October Voice 2014 by Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce

TODD TRANSIT KEEPS ON TRUCKIN’

SURVEY SAYS! SPECIAL INSERT CENTER SECTION OF THIS ISSUE

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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

ZIP ROCKFORD ADVENTURE PARK OPENS

October 2014 | Volume 27 | No. 10

Businesses getting the word out

Rockford Chamber’s Business Expo

By Paul Anthony Arco Friends Nonie Broski and Christine LaMantia decided to start a business together 2½ years ago called Gift It! Rockford, which makes gift baskets consisting of Rockford-made items – from Beefaroo seasoning salt to Mrs. Fisher’s Chips – available to corporations for employee recognition opportunities,

college students who are missing their hometown or anyone who appreciates unique items made right here in the area. “We thought it would just be one basket here and one basket there,” said LaMantia of their early business success. “We’ve been amazed how quickly it’s turned into a business that is in great demand.” To promote their business, Broski and LaMantia took part in this year’s Rockford Chamber of Commerce Business Expo for the first time. Dozens of people stopped by their booth to talk to the owners and get a feel for the variety of products they offer. “It’s been phenomenal meeting people,” said Broski. “It’s all about getting the word out.”

Getting Your Name Out Nearly 800 people turned out for the seventh-annual expo, held Sept. 18, at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The event featured more than 85 exhibit booths, with businesses ranging from nonprofit agencies to area restaurants. The mix of businesses included many returnees, along with a handful of companies taking in their first expo,

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

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

which is free to attendees. “What’s always good about this expo is that exhibitors get a chance to connect with potential clients or current customers,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a one-stop shop for attendees to show their support. It’s the same for the general consumers who come out to support local businesses. We have many loyal followers who come to the expo every year and absolutely love it. We’re grateful for the support and that they see value in this event.” In addition, the expo included a post-event reception and several restaurants showcasing their food, services and facilities. The day also included giveaways, selfie contests and prizes, such as a laptop, camera and Chicago Bears tickets. Lone Star Steakhouse has participated in the expo for the past three years. Dustin Luczik, kitchen manager, and Jessica Merkel, bar manager, welcomed guests who flocked to restaurant’s booth Continued on page 3

RPS 205 School Referendum At it’s September board meeting the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse supporting the RPS 205 referendum for providing the District with the authority to amend their previously approved facilities plan. On November 4, 2014 there will be a referendum that will ask voters in the RPS 205 District to vote for or against the authorization for the school board to use the funds from existing Capital Projects Fund to “build and equip

one or more school buildings” in the district. If approved, it would allow for the reallocation of the $139 million set aside last year for the improvement of school buildings. The referendum will not result in a tax increase for any property owners; but rather allow the funds to be used to build new schools in addition to renovating existing schools. The Rockford Chamber urges its members to vote YES on the November ballot.

The Rockford Park District held a dedication event on Sept. 24 for the opening of the Zip Rockford tours at Alpine Hills, 4402 Larson Ave., Rockford. Construction was completed by Rockford-based EBL Zipline Tours, in partnership with the Rockford Park District. Fehr-Graham of Rockford provided engineering reports. The idea for the year-round adventure park came in spring, 2011, when the Hansberger family donated the 52-acre Alpine Hills Golf Course to the Rockford Park District Foundation. Weight range to take a zipline tour is 50 to 275 pounds, and different tours are available. Reserve at 815-397-6185. For more information, visit www. ziprockford.com. The park district also has plans to open a snow park and toboggan run this winter at the same location.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! People You Should Know

RECEPTION

Oct. 23 • Prairie Street Brewhouse SPONSORED BY

For more info, see page 34

NURTURE FUTURE WORKFORCE CEANCI, 4151 Samuelson Road, Rockford, is looking for area employers to register for free with www.ilunite.org. The site is a webbased career prep and readiness platform that will connect 29,000 students in 34 area high schools and middle schools with job creators, educators and parents through career development tools, social media and workforce data. Employers can set up a company profile, become a career coach in online discussions and post work-based learning activities. For more information, contact Caryn Huber, 815-921-1658 or c.huber@ rockvalleycollege.edu.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR FOREST PRESERVE BUDGET The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District will hold a public hearing on a draft of its 20142015 budget, on Oct. 22, 5:15 p.m., Forest Preserve District headquarters, 5500 Northrock Dr., Rockford. Citizens or organizations can speak for up to three minutes. It’s suggested to have a written copy of comments for official record. The budget draft is available at www. wcfpd.org. Final approval will take place after the hearing, on Oct. 22.

October 2014

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Chairman’s Perspective VIEWPOINT

Rockford Public Schools headed in the right direction If you attended the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Education Outlook Luncheon last month, you had to be pleased with the energy resonating within the room. What I took away from the event is that we’ve more than turned the corner when it comes to public education. I thought Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett did a phenomenal job that day. He highlighted many accomplishments the Rockford Public Schools have reached in the past year. Attendance has gone up two percent, reversing a recent trend of declining enrollment. There also have been two consecutive two percent increases in graduation rates over the last several years, reversing a prior trend. Career readiness is exploding. In college readiness, RPS has made significant progress in the Advanced Placement program. Attendance has tripled over the past five years. Facilities are receiving much-needed facelifts, from athletic facilities at the high schools to school libraries, cafeterias and paved roads leading to the schools. Financially, RPS is saving money, whether it’s from reducing its natural gas bill to reducing the number of

school buses on the street. I served on the RPS financial subcommittee for a number of years, and it’s satisfying to hear good news about its finances rather than reading bad news about them in the headlines of the newspaper. I’ve always said that if your finances aren’t in order, nothing else matters. Of all the things I’ve heard, I’m most excited about the possibility of becoming a model community of the Ford Next Generation Learning network. The network mobilizes educators, employers and community leaders to create a new generation of young people who will graduate from high school, both college and career-ready, in the 21st century economy. Dr. Jarrett’s goal is to be the third model community by 2017. When I hear that and think back to the kind of headlines RPS made just five years ago, it’s unbelievable. It’s like waking up from a pleasant dream rather than a reoccurring nightmare. One of the keys to this improvement, without question, has been effective leadership. Of course, the rank and file do the work, but the leaders set the tone. The RPS Board, Dr. Jarrett and Dr. Robert Willis deserve plenty of credit,

as do the administrators, principals, teachers and other staff. Everyone within RPS appears to be on board, which bodes well for a bright future.

Public Education as a Top Priority I also must commend the Rockford Chamber of Commerce as well. It was about seven years ago, when the Chamber made public education a top priority. I believe, the initiatives we put in place since then have helped put RPS in the position it’s in today. The Chamber has been instrumental in supporting the elections of many of the current board members who have brought new ideas and a greater vision to the RPS. These are community leaders who care about the greater good of educating our children. The Chamber can’t take all of the credit, but we certainly helped get the ball rolling. But the work isn’t over yet. On Nov. 4, there will be a referendum that will ask voters in the RPS 205 District to vote for or against the authorization for the school board to use some of the $139 million set aside last year for the improvement of school buildings

toward building one Rich Walsh Rockford Chamber or more new Board Chairman schools. This referendum will have no additional cost to property owners and will provide services to every school in the district. More importantly, the final plan was developed based upon direct feedback from the people the district serves. Finally, it achieves its objectives without taking jobs from teachers or staff, while at the same time improving the curriculum for the students. It appears to be a win-win for everyone. We’ve seen what effective leadership and cooperation has meant to RPS. Now it’s time to make sure that building and renovating our schools will further enhance 21st century learning. I encourage all Chamber members to take time to consider the key issues when voting on Nov. 4 for the Better Schools Brighter Future referendum. Rich Walsh is chairman of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

October 2014

Business Expo (continued from front page)

to sample tasty chili and homemade spinach dip. “We want to be part of the community. It’s important to be a member of the Chamber and get our name out there,” said Luczik. “It’s all about word of mouth. We’ve been here for 22 years, and it’s important to give back to the community. This is one way to do that.” The

event

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motivational speaker who enlightened

attendees about the importance of how body language in sales can make a difference. The presenting sponsor of this year’s event was TDS, a telecommunications provider. SwedishAmerican Health System was the gold sponsor and Olsson Roofing was the bronze sponsor. “This expo brings community awareness,” said William Davis, sales manager for TDS. “We want everyone to know we’re a part of Rockford, and that we’re willing to help support events any way we can. This year is better than last year for us in terms of foot traffic. There’s been a nice flow of people. This is a great way to network.” theVoice

Let your Voice be heard The Rockford Chamber of Commerce elcomes and encourages submissions for The w VOICE of the Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100. The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

October 2014

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Member Profile PROFILE

Our deliveries vary from something the size of a ring to truckloads,” says Todd Transit owner Dick Todd. “We’re not a high-volume driven carrier. Our business was founded on customer-driven needs.”

Todd Transit

Still trucking after all these years By Paul Anthony Arco What began with a used truck has grown into a regional company providing service to companies across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Todd Transit is a regional trucking company that delivers freight between Chicago, Rockford, Madison and Milwaukee. The company serves approximately 6,000 customers. In addition, in 1998 Todd Transit formed another company, Todd Special Services, to focus on 24/7, 48-state expedited service, and also opened a warehousing operation. Dick Todd and his wife, Linda, started their business in 1973. The high school sweethearts came from Oak Park, Ill., when Dick was transferred to Rockford by Emery Air Freight at O’Hare, where the couple worked. Dick worked in sales for three years here, when he decided to take a chance and go out on his own. “I looked in the mirror one morning and decided I was capable of doing more than this.” Getting Todd Transit was truly a team effort. Dick handled sales and deliveries, while Linda was responsible for paperwork, fielding phone calls and occasionally making deliveries to Freeport or O’Hare with their three children in tow. Soon they hired a full-time driver, and Dick’s dad retired in Chicago and moved to Rockford to help out part time. “There were many 16-hour days in the beginning,” Dick said. With customer support in demand, Todd Transit started handling surface freight in addition to air and expedited freight. Business soon expanded into Wisconsin and terminals were opened in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. “We can handle anything commercial or industrial,” Dick said. “We can’t deliver any regulated commodities in bulk, including liquor or household goods. Recently, Todd Transit carried a tray of instruments from Rockford to a hospital in Dayton, Ohio, that required same-day delivery. It also delivered an engagement ring to a man in Chicago before he boarded a plane back to Paris, France. He had left the ring at a local hotel.

“Our deliveries vary from something the size of a ring to truckloads,” Dick said. “We’re not a high-volume driven carrier. Our business was founded on customerdriven needs. We also answer the call for delivering a lot of air charters to the customer once they hit the ground.”

‘All Hands on Deck’ Starting out with two employees, Todd Transit now boasts 70 employees at its Rockford headquarters and terminals in Chicago and Milwaukee. Finding qualified drivers is a challenge, Dick said. All employees, including members of the management team, pitch in to handle any task. Recently, for example, Dick made a delivery to a local customer. “I like to interact with people. When an opportunity comes along, I love it.” The trucking industry is always evolving. The biggest issues are everchanging technology and maintaining a fleet of 50 trucks. “My business is a commodity. The biggest thing is differentiating our company from the competition,” Dick said. “We have more than 200 competitors in the Chicago area, but we’ve lasted 41 years and managed to survive three recessions. We’re grateful for that.” Todd Transit believes in giving back to the community. The company has donated the use of trucks and drivers to the Salvation Army for more than 10 years, and also supports the Rockford Rescue Mission, and other worthy organizations. After four decades, it’s been an interesting ride for Todd Transit. “It’s been a rich experience,” Dick said. “It was my goal not to be a salesman for a company where I was bound by the company structure. We’ve been blessed beyond measure.”

TODD TRANSIT Owners: Dick and Linda Todd 13355 Capital Dr. Rockford, IL 61109 815-398-1515 www.toddtransit.com

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October 2014

Large crowd turns out for annual Education Outlook Luncheon By Paul Anthony Arco More than 400 business professionals turned out for the annual Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Education Outlook Luncheon. They liked what they heard, judging by the standing ovation given to Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett during the Sept. 4 event at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. “There was a lot of energy in the room,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “Our business members want to see an increased graduation rate, reduced dropout rate, and focus on careers. I thought Dr. Jarrett did a great job detailing the movement being made in all those areas over the past year.” “I think a standing ovation says it all,” added Dr. Bill Gorski, president of SwedishAmerican Health System. “I found myself moved, from the opening video to his message that was full of unbridled enthusiasm. Not only that, but the results. It’s one thing to have enthusiastic plans, but it’s another to show results. You put the enthusiasm, the momentum and the results together, it’s an exciting time.”

Progress in Student Achievement “What has me excited more than anything is I can see the progress from year to year,” Jarrett said. “If you look from last

“I believe we will have busloads of people coming to our community to check out our schools.”

— RPS Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett

year to this year, you can see noticeable improvements in buildings and student achievement. It’s fun to see the recognition for our students and staff. It’s truly a team effort between students, staff, parents, business community and the entire region to come up with better results.” Jarrett spent nearly an hour speaking about the many accomplishments RPS has reached over the past year. Attendance has gone up two percent, which is at the state average. There also has been two consecutive two percent increases in graduation over the last several years. In college readiness, RPS has made significant progress in the Advanced Placement program. “We’ve had dramatic increases in tests taken and tests passed,” Jarrett said. “We’ve nearly tripled enrollment totals in the last five years. We’ve nearly doubled the number of African-American and Latino test takers.” Another example of career readiness is the Manufacturing Fast Track, a partnership with Rock Valley College. The program started with 10 students in a 10-week summer training course at

Rock Valley and funded by the Century Club with private donations. Now the program has grown to 24 students and 22 of them got jobs this summer at local manufacturing companies. RPS also is making dollars stretch further. According to Jarrett, 25 percent of the district’s natural gas bill comes from East, West and Lincoln schools. East has new windows, and last winter they saw an 18 percent reduction in gas bills because of those windows. They’re also spending less money getting kids to school. With neighborhood schools, RPS has reduced the number of buses from 250 to 218. In the new facilities plan, that number projects to drop to 190 buses. Facilities are getting upgrades as well. Guilford, Jefferson, Auburn and East have seen improvements in athletic facilities. “We built world-class athletic facilities, and we converted really bad athletic facilities into world-class classrooms,” said Jarrett. They’ve made investments to improve school libraries and made other upgrades including paving roads at Eisenhower Middle School and East High School.

Early Childhood Education Award The governor has honored RPS’s Early Childhood Department with the Gold Circle of Quality award as one of the best preschool programs in the state. The best is yet to come. “With our facilities plan, we are moving to four quadrant-based early childhood centers,

with providers outside the school district offering more than just three hours of academic instruction,” Jarrett said. The community also is stepping up. Last year, the RPS had 3,000 volunteers helping in schools — a $1 million value in volunteer hours. Among the projects were: ■■ The Sharefest project at Roosevelt ■■ The Lowe’s Heroes Project at Flinn ■■ Raise a Reader, Raise a Leader ■■ The STEM Summit at Rock Valley College ■■ The Academy Expo, which this year included more than 700 volunteers with 140 careers represented. “Our goal for 2017 is to become the third model community for the Ford Next Generation Learning network,” Jarrett said. “I believe we will have busloads of people coming to our community to check out our schools.” “I’m very impressed with Dr. Jarrett and the things going on in the district,” said Frank Haney, a Rock Valley College trustee. “The execution behind some of the big ideas has been exceptional. If you’re not excited about education today, you’re probably not going to get on board.” The luncheon was sponsored by BMO Harris Bank. The gold sponsor was SwedishAmerican Health System and bronze sponsors were Larson & Darby, Olsson Roofing Co., Rasmussen College, and Rock River Valley Blood Center.

October 2014

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More exports mean more jobs Transportation equipment industry leads the way Exports from the Rockford Region rose a record 32 percent in 2013, according to new federal data. The total value of Rockford region exports – $2.53 billion – is the highest on record, and places Rockford 89th in the nation’s metro areas in exports. Export growth for the Rockford Region was particularly strong given that U.S. exports only rose two percent in 2013. The Rockford Region had the 37th largest export growth rate in the country in 2013. Transportation Equipment exports led the way, more than doubling in 2013 to $1 billion. That sector has been bolstered particularly by the expansion of the Chrysler assembly plant in Belvidere, as well as the growth of aerospace components manufacturers and other transportation equipment components manufacturers. Most other major manufacturing sectors also saw significant growth, especially Electrical Equipment and Components, Fabricated Metal Products and Computer and Electronic Products. “The Rockford Region makes world-renowned products and makes them well,” said Carrie Zethmayr, executive director, trade & investment, Rockford Area Economic Development Council. “Our brands are known globally, whether the customers are motorists, airlines or major equipment manufacturers.”

Exports Drive Jobs Export growth is a key driver of job creation, with an estimated one in five jobs in the United States attributed to exports, Zethmayr said. Additionally, she said, companies that export typically pay higher wages. The data was compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau and the International Trade Administration, both segments of the Department of Commerce. A 2013 report by The Brooking Institution found that exports were driving post-recession growth for major metro areas in the United States. “Metro areas whose export intensity grew fastest experienced higher economic growth.” While major companies are leading exporters, small- and mid-sized companies can also greatly expand their exports, Zethmayr said. By focusing efforts internationally, companies can diversify their customer base and grow during changing economic times. “While it may seem daunting to start exporting, there are more resources than ever to help companies start an export program and thrive at it,” Zethmayr said. “More and more companies of all sizes are able to sell their products globally, and we want to help the Rockford Region’s companies to continue the trend.

Companies looking to grow exports should contact Zethmayr to learn about programs to develop effective market penetration strategies, establish cost-effective and efficient supply chain management operations, ensure compliance with trade regulations, and access additional resources to elevate their international trade.

Contact

Carrie

Zethmayr,

czethmayr@

rockfordil.com or 815-969-4263. Export growth wasn’t just overseas. Exports to Canada and Mexico from the Rockford Region grew 82 percent to more than $1 billion. Exports also grew significantly to Europe and South America. The Rockford Region export data was analyzed for the RAEDC by the Rockford Region Economic Development District (RREDD), which provides research assistance for Boone and Winnebago county economic development initiatives. Visit www.myedd.org.

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October 2014

Explore, create at youth robotics camp in Rockford Area youth, ages 9 to 12, are invited to a Robotics Day Camp, The highlight will be an presented by the University of introduction to new 3D Illinois Extension, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to noon, in the Clarcor printing technology, where Pavilion at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., participants will print a Rockford. Youth will invent, design and program fully functioning robots functioning racecar. using everyday items. The camp provides an opportunity to introduce science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to young children. The highlight will be an introduction to new 3D printing technology, where participants will print a functioning racecar. Cost is $5 per participant, which includes supplies to build the robots. Register by Oct. 9 at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357. Space is limited, so register early. For accommodations to participate in this program, contact 815-986-4357. For more information on the camp, contact Elliott Lawrence, edlawre@illinois.edu or 815-235-4125.

Join in the Discussion on Clean Technology October 9 & 10 Join the anticipated 400 attendees in a discussion on clean technology at the secondannual Northern Illinois Renewable Energy Summit and Expo, “In Plain Sight: A Regional Clean Tech Gathering,” Thursday, Oct. 9 and Friday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m., at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Network and share ideas related to the regional growth of Clean Tech and see demonstrations of successful examples by practical, like-minded industry insiders. The event is presented by Winnebago County, Freedom Field, Illinois Green Economy Network and Rock Valley College. On Oct. 9, EIGERlab will sponsor an entrepreneur panel, with well known entrepreneurial leader, Justin Kaster, Midwest CleanTech Open, who will present “CleanTech Entrepreneurship in the Midwest.” The panel will be lead by Neil Kane, Illinois Partners, Energy Foundry, and feature case studies from three active Midwest-based Clean Tech startups: Allison Carmen, Material Mix; Sonya Newenhouse, Serial Entrepreneur & NewenHouse Kit Homes, and Amelia Swan Baxter, Whole Trees. The event will include 30 exhibits, four keynote speakers, including opening event keynote by Ill. Rep. Adam Kinzinger on “National Legislative Issues Projections and Progress,” five fact-based panels and the Illinois Green Economy Network poster session. For more information, visit ni-expo.com or contact Chet, 815-621-8004 or chet@ ni-expo.com.

Achieving a successful Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Program Rock Valley College Business and Professional Institute is pleased to announce an upcoming one-day seminar. Virtually all products containing electronics now require certifications for their electromagnetic compatibility compliance. Compliance is necessary in order to earn either the FCC or CE mark required to market products in the United States and abroad. Conducting successful electromagnetic compatibility design and test programs can be a very demanding and expensive task. Omissions and errors can be very costly in terms of money and schedules. Many companies have unfortunately learned about the issues involved too late to avoid additional program costs and delays. These issues can involve specifications, design, documentation and many other issues. This seminar will provide detailed information on the tasks involved with running a successful electromagnetic compatibility program for your products. Emphasis will be placed upon careful integration with the other involved parties of the program. Careful understanding of the specialized specifications will be addressed as well as key design techniques and technologies. Coordination with external parties,

including BernieLuecke customers and RVC BPI electromagnetic compatibility test laboratories, also will be addressed. The broad nature of this seminar will benefit all personnel involved with electromagnetic compatibility programs, including leadership, as well as design engineering staff. Issues related to electromagnetic compatibility design specifics also will be covered in the seminar. Our instructor for this seminar, Curtis White, is an iNARTE-certified electromagnetic compatibility engineer with more than 40 years of experience, including eight years at management level. His experience includes all aspects of electromagnetic compatibility programs from initial design concepts through qualification testing and product follow-up support. For more information about the seminar or to receive a registration form, please contact Bernie Luecke at 815-921-2067 or B.Luecke@RockValleyCollege.edu. Bernie Luecke is director of the Business & Professional Institute at Rock Valley College.

RVC Community Conversation Series Rock Valley College Board of Trustees is hosting a “A Community Conversation” to be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Ellis Elementary School, 222 S. Central Ave., Rockford, IL. President Mike Mastroianni will present “What everyone should know about RVC.” For questions, please call 815-921-4517.

Manufacturing News is sponsored by RVC BPI

October 2014

Take a weekend out to start a new business Startup Weekend Rockford Nov. 14 to 16 Ever wondered what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Find out at Startup Weekend Rockford, Nov. 14 to 16, at Rockford University, 5100 E. State St., Rockford. Startup Weekends are 54hour events where developers, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products and launch startups! Join more than 45,000 Startup Weekend alumni, all on a mission to change the world. On average, half of Startup Weekend’s attendees have technical or design backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds. Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday, teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening, teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts. Register at rockford.startupweekend. org.

Reasons to Come Education. Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating. Don’t just listen to theory, build your own strategy and test it as you go. Build your network. This isn’t just a happy-hour. Startup Weekend attracts

your community’s best makers and doers. By spending a weekend working to build scalable companies that solve realworld problems, you will build long-lasting relationships and possibly walk away with a job or even an investor. Co-founder dating. We all know it’s not just about the idea – it’s about the team. Startup Weekend is hands down the best way to find someone you can actually launch a startup with. Learn a new skill. Step outside of your comfort zone. With a whole weekend dedicated to letting your creative juices flow, Startup Weekends are perfect opportunities to work on a new platform, learn a new programming language, or just try something different. Actually launch a business. More than 36 percent of Startup Weekend startups still are going strong after three months. Roughly 80 percent of participants plan on continuing working with their team or startup after the weekend. Get face time with thought leaders. Local tech and startup leaders participate in Startup Weekends as coaches and judges. Get some one-on-one time with the movers and shakers in your community. Save money & get stuff. Startup Weekend Rockford is just $50 ($35 for students), which covers seven meals, snacks, access to exclusive resources from sponsors, and of course, all the coffee you can drink.

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Web site offers applicants help in EZ renewal The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has commissioned the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University, 148 N. Third St., DeKalb, to create a free web page to assist potential Enterprise Zone applicants in preparing their renewal applications. Applicants for EZ renewal must meet at least three of the 10 criteria and the Dec. 31 deadline. The web site is slated for completion Oct. 1 and will provide data for the designated Local Labor Market Area, and where available, by Census Tract. It will not provide rating scores for the various criteria. This will be done by DCEO personnel in the application review process. The site facilitates the data collection process, but does not determine application status nor allow for submission of electronic applications.

Meeting Criterion Applicants will log in and provide a shape file or identify the Census Tracts in their desired Local Labor Market Area. After a satisfactory LLMA has been determined, the program will provide information on all the tests for which data are available. Criterion #2 requires applicants to show that the EZ will generate substantial employment opportunities and will alleviate poverty and unemployment. This will require documentation of a local initiative or

plan to generate or retain 1,000 FTE and at least $100 million in investment during a period of up to 15 years. The web site will offer sources for supplemental analyses of the impacts of local investment and job creation, but the plan must be developed locally. Criterion #7 requires a Tax Improvement Plan to estimate the impacts of the proposed zone on sales tax base, income tax base and property tax base. The web site will offer sources where applicants can obtain supplemental assistance in generating these numbers. Criterion #8 requires a Public Infrastructure Improvement Plan, which applicants must prepare to meet this criterion. The legislation indicates what will be needed. The web site will suggest a form that can be used to submit this information. Criterion #10 requires a comparison of the change (in the five years previous to the application) of the equalized assessed valuation of industrial and commercial properties in the designated Local Labor Market Area, compared with statewide trends. Supplemental data may be needed from the local assessment officials or county clerks. For questions, email Allen.Mayer@illinois. gov. Questions and responses then are posted at www.enterprisezones.illinoisdata.com. Web site technical assistance questions should be addressed to Sherrie Taylor, taylor@niu.edu.

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October 2014

IGNITE

Young Professionals

Bears and Sharks and Bigfoot, Oh My! Join in the first IGNITE Cup 2014 closing ceremonies

Source: www.wallethub.com

The most, least financially literate states in America By John S. Kiernan, WalletHub The issue of widespread financial illiteracy — not just in this country, but around the world — has garnered significant attention in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Still, we’ve collectively racked up more than $73 billion in new credit card debt since the beginning of 2012, and only two in five adults have a budget. WalletHub analyzed financial education programs and consumer habits in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, using 12 key metrics.

What do donuts, burlap sacks, and water balloons all have in common? If you’re one of the 135 participants in this year’s IGNITE Cup, you know they were all key to the Field Day Competition held at Alpine Park. Throw in a few Oreos and a three-legged race, and you have an athletic competition that cannot be beat! (Okay, athletic may be used a bit liberally, but there was running involved … and donuts.) IGNITE Cup 2014 launched in May and includes 13 teams battling for a highly prized traveling trophy and bragging rights to boot. Teams were comprised of co-workers, friends, and sometimes strangers, who were looking to give it their all and have some fun while they were at it. The season included a Trivia Night, Mini-Putt, Bowling, an epic downtown Scavenger Hunt, and a Field Day. It all comes down to the wire at our Closing Ceremonies, where a winner will be crowned! This year, teams include Bear vs. Shark vs. Bigfoot, a team comprised mostly of participants from the most recent graduating class of Leadership Rockford. Wecheat is made up of IGNITE Leadership Team members who picked the name in jest but have been doing remarkably well (and all on the up and up!). Rock Solid Regents (Rockford University), Blue Barracudas (UTC Aerospace Systems), Mighty Morphin Cash Exchangers (Blackhawk Bank), Operation Super Fun (OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center), Team Wipfli, Associated Bank, Comcast Business, and McGladrey MonSTARS all proudly represented companies in our area with teams of employees and friends. Rounding up the roster of competitors

Caitlin Ludwig IGNITE

is Decent At Everything, Good At Nothing, Insert Clever Name Here, and Team Formally Known As Awesome, all of which are comprised of newly introduced IGNITE members.

Hours of Community Service, and Fun More than being a few months of great times, IGNITE Cup has really engaged young professionals in the community. More than 1,000 hours of community service and community involvement were logged by competing team members. Individuals were introduced to new places in Rockford they have not frequented before. Networking was easy and fun. Friends were made, though competition has been fierce. All in all, it has been an extremely enjoyable season in this wonderful city we call home. IGNITE Cup 2015 will kick off late spring! Perhaps next year, the traveling trophy will have your company’s name on it! To get a great taste of the event first hand, or to cheer on your team of choice (or both!) join us on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., for our Closing Ceremonies at Franchesco’s. It’s $25 for guests, IGNITE Cup members are free! Costumes are encouraged, dancing and photobooth fun will be had. Check out our website for more information! Special thanks to our IGNITE Cup sponsors: Blackhawk Bank, Wipfli, UTC Aerospace Systems, Rockford University – MBA Program, Comcast Business, and 1st Family Home Healthcare. Special thanks also to Fotopirates, an additional sponsor for our Closing Ceremonies. Caitlin Ludwig is IGNITE Rockford’s REACH committee co-chair for and a marketing specialist at Blackhawk Bank. Visit igniterockford.com.

October 2014

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

To rebrand or not to rebrand?

Creating a well thought-out plan At some point in a company’s lifespan the thought to rebrand may arise. Before taking the leap however, companies considering rebranding should first ask, “why?” It may be time to rebrand if your answer is yes to the “why” questions below: ■■ Our company has outgrown its name. ■■ Our products and services have changed. ■■ We are looking to grow in new markets. ■■ We want to get the word out about the services we offer. ■■ We want to stand out from the competition. Determining that rebranding is the right move is the first step in a process, that, if done well can lead to the rejuvenation of a company’s identity and an increase in sales. Rebranding without a well-thought-out plan in place can lead to disaster. Speaking from experience, when our company decided in 2013 that we had outgrown our brand, we spent a significant amount of time developing a plan for a successful rebrand. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. There are several issues to contemplate when rebranding. Our journey to rebrand started a year ago, and the steps we took helped us stay on track throughout the process. Following are some initial steps to take to begin your internal discussion:

Hire a Third-Party Agency Some companies may be able to do a rebrand in-house, without outside assistance. It’s possible, but not recommended. A third-party agency can help weed through company issues and fine-tune messaging. In our case, we determined immediately that we could not rebrand our agency on our own. Despite the fact that we do this type of work for our own clients, we realized that bringing in a third-party agency to guide the process was crucial for success. A thirdparty brings a “fresh pair of eyes” to the process when those of us within the company may be too close to see the many possibilities of rebranding.

Get Buy-in from Top to Bottom To successfully roll out a new brand, it is imperative that there is buy-in from the entire team. All team members are potential brand ambassadors, and if they don’t understand the reason “why” or buy in to the new brand, it can derail

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

the process. By including the entire team, everyone has ownership and chances for success increases.

Dedicate a Team Member to the Project Actual work continues throughout a rebranding. We certainly did not stop taking on new clients or put current clients on hold as we worked through the numerous rebranding components. What we did do was assign team members to oversee the rebrand and ensure that the work stayed on track. Our rebranding team oversaw the development of the new website, logo design and marketing collateral. They also supervised the internal branding meetings and kept all team members in the loop throughout the process.

Be Prepared to Spend The cost to rebrand in time and money is significant and should be considered thoughtfully before diving in. Companies must be willing to allocate the dollars needed for a new logo, website, signage and marketing collateral, not to mention investing in the time it takes to make sure every detail is taken care of. List all of the possible costs associated with rebranding to determine what the overall costs will be. From there, prioritize what must be done, what would be nice to do and what can wait.

Determine Messaging One fear companies have in rebranding is that the audience will miss the message. Without strong message points, audiences may become confused and think there was a sale or merger or worse, the company went out of business. Making sure the messages are clear will help ensure a successful rebranding launch. Communications is key and no matter the company size or budget, incorporating a communications plan for internal and external audiences is critical. There will always be hiccups along the way, but by integrating these steps into a rebranding process, companies will be able to chart a course to navigate through issues that come up and steer clear towards a successful rebrand. Rebecca Epperson is founder and president of Chartwell Agency, full-service communications firm that recently went through a rebrand. The views expressed are those of Epperson’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Insurance 13

October 2014

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Health care trends to watch Monitoring quality of care

Health care is expected to consume nearly $1 of every $5 spent in the American economy by 2023. That grim prospect is driving trends that are likely to result in significant changes in the way we choose, purchase and measure the effectiveness of health care. The Alliance is a cooperative of employers who self-fund their health benefits, which gives them a clear stake in working toward better care. On behalf of those employers, The Alliance is exploring four promising trends that are likely to change health care nationwide. Examining outcomes for a specific physician at a specific hospital. Studies have shown that quality varies from hospital to hospital. There is reason to believe that quality also varies from physician to physician, even within the same hospital. The Alliance QualityPath® initiative uses recognized national measures to examine the quality of a physician and a hospital when working together on high-stakes medical procedures. Expect more efforts to hone in on this combination in coming years.

Using bundled payments. A bundle means that one price covers multiple elements of a procedure, which encourages the best use of resources on the patient’s behalf. For example, the QualityPath program offers bundled pricing for three procedures: total hip replacement, total knee replacement and coronary artery bypass graft. Each bundle will begin on the day of admission to cover the surgery itself, in-hospital care and physician visits after surgery. Rehabilitation costs may be included, depending on whether the patient chooses to have follow-up services, such as physical therapy, at the QualityPath facility where the procedure was performed. The Alliance recently named five designated QualityPath hospitals for specific procedures, including Rockford Memorial Hospital for total hip and total knee replacement when working with designated QualityPath physicians. Offering warranties. Leading hospitals are now introducing warranties to cover complications related to surgery. This is a new idea in health care, where

complications that led to additional care automatically meant additional cost. But if you can get a warranty on your car, shouldn’t you be able to get one on a high-stakes health procedure? The QualityPath program offers a warranty so the bundled price also covers care for complications. Delivering valuable health information at the point of decision. Employers want consumers to make wise decisions based on reliable information. To make an impact, that information has to be available to consumers when and where they are making a health decision. This trend is reflected by the burgeoning number of health websites, mobile applications, wearable devices and other health-related tech tools. The Alliance introduced its mobile-friendly Find a Doctor website in August to offer cost and quality information at the point of decision to the 90,000 people who are covered by a health plan that uses The Alliance network. The goal is to help people know the cost so they can skip the surprises that are too often part of

paying for health Cheryl DeMars care. The Alliance These trends share a focus on helping people find better care. That’s a significant shift in a health care marketplace that has traditionally relied on a fee-for-service model that rewards more care. In the future, you can expect that more health care purchasers will acknowledge that measuring the quality of care is an important step toward improving the quality of care. By embracing trends that help more people select high-quality, fairly priced health care providers, employers and other purchasers can help improve health care for everyone. Cheryl DeMars is president and CEO of The Alliance and chair of the National Business Coalition on Health. The views expressed are those of DeMars’ and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

October 2014 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Insurance

How many have health insurance in 2013? On Sept. 16, the U.S. Census Bureau announces its annual findings on health insurance coverage in the United States. ■■ 86.6 percent of people had health insurance for all or part of 2013; 13.4 percent did not for the entire year.

(9.8 percent) was higher than the uninsured rate for children not in poverty (7.0 percent).

■■ Full-time, year-round workers were more likely to be covered by health insurance (86.1 percent) than those who worked less than full-time, year round (76.0 percent) or non-workers (77.6 percent).

Concentrations of households in top five percent of income, 2007 to 2011

■■ Among adults age 18 to 64 with a disability, 39.3 percent had private health insurance, compared with 70.7 percent of their counterparts with no disability in 2013. More than half (56.6 percent) of people with a disability had government-provided health insurance. The percentage of workingage adults with a disability who had any type of health insurance coverage was higher than the comparable population with no disability (86.2 percent, compared with 81.1 percent). ■■ In 2013, the majority of individuals (64.2 percent) were covered by private health insurance. The largest single type of health insurance in 2013 was employment-based health insurance at 53.9 percent. ■■ In 2013, 34.3 percent was covered by government health insurance: Medicaid at 17.3 percent, and Medicare at 15.6 percent. ■■ In 2013, the uninsured rate for children younger than 19 in poverty

■■ In 2013, 9.8 percent of nonHispanic whites were uninsured, compared with 15.9 percent of blacks and 24.3 percent of Hispanics.

Near the Rockford Region, Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, Ill., had the highest ranking at 25, with 6.8 percent of households in the top five percent income level. Below are the top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas, based on percentage of households in the top five percent income level. Metropolitan Area

Bridgeport-StamfordNorwalk, Conn.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.9 San Jose-SunnyvaleSanta Clara, Calif.. . . . . . . . . . . 15.9 Washington, D.C.Arlington-Alexandria. . . . . . . . . 14.1 San Francisco-OaklandFremont, Calif.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.0 Trenton-Ewing, N.J. . . . . . . . . . 11.6 New York-Northern N.J.Long Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.0 Oxnard-Thousand OaksVentura, Calif.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.7 Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Maine-N.H.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.7 Boulder, Colo.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 Napa, Calif.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.3

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Health insurance changes Looking at the plan alternatives In the 34 years that I’ve sold group health insurance lots of things have changed. At the beginning, carriers would not accept everyone in a group, and they would not take a group if they had some employees with pre-existing medical conditions. Years pass. Around the time the Clintons were in charge, the insurance industry began taking all employees of any small under 50 employee group, regardless of their pre-existing medical conditions, BUT they were able to charge 67 percent more for the coverage. It wasn’t 67 percent more per sick person; it was 67 percent over the book price for the entire group of people. That amounted to a lot of money for many employers. Employees also suffered because they, in many cases, were paying about 20 percent of the total premium. Their costs also went up. Now comes the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare. ACA said insurance carriers have to take everyone, regardless of medical conditions, and it established some guidelines such as: employees cannot have more than a $2,000 yearly deductible, and the plan must contain certain wellness benefits. Some limited pediatric vision and dental benefits also must be included. Many of the current plans, a.k.a. (nonACA) plans contain wellness benefits, but deductibles have gotten as high as $5,000 for some employees. The new ACA plans will limit the employees’ deductible to $2,000 per year.

Renewal in 2015 Effective 2015 and after, groups under 50 people will have to be renewed with a new ACA plan. Because these plans have to take everyone, and the only questions they ask is the employee’s name, age, zip code, and whether they smoke or not, carriers will be forced to estimate how many people might have any illnesses. Naturally, if a carrier doesn’t know the medical conditions of a group, they will have to

raise their prices Matt Ripplinger Broadmoor Insurance in expectation of Agency the worst. In short, employers, look forward to paying a lot more money for employee health insurance. There are, however, some affordable alternatives, so I strongly suggest talking with your agent and asking for alternatives. If they don’t have any alternatives, call another independent insurance agent for their opinions. Insurance agents and carriers have been forced to become more creative with the sale of group health insurance. A good agent will be able to guide you to the best plan to suit your needs. Employers may have to pay a little more next year, and employees may have to pay a little more also for this important benefit, and have a little higher deductible. Fortunately with PPO plans, they offer doctor co-pays and prescription cards, which will help a lot. An employee may never have to pay a portion of the deductible, unless they are hospitalized, or have extensive medical testing. The co-pay idea for doctor visits and prescriptions has been a great idea. There’s a lot more to the health insurance crisis than what I’ve covered here. I haven’t even mentioned individual health plans or group health plans for employers with over 50 employees. Just be sure you are getting a good education from your independent insurance agent and talk about alternative ideas to reduce your group health care costs. If you are not getting the answers you want, I’d suggest you call another agent for help. Try to stay well, and you won’t have to find out how high a deductible and coinsurance you have on your current plan. Matt Ripplinger is president of Broadmoor Insurance Agency. The views expressed are those of Ripplinger’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Insurance 15

October 2014

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace Helping businesses provide employee health coverage While there is much more to keeping our community healthy and happy beyond health insurance options, having more options of plans and pricing is certainly a good start or an added advantage. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is providing both individuals and businesses with more health care access and options. If you own or work at a small business and believe that a benefits strategy can help your business compete more effectively for workers with critical skills talent, spend time to know what’s available and possible before spending more money by opting in or out of a benefits plan. You may be able to save money, offer an even better benefits package, and gain a competitive edge using sizable government tax credits. Below is a brief overview of how the ACA is helping small businesses. The SHOP Marketplace is open to employers with 50 or fewer fulltime-equivalent employees (FTEs). If you have fewer than 25 FTEs, you may qualify for tax credits if you buy insurance through SHOP. Tax credits

can be claimed for any two consecutive taxable years. If you’re self-employed with no employees, you can get coverage through the individual market Health Insurance Marketplace but not through SHOP.

Benefits of the SHOP Marketplace You control the coverage you offer and how much you pay toward employee premiums. You can choose from four levels of coverage to find a plan that meets the needs of your business and employees. You can start coverage any time. Enroll by the 15th of the month and coverage can begin on the 1st of the following month. If you buy SHOP coverage and have fewer than 25 employees, you may qualify for a small business health care tax credit worth up to 50 percent of your premium costs. You can still deduct from your taxes the rest of your premium costs not covered by the tax credit. The tax credit is available only for plans purchased through SHOP.

How to Know if You Qualify SHOP is open to employers with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. In order to use SHOP, you must offer coverage to all of your full-time employees – generally those working 30 or more hours per week on average. In many states, at least 70 percent of your full-time employees must enroll in your SHOP plan. (Employers who apply for SHOP coverage between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 each year can enroll without meeting this requirement.) Remember all Marketplace and SHOP plans include the mandated Essential Health Benefits.

Essential Health Benefits package: 10 Benefit Categories ■■ Ambulatory patient services ■■ Emergency services ■■ Hospitalization ■■ Laboratory services ■■ Maternity and newborn care

■■ Mental Christina Valiquette health and WCHD substance abuse services, including behavioral health treatment ■■ Prescription drugs ■■ Rehabilitative and habilitate services and devices ■■ Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management ■■ Pediatric services, including oral and vision care Important deadline. Apply between Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 to waive minimum participation regulation. Planning and eligibility begins in October. Christina Valiquette is SHOP specialist at the Winnebago County Health Department. Contact her at cvaliquette@wchd.org or 815720-4247. The views expressed are those of Valiquette’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

October 2014 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Insurance

Laurent House Foundation extends tour season The Laurent House Foundation announced that the Kenneth & Phyllis Laurent Home now will be open for tours year round. Since opening to the public on June 6, nearly 800 people have toured the house. Seventy-five percent coming from outside of the Rockford area, including 25 U.S. states and Europe. The Laurent House now will be open on the first and last weekend of every month, with tours departing from Midway Village Museum at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Advance ticket reservations are required at www. laurenthouse.com.

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

A healthy employee is a happy employer The rising cost of health care is a continued concern for individuals and employers. The myriad of changes occurring in health care delivery adds yet another layer of uncertainty and complexity to an already complicated system. While businesses may not be able to control changes in health care, they do have the opportunity to affect change within their own populations. Healthy, productive employees are a business’ most valuable asset, and retaining these employees by providing health enhancement benefits is a winwin for everyone in the community. Certainly the best way to contain the rise in health care costs and preserve employees’ health and well-being is to prevent employees and their dependents from developing medical problems in the first place, so-called primary prevention. Creating a healthy work environment and providing employees with wellness programs and benefits can prevent or help manage health care costs in the future. This is a more longterm strategy with real benefits for the employee and the employer. What can be done about the employee or spouse who is already struggling with multiple medical problems and utilizing significant health care resources? In health care, we talk about this as secondary prevention. While we cannot prevent the person from developing the problems, we can work hard to manage the problems and secondarily prevent further costly complications and illness. Indeed, this is where the great majority of a self-insured company’s health care premium dollars are spent. Statistics consistently document that the top five percent of a company’s insured population account for approximately 55 percent of the health claims. Claims data analysis can easily identify this group for intervention.

Help for the Top Five Percent Programs are appearing around the country to help address the needs of this population. At OSF HealthCare, we have developed a program for our employees and their dependents called Health Management. The top five percent of covered employees and dependents are identified and invited to participate in the program. Participation is completely voluntary and confidential. Employment and insurance are not affected by the decision to participate or not participate. Each person who chooses to participate undergoes a thorough assessment by the Health Management team, consisting of a registered nurse, licensed clinical social worker and primary care physician. After this assessment is completed, a comprehensive report is developed, and the participant is presented with a care plan, which is a “road map” of recommendations that will lead to better health. The individual is then sent back to his/her primary care provider to implement the changes recommended in the care plan. Potential financial barriers can be removed by offering assistance with copayments and costs of needed services that are commonly not covered under their insurance, such as dietary counseling and exercise instruction. As stated in September’s Guest Perspective by Dr. Fred Sweet, this community is blessed with incredible health care. Rockford has the resources to provide excellent care for a wide variety of medical problems. It should come as no surprise that our challenge is to help people change behavior, which is always a difficult task. I often say that in health care today, time is a four-letter word – there simply is not enough of it to spend helping people make necessary

lifestyle Dr. William E. Kobler changes. OSF Health Through Management programs such as Health Management, we are able to spend the time needed to assist participants in the change process. They are seen monthly to track their care plan progress. Successful progress is encouraged or lack of progress is reviewed to determine what the program can do to help them be more successful. This program has demonstrated significant improvements in the health of the participants and substantial cost savings as a result. Even more importantly, the program results in decreased absenteeism and what is called “presenteeism,” where an employee is present at work but not working up to his/her full capacity. The bottom line is a healthy employee is a happier and more productive employee. The challenge of containing health care costs will remain for the foreseeable future. The jury remains out on the effect the Affordable Care Act will have on the problem. Much of what is occurring at the state and federal levels in health care delivery remains beyond our individual control. What we can do is to encourage our greatest resource, our employees, to remain healthy by providing the resources necessary to reach this goal. For those who are already suffering from multiple problems, intensive interventions for a targeted population can have benefits for both the employee and the employer. For more information about the OSF Health Management program, please call the office at 815-484-7050. William E. Kobler, M.D., is medical director, OSF Health Management-Rockford. The views expressed are those of Dr. Kobler’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Insurance 17

October 2014

LEGISLATIVE

State Government, Insurance & Regulation Issues to Watch

New Laws for 2014

Here are some laws related to state government, insurance and regulation that have taken affect this year. For specific language of the laws, visit www. ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp.

STATE GOVERNMENT, INSURANCE AND REGULATION Latino Family Commission HB 3049/PA 98-0032 Moves jurisdiction of the Illinois Latino Family Commission from the Department of Public Aid to the Department of Health Care and Family Services. EMT – Military Experience HB 3186/PA 98-0053 Recognizes a candidate’s military emergency medical training, emergency medical curriculum, and clinical experience when the Department of Public Health prescribes licensure testing requirements. Insurance Investments HB 1571/PA 98-0110 With regard to domestic mutual insurance companies and domestic stock insurance companies, the measure stipulates criteria for investments by insurance companies under the Insurance Code, requires bonds, notes or certificates of deposit to meet certain requirements to be eligible, and grants the Director of Insurance powers to refuse to accept certain securities or refuse to accept the reported market value of certain securities. Late Vehicle Titles SB 1828/PA 98-0177 Authorizes the Secretary of State to charge delinquent vehicle dealer transfer fees of up to $100 to dealers that are late giving certificate of title to the Secretary of State. Allows a Secretary of State Police investigator to issue administrative citations to new or used vehicle dealers. Adds the National Motor Vehicle Title Information Service (NMVTIS) to the list of services for which money from the Commercial Driver’s License Information System/American Association of Motor Vehicle

Administrators network (CDLIS/ AAMVAnet) Trust Fund may be spent. Insurance Communications HB 3300/PA 98-0189 Requires that insurance companies accommodate a reasonable request to receive communications via alternative means (e-mail, telephone, etc.) if the insured requests an alternative means of communication because disclosure of the information could endanger the insured. Insurance Guaranty Fund Board HB 981/PA 98-0202 Expands the board of directors of the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund to add a public member appointed by the state’s Director of Insurance. The new members must be a licensed and certified public accountant or hold a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters. Insurance Code Changes HB 1552/PA 98-0226 Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to allow the Department of Insurance to electronically send a quarterly invoice for fees to insurance companies, rather than mailing the invoices. Removes a requirement that notices regarding coverage for a dependent be provided on a semi-annual basis. Also changes the date of the department’s annual report to the General Assembly from April 15 to July 1. Fallen Heroes HB 1854/PA 98-0234 Would require the Governor to order flags to be flown at half-staff when an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew member is killed in the line of duty. Capital Project Fund HB 2613/PA 98-0245 Clarifies that federal capital funds that are left over after the State completes a construction project must remain in a State capital fund to be used for future construction projects, rather than being used to pay off bonds. Fraternal Order of Police SB 1216/PA 98-0275 Gives the legislature greater oversight into how funds are spent by specifying

that all moneys in the Fraternal Order of Police Fund are subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and distributed by the Secretary of State. These are funds raised by the sale of special Fraternal Order of Police license plates.

shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. Also requires that the remittance agents to turn this information over to the Secretary of State or face the loss or revocation of their license.

Fine Arts Purchases SB 1723/PA 98-0572 Amends the CDB Act, the Illinois Procurement Code, and the DesignBuild Procurement Act. Eliminates a duplicative board charged with procuring and selecting art work to be displayed in public buildings. Makes minor changes to the Design-Build Title Insurance Procurement Act. Clarifies what projects HB 1545/PA 98-0398 qualify under the act and replaces the Makes several changes to the state’s word “projects” with “construction regulations of the title insurance industry, giving the Illinois Department of projects” throughout the bill. Financial and Professional Regulation Budget Transparency (IDFPR) broader authority over other SB 2106/PA 98-0580 licensing, penalties, suspension or Creates the Governmental revocation of title insurance licenses. Transparency Task Force to create a Also exempts limited liability companies plan to make the state budgeting from a requirement that every title process more transparent and publiclyinsurance agent must be 18 years old. accessible. Establishes a 16-member 9-1-1 Directory HB 2856/PA 98-0332 Would require the Illinois Commerce Commission to provide 9-1-1 operators with a directory of other call centers to be able to transfer calls out of their original jurisdiction.

Electric Bid Specification HB 2623/PA 98-0434 Gives municipalities or other local governments that aggregate power the right to know the source of the power utilized under the aggregation.

Yearly Budget Requirements HB 2947/PA 98-0460 Would requires that the Governor’s annual state budget submission include detailed tables and narratives as to any projected budget surplus or a projected budget deficit for the fiscal year. Also requires an estimate of individual and corporate income tax overpayments that won’t be paid back by the end of the fiscal year. State Budget Online HB 2955/PA 98-0461 Requires the state budget to be published online within 60 days of being signed into law. Auto Insurance SB 1940/PA 98-0539 Beginning with the 2016 registration year, this bill requires that mandatory insurance information must be provided before any vehicle registration can be issued. Any person that knowingly submits false insurance information

board comprised of appointments by the Governor and the four legislative leaders. Report due by Jan. 1, 2015.

Grant Transparency SB 2381/PA 98-0589 Increases grant transparency and gives the public greater access to information about state grants and how grant monies are distributed and used. Requires the state’s Chief Information Officer to work with state agencies to better report financial data. Would require all state grants to be posted online at data.illinois.gov, including name and zip code of the organization receiving the grant, a short description of the purpose, amount of the award, and date of the award. This legislation was prompted in part by the controversial Neighborhood Recovery Initiative (NRI), which was the subject of an investigative report by the CNN television network. The report on the NRI found that the program paid teens to hand out fliers, take field trips to museums, march in parades with the Governor, and attend yoga classes. It took CNN a four-month investigation to reveal that funds were being questionably spent.

October 2014

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

PERSPECTIVE Rockford University

Keeping above the forest and out of the trees Planting seeds for the future In many ways, you SHOULD BE the least needed person in the organization when it comes to daily operations. I find one of my most difficult challenges as a leader is keeping my input and participation at the right level. I have found this to be true with other leaders I work with, have worked for, or coach. Depending on your level in your organization, it is a constant struggle NOT to get pulled into too much of the daily detail, while still keeping a pulse on what you should be watching. There are a number of reasons why this can happen. The first has to do with the leader. If you are truly leading well, your contribution toward the day-to-day functioning of the organization should be minimal. Instead, you should be spending a lot of time “planting seeds” that will come to fruition in the future. In many ways, you SHOULD BE the least needed person in the organization when it comes to daily operations. The operations should be able to run daily just fine without you. This is really hard for leaders to adjust to and accept, as every one of us would like to point at what we accomplished at the end of the day. A leader’s accomplishments should be much more long term than that. Another reason why it is so hard to “stay out of the trees” is because everyone else will happily pull the leader into the trees if he or she lets them. Customers and vendors will reach as high as they can for help and assistance. If your people are not well developed, lack confidence, are not given the proper tools and have been micromanaged by you in the past, they will bring you in to solve issues you do not need to be involved in. I remember sitting in the office of a CEO of a $30 million company about 10 years ago, when a maintenance worker walked in his office to ask if he (the maintenance worker) should change the light bulbs in the hall. The CEO said yes, of course. This is NOT the type of decision that takes the CEO of a $30 million company to decide! I knew right then this company was in trouble, and sure enough, less than three years later it was out of business.

Put a Value on Your Time Finally, I think leaders put little value on their own time. I can’t tell you how

Jeffrey Fahrenwald Rockford University

many times I have seen small business owners doing things that others could be doing. When I ask them about it, I am told their time is free and if someone else does it, they would have to pay them. They apparently don’t understand the concept of opportunity cost. If they are at all effective at running the organization, the owner’s time should be focused on LEADING the organization and working to create long-term success. Here are a couple suggestions to consider to keep out of the trees as the leader. First, ask yourself every day what you have done to create future longterm value for the organization. If the answer for a week straight is “nothing,” then start planting seeds and get out of the trees. Second, develop your people. Mentor them, give them permission and support to make their own decisions. Provide them with opportunities to grow and develop through workshops and training (like

RU’s

Executive

Development

Program). Make sure your people understand the responsibilities of their job and inform them when they ask you to make a decision on something they should be able to make on their own. Also STOP micro-managing! Finally determine the value of your time and ask yourself if what you are doing is the best use of your time in order to move the organization forward or is the task more appropriate for someone else to do? This can be a difficult evaluation to make, but in the long run is vital for organizational success. Being a good leader is hard work. It takes constant focus on the right tasks. It takes a commitment to developing your people. It takes getting out of the way of your people so they can be great. It takes understanding how you are most valuable to the organization. Finally, it takes being okay with coming home at the end of the day and having your kids or spouse asking you what you accomplished today and telling them “nothing, but I planted a lot of seeds!” Good luck with your planting! Jeffrey Fahrenwald is the director of the MBA program at Rockford University. The views expressed are those of Fahrenwald’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SURVEY RESULTS

RockfordChamberAdvocacyCenter.com THEVOICE

Special Insert 1

Chamber Members share their views on crime and public safety SPEAK UP, ROCKFORD! CHAMBER SURVEY Public Policy Survey Results

Einar Forsman, President & CEO Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to our special insert that features our member’s perspectives as drawn from our recently concluded Chamber Member Survey on Crime and Public Safety. During 2013, many of our members expressed concern about crime and safety and urged the Rockford Chamber to dig deeper into this issue. As a result of those expressions, the Chamber formed a Public Safety Council that is chaired by Pat Morrow of Alpine Bank, a Rockford Chamber Board Member. This survey was part of the Council’s initial steps to establish its necessary focus and consider capabilities to address such a complex topic from a business standpoint. From the survey results, it is clear that our members want to see the Chamber as an education vehicle on matters tied towards public safety. They also emphasized that the Chamber should have direct advocacy with other community leaders and law enforcement professionals on addressing crime. Through the Council’s initial meetings and review of the results, we have determined to focus on four primary areas:

➤ Gather information on the various law enforcement activities and initiatives (i.e. geo-policing) and educate business community on these activities ➤ Initiate a “call to action” for getting the business community actively engaged in crime prevention/reduction. ➤ Engage in the coordination of activities around targeted areas to achieve critical mass of various law enforcement and other community program activities to combat crime and strengthen neighborhoods. ➤ Encourage jobs and housing options for those in need, including ex-offenders. Please review the survey responses in this insert and contact either me or Pat Morrow if you have any questions or additional suggestions. If you would like to join the Public Safety Council, please feel free to email me at eforsman@ rockfordchamber.com.

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

How does the crime rate in our region directly impact your business?

Impact on Business

Totals equal more than 100% as respondents could select multiple responses.

43%

Customers feel unsafe Employees feel unsafe Business has declined

69% 15%

Difficult to recruit good workforce Our business has been a direct target of crime

41% 26%

COMMENTS ➤ Our neighborhood is not the safest and there are shootings on a regular basis. Things need to change but to say we feel “unsafe” isn’t necessarily true. ➤ Does not directly impact our business ➤ High crime rates prevent businesses from relocating to our region ➤ We have had two breakins and have found it necessary for security lighting & alarm system.

“Rockford Police do a good job against considerable odds.”

➤ Our clients have a perception of high crime in the downtown area ➤ None—no issues as a result of crime

*The respondent comments are only some of the comments received. The comments published reflect some common trends from the overall group of respondents.

ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SURVEY RESULTS

➤ News perception has become a perceived reality!

Im N ot p or t a nt

tan

➤ Intangible effects, but assume it has negative impact

nt orta mp

➤ Location makes a difference in perception

COMMENTS

Extremely I

w t h at I m p ort a n

29 %

33 %

Impact on Business

How important is the level of crime activity in this region to the success of your business?

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

THEVOICE RockfordChamberAdvocacyCenter.com

Special Insert 2

m I y r e V

32%

How does the crime rate in the region affect you personally? I am concerned for my safety My neighborhood is unsafe

45% 9%

I have adjusted my shopping/dining habits to avoid unsafe areas I have invested in my safety (alarm system, gun purchase, extra home security) I have no concerns

59 % 49 % 11 %

COMMENTS “Fewer people shop when they feel unsafe in our community.”

Totals equal more than 100% as respondents could select multiple responses.

How would you assess the local efforts to control/reduce crime in our region?

➤ I don’t walk around downtown alone in the evening to “stroll.” I never would—not at this point in time. If it’s later, I’m always with someone and it’s during a big event at the Coronado or BMO Harris Bank Center during times when there is more activity.

Fair

Good

34 %

➤ Crime levels impact the ability of our community to grow, which weakens the tax base, increasing the burden for those here.

30 %

➤ Concerned for the overall attraction of business to the region ➤ I felt safe in my neighborhood, but not with some of my neighbors. I came home to a neighbor robbing me and I live in a ‘good’ part of town. ➤ I try to focus on an awareness of my surroundings. I don’t think there is any area that is safe from crime. I do not let it overwhelm me.

Great 3 %

Poor 24 %

No Idea 9 %

ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SURVEY RESULTS

RockfordChamberAdvocacyCenter.com THEVOICE

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

What factors in our region encourage criminal activity?

Prevention/Reduction

89%

Unemployment

83%

Education Levels

80%

Families in Poverty

Special Insert 3

Totals equal more than 100% as respondents could select multiple responses.

77%

The Economy

COMMENTS

65%

Repeat Offenders Lack of Sufficient Police Staff Bad Elements Moving into Our Community

➤ Lack of values being taught by families and schools. Our community is becoming more secular vs. church/faith-centered.

62%

44%

➤ Drugs #1 cause for crime ➤ Lack of gang control

“Our proximity to large drug markets.”

➤ Drugs—probably the number one issue. Not only the buying and selling of drugs, the organized crime and the addicts who will stop at nothing to get the next fix. ➤ Too many “free” social services that make it easy to live here ➤ I would deduce that slots/gambling will have a negative impact through gambling addiction

Under the right circumstances, would you consider hiring a new employee that is an ex-offender? (Note: ex-offender does not necessarily have a felony conviction)

Are you aware of the Geo-policing model and do you support it? I am aware and support it

51%

Yes 70 %

I am not aware but would like to learn more I have no opinion 22%

17%

I am aware and do not support it

10%

No 30 %

COMMENTS ➤ I support but would like to see more detail on cost and expected outcomes ➤ I am aware but do not understand it. ➤ One does not need a physical building to build relationships with citizens in target areas ➤ I am aware, but unsure of its potential effectiveness

“What we are currently doing is not effective — geo-policing might be too new to determine the success of it, yet.”

Special Insert 4

ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SURVEY RESULTS

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

THEVOICE RockfordChamberAdvocacyCenter.com

Which of these factors cause you the greatest concern?

Factors Influencing Crime

Follow colors around pie graph to see percentages.

19 %

Bad elements moving into our community Unemployment

12 %

Families in poverty

18 %

16 %

Education levels The economy Repeat offenders

18 %

Lack of sufficient police staff

COMMENTS

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

➤ Our insurance rates have a crime charge that costs all consumers with a car, home, money. Businesses have additional premiums and costs due to crime.

“DRUGS.”

Prevention/Reduction

➤ Families in poverty is a direct result of other things listed ➤ All factors impact. Drug use is also a material driver of crime

How should the Rockford Chamber support its membership in having a positive impact on crime and safety? COMMENTS ➤ Be pro-active in sharing info about activities and individuals ➤ Don’t be afraid to be politically incorrect ➤ Seek advice from public safety officials regarding the best way for the business community to help fight crime ➤ Educate membership on the special needs of the ex-offender community and how business can directly impact crime by developing programs that encourage ex-offender hiring, training and support ➤ There is a lack of cultural understanding in our community and a bad stigma that crime = a black person

What is the ONE thing you think the Rockford Chamber of Commerce should do for its members with regards to reducing crime and/or improving public safety?

Advocate public safety and elected officials on effective tools and programs to reduce crime Educate businesses on best practice methods for preventing crime Educate the business community on types of crime and associated crime rates

78%

47%

45%

“Focus on education and the absolute lack of a middle class in Rockford”

COMMENTS ➤ We need a strong, local, vibrant economy that provides quality job opportunities. Keep pressure on elected officials at the state and local levels to make the Northern Illinois Region the best place to start and grow a business.

➤ Concentrate on the positive changes to the area. Step up the public education for children and what a great place this is to raise children. Give helpful tips to reduce crime in and around our businesses by prevention.

➤ Working with the police — better communication between businesses and enforcement.

➤ If you narrowed it down to one thing I would say it would be seminars. An educational Safety Seminar Series with topics such as: Making your office and the surrounding areas unattractive to crime; Best practices for employees not to be victims; Basic self-defense tactics; etc.

➤ Strong job creation environment in the Rockford region. ➤ More info on the topic of crime and what individual businesses can do to help and not become a victim of crime. ➤ Be a forum for the continued lobbying of effective measures for reducing crime. ➤ Have an active crime area website or blog, or advocate for one so the general public can know where the hot spots are. I had to hear from my neighbor that our neighborhood was having garage break-ins.

➤ Forums to educate Chamber members on what they can do to make a difference. Unite and have a collective voice and effort. ➤ Keeping us informed of the “true” nature and extent of crime without sensationalizing it or downplaying it; and how we can assist with community efforts to prevent it.

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October 2014

Making significant strides for our students The best is yet to come I am revved about how we are not only changing our style of teaching and learning but converting our facilities to prepare a new generation for the 21st century economy. The Ford Motor Company Fund will make a major announcement this month that will highlight the Rockford community and our ability to prepare students for college and careers. At last month’s Chamber Education Outlook Luncheon, I joked that earning a designation as a Ford Next Generation Learning community might result in throngs of educational tourists visiting Rockford to see how we have transformed the school model. I was only half-joking. I am very excited about what is happening in the Rockford Public Schools. I am revved about how we are not only changing our style of teaching and learning but converting our facilities to prepare a new generation for the 21st century economy. Thanks in part to a referendum approved by voters two years ago, we are making significant investments in construction projects. Some of the most visible are elementary additions and athletic spaces. But what people don’t see is that we converted some of our worn and outdated athletic spaces into flexible classroom spaces. A wrestling room at Guilford is now a classroom; a former dance studio at Auburn has been converted into a learning space as well. These improvements promise to give taxpayers a generous return on investment. Our facilities are flexible enough to allow varied educational uses. We have cut our energy consumption with new windows at East High School (and plan to increase the energy savings with new windows at Lincoln and West middle schools). We are also capitalizing on our community assets by partnering with citizens, businesses and nonprofits. The help might be time-and-talent; it might be bricks-and-mortar. It can definitely help assure the lessons in

RPS 205 are relevant and targeted. Examples of these community partnerships are: ■■ Sharefest’s heavy lift -- year in and year out -- to upgrade our facilities, such as last summer’s incredible restoration at Roosevelt Alternative High School; and ■■ Summer teacher externships through local businesses so teachers can align their curriculum to the expectation and rigor of today’s jobs. This is a small sample of the community engagement we have. We are proud to leverage the engagement to give our students the best preparation for their lives beyond high school.

Transforming the School Experience The Academy Expo held last month was another example of the power of engagement. Freshmen students from RPS 205 and the Belvidere School District packed the BMO Harris Bank Center to learn about potential careers. They explored hands-on demonstrations in more than 140 occupations, thanks to 700 volunteers from businesses and civic organizations. The expo experiences will help students make a decision in January about which high school academy they will join. Adding Belvidere to the expo offered even more value, acknowledging the regional nature of our economy and the fact that a job search does not stop at the school district boundary. Transforming teaching and learning. Transforming the secondary school experience. Transforming business and civic engagement. These are things we are doing in RPS 205. They are also things that form the foundation for a Ford Next Generation Learning community. Even with Ford’s help, I can’t promise busloads of educational tourists in Rockford. I can promise we will join with all of our partners to set high expectations for students and make sure they have to tools to meet those challenges. Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. The views expressed are those of Dr. Jarrett’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

October 2014

Visitors boost our economy

Like sports teams that shop at CherryVale Mall What brings a smile to a CherryVale Mall store manager, other than holiday shoppers? A group of teens wearing out-of-state sports jerseys. Amateur sports teams that come here for tournaments often have downtime, so they make a point of shopping at CherryVale Mall. “We see sports team wearing shirts from another state quite frequently,” said CherryVale Mall General Manager Mark Peterson. He estimates that up to five percent of the 8 million shoppers annually are visitors to the region, or about 400,000 people eager to buy mementos or necessities. Peterson said that tour buses are another common sight. “We make sure they get special attention so that these large groups have what they want and need, such as advance notice to the food court and other courtesies.”

About CherryVale Mall The regional shopping center boasts 150 stores staffed by 2,000 employees and an estimated combined sales of $150 million to $200 million annually. During the holidays, employment jumps to 3,000 jobs. The mall is unique as it offers both an enclosed mall and an outdoor lifestyle center. Lifestyle centers have upscale and moderate outdoor stores to which shoppers can drive and park curbside adjacent to the stores. The regional mall opened in 1973, and the lifestyle center was added in 2007. According to Peterson, the mall has about 100 stores that are unique to the Rockford area. “This is the only place in north central Illinois that you will find a Soma, Barnes & Noble and H & M, just to name a few. So we believe that the mall adds to the quality of life here, with our unique shopping experience.”

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John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Regional Economic Impact of Visitors is $320 Million Recently the Illinois Office of Tourism released the economic impact results of 2013 tourism. Visitors to Winnebago County in 2013 spent nearly $320 million at area hotels, restaurants and other retail businesses, such as CherryVale Mall. That $320 million spent by visitors, many in those sports jerseys, also supported 2,640 jobs in the hospitality industry. The visitors produced tax revenue of $5,240 locally; at the state level it was $17,650. In related news, area attractions saw a record-high number of visitors, 6.8 million visitors in 2013.

Unique CherryVale Mall Peterson attributes the mall’s location as one important reason for its long success. “Our primary shoppers are the people who live and work in the region, of course. But beyond that, our location allows us to draw from north central Illinois and south central Wisconsin. The region is at the junction of US 251, Bypass 20, Interstates 39, 88, 90 and 43, plus almost 10 state highways. We are so accessible. More than 800,000 people or 400,000 households are within a 30-minute drive of the Rockford area and CherryVale Mall. For the entire region, our location at this junction is a great advantage.” Thanks to visiting sports teams and other tourists who stay at area hotels, dine at local restaurants and shop at Rockford-area stores, like the 150 shops at CherryVale Mall … visitors added $320 million to our economy in 2013. John Groh is president/CEO at the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The views expressed are those of Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

CherryVale Mall General Manager Mark Peterson has a special fondness for visiting sports teams and tour bus groups that shop at CherryVale Mall.

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October 2014

Ten money-saving tips

Get an early start on a financial future College students are busy settling in on campus for the fall semester, and money management should be on their personal syllabus, according to First National Bank and Trust. “It’s important for college students to take control of their financial future by saving wherever and whenever they can,” said Laura Pomerene, vice president and marketing director of FNBT. “It is sound advice to treat personal finance like a second major and avoid unnecessary expenses now to reduce financial burden when they graduate.” FNBT offers the following Sound Advice tips to help college students form a strong foundation for money management: Create a budget. You’re an adult now and responsible for managing your own finances. The first step is to create a realistic budget or plan and stick to it. Watch spending. Keep receipts and track spending in a notebook. Pace spending and increase saving by cutting unnecessary expenses like eating out or shopping so that your money can last throughout the semester. Use credit wisely. Understand the responsibilities and benefits of credit. Use it, but don’t abuse it. How you handle your credit in college could affect you well after graduation. Shop around for a card that best suits your needs. Take advantage of your bank’s online banking resources. Most banks offer online, mobile and text banking tools to manage your account night and

day. Use these tools to check balances, pay bills, deposit checks and monitor transaction history. Lookout for money. There’s a lot of money available for students -- you just have to look for it. Apply for scholarships, and look for student discounts or other deals. Buy used. Consider buying used books or ordering them online. Buying books can become expensive and oftentimes used books are in just as good of shape as new ones. Entertain on a budget. Limit your “hanging out” fund. There are many fun activities to keep you busy in college and many are free for students. Get the most from your student ID. Use your meal plan or sample new recipes instead of eating out. Use only your bank’s ATMs. Avoid fees by using ATMs owned by or affiliated with your bank. If you must use an ATM that is not affiliated with your bank, take out larger withdrawals to avoid having to go back multiple times. Expect the unexpected. Things happen, and it is important that you are financially prepared when your car or computer breaks down or you have to buy an unexpected bus ticket home. Start putting some money away immediately, no matter how small the amount. Ask. This is a learning experience, so if you need help, ask. Your parents and your bank are a good place to start, and remember — the sooner the better.

Illinois Tollway Updates NEW INTERCHANGE The Illinois Tollway is opening the new allelectronic interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and I-57 and the new ramps at 147th Street in the Chicago Southland. Allelectronic ramps use I-PASS transponders to collect tolls. Customers without I-PASS can pay online.

OASES PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY The Illinois Tollway is making repairs at oases parking lots systemwide. Fuel stations and oases pavilions will remain open during the construction. Car parking lots remain open, and customers are advised that there will be limited car parking available during this time. However, most commercial truck parking lots are closed during construction. Work is scheduled to be completed this fall.

FOX RIVER BRIDGE REBUILDING ON THE JANE ADDAMS MEMORIAL TOLLWAY As work continues on the $95 million Fox River Bridge Project, traffic on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and local roads will be affected. Traffic in both directions of I-90 over the Fox River will be shifted in early fall to begin rebuilding the bridge carrying eastbound traffic. Rebuilding the Fox River Bridge is part of the $2.5 billion I-90 Rebuilding and Widening Project. Scheduled to be completed in 2016, the new bridge will include two, side-by-side 1,315-foot-long structures that will stand 40 feet above the surface of the Fox River and adjacent roadways.

Attorneys and Financial Planners to Serve You

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Attorneys and Financial Planners to Serve You

October 2014

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

How to safeguard your best ideas Intellectual property protections available to businesses

Having the right IP safeguards in place can literally make or break a company, especially in a hyper-competitive business world— particularly among startups. Whether you’ve been in business for 20 years or 20 days, it’s increasingly important to proactively guard your ideas and products with the appropriate intellectual property (IP) protection. Having the right IP safeguards in place can literally make or break a company, especially in a hyper-competitive business world (particularly among startups). Fortunately, it’s easier to get started than you might think – and the relatively minimal cost and effort you put in now will pay off down the road when you don’t have to challenge a stolen idea or product. And even if you’re familiar with common IP protections, it can never hurt to refresh yourself, as the laws are always changing. In this article, we’ll discuss some common types of intellectual property that may be right for your business.

Patents Assumedly, everyone has heard of a patent before – but did you know that there are different types that cover different forms of intellectual property? In the United States, there are three types that are generally recognized: Utility patents. These are issued for the invention of a new and useful product, process, machine or manufacturing method. They generally permit their owner to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention for a period of up to 20 years

business owners is for user manuals, instruction guides and/or advertising materials.

Trademarks and Trade Dress

from the date of the patent application. Design patents. These are issued for a new, original and ornamental design embodied in or applied to a manufactured product. They permit their owner to exclude others from making, using or selling the design for a period of 14 years from the date of patent grant. Plant patents. While rare, these are granted to someone who has invented or discovered and asexually reproduced a distinct and new variety of plant, other than a tuber propagated plant.

Trademarks and trade dress are used as source identifiers on products and services. This serves as a guarantee to consumers that they’re getting a specific good or service from the source that should be producing it. For example, if a consumer buys a Big Mac from any McDonald’s, they know that the burger will be made from the same ingredients and be held to the same standard of quality wherever it’s purchased. This is because McDonald’s is a trademarked brand. Unlike patents or copyrights, trademarks can last forever, as long as the owner of the trademark continues to use the trademark.

Copyrights

Trade Secrets

Also well known by most people, copyrights cover an expression of an idea, but there are some stipulations of which you may not be aware. A copyright doesn’t cover the idea itself, but instead covers how the idea is expressed. For example, if you have an idea and write it down in a book, the book in which you write the idea is covered by copyright protection, but the idea that you actually put in the book is not covered by copyright. However, the idea may be able to be protected with a patent. Other things that may be copyrighted are public performances, music (the lyrics and underlying musical composition), audio recordings, paintings and photographs. One particular area where copyright may provide some protection for many

Trade secrets are applied to valuable, confidential information about a product, process, formula, design or compilation of information that an inventor doesn’t want others to have. For example, a manufacturer might use a specific process to form a piece of metal, it might use a particular material for a mold to mass-produce parts or a manufacturer may have particular manufacturing tolerances. If the company doesn’t want to share its specific process, material or tolerances, it could treat that information as a trade secret to prevent others from using that information. Trade secrets can last as long as the information is held secret. If shared, the information must be shared under a cloak of confidentiality to maintain the protected status of the trade secret.

What’s Next?

Jeremy Bridge Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

The intellectual property protections mentioned above also can overlap across products or ideas. For example, one product can be protected by different utility and design patents. Photos of the product, the user’s manual and advertising of the product could be protected by copyright. The commercial name or packaging of the product could be protected as a trademark or as trade dress. Finally, methods of using the product, making the product or dimensional tolerances may be covered as trade secret. In general, intellectual property can be used to protect the large investment of time and capital needed to develop and produce new, original products and services. So now the question becomes: What IP protections are in place for your proprietary products and/or services? And what recourse do you have if you know or suspect that someone has stolen your intellectual property? These are all valid questions that an experienced intellectual property attorney can help answer for you. But don’t wait to find solutions – exploring your options and securing protection today can save a large amount of money and time later on. Jeremy Bridge is a shareholder and registered patent attorney in Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren’s Intellectual Property Practice, with a background in mechanical engineering, which allows him to specialize in the intellectual needs and challenges of clients that produce consumer and industrial products. The views expressed are those of Bridge’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

October 2014 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Attorneys and Financial Planners to Serve You

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Consider your investment strategy Plan for each season of your life You’ll need to make the appropriate financial and investment decisions at many different times over the years. Fall is almost officially here — and if you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering how summer went by so fast. Those trips to the lake or the beach are fading in memory now, giving way to helping kids with homework, raking leaves and the other rites of autumn. And just as your day-to-day tasks change with the seasons, so, too, will your money management and investment activities at different phases of your life.

Scenarios for Phases of Life Phase one: Planning for possibilities. When you’re young, and you’re starting out in the working world, your most immediate financial concerns

could be to pay off student loans and then, possibly, save for a down payment on a house. To address both these goals, you’ll need to budget carefully. And yet, even at this stage of your life, you should start thinking about saving for retirement — because time is your biggest ally. Consequently, if you work for an employer who offers a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), contribute what you can afford. At the very least, put in enough to earn your company’s matching contribution, if one is offered. You may also want to open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Phase two: Gearing up for other goals. As you move through life, and possibly begin a family, you’ll likely develop other financial goals, such as helping your children pay for college. You may want to consider investing in a tax-advantaged college savings vehicle, such as a 529 plan. Also, it’s important to have enough life insurance to protect your young family.

Phase three: Ramping up for retirement. When you reach the midto-later stages of your working life, you could find you have more financial resources available, as your earnings may have increased significantly, your children have grown, and your mortgage may even be paid off. If you are not already doing so, “max out,” if possible, on your 401(k) and IRA. And if you still have money available to invest, you may want to look for other tax-advantaged retirement vehicles. Phase four: Reaping the rewards. Now it’s time to enjoy the results of your lifetime of hard work and your many years of saving and investing. You may have to tap into your retirement accounts, so you’ll need to choose a sustainable annual withdrawal rate. The amount you withdraw each year from your IRA and 401(k) depends on a variety of factors: how much you’ve saved, the lifestyle you’ve chosen, your estimated longevity, how much you have available from other sources, and so on.

Michelle Bowman

Phase five: Edward Jones Examining your estate plans. During your retirement years, if not sooner, you’ll want to review your estate plans so that you can leave the legacy you desire. If you have a need to create or update your legal documents, such as a living trust and durable power of attorney, you should consider consulting a qualified estate-planning attorney. You’ll need to make the appropriate financial and investment decisions at many different times over the years. This may sound daunting, but with diligence and discipline, you can discover the paths to take as you move through the seasons of your life. Michelle Bowman is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. The views expressed are those of Bowman’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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October 2014

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

How do you calculate your “Return on Life”? Life balance, rather than account balance When you start the next chapter of your life, how will you turn your knowhow and intellectual capital accumulated throughout your career into what you love? Did you ever know someone who had “retired” – only to return to work just six months later? It happens all the time! People receive gratification from their work and realize after they call it quits that it wasn’t “all about the money.” Social stimulation and intellectual challenge is a benefit of our work. Recently, we hosted a well recognized thought leader in the areas of relational and communication skills named Mitch Anthony. Anthony’s programs currently are being used in hundreds of corporations and in more than 40,000 schools worldwide. He spoke to our group about the importance of a successful retirement hinging more on life balance than it does on account balance. At the end of the day, money is a utility. It is a tool. We save for retirement in hopes that we can use the money we have saved to spend on the people, things and places we love. Anthony reminded us that there are so many non-financial benefits to working, that the thought of deferring all of the things you want to do, the places you want to go, the people you want to connect with, and the health and well being you want to focus on until you are “retired” is not wise. Instead, plan and prepare for your retirement now, but think about how you can have a fulfilling life today. Work in a vocation that fulfills you; find a way to vacation and experience the things you want while you are working; carve out time to connect spiritually with those who are important to you now; and make time for health and wellness always.

Keeping Balance All Your Life Too often, people only focus on their vocation and working life as they prepare and set aside a retirement nest egg. Then when they retire, they have nothing left to give to any of the four areas. Anthony identifies as very important

Matt Armstrong Savant Capital Management

aspects of a person’s life balance (vocation, vacation, connection and well being). We all have witnessed the person who worked their whole life sacrificing relationships, health and experiences so that they can build up their nest egg. Then they retire and they have no meaning or purpose, they have no friends or family to spend time with, they have poor health and they have no one to travel and experience new things with. That person has essentially lost their sense of meaning and needs to start putting the “me” back in meaning. Anthony suggests that the best use of your money is to “own your own time.” Each person has 168 hours per week to allocate to: family/friends, work/career, downtime (TV, music, etc.), sleep, health/fitness and personal growth (hobbies, learning a new skill, etc.). The first step is to become aware of exactly how and where you currently spend your time. After that, you can then determine how to better allocate your time to bring more balance and meaning to your life. When you start the next chapter of your life, how will you turn your know-how and intellectual capital accumulated throughout your career into what you love? Retirement can be whatever you want it to be. Growing old with lots of money is no longer the goal. As Anthony tells us “dying rich can’t compete with living rich, and making a living doesn’t measure up to making a life.” He asks an important question: “What is the expiration date on our intellectual capital and our experience?” It’s encouraging to know that we can continue to do what we love, even when we “retire.” Anthony preaches that an investment in yourself is critical in calculating your own “return on life,” and you should never let your intellectual capital retire. Matt Armstrong, CFP®, CRPS® is a financial advisor with Savant Capital Management. The views expressed are those of Armstrong’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

October 2014

RockStat report indicates positive trends in reducing crime city-wide Below is a highlight of the September RockStat meeting, the monthly performance measurement and accountability forum hosted by the mayor. While favorable improvements were shown across all city operations, the Rockford Police Department showed positive trends in reducing crime city-wide. Through the end of August, Group A offenses have dropped approximately 7 percent from the same time period from 2013. City-wide, violent crime has dropped approximately 5 percent, while property crimes have dropped 7.5 percent year-todate from 2013. Aggravated battery/ shots fired incidents have decreased approximately 25 percent from 2013 during this same time period. Burglary incidents are down approximately 12 percent while robbery incidents are up approximately 5.5 percent. Auto thefts and burglary to motor vehicles/ theft to motor vehicle have dropped approximately 8 percent from 2013. Also noteworthy is that traffic fatalities are down 40 percent from a year ago. Recidivism of crime incidents continues to be a problem in our community as parolees arrested through August of 2014 are up 34 percent from 2013, as well as adult probationers that have been arrested, up 5 percent from last year. Juvenile probationers arrested this year have dropped 17 percent from 2013.

Self-initiated calls for service by police officers have increased approximately 13 percent from 2013 which is a good indicator that proactive community policing is becoming a more common practice for Rockford police officers. Domestic violence continues to be a driver in the city’s crime rate as domestic-related incidents currently represents 20.6 percent of all crime incidents year-to-date, an increase of 4 percent over last year during this same time period. For violent crime during the month of August, 26.5 percent of all violent crime was domestic related. Domestic Violence will continue to be an area of focus for our Department and our community. At the District level, Group A offenses are down approximately 3.8 percent in District 1 with violent crime down approximately 1 percent and property crimes down 10 percent from last year. In District 2, Group A offenses are down 8.8 percent with violent crime down 6.3 percent and property crimes down 7.8 percent. In District 3, Group A offenses are down 5.2 percent with violent crime falling by 5.1 percent and property crimes falling 3.6 percent from a year ago. The complete RockStat report can be found at www.rockfordil.gov.

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Phony government grant scam targets northern Illinois residents Warning from Better Business Bureau “I received a call from a Mr. Watson who told me that once a year guaranteed U.S. Government Grants are issued, and I would receive $8,600. All I had to do was place a call and within 30 minutes the money would be deposited into my account.” The Better Business Bureau reports that consumers have contacted them with complaints about U.S. government grants calls. Scammers claiming to be representatives of the U.S. Federal Government are placing calls to individuals informing them that they are the recipient of guaranteed grants. Carol Finstein, Waukegan, received a call with an offer for a federal grant. “They said that there was a federal grant available to anyone who was either a senior citizen or disabled. They said that I was entitled to $7,000 but there were legal and other fees to pay in advance.” She was told that she should make the payment using a GreenDot card. “It started with $500 and they kept asking for more. The charges finally added up to $2,400. I borrowed the last $300 they asked for from a friend.” Hosea Blakely, Rockford, said, “I received a call from a Mr. Watson who told me that once a year guaranteed U.S. Government Grants are issued, and I would receive $8,600. All I had to do was place a call and within 30 minutes the money would be deposited into my account.” He was not asked for any advanced payments, only his account information. “These kinds of scams often have two goals,” said Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford office of the Better Business Bureau. “First, they want to bilk trusting consumers out of their money and secondly they target them for identity theft.” Horton said, “While it’s true the U.S. Federal Government does give out billions of dollars each year in grant money, most grants are given to help students pay for college or for specifically defined reasons, such as research or for businesses in particular industries.”

A Few Basic Rules There are a few basic rules to keep you from losing money to these scams. Don’t give out your bank account information to anyone you don’t know. Scammers pressure people to divulge their bank account information so that they can steal the money out of the account. Always keep your bank account information confidential. Don’t share it unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary. Don’t pay any money for a “free” government grant. If you have to pay money to claim a “free” government grant, it isn’t really free. A real government agency won’t ask you to pay a processing fee for a grant that you have already been awarded — or to pay for a list of grant-making institutions. The names of agencies and foundations that award grants are available for free at any public library or on the Internet. The only official access point for all federal grant-making agencies is www. grants.gov. Look-alikes aren’t the real thing. Just because the caller says he’s from the “Federal Grants Administration” doesn’t mean that it is true. There is no such government agency. Take a moment to check your telephone directory to confirm whether or not the agency exists and is legitimate. Phone numbers can deceive. Some con artists use Internet technology to disguise their area code in caller ID systems. Although it may look like they’re calling from Washington, D.C., they could be calling from anywhere in the world. Take control of the calls you receive. If you want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, place your telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Visit donotcall. gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866290-4236) from the phone number you wish to register. File a complaint with the FTC. If you think you may have been a victim of a government grant scam, file a complaint with the FTC online (www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov), or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-3824357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. For more visit www.bbb.org.

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October 2014

Our Shared Values Our Shared Values are the cornerstone of our Transformation movement. Everyone has values — just ask. They will probably start to list some of the most common values we all share. Why establish a set of shared values? Values represent our guiding principles and our broadest motivations, influencing the attitudes we hold and how we act. Shared values bring us together. As we commit to these values and follow them, they define how we treat one another, set the ground rules for discussion, and allow all to have a voice. We’ve already started to create shared values by bringing them to the forefront of the process. We realize it will require leaders and the entire community to embrace a common set of values in order that we may all move toward our vision of the future. Pledge to uphold these values. We will commit to them, promise to follow them, and hold each other accountable to them. It will be our new way of life. Our Shared Values will define how we treat one another as individuals, organizations, and industries. They will set the ground rules for our discussions — allowing everyone to have a voice. As Jay Sandine, Transform Rockford, Shared Values, Team Lead stated, “The Shared Values will provide our community an opportunity to get to know one another in ways we never have

By Patrick O’Keefe before. And when we truly get to know one another, we will find out quickly that we have more in common than we ever thought. If our values are clear, our decisions will be easy. For when we value each other, we build relationships. When we have relationships, we build trust. When we have trust … we can accomplish anything we put our minds to.” Our shared values will guide us in our decision making and help us open dialogue on important subjects; which will be critical to the success of the transformation process.

What can you do? Please study the list of shared values and determine how they can fit into your daily life. Discuss them with your family, friends and coworkers. Several organizations have used the shared values as discussion focus for their group gatherings. Churches, neighborhood associations, and businesses have created round-table discussions focusing on one or more of the Values. They use them as catalyst for discussion on how we relate and interact with each other. We usually open the Transform Rockford meetings with someone sharing an experience they had or witnessed regarding the Shared Values. It has become a tradition that proves inspirational as we go about our efforts to plan the transformation of our community. Which Value resonates most with you?

O U R S H A R E D VA L U E S Inclusion Cultivate and support an environment that fully engages our community’s differences and diversity to ensure that individuals and organizations are heard, valued and supported. Caring Show concern for the welfare of each person and foster a community culture that thinks and acts as one interactive and interdependent region. Respect Embrace the knowledge and experiences of others by being attentive, listening well, and celebrate diversity as a strength and source of shared learning. Transparency Foster an open process for maximum participant input and access to all information to enhance understanding and community ownership. Trustworthiness Strive for integrity and reliable communication. Become committed to the highest levels of honesty and truthfulness. Unity Place the greater good of all parts of our region and its transformation ahead of self or organizational interests. Ideation Balance our brainstorming and decision-making process with all points of view and measurable information. Responsibility Pursue excellence and accountability of self and others by not shifting blame or taking improper credit. Participate to the fullest of our ability. Interconnectedness Won’t compromise any jurisdiction’s or organization’s identity or decision authority, but rather look to partner and integrate shared values, goals and philosophies.

October 2014

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Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members. Rockford Orthopedic Associates rehabilitation center was one of only 90 healthcare U.S. organizations named a 2013/2014 Apex Quality Award Winner for excellence in patient satisfaction and overall care over the prior year by Voyance. SwedishAmerican Hospital received another 3-star rating (highest possible) for bypass surgery from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and in September hosted a celebration event for staff for ranking in the top 10 percent among nearly 1,000 U.S. hospitals. It also was named an Anticoagulation Center of Excellence by the Anticoagulation Forum. SwedishAmerican Health System opened its new clinic, Rockford Vascular Surgery, on Sept. 8. It’s a partnership with Affiliated Surgeons of Rockford, where Drs. Kendall Boone, Michael Kikta, Paul Klazura and Sara Mijal provide care for artery and vein disease. YMCA of Rock River Valley was awarded a $15,000 grant by the Glenn E. Thiel Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Head Start Collaborative Mentorship Program, run by the Community Outreach YMCA. Natural Land Institute received a $500 grant by the President’s Discretionary Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for equipment and materials to support NLI’s Summer Youth Conservation Corps, which cleared five acres of non-native species at Silver Creek using hand tools in areas where heavy machinery couldn’t be used. The Auxiliary Thrift Shop held a weeklong celebration in August in honor of its 25th anniversary. Since 1989, the thrift shop has donated nearly $2 million to Rockford Memorial Hospital, including support of the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, which offers free dental and medical care to uninsured and underinsured area children. The Rural Medical Education Program of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford was awarded the Illinois Rural Health Association’s 2014 Award of Merit at IRHA’s Healthcare Award Banquet in Effingham, Ill. The college will expand the program from 15 to 25 students per class. Primary care will remain the focus, but students interested in specialties who plan to return to rural Illinois to practice also will be accepted. The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois gave a $25,000 grant from Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund for Forest City Beautiful, an initiative of the Rockford Area

Kids and adults can play at Discovery Center Museum’s Build It! Make It! an exhibition running through Jan. 4, filled with items for building, from LEGOs, K’Nex, and Lincoln Logs, to cardboard and giant foam blocks. Convention & Visitors Bureau and its partnership with Rockford Sharefest to create and maintain beautiful landscapes in downtown Rockford. Rock Valley College and Roehl Transport, Inc., partnered to make RVC’s Truck Driver Training program one of only four in the nation to be Roehl certified. Students of the six-week Fast Track program will receive a Class A Commercial driver’s license and employment with Roehl. The program is offered year round at the truck driver training facility, 2816 N. Main St. Visit rockvalleycollege. edu/tdt or call 815-921-2076. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center achieved Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence for the third time — one of only 401 out of nearly 6,000 U.S. healthcare organizations. Orthopedic & Arthritis Clinic of Rockford will become part of OSF Medical Group on Oct. 12 and named OSF Medical Group – Orthopedic Surgery. It’s new location will be the State and Roxbury building, 5668 E. State St., Rockford, with Andreas Fischer, M.D., and Mark Hastings, M.D., remaining in practice. The March of Dimes Illinois Chapter awarded community grants to the Boone County Health Department

and Children’s Home & Aid. The health department will fund a new smoking cessation program for women of childbearing age in Boone County. Children’s Home & Aid will implement the Becoming a Mom/ Comenzando Bien® program, a bilingual, group curriculum for pregnant women to learn about healthy pregnancies.

Lester Holt on Sept. 7, as part of its in-depth coverage of the nation’s heroin crisis. NBC reporter Mark Potter and producer Erika Angulo traveled to Chicago to talk with law enforcement officials and traced the routes by which heroin is trafficked from Mexico to America’s cities, and primarily to Chicago — becoming the epicenter of the nation’s heroin crisis.

KMK Media completed the design of a new website, www. nitrorthopaedics.com, and marketing materials for NITROrthopaedics, a new clinic in Rockford.

Savant Capital Management was featured in an article in Barron’s as one of the top U.S. teams for financial-advisory organizations. Savant was one of three firms on Barron’s list of top 100 independent financial advisors to be profiled.

Rockford Park District’s Sinnissippi Golf Course retained its designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative through Audubon International. PS Designs & More, Inc., developed the business name, design logo, business card and price sheet for Pamper Me Pam, a startup skin care specialist business based in Austin, Texas. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recognized Alpha Controls & Services, an InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance member, as a leader in implementing energy-saving projects for public facilities in northern Illinois. Harlem Community Center held a ribbon cutting and open house in September for its new Hand-n-Hand Child Care Center, 9350 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park. The center received a $4.1 million Early Childhood Construction Grant from the state. The Rockford Independent Branch of Charles Schwab earned the Breakout Performance Award for 2013 at the 2013 Icon Conference, for greatest growth in clients in the nation. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens opened its Wings of Wonder: The Lorikeet Exhibit through Nov. 9 with a special lorikeet house. Guests can purchase a nectar cup to feed the Australian birds that constantly are looking for nectar with their unique brush-tipped tongues due to rapid metabolism. Visit www. nicholasconservatory.com. Rosecrance was featured on NBC Nightly News with weekend anchor

On Sept. 4, CEOs representing First Northern, Rock Valley, MembersAlliance, Rockford Bell, Winnebago County Schools, Generations and Rockford Municipal Credit Unions meet to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, raising $2,124.

The Literacy Council received an $8,000 grant by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Howard D. Coleman Memorial Fund and charitable contributions from Schneider Electric Buildings, LLC Charitable Fund. First Rockford Group began renovations to the former K’s Merchandise building and parking lot. One-third of the building soon will be occupied by ServiCom, a call center provider headquartered in New Jersey. ServiCom plans to move into the 25,000-sq.-ft. renovated space by December, bringing nearly 500 new jobs. Winnebago County was named one of six Gold Status recipients of the Illinois Healthy Worksite Designation by the Illinois Department of Public Health for outstanding worksite health promotion efforts. The Department of Energy awarded $1.2 million to Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), Chicago, to develop and test a commercial-grade microgrid controller capable of controlling a system of two or more interconnected microgrids, including a diverse mix of facilities and critical loads, including police and fire department headquarters, major transportation infrastructure, healthcare facilities for seniors, and private residences. Safety Socket LLC experienced a change in ownership in 2004. Since 1931, the company has made its home in northwest Chicago. Last year, it moved the entire facility to Gilberts, Ill. American Red Cross launched its free Blood Donor App, which allows donors to schedule and track their donations, earn rewards and invite friends to join them on a lifesaving team. Visit redcross.org/apps or redcrossblood.org/bloodapp or text BLOODAPP to 90999 for a direct link to download. Rockford Rotary Club is partnering with area groups to apply to have Rockford become one of International Cities of Peace’s first 100 “Cities of Peace.” The initiative is a part of the club’s 100th anniversary celebration

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October 2014

Business Briefs in June, 2016. Rockford has celebrated International Day of Peace in September for more than a decade, with more than 40 groups offering peace-related activities. SwedishAmerican Health System held a donation drive for Project Undershare, a local 501(c)3 organization that provides new undergarments to area children in need. CherryVale Mall announced the opening in August of an all-new and expanded Christopher & Banks. The mall also welcomed Simply Mac, the first and only “Apple” store in Rockford, in The District at CherryVale, a lifestyle component outside the mall. PR Etc., launched a new name, brand and redesigned website as Chartwell Agency, www.chartwell-agency.com. During the past 12 years, the company grew 30 percent year-over-year in revenue and from one employee to nine. The goal is to propel the company forward and compete on a national and international level. The Alliance announced that Rockford Memorial Hospital will participate in the QualityPath initiative of proven standards for delivering quality care for total hip replacement and total knee replacement. Designated QualityPath physicians will be announced in December, and beginning next January, employees and family members enrolled in an eligible health plan will have 100

percent health benefit coverage for pre-surgical care, the surgical procedure and follow-up care. Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports, which manages Rockford Country Club, had nine of its properties featured in GOLF magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list in September. The closest to Rockford, at No. 78, was The Glen Club, Glenview, Ill. Saint Anthony College of Nursing awarded Nursing Legacy Endowment Scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year to 30 new and returning students. Rockford Park District’s Sapora Playworld, inside Carlson Ice Arena, got a makeover this fall. New and improved features include the triple wave slide, tots multi-unit play area, big ballroom, mini basketball court, sit-n-spin, new benches, seats, flooring and changing rooms, and updated party rooms. Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) was featured on Fox News’ website in a story on what airports do to remain relevant and stay competitive as airlines shrink and consolidate service destinations. The cover page story, Smaller airports lure travelers with food, beer and other creature comforts, included RFD’s focus on customer service as key to customer loyalty, free parking, “Airport Ambassador” program, large number of wheelchairs and new Caribbean-themed restaurant.

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in August, 2014. Advanced Rockford Eye Care Advanced Window Systems American Advertising Federation of Northern Illinois American Red Cross, Rock River Chapter Anderson Environmental & Engineering Co. Aramark Uniform Services, Inc. Berg Industries, Inc. Blake Oil Company Cedar Hill Condominium Association Communication Center of Rockford Comprehensive Community Solutions Concordia University of Wisconsin Discount Tire Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International Giovanni’s, Inc. Giuseppe Verdi Society/Verdi Club Howe Freightways, Inc. Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) Intouch Home Care Services of LSSI JMB Business Funding Johnny Pamcakes Johnson Controls, Inc. Lincolnshire Place Luther Center Midwest Dental - Rockford

Midwest Dental - Rockford Northeast Mid-West Family Broadcasting Midwest Roofing Supply Natural Land Institute NICOMM Networks Northern Illinois Hospice Nutrition Works, Inc. Old Chicago Restaurant PNC Bank Prairie Street Brewhouse Premier Technologies Premium Oil Company Presence Saint Anne Center Proactive Business Networking Solutions R. J. Bowers Distributors, Inc. R.K. Dixon Company Regal Cutting Tools Rockford Art Museum Rockford Carpetland USA, Inc. Rockford MELD Rocknel Fastener, Inc. Rosie’s Birthday Club Salsa Business Network ServiceMaster Restoration by DSI Shadow Trucking, Inc. Superior Environmental Corp VITAS Innovative Hospice Care Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.)

October 2014

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News INMembers THEin theNEWS

1. Dan Raasch

2. Steve Peppers

3. Dr. Kendall Boone

4. Dr. Michael Kikta

5. Dr. Paul Klazura

6. Dr. Sara Mijal

7. Lori BerkesNelson

8. Cass Wolfenberger

9. Michael Urnezis

10. Bryan Gatlin

11. Anna Keeler

12. Lauren Meranda

13. Dana Rae Pautsch

14. Dr. Joseph Rumenapp

15. Dr. Li Li Zyzak

16. Thomas E. Kress

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocate welcomed four to its board: Kimberly Bruce, Chartwell Agency; Michele Corirossi, independent mediator; Michelle Lewis, Townsquare Media, and Julie Snyder, ReMax Property Source realtor. American Advertising FederationNorthern Illinois named its 2014-15 board: Chris Kelley, V2 Marketing Communications, president; Brian Reck, SwedishAmerican Medical Group, vice president; Kathy Velasco, V2 Marketing Communications, treasurer, and Heather Kelley, V2 Marketing Communications, immediate past president. Addy committee cochairs: Sandra Stengle, Woods Equipment, and Connie Dettman, Heinzeroth Marketing Group, and membership committee chair, Lisa Chatfield, Ad Vice Marketing.

SwedishAmerican Health System’s new clinic, Rockford Vascular Surgery, a partnership between SwedishAmerican and Affiliated Surgeons of Rockford. Lori Berkes-Nelson (7) joined the Rockford Park District as its new foundation director. Alpine Bank hired Cass Wolfenberger (8), senior vice president mortgage banking, and Michael Urnezis (9), vice president wholesale lending, and promoted Bryan Gatlin (10) to branch manager & officer at the Roscoe branch. Transform Rockford hired new staff: Nancy Perry, program director, Patrick O’Keefe, communications manager, and Sue Askeland, office manager.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

Judson University welcomed five new faculty members: Anna Keeler (11), assistant professor of graphic design; Lauren Meranda (12), professor of graphic design; Dana Rae Pautsch (13), professor of exercise and sport sciences; Dr. Joseph Rumenapp (14), professor for master’s and doctorate in literacy programs, and Dr. Li Li Zyzak (15), professor for department of science.

Drs. Kendall Boone (3), Michael Kikta (4), Paul Klazura (5) and Sara Mijal (6) will provide care for artery and vein disease at

Thomas E. Kress (16) was hired as president of Associated BancCorp’s (Associated) Rockford community market. Jorge A. Herrera

Ballard Companies, Inc., appointed Dan Raasch (1), chairman of the board, and Steve Peppers (2), vice president.

(17) will join as commercial banking team leader, reporting to Kress. Dr. Satish Patel (18) joined the family medicine practice at Crusader Community Health on Broadway-Uram Clinic, Rockford. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hired Josh Albrecht as its new director of marketing and public affairs. SwedishAmerican Health System welcomed its newest endocrinologist, Vijay Eranki, M.D. (19), and its newest Ogle County family physician, Christina Soriano, M.D. (20) Midwest Heart Specialists/ AMG at SwedishAmerican welcomed a new cardiologist, Rajiv Mallik, M.D. (21). Alan Jones, marketing/fund development director for Lifescape Community Services, Inc., will be the new host for Legal Matters, replacing Mike Garrigan. The first show airs in October, and runs every other Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., on 23WIFR-TV. Healing Pathways - Cancer Resource Center welcomed Melody M. Roccaforte as its new executive director.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Ray Schenk (22), vice president & investment officer, Alpine Trust &

Investment Group, was awarded the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers, a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association, in Washington, D.C. Aimee Bermen (23), Spectrum Insurance Agency, completed a Pekin Insurance life and health lines class towards her continuing education. Maria Salinas (24) attended an ethics class hosted by Flood Pros, Rockford, towards her continuing education. Tracy Richter (25), vice president and private bank manager, Riverside Community Bank, completed a series of courses at the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Scott C. Sullivan (26), partner, WilliamsMcCarthyLLP, was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2015 in commercial litigation. Shanlondah Williams (27) and Herlinda Guzman (28) were named Comfort Keepers of the Month for professionalism under pressure. Dr. David Schleicher (29), SwedishAmerican Health System, is the first and only physician in Rockford to obtain board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Brad Ball, Barb Grace, Curt Perala, Ron Whittington and Paul Williams celebrated 20 years at Ballard Companies, Inc.

OF GENERAL INTEREST 17. Jorge A. Herrera

18. Dr. Satish Patel

19. Dr. Vijay Eranki

20. Dr. Christina Soriano

21. Dr. Rajiv Mallik

22. Ray Schenk

23. Aimee Berman

24. Maria Salinas

25. Tracy Richter

26. Scott C. Sullivan

27. Shanlondah Williams

28. Herlinda Guzman

Brent Brodeski, CEO, Savant Capital Management, spoke at the Financial Executives International’s

29. Dr. David Schleicher

30. Bradley Gummow

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October 2014

New Chamber Members MEMBERS DADY & HOFFMANN LLC Immigration Law 401 E. State St., Fl. 2, 61104 Sara Dady 815-394-1359 www.dadyhoffmann.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 375 Ware Ave., 61107 Josh Barnes 815-391-6482 www.greasemonkey rockford180.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 1709 DeKalb Ave. Sycamore, IL 60178 Chris Ingle 815-899-2200 www.greasemonkey sycamore178.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 420 Chrysler Dr. Belvidere, IL 61008 Keith Yacullo 815-547-5823 www.greasemonkey rockford179.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 302 N. Mulford Road, 61107 Jason Hill 815-229-1890 www.greasemonkey rockford181.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL

Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 1624 Sandy Hollow Road, 61109 Justin Lockhart 815-229-7222 www.greasemoneyrockford183.com

Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 2667 Prairie Ave. Beloit, WI 53511 Cory Woody 608-364-1941 www.greasemonkey rockford188.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 3131 Auburn St., 61101 Barry Kneubuehl 815-965-9808 www.greasemonkey rockford184.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 817 W. Riverside Blvd., 61103 Barry Kneubuehl 815-877-5823 www.greasemonkey185.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 1701 E. Riverside Blvd., 61114 Don Eash 815-654-1002 www.greasemonkey rockford186.com

GREASE MONKEY INTERNATIONAL Your one-step shop for oil changes and more. Providing quick, convenient maintenance for your car, truck or fleet. 6302 E. Riverside Blvd. Loves Park, IL 61111 Scott Koziol 815-636-4500 www.greasemonkey rockford187.com

Members in the News

A not-for-profit corporation that has been providing comprehesive volucations services to persons with disabilities since 1970. 7200 Clinton Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Jayme Collins 815-962-8333 www.illinoisgrowth.com

OPTIMUM REHABILITATION CENTER - #ID #30720 Providing optimum health for opitmum living through physical therapy and chiropractic 1860 S. Bell School Road Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Nolly Petalber 815-580-8270 www.optimumrehabilitation.net

PROJECT FIRST RATE A partnership between union contractors and union craftsmen to promote quality craftsmanship with pride, integrity and commitment to our community. 111 S. Madison St., 61104 Tim Watkins 815-708-2475 www.projectfirstrate.com

SKANDIA, INC. A leading interiors specialist providing innovative product and expert services to the aviation industry since 1983. 5000 N. Highway 251 Davis Junction, IL 61020 Gary Palmer 815-393-4600 www.skandiainc.com

Rest, Unlike the Rest! Offering 75 beautiful suites with unique hotel amenities. 940 Galena Square Dr. Galena, IL 61036 Dena Fairbanks 815-777-2223 www.stoneycreekhotels.com/hotel/ travel/galena/home.do

TAVERN ON CLARK Restaurant, Bar, Banquets 755 Clark Dr., 61101 Sam Sabani 815-708-7088

THE MUSIC ACADEMY A not-for-profit community school of music dedicated to providing high quality, affordable instruction and performance opportunities to academy students, regardless of age or ability. 226 S. Second Ave., 61104 Marti Frantz 815-986-0037 www.musicacademyinrockford.com

TRANSFORM ROCKFORD Our mission is to facilitate the creation and implementation of a strategic plan by the community for the purposes of dramatically improving the social and economic well being of the community and its residents. 303 N. Main St., Ste. 110, 61101 Mike Schablaske 815-978-1151 www.transformrockford.org

WARRIOR PACKAGING Packaging Supplies, Foam Packaging, Crates, Gun Cases, Shrink Wrapping 3241 Forest View Road, 61109 Juan Guerrero 815-381-0714 www.warriorpkg.com

October 2014 Member Anniversaries

first meeting in September at Francesco’s Restaurant in Rockford. Bradley Gummow (30), managing director–investment officer, Gummow Wealth Advisory Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, attended the invitation-only annual Barron’s Top Financial Advisors Summit, in September in Orlando, Fla., hosted by Barron’s magazine to promote best industry practices.

IGE-A BRIDGEWAY COMPANY

STONEY CREEK

Kyle Kite

Dave Kauchak

People in the News-Corrections The above photos that ran in the September Voice were interposed. Please see below and reference the photos for the correction. Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC hired Kyle Kite as an investment advisor representative. Shelter Insurance hired Dave Kauchak as a licensed agent.

Thank you to the members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in October, 2014.

30-YEAR MEMBER

15-YEAR MEMBER

Aetna Plywood, Inc.

Campbell Science Corporation

25-YEAR MEMBER

10-YEAR MEMBER

Premium Oil Company

Rockford Bank & Trust Co.

20-YEAR MEMBERS

5-YEAR MEMBER

Center for Sight & Hearing Keith Country Day School

Advanced Rockford Eye Care

October 2014

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Members Caught on Digital ON DIGITAL

Ceremonial ribbon donated by SERVPRO of Rockford.

Amazing Graze

Featured restaurants in September were: Jason’s Deli, 575 S. Perryville Road, ea tur ra Rockford, IL e d R esta u Red Mango • 6876 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, IL • 1093 W. Lane Road, Machesney Park • 7176 Harrison Ave., CherryVale Mall Egg Harbor Café, 1603 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL GreenFire, 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, IL

Harlem Community Center held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 3 at 9350 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park.

Anderson Environmental & Engineering Co., held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 16 at 201 N. 6th St., Rockford.

First Community Credit Union held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 17 at 6079 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.

Northern Public Radio and Rockford Symphony Orchestra held an open house and ribbon cutting on Sept. 17 at Riverfront Museum Park, second ﬂoor, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

For your opportunity to be featured in our next Amazing Graze Initiative, please contact Diane Navickis at 815-316-4315 or email Diane at dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com.

Crusader Community Health held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 24 for its Auburn Campus-A School-Based Health Center, 1002 Pierpont Ave., Rockford.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

October 2014

Wednesday, October 1

Rock Valley College Studio Theatre presents A Flea in Her Ear, a French farce, 8 p.m., each night through Oct. 4, with a second 2 p.m., performance on Oct. 4. Tickets are on sale on campus, 815-921-2160 or rvcstarlight.com. Heartland Church hosts Hangout at “the Landing,” for junior high and high school students, celebrating recovery, 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday evenings, at the YMCA – Log cabin, 200 Y. Blvd., Rockford. Free.

Thursday, October 2

Lincolnshire Place, a memory care residence, presents Red Carpet Extravaganza, 4 to 7 p.m., at 6617 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park. Includes a pasta and dessert bar and beverages. Call 815-633-5880. YWCA of Rockford presents Wine, Women & Purses 2014, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. Visit www.ywca.org/ rockford/wine-women-purses.

Friday, October 3

Fall ArtScene will showcase original works of art at 37 different locations across the Rockford, 5 to 9 p.m., Oct. 3, and 4 to 9 p.m., Oct. 4. Admission is free. Visit www.FallArtScene.com for a list of venues with maps. Friends of Rockford Public Library presents a First Friday Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the main library, Patron Lounge, 215 N. Wyman St. Call 815-966-2721. The sixth-annual “Go Nuts!” Golf Play Day, sponsored by Rockford Health System, will be held at Timber Pointe Golf Club to benefit Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Register at 815-9774123 or www.healingpathwayscrc.org. Heartland Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, hosts Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights. Dinner at 5:45 p.m.; worship at 7 p.m. Contact celebraterecovery@heartland.cc or 815-395-8000.

Saturday, October 4

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts its Metals & Electronics Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the south parking lot of Machesney Park Mall. Most items free; $10 for propane tanks or Freon appliances. No TVs accepted. Visit www.knib.org or call 815-637-1343. Edgebrook hosts the 40th annual Cider n’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair, a free, two-day event, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Oct. 5,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Features include nearly 70 local vendors and live music. Contact Darcy Hanson, dhanson@orputcompanies. com or 815-398-8957. Rockford Park District presents Locktoberfest at Lockwood Park, a country-type, autumn experience, every Saturday and Sunday in October at 5201 Safford Road, Rockford. Special activities also on Oct. 13 for Columbus Day. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/ locktoberfest or 815-987-8809.

Community Events COMMUNITY

Sunday, October 5

Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford, hosts its 25th Anniversary Celebration, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flag ceremony and program at 1:15 p.m. Features ethnic food and music. Visit ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

Saturday, October 11

Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois presents its second-annual Forward March & Run, 8 to 11 a.m., Dozer Park in Peoria, Ill. Register at www.forwardmarchrun.com.

Rosecrance presents Cooking Up Hope, a chef’s tasting fundraiser, noon to 2 p.m., Naperville Country Club, 25W570 Chicago Ave., Naperville, Ill. Proceeds will establish a recovery residence for area students who attend colleges and universities in Chicago. Tickets at 815-387-5602 or visit www. rosecrance.org/events.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful hosts its Clothing Drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at eight Winnebago County Schnucks store lots and the Belvidere Township Building, 8200 Fairgrounds Road. Accepting bagged clothing and textiles, wearable or not, purses, hats, belts, shoes, linens, throw rugs and soft-sided luggage. Visit www.knib. org or call 815-637-1343.

SwedishAmerican Health System presents Planting the Seeds of Hope, a free breast cancer awareness program, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Dr. Bill Gorski will update on the Regional Cancer Center. Guest speaker Dr. Lee Gravatt Wilke, UW Breast Center, will present “Teams, Tailors and Teens: The Next Generation of Breast Cancer Research and Care.” Visit www.swedishamerican.org or call HealthConnect, 815-968-2500.

Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve, Winnebago County Forest Preserve District, presents Fall For The Forest Preserves: Free Family Fun Day! noon to 3 p.m., at 8990 Old River Road, Rockford. Door prizes, horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s crafts, guided hikes, fall treats and scavenger hunt, and free nine-hole golf at all the forest preserve golf courses, noon to 3 p.m. Reserve your tee time up to one week in advance: Atwood, 815-6232411; Ledges, 815-389-0979; Macktown, 815-624-7410.

Monday, October 6

Tuesday, October 7

Rock Valley College presents Lend Me Your Ears (And I’ll Tell You About Mine): The Experience of Hearing Loss, 6 p.m., student center atrium, with Dr. Julie Hernandez, professor of psychology. Free, open to the public. Call Kathy McCarty, 815-921-4009.

Wednesday, October 8

Rockford Public Library presents Keep It Safe, 1 to 3 p.m., at the main library, classroom A, 215 N. Wyman St. Learn about consumer protection laws by Woodforest National Bank. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Thursday, October 9

The Center for Sight & Hearing hosts its Oktoberfest fundraiser, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Prairie Street Brewhouse, 200 Prairie St., Rockford. German-style appetizers, 10 of Rockford Brewing Company’s beers, five premium wines, silent auction and entertainment. Regiser by Oct. 3 with Lorena Merrick, 815-332-6823 or lmerrick@ centerforsighthearing.org. RAMP presents the 24th-annual Changing Attitudes Breaking Barriers Luncheon, 11:45 a.m., Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Keynote speaker Jack O’Neil, 11, will go through surgeries and recoveries, running his own charity, competing in triathlons and chasing his dream as a Paralympic swimmer. For tickets contact RAMP, 815-968-7467 or www.stayclassy.org/ rampluncheon.

Friday, October 10

So You Think You Can Dance performs, 8 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or BMO Harris Bank Center box office, 815-968-5222 Visit coronadopac.org.

Tuesday, October 14

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence presents It’s Ok to be a Silly Goose! teambuilding workshop for nonprofits, with Jessica Steinberg, Rockford Park District, 8:30 to 11:45 a.m., at Rockford University, 5050 E. State St. Register by Oct. 7 at www. rockford.edu/?NICNESpecialEvents.

Thursday, October 16

Reynoldswood Christian Camp, Kreider Services, and Stewart’s Heating & Air Conditioning invite members of the Rockford, Dixon, Quad-Cities and Sauk Valley Area Chambers of Commerce to attend its Multi-Chamber Regional Event, 7 to 8:30 a.m., 621 Reynoldswood Road, Dixon, Ill. Includes breakfast and door prizes. Register by Oct. 13 at 815284-6979.

Friday, October 17

Crusader Community Health hosts its annual fundraiser, “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” 5:30 to 10 p.m., at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Features a 50s-themed dinner, entertainment by eddie b jazz, and silent and live auctions. For tickets visit www. crusaderhealth.org. A list of auction items is available after Oct. 6.

Saturday, October 18

Savant Capital Management presents its third-annual, free Financial Fitness Workshop, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Features continental breakfast, and breakout sessions with Savant, Lindstrom Travel, Ticomix, Accelerated Physical Therapy and Agnew Law Office. Col. Leo K. Thorsness, USAF (ret.), recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, will present “Thoughts and

Perspective from a True American Hero.” Visit savantcapital.com. River District Association and Rockford Area Music Industry present Groove Walk-ing Dead, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with 18 bands at 15 venues in downtown Rockford. Visit www. riverdistrict.com.

Tuesday, October 21

Northern Illinois University hosts its Internship Career Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Expected to attend are 800 undergraduate and graduate students representing all majors. Visit www.niu.edu/ careerservices/ or contact Diane Hart, 815-753-7159 or DLHart@niu.edu.

Wednesday, October 22

Northern Illinois University hosts its Full-Time Job Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb. Expected to attend are 1,100 graduating seniors, graduate students, alumni and community members representing all majors. Visit www. niu.edu/careerservices/ or contact Mary Myers, 815-753-7169 or myers@niu.edu. Rockford Public Library presents Etsy How To’s, 6 to 8 p.m., Rockton Centre Branch, Program Room, 3112 N. Rockton Ave. Learn the steps to create your own shop. Registration required at 815-965-7606.

Thursday, October 23

Career Education Associates of North Central Illinois (CEANCI) will hold a Business Round Table, 9 a.m. to noon, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford. The roundtable will focus on improving the career and technical high school curriculum related to accounting, entrepreneurship, administrative assistants, web development, graphic arts, business law and consumer education. Contact Caryn Huber, 815-921-1658 or c.huber@rockvalleycollege.edu.

Friday, October 24

Theresa Caputo, psychic medium and star of the hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, will perform at 7:30 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. Tickets are available at ticketmaster. com or BMO Harris Bank Center box office, 815-968-5222.

Saturday, October 25

Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Goes “Bump” in the Night, 7:30 p.m., Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St. For tickets call the box office, 815-965-0049 or rockfordsymphony.com. Discovery Center Museum presents Spooky Science, 6 to 9 p.m., Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Come in costume for a non-scary night of Halloween fun. Grab gobs of goodies at exhibit spaces. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

October 2014

Membership: 101 101 MEMBERSHIP

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events OCTOBER, 2014 Wednesday, October 1

Ribbon Cutting, Rockford Roasting Company, 5:30 p.m., 206 N. Main St., Rockford.

What members are saying

Manufacturers Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Danfoss Power Electronics, 4401 N. Bell School Road, Loves Park. Focus on HR and Hiring Strategies.

Friday, October 3

Ribbon Cutting & Open House, Rosecrance Mulberry Center, 8 to 10 a.m., 605 Mulberry St., Rockford.

Tuesday, October 7

“

We know that we receive far more in value than the cost of our membership; the chamber’s efforts to help businesses succeed are invaluable; the chamber staff is accessible and is invested in the success of its members; the chamber committees are dedicated to fulfilling the mission of the chamber through dedicated efforts to offer and support programs of substance and quality. Mary Jo Hare, Owner of Servpro of Rockford

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Scott Ege, Ege Worksmart Solutions, will offer tips and solutions on making sure your personal area is working for you. Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood. Tuesday, October 7 7:30 – Noon Hoffman House 7550 E. State St., Rockford

“Discovering Your Memory Power”

Memory Training WORKSHOP

A Robb Zbierski Seminar

The networking and advocacy opportunities are what I value most. I also appreciate the quality speakers. Jaci Kator, AT&T Director of External Affairs The Chamber saves us money by providing discounts for services: the one that assisted us the most is the Auto-Owners Insurance 10% discount. We were unhappy with our prior provider and we were able to save a ton of money with Auto-Owners. The other great part is the workman’s comp insurance is pay as you go so if we are slow and have less wages we pay less. This helps our cash flow tremendously. Matt Aukes, Owner of Carz R’ Us

”

Contact Diane at dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com to find out more about member programs and opportunities!

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Freedom Personal Development’s memory-training workshop. Experience a 300 percent increase in your memory recall, remember a list of 50 unrelated items, develop the ability to deliver presentations without notes, meet 20 new people and remember their names in one hour. Chamber member only rate: $145, a $600 value! Group rate for three or more: $125 per person.

Wednesday, October 8 7:30 – 9:00 am Rock Valley College Woodward Tech Center, Rooms 117-121 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Breakfast

BUZZ

Mike Paterson, general manager, MidWest Family Broadcasting Group, will present Find, Recruit, Select, Coach, Grow, Retain: Finding and nurturing sales talent in 2014. Sponsored by McGladrey.

Thursday, October 9

October Ambassador Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tavern on Clark, 755 Clark Dr., Rockford.

Friday, October 10

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Please join the Rockford Chamber and the Winnebago/ Rockford Better Roads Association for an informational session and

discussion on the condition of Illinois’ transportation network, current funding, future needs and possible revenue ideas. The Transportation for Illinois Coalition (TFIC) will outline its agenda for funding and other legislative initiatives. Illinois’ current capital program is scheduled to end next year, and funding already has significantly declined. The General Assembly passed a one-time funding bill that will keep local road funding steady in 2015 and add $1 billion to IDOT’s five-year program. However, this funding increase addresses neither the funding needs for our infrastructure system, nor a sustainable funding plan for the future. To join in the discussion, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Tuesday, October 14

Ribbon Cutting, Edward Jones, 4:30 p.m., 7479 Walton St. Ste 1, Rockford. Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Wednesday, October 15

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@ gmail.com. Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Rachel Thomann, Furst Pros, 815997-1417, rachel.thomann@ furstpros.com.

Thursday, October 16

Business After Hours, hosted by Comcast Business & Rockford Art Museum, 5 to 7 p.m., Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

Friday, October 17

IGNITE Cup After Party, 7 p.m. to midnight, Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford. Announcement of the IGNITE Cup winner! Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes. Appetizers, cash bar, music DJ’d by Luxe Productions and dancing. Sponsored by Blackhawk Bank (presenting); Comcast Business, Rockford University, 1st Family Home Healthcare, Inc., UTC Aerospace Systems, and Wipfli LLP (supporting), and FotoPirates, (photo booth).

Tuesday, October 21

Chamber 101 with Speed Networking, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., Benson Stone Company, Inc., 1100 11th St., Rockford. Meeting room on second floor. Sponsored by MembersAlliance Credit Union.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events Tuesday, October 22

Ribbon Cutting, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, 3:30 to 5 p.m., 6958 Spring Creek Road (inside the Bank of America building). Thursday, October 23 5:30 pm Prairie Street Brewhouse 200 Prairie St., Rockford

People You Should Know RECEPTION Join us as we announce of the 20 People You Should Know, 2014. Sponsored by OSF Healthcare (presenting), SwedishAmerican Health System (hospitality) and The Alliance (business).

Tuesday, October 28

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Wednesday, October 29

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com. Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Rachel Thomann, Furst Pros, 815997-1417, rachel.thomann@ furstpros.com.

NOVEMBER, 2014 Tuesday, November 4

Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Sponsored by Siena on Brendenwood.

Wednesday, November 5

Manufacturers Council Meeting with TechWorks, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., EIGERlab, 605 Fulton St., Rockford.

Thursday, November 6

Good Morning Rockford! sponsored by the Advantage Club Originals, 7:00 a.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 7675 Walton St., Rockford.

Tuesday, November 11

October 2014

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Wednesday, November 12 7:30 – 9:00 am Rock Valley College Woodward Tech Center, Rooms 117-121 3301 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford

Breakfast

BUZZ

Paula Carynski, President, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Sponsored by McGladrey.

Wednesday, November 12

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Franchesco’s, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com. Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Rachel Thomann, Furst Pros, 815-9971417, rachel.thomann@furstpros.com.

Friday, November 14

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford. For more information, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Friday, November 14 20 Thursday, November

11:30 am – 1:00 pmCouncil Government Affairs Giovanni’s Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., 610 N. BellInn, School Rockford Stockholm 2420Rd., Charles St., Rockford. To join, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Healthcare Industry Update

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 21 Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . . 29 Broadmoor Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Comcast Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency . . . . 13 Creative Business Solutions, LLC . . . 13 Entré Computer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fridh Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Leading Lawyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 McGladrey LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . 25 Northern Illinois Renewable Energy . . 18 OSF Healthcare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Orthopedic and Sports Therapy Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. . . . 24 Riverside Community Bank . . . . . . . . 14

Rockford Area Economic Development Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rockford Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . 14, 18, 19, 20, 26 Rockford Health System . . . . . . . . . 5, 16 Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 27 Rosecrance Health Network . . . . . . . . . 4 Savant Capital Management . . . . . . . 23 Sikich LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 SwedishAmerican Health System . . . 12 The Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Pension Specialists, Ltd. . . . . . . . 21 Thayer Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 United Way of Rock River Valley . . . . 11 Van Galder Bus Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Williams-Manny Insurance Group . . . 17

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ............................................. Direct Line Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO ......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Executive Assistant to the President ................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology .................. 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment ................... 815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events ......... 815-316-4337 Crystal Larson, Financial Assistant/Administrative Support ............. 815-987-8100 Joy Moriarty, Vice President, Finance ....................................... 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events ............................................. 815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Member Relations Manager............................... 815-316-4315 Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager ............. 815-316-4336 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ........................ 815-316-4320

LUNCHEON

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers

A panel of specialists from nationally recognized specialty groups in Rockford will engage in dialogue about trends and impacts in healthcare.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank (presenting); SwedishAmerican Health System, Humana and Rosecrance Health Network (gold); Employers’ Coalition on Health (ECOH) and Comcast Business (silver), Alpha Controls & Services and Olsson Rooﬁng Company, Inc. (bronze).

Tuesday, November 25

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Contact Thomas Conwell, MSI Reverse, tconwell@msiloans.biz.

Wednesday, November 26

Ribbon Cutting, Children’s Holiday Shoppe, 10:00 a.m., 5856 E. State St (Between Valli and Hancock Fabrics).

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Charlene J. DeBrock Company: Dom’s Printing and Marketing Services Position: Agency Marketing Director How long have you been an Ambassador? The first time … many years ago What do you like most about being an Ambassador? I had such a great journey the first time around, I chose to do it again. I have met and

made lifetime friends through different sectors of the chamber.

DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board Richard Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System Chairman Elect Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jan Bowman TLC Construction Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Darlene Furst Furst Staffing Jeff Hultman Riverside Community Bank Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College Paul McCann Stanley Steemer Pat Morrow Alpine Bank Amy Ott Chicago Rockford International Airport Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Laura Pigatti Williamson Rockford Park District Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy

Tim White UTC Aerospace Systems Jennifer Wood CPA

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

Henry Seybold Rockford Health System Pat Shaw McGladrey LLP

November 2014 Special Sections: “People You Should Know” Congratulations New Faces / Familiar Faces in the Industry and in the Community For information on advertising, call 815 987-8100