granting programs.
So Nik’s Wish was established in 2012 out of Nik’s desire to grant life-changing wishes to young adults battling cancer.
“Nik understood how important it was to have something to look forward to,” Ritschel Boehle said. “When he met Nate
and realized that not everyone had that chance, he was adamant that something needed to be done. His wish was for other young adults to experience the same joy and hope that he had.”
Although Nik passed away in March of 2012, his wish did not. Ritschel Boehle, a single mother of three, was driven by her son’s last request. Despite initially doubting her ability to start a charity, she founded the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation later that year. The organization’s first wish recipient was Nate.
Since then, the organization has grown significantly, granting more than 360 wishes in 38 states. Though the foundation grants wishes to young people across the country, it prioritizes those in the Rockford region.
“Because Rockford is our home, we want to make sure we hit 100% of young adults in the Stateline who missed out on Make-A-Wish,” Ritschel Boehle said. “I joke that, ‘If I know about you, you will not get away from me without a wish.’”
But according to Ritschel Boehle, identifying wish recipients is one of the organization’s biggest challenges. Nik’s Wish relies on referrals from pediatric oncology teams, nominations through
nikolasritschelfoundation.org, and wordof-mouth — an area in which the GRCC has been instrumental in providing support.
“Chamber membership has been huge for us,” Ritschel Boehle said. “It’s not just about networking; it’s about amplifying our voice and connecting us with people who can help us achieve our mission. The people and businesses of Rockford have been incredibly supportive, and we’re so grateful for the generosity of this community.”
Consistent financial support is another barrier to growth for Nik’s Wish.
“We grant 50 to 55 wishes per year, and each wish costs around $10,000,” she said. “We have a growing pipeline of wishes in waiting, and we need more financial support to reach even more young adults who need our help.”
The organization’s biggest fundraiser is Nik’s Home Run, a 7K run/1.5 mile walk
and online auction. Now in its thirteenth year, the event typically raises enough money to fund wishes for 15 young adults with cancer. This year’s event is Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Rockford Rivets stadium.
The foundation’s current operations are largely volunteer-driven, with only one full-time employee. But as she looks to the future, Ritschel Boehle acknowledges that permanent infrastructure and a funding plan are needed to ensure the foundation can continue to fulfill wishes for the long haul.
“We want Nik’s Wish to be here as long as there’s cancer to fight. But that means we need more awareness, more volunteers, and more financial support,” she said. “We’re so grateful to the Rockford community that supports us and to have access to the chamber’s resources that will help us build a sustainable future and grant wishes for years to come.”
in the newsMEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Greater Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.
13. Bhargav Desai, MD
19. Lisa Stewart
25. Steve Hamilton
31. Colton Isham, PE
8. Felicia Hamilton, APRN
2. Micah R. Bartlett
10. J. Joseph McCoy
4. Ashley Keith
16. Gina Beck
22. Jamie Keltner
28. Charlene Aaron, PhD, RN
34. Keyanna Washington
12. Nathan D. Gutierrez
18. Jeremy Jameson
24. Bruce Johnson
30. Gabriel Braboy, PE
6. Faheem Ahmad, MD
1. Laura A. Baluch
14. Kyoko Misawa, MD
20. Crystal Gulley
26. Jana Stowers
32. Kika Young
9. Adam Noon, EI
3. Jackie Sundquist
15. Alexander Ivanov, MD
21. Christian Reed
27. Mark Garey
33. Austin Kassner
11. Benjamin D. Miller
17. Dr. David Thom
23. Hanna Sherwood
29. Scott Trenhaile, MD
35. Zakia Flint 36. Ashley Ponius
5. Valerie BrandtSoetermans
7. Sylvia Garza, APRN
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Laura A. Baluch (1) and Micah R. Bartlett (2) joined the Stillman BancCorp, N.A. Board of Directors.
Jackie Sundquist (3), RAMP’s CEO, was voted vice president of the INCIL Board of Directors.
YWCA Northwestern Illinois welcomed new board members Ana Montoya, Laura Pomerene, Jennifer Callison, Jeff Hamaker, and Tammy Zurfluh
Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful welcomed Ashley Keith (4) of Collins Aerospace to its board of directors as treasurer.
NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS, DEATHS
The Music Academy welcomed new voice faculty, Valerie BrandtSoetermans (5)
OSF Healthcare welcomed Faheem Ahmad, MD (6), to OSF Medical Group – Primary Care in Poplar Grove; Sylvia Garza, APRN (7), to OSF Medical Group – Primary Care at 6830 Villagreen View, Rockford; and Felicia Hamilton, APRN (8), to OSF Medical Group – Primary Care at 1502 Parkview Avenue, Rockford.
Engineering Enterprises, Inc., a leading civil engineering and land surveying firm celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, hired Adam Noon, EI (9) as a project engineer. Stillman BancCorp N.A., promoted J. Joseph McCoy (10) to vice president and senior trust officer, Benjamin D. Miller (11) to vice president
and senior operations officer, and Nathan D. Gutierrez (12) to systems administrator.
Mercyhealth welcomed Bhargav Desai, MD (13), neurosurgeon; Kyoko Misawa, MD (14), board certified gastroenterologist; and Alexander Ivanov, MD (15), board certified neurosurgeon; to the staff at Mercyhealth Physician Clinic–Riverside.
Northwest Bank welcomed Gina Beck (16) as assistant vice president of private banking.
OrthoIllinois welcomed podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. David Thom (17) to the its Rockford clinic.
Midland States Bank welcomed Jeremy Jameson (18) as chief credit officer.
Rockford Mutual Insurance Company promoted Lisa Stewart (19) to AVP, Human Resources; Crystal Gulley (20) to associate claims adjuster; Christian Reed (21) to underwriting audit specialist; and Jamie Keltner (22) to commercial underwriter II.
Rock House Kids welcomed Hanna Sherwood (23) as volunteer coordinator.
BLUEBIRD NETWORK hired Bruce Johnson (24) as an enterprise account manager, responsible for Dedicated Internet Access, data center colocation, Cloud Connect, and Ethernet and dark fiber sales in the Greater Rockford and Northern Illinois areas.
Steve Hamilton (25) was promoted to AVP, sales area manager at Illinois Bank & Trust
EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS
Jana Stowers (26), RAMP’s Fast Track coordinator, received the 2024 Diana Viets Memorial Award from the National Council on Independent Living in Washington D.C.
Forest City Gear recognized Mark Garey (27) for 25 years of dedication to the company.
OSF HealthCare announced that Charlene Aaron, PhD, RN (28), president of OSF colleges of nursing, was recognized as one of Fierce Healthcare’s 2024 Most Influential Minority Executives in Healthcare. This prestigious accolade celebrates Dr. Aaron’s exceptional leadership and transformative impact on the healthcare industry.
OrthoIllinois surgeon Scott Trenhaile, MD (29) co-authored a study accepted for publication in an upcoming edition of Arthroscopic Techniques. The paper is titled “Arthroscopic Humeral Head Hill-Sachs Grafting with Talus Allograft.”
Engineering Enterprises, Inc. announced that two engineers in its Transportation Group have recently obtained their Professional Engineer licenses. Gabriel Braboy, PE (30) and Colton Isham, PE (31) successfully passed the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Forest City Gear President Kika Young (32) was appointed chair of the AGMA Annual Meeting Committee.
business BUSINESS BRIEFS
Natural Land Institute (NLI) sold White Wood Ridge Preserve, located next to Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna (Carroll County), to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR),
RAMP introduced its revamped logo, marking a significant update to its visual identity, retaining the iconic black and white RAMP box while streamlining its design.
The Rockford IceHogs Community Fund awarded two grants to support Rockford Park District programs: A $13,000 grant to the RPD’s Junior StreetHogs, an outreach program designed to eliminate barriers that prevent children from learning to play the sport of ice hockey, and a $10,000
renewal supporting the RPD’s Buddy Hockey program, which introduces the sport of hockey to individuals with disability related needs.
Rosecrance Behavioral Health helped a record-setting 56,734 people during the 2024 fiscal year. The recent achievement in Rosecrance’s history marks a significant turning point, underscoring the organization’s heightened focus on addressing the mounting demand for behavioral health services.
M3 Insurance launched Ethica Pharmacy Advisors, a pharmacy solutions consultancy created to bring a new level of expertise, specialization, transparency, and service to clients. Ethica Pharmacy Advisors leverage M3’s extensive knowledge and resources to deliver unparalleled services in the pharmacy benefits consulting industry.
Austin Kassner (33), a local business leader and multi-unit franchise owner with Spherion Staffing & Recruiting (Spherion), was recognized by Franchise Business Review as a 2024 Franchise Rock Star. This trusted publication named Kassner to the ‘Millennial’ category for his significant contributions to the communities his offices serve in Madison, Wisconsin and Rockford, Illinois.
Forest City Gear CNC lathe technician Lucy Mulderink presented to students at Rock Valley College’s SMART (Summer Manufacturing and Readiness Technology) Camp, teaching rising 7th and 8th graders about careers in welding, robotics, and CNC machining.
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois congratulates Keyanna Washington (34) and Zakia Flint (35) on receiving their Workforce Development Certification through the National Association for Workforce Development Professionals and Ashley Ponius (36) on receiving her Reentry Specialist Certification through the National Workforce Reentry Collaborative.
adviser (RIA), was named to the annual Inc. 5000 list of fastestgrowing private companies in America for the second consecutive year Savant paid an entry fee to be considered for the recognition
First Mid Insurance Group, a leading provider of insurance solutions, was recognized as a Best Practices Agency for 2024, marking the fifth time they have achieved this honor.
Mercyhealth Roscoe, 5000 Prairie Rose Dr., expanded its urgent care hours to 8 am-8 pm, seven days a week, to better serve the community’s urgent health care needs. This extension will provide more convenient access to quality urgent care services without the inconvenience of long wait times. Services are provided by board certified emergency medicine doctors.
The Rockford IceHogs Community Fund awarded a $20,000 grant to Life Decisions, a Rockford-based nonprofit that provides relational mentoring for local at-risk youth ages 15-23. The grant funded the purchase of a vehicle that will allow the organization to expand and enhance three of its key programs:
Natural Land Institute’s Legacy Tree Program announced the August Tree of the Month is a Chinkapin Oak located at NLI’s William and Gayle Keefer Nature Reserve in Rockton.
Greater Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.
business BUSINESS BRIEFS
(continued from previous page)
Day Home Drop-in, Primary Mentor Sessions, and Work Now.
LDR Cleaning & Restoration donated $815 to Rockford’s Carpenter’s Place in celebration of 815 Day. The donation will support Carpenter’s Place’s initiative to provide the tools necessary to help the
rebuild their lives.
The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners and elected officials recognized young athletes and coaches who represented the Rockford Park District at The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games in Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition, Rockford F.I.R.E. was awarded 2024 Central District Club of the Year, 2024 Club of the Year
Greater Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.
in Zone C, and AAU Track and Field 2024 National Club of the Year.
The Rockford IceHogs Community Fund awarded a $20,000 grant to the Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC) to support SPARK!, the RAAC’s summer art apprenticeship program for youths who demonstrate an interest in the arts, allowing them to work closely with local artists in a variety of mediums.
member pics
OSF HealthCare was named on the Forbes list of Best Employers by State for 2024 It’s the sixth year in a row OSF has been included in this prestigious recognition OSF HealthCare ranked 80 among the top 100 companies and in the top ten for healthcare and social organizations.
Exhale Sinus TMJ-Headache-Sleep celebrated a grand opening ribbon cutting on July 24, 2024.
Rock House Kids’ newly renovated expansion area is finished and ready for use by the 250 children and teens they serve. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house took place on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting celebrated a ribbon cutting on August 22, 2024, at their 735 N. Perryville Rd., Ste 3, Rockford location.
Paul Davis celebrated their growing business at 6582 Revlon Drive in Belvidere with a ribbon cutting on August 8, 2024.
Dyvine’s Pet Playhouse celebrated a joyous grand opening on August 10, 2024 with a ribbon cutting celebration.
Hard Rock Casino rocked Rockford at their epic guitar smashing grand opening on August 29, 2024.
homeless
community COMMUNITY EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Curtain Up! Cohosted by Rockford Symphony Orchestra and ASM Rockford, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main Street, Rockford. Learn more about RSO’s upcoming lineup. Additional participants include Artists’ Ensemble theater, Rockford Wind Ensemble, Rockford Area Arts Council, Friends of the Coronado and more. The mixer is free to the public and will offer a cash bar and dessert by Savor. ASM Rockford will give backstage tours of the theatre with a special focus on the local artwork in the Coronado’s Green Room available for purchase on the second floor.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Sporting Clays for Scouting, benefiting Blackhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2 p.m., Camp Lowden, 2820 McFarland Rd, Rockford. Enjoy premier Friday afternoon flight followed by a steak dinner and drinks. Register at blackhawkscouting.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Sporting Clays for Scouting benefiting Blackhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Camp Lowden, 2820 McFarland Rd, Rockford. Enjoy a porkchop lunch after the Saturday morning flight or before the afternoon flight. Register at blackhawkscouting.org
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists) – Super Soil, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Pecatonica Library, 400 W. 11th St., Pecatonica. Learn about nature at Wee Nats, a fun, interactive program for youth ages four to seven. Learn about the environment through a story, activity, craft, and hike. Register for event at go.illinois.edu/WeeNatsPec
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Accessible Adventures: A Field Day For All, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford. RAMP, Friends of Jon, and the Rockford Park District host an accessible field day for individuals with disabilities and their families. Accessible activities include a canoemobile, a 10-person canoe that travels the country and allows everyone to enjoy the outdoors. There will be food trucks, a resource fair, Birds of Prey show, and more. Register for free at give.classy.org/Adventures-for-All
Toast & Taste at The Top: Sparkling Wine & Hors D’oeuvres Tasting Event, 4 – 6 p.m., The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 416 S. Main Street, 12th Floor, Rockford. For just $35 per person, you’ll embark on a bubbly adventure, sipping on some of the finest sparkling wines around. Make reservations at Open Table.
Fall Textile/Clothing Drive hosted by Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, 9 a.m. – noon. Each location will accept clean clothing (whether it is wearable or not) plus pillows, bedding, fabric, purses, shoes, belts, soft-sided luggage, and stuffed toys. Items will be sorted by Goodwill staff and distributed to different stores. Unsaleable items such as tattered T-shirts, stained linens, quilting scraps and thread-bare towels will be sorted out and sent on to another location to be shredded and recycled into products like carpet padding, insulation, and shop rags. Drop-Off Locations:
• Blain’s Farm and Fleet, 4725 West State Street, Rockford
• Blain’s Farm and Fleet, 4567 East Rockton Road, Roscoe
• Blain’s Farm and Fleet, 7300 East Riverside, Loves Park
• Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural Street, Rockford
• St John’s United Church of Christ, 401 North Main Street, Belvidere
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Lifescape Community Services’ Senior Expo, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Rock Valley College PE Center, 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford. Registration is open for businesses and organizations in healthcare, insurance, senior living, banking, financial management, estate planning, transportation, funeral planning, veterans’ services, government, nonprofit, nutrition, and exercise. Up to 2000 older adults and their family members are expected to attend. For more information and to register, please visit the events page at lifescapeservices.org
Greater Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
William & Gayle Keefer Nature Reserve Public Opening hosted by Natural Land Institute, 4 – 6:30 p.m., 12804 Old River Rd., Rockton. Event parking and check in will be at Woodlands Park, corner of Falcon Point Place and Park View Court, Rockton. Visitors are welcome to take a guided hike or explore on their own. Light refreshments will be served and attendees will learn about the natural history of this site that includes three quarries, woodlands, and remnant prairie. Register for free until noon, Sept. 26, by calling 815-964-6666 or visiting the calendar at www. NaturalLand.org. For more information about the preserve visit www.naturalland. org/william-gayle-keefer-nature-reserve/
Connect & Grow, hosted by the Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association (RRVTMA), 5:30 p.m., Prairie Street Brewing Co. Enjoy heavy appetizers and a cash bar while connecting with industry peers outside the constraints of the office. Registration is open to both RRVTMA members and nonmembers, until 5 p.m., September 10. Visit https://rrvtma.com to register.
OCTOBER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
Raising Resilient Families - Winnebago County CASA Fall Conference, 9 a.m. –3 p.m., Rockford University’s Regents Hall (Burpee Center), 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Find more information at winnebagocountycasa.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Nik’s Home Run 7K & 1.5 Mile Walk hosted by the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation, 9 a.m., Rockford Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd, Loves Park. Nik’s Home Run events fund wishes for brave, young cancer warriors who missed out on Make-A-Wish.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists) – Owls, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Pecatonica Library, 400 W. 11th St., Pecatonica. Learn about nature at Wee Nats, a fun, interactive program for youth ages four to seven. Learn about the environment through a story, activity, craft, and hike. Register for this free event at go.illinois.edu/WeeNatsPec
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Pancakes & Pianos: Benefiting the Northwest Community Center, 5:30 p.m., NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State St., Rockford. Pancakes and Pianos is not just a fundraiser—it’s a tribute to the beloved community and former tradition of the Flapjack SK, reimagined for Northwest Community Center’s 75-year milestone. The sophisticated after-dark brunch features heavy hors d’oeuvres with an elegant breakfast theme, cocktails, and, of course, plenty of pancakes. Guests will also enjoy a professional dueling piano performance from Howl2Go.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Life is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ’24, 8 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. This epic tour continues the tradition of capturing the excitement of The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving concert at the famed Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, hailed as the greatest live concert event of all time. The tour also celebrates the legacy of The Band’s co-founder Robbie Robertson and immediately follows the one-night-only concert celebration of Robbie at Kia Forum in Los Angeles, California on October 17, 2024, entitled “Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson”.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Thank you to members who renewed with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in July 2024
A New Look by Nisha
American Cancer Society, Inc.
ARCO Machinery Movers LLC
Axberg, a Division of Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc.
Bisconti Computers Inc.
Carz R’ Us
Court Street United Methodist
Crimson Valley Landscaping
Dave Syverson, 35th District, Illinois State Senate
Dry Otter Basement Water Proofing/ Foundation Repair
Dyvines Pet Playhouse
Ege WorkSmart Solutions, PC
Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center
Feldco
First Mid Bank & Trust
Forest City Sustainability
Fridh Corporation
Geronimo Hospitality Group
Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
GreenBee Energy Efficiency
Heinzeroth Marketing Group
Howe Freightways, Inc.
HR Capital Management Consultants
Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic
Ingenium Aerospace LLC
Ingersoll Machine Tools
Integrative Healing Center, LLC
JC Precision Milling, LLC
Junior League of Rockford
Kelce & Company
KP Counseling Management, LLC
LawnCare by Walter, Inc.
LDR Cleaning & Restoration, Inc.
Lifescape Community Services/ Community Kitchen, Inc.
Lucas Group Financial Advisors + CPAs
M3 Insurance
MeMe’s Upscale Consignment Boutique
Midway Village Museum
Midwest Mailworks, Inc.
Muslim Association of Greater Rockford
Northwest Bank of Rockford
Project First Rate
Raymond James & Associates
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C.
Reno & Zahm LLP
RJ Link International, Inc.
Rock Road Companies, Inc.
Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center
Rockford Association for Minority Management
Rockford FiberCity®
Rockford Heat Treaters, Inc.
Rockford Mutual Insurance Company
Rockford Structures Construction Company
Rockford Symphony Orchestra
Rockford Township
Rocknel Fastener, Inc.
Servpro of Rockford
Smeja Homestead Foundation
Sosnowski Szeto, LLP
Special Olympics Illinois-Region A
Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc.
SPXFLOW Hydraulic Technologies
Stockholm Inn
StraightLine Moving Inc
Summit CPA Group, P.C.
Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens
The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties
The Brian Boyer Group - State Farm
The Historic Riverfront Mansion
The Music Academy in Rockford
The Terrace Senior Apartments
Todd Transit, Inc.
Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation
Venn Digital Marketing
William Charles Construction
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
AFFORDABLE INSURANCE & TAX
815-394-1800
DYVINES PET PLAYHOUSE
Doggie daycare offering play, socialization, exercise, and behavior training for your dog. 779-423-3919 www.dyvinespetplayhouse.com
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROCKFORD
Advancing women’s leadership through volunteerism, collaboration, education, and training. 815-399-4518
www.facebook.com/jlrockford/
THINK BIG CORPORATION
815-218-3661
SEPTEMBER 2024 ANNIVERSARIES
Thank you to our members celebrating their anniversaries with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
25 YEARS
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
15
YEARS
Culver’s Restaurant
10 YEARS
Transform Rockford Tavern on Clark
5 YEARS
Cherry Valley Fire Protection District GSF - USA Luxe Productions
The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages member submissions for The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication date. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE - Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101
For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100. The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 350, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.
Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to:
The VOICE, Greater Rockford Chamber 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101
Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication
CHaMBER CHAMBER EVENTS ADVERTISERS INDEX
SEPTEMBER 2024
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Annual Dinner, 5 p.m., Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd. Presented by OSF Healthcare
The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce invites you, our members, to join us in celebration and appreciation at our annual dinner.
Shake hands, make connections, and have fun at this powerful networking and fundraising event. Help support our mission to strengthen our community through economic growth, business advocacy, and educational opportunities that help our members grow. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Greenfire and entertainment by The Water Coolers.
OCTOBER 2024
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Networking Event! Beloit Club Open House, 4-7p.m., The Beloit Club, 2327 Riverside Dr., Beloit, WI. In partnership with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
Business Over Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
Mayor’s Business Address, 11:30 a.m., Illinois Bank and Trust Pavilion, 1868 Reid Farm Rd, Rockford.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
MAC2024, 7 a.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S Main St, Rockford.
NOVEMBER 2024
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Pow(H)er Hour, 4 to 7 p.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S Main St, Rockford.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Pow(H)er, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, 416 S Main St, Rockford.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Business Over Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Presented by Thayer Energy Solutions
GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeff Hultman Foresight Financial
Nate Jordan Illinois SBDC at Rock Valley College
Couper workplace, Vice Chair
Conor Brown NorthWest Illinois Alliance of Realtors, Treasurer DIRECTORS
Wendy Alsteen Hard Rock Casino Travis Andersen UW Health Northern Illinois Region Armando Cardenas Affordable Insurance & Tax
Steve Kotso Collins Aerospace Dietmar Goellner AME and Hennig Inc.
Thomas Green Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley & Van Evera, LLP
Michael Gronewold Fehr Graham
Troy Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy LLP
Dr. Sheila Hill Think Big Corporation
Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.
Frank Wehrstein Dickerson & Nieman Realtors
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS
Mayor Tom McNamara City of Rockford
Michael Dunn, Jr. Region 1
John Groh
Rockford Convention & Visitors Bureau
Angela Kay Larson Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
