November Voice 2011

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

GREENLEE TEXTRON 150 YEARS

HOLIDAY TRENDS

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ILLINOIS’ THIRD LARGEST CONSERVATORY OPENS IN ROCKFORD

November 2011 | Volume 24 | No. 11

People you should know Passion, hard work common threads

Large palms and tropical trees came from nurseries in Homestead, Fla.

By Paul Anthony Arco Lori Gummow was moved beyond words to learn she was named as one of Rockford’s inaugural “People You Should Know.”

For the past 24 years, Gummow has been the executive director of Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, a local nonprofit organization aimed at educating, promoting and providing services for residents regarding litter and solid waste.

“I’m humbled, grateful and pleased to be recognized as part of this esteemed group,” she said. “There are a lot of characteristics to being a leader, such as

Rockford Park District opened Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., with a celebration on Oct. 29. The conservatory in Sinnissippi Gardens along the Rock River is the third largest in Illinois and brings the tropics to the Midwest. It offers an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area with water features, seating areas and sculptures.

Interesting facts to note:

The temperature inside the conservatory runs from 70 and 105 degrees.

Every plant or tree has a label with the common and Latin name.

The farthest traveling object is the Aneityum palm from Vanuatu Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Photos by Brian Thomas Photography

The inaugural group of People You Should Know at the Reveal Reception, October 20, at the Karl J. Jacobs Center on the Rock Valley campus. honesty, integrity and communications, but having passion is something you can’t teach.

You have to believe in what you’re doing.”

Passion is one of many common threads shared by members of the first group honored by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce during a special reception attended by 250 people on Oct. 21, at the new Karl J. Jacobs Center for Science and Math, located on the Rock Valley College campus.

“‘People You Should Know’ is a new program to recognize a group of business leaders rather than one at a time, which we think is appropriate since we could spend many, many years getting everyone recognized who so richly deserve it,” said Einar Forsman, president and CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “We want to use this model to inspire other people to seek out leadership roles as well.” more on page 11

The heaviest tree is the Bismark palm, weighing more than 6,000 pounds (three tons).

The longest installation of a tree also is the Bismark Palm, taking eight hours, three machines and a dozen workers.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Healthcare Industry Update November 16, 11:30 a -1:15 p For more information, see page 27 HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES GAIN ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Expo leads become new business for area companies 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

By Paul Anthony Arco The purpose of the annual Regional Business Expo is to bring area companies together. That’s exactly what happened for two local companies at this year’s event, held on Sept. 22 at the former Sears Essentials Building on East Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park.

Meridian is a print management and promotional marketing services company located in Loves Park. J.L. Clark, a division of CLARCOR, is a custom manufacturer of metal and plastic

consumer packaging that has been in business for 106 years. The two businesses had never worked together.

That all changed, however, when Lindsey Oswald, an account executive for Meridian, met Mike Matus, vice president of sales and marketing for J.L. Clark. Oswald and Matus were working at their respective booths, which were in close proximity to one another.

“J.L. Clark is a company that I might not have been exposed to, if I hadn’t attended the expo,” Oswald said. “The More on page 4

Governor Pat Quinn launched Advantage Illinois, DCEO’s enhanced portfolio of lending and venture capital programs to help small businesses gain much-needed access to capital.

DCEO now is actively working to enroll lending institutions into the CAP, PLP and CSP programs. Visit www.ildceo.net/AdvantageIllinois.

The Capital Access Program encourages financial institutions to make loans to small and new businesses that do not qualify under conventional lending policies. The Participation Loan Program supports businesses with projects that create or retain jobs and/or modernize. The Collateral Support Program establishes savings accounts or CDs that provide cash collateral support to lending institutions to enhance the equity and/or loan collateral levels of small business borrowers. The Invest Illinois Venture Fund Program supports young, innovative companies that show high growth potential, can demonstrate their place in the market and already have other investors.

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

2011 People You Should Know is just the beginning “Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

In our inaugural year of unveiling the People You Should Know in Rockford business, we recognized leaders who come from different backgrounds and who work in a variety of industries.

A high school athlete who is putting his competitive spirit to work for his clients.

A man who has helped guide MBA candidates for over 30 years.

A medical doctor who now runs a successful software company.

An attorney who reviews decisions in cases involving members of Congress.

On the surface, very different people.

But, the one thing they do have in common is that they are people who have been out in front blazing that trail.

They are people whose actions have inspired others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.

We publicized the nominations for two months and reached out to the

Einar Forsman addresses the capacity crowd attending the reveal reception for the People You Should Know event held at the Karl J. Jacobs Center on the Rock Valley College campus.

entire community to nominate the best and brightest. Eighty-five applications were received from which twenty-one were selected.

Congratulations to all of our honorees that were recognized at a special reception on October 20th at the Jacobs Center for Science and Math at Rock Valley College. Over 250 chamber members attended to congratulate the honorees at this event – a lot of networking was going on!

Why are they the People We Should Know? We should know them for their leadership, for the successes they have achieved for their business, and for what they have accomplished for our community. Most importantly, we should know them as The People who will help us build business and community success now and in the future.

We initiated this program because we find at the core of many successes in our local economy and our community are

strong business leaders. We feel that recognizing a smaller set of business leaders each year would never let us properly shine as many lights as we can on people doing great things in their business, in their industry, or with their business to advance our region. Will this be the only group of leaders recognized?

Certainly not! It is our intent to continue to reach out to you to tell us about who is doing great things in business and achieve a broad representation of leaders from business and of our community.

In seeking out our business leaders each year, we have one primary objective, and that being the primary function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. For us to achieve success, we need to recognize and thank our leaders and inspire others to be part of an expanding leadership base. Now and in the future we will be looking for you to help, encourage, develop and recognize even more leaders.

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PROFILE Board Profile

‘Watchdog’ role: Seeking solutions for our community What do you want to contribute as part of the Chamber board?

I would like to assist the business community in expanding the local economy, improving the overall business climate for growth and expansion, while creating more employment opportunities.

Why is the Chamber important to business and the community?

The Chamber is the part of the fabric that brings the business community together. It assists in the creation of local economic activity.

What is the name/current purpose of your business/organization?

Rockford Register Star/rrstar.com. We are the Rock River Valley’s local news, information and advertising source in print and online 24/7. We measure our effectiveness based on the following core values. Our Mission Statement …

Provide leadership that contributes to the betterment of our community.

Reflect our community in everything we do. Build credibility by accepting nothing less than the highest standard of excellence. Exercise our “watchdog” role by seeking solutions for and protecting those living within our community. Help our customers grow and prosper by providing useful information.

Peter Ricker Rockford Register Star

as vice president of advertising for The Indianapolis Star/Indystar.com in Indianapolis. During this period, I earned Gannett’s prestigious President’s Ring seven times. In Indy, I implemented a custom publishing group that developed automotive, employment and real estate magazines, and also achieved impressive market share gains for the company. I am a graduate of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M.

What trend is most strongly impacting your industry?

Digital expansion and multi-media platforms.

How do you think you impact the community?

As the leading source of news and information, we can assist the community in a dialog over complex issues facing our future. We allow all voices to be represented, creating an environment that encourages the community in talk.

What in your career has had the greatest impact on you?

Computers and the transition to digital communication channels.

What recent technology innovation has the greatest impact on your life?

Apple IPAD.

What are your business background/responsibilities?

I enjoyed a long and distinguished career with the Gannett Corporation.

Most recently, I served two years as senior vice president of advertising for Republic Media in Phoenix, Ariz. I had overall responsibility for 424 sales and service associates, serving more than 9,000 active advertisers. Among my many accomplishments, I developed an integrated multimedia sales organization that offered client services across numerous platforms. Prior to rejoining Gannett, I worked for Knight Ridder as vice president of advertising for Philadelphia Newspapers Inc., and upon the sale of the company, joined The Kansas City Star with 350 advertising and marketing professionals, launched INKKC.com, a weekly print and digital publication aimed at 22- to 34 year-olds, and launched Indulge, a monthly, glossy magazine.

The bulk of my management career with Gannett, 1990 to 2005, was spent

What one word would you use to describe yourself?

Sincere.

If you could be or do anything else - what?

Educator.

What are you most proud of?

My children — their development and growth.

What’s the one thing about you that few people know?

I was a floor director for the Romper Room show out of Wichita, Kan.

What are you are most thankful for?

Being in Rockford … making new friends and associates.

How do you typically spend your leisure time?

What leisure time? LOL.

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE Chamber Endorses Legislative Agenda Presented by Mayor Morrissey At its October 25th board meeting, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors confirmed the recommendations of its Government Affairs Council to adopt policy positions for legislative issues in Springfield that address pensions, changes in collective bargaining/arbitration rules. This follows a presentation by Rockford Mayor Lawrence Morrissey at the October 14th Government Affairs Council Meeting.

Consistent with its concerns over financial health of local governments and rising costs associated with public pensions, the Chamber board voted to support the following positions (summarized):

PENSION SUSTAINABILITY The Chamber encourages the General Assembly approve HJRCA5 to require a three-fifths vote for all legislation that increases a benefit under any pension or retirement system of the State or unit of local government. Requiring a threefifths vote would encourage more responsible amendments to the pensions and require bi-partisan support.

On this topic the Chamber further encouraged the General Assembly and Governor to immediately begin discussions on the impending financial liabilities and sustainability of the benefit structure for existing employees that participate in the municipal police and firefighter pension funds; and that they encourage all interested parties to find common resolve to address the pension crisis and to realize that the municipal police and firefighter pension funds throughout Illinois need to more appropriately balance the interests of municipal taxpayers and public employees.

SENATE BILL 512 PENSION REFORM The Chamber supports this bill which is currently moving through the general assembly with bipartisan leadership support that amends pension benefits for current and future employees by presenting the following option: Protects all benefits that have already been earned by retirees and current employees.

Current employees are offered three choices going forward: their current plan with a higher employee contribution, the less-

costly plan offered to new employees with a lower employee contribution or a new 401,-style plan with a lower employee contribution.

New employees are offered the second two options offered to current employees The state pays the same contribution no matter which plan employees choose.

Such reform would improve the funding levels of the pension plans each year until it reaches 90% by 2045

ECONOMIC CONSIDERATION IN ARBITRATION DECISIONS The Rockford Chamber of Commerce urges the Governor, the members of the Illinois General Assembly, the Department of Labor, and the Illinois Public Labor Relations Board to reexamine the role that arbitrators play in the formulation of local obligations and to ensure that arbitrators consider the actual affordability and broader fiscal implications of their decisions and adjust those decisions accordingly.

When binding arbitration occurs, the arbitrators make decisions that direct the allocation of the community’s limited financial resources and, too often, are insensitive to the democratic process as well as to the fiscal realities that exist in a community.

REPEAL OF PUBLIC ACT 95-490 The Rockford Chamber of Commerce believes that the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor repeal Public Act 95490 which will merely re-establish the use of volunteer and part-time fire fighters as a mandatory topic of bargaining under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. When the General Assembly passed P.A. 95-490, it severely limited the ability of municipalities to supplement full time fire fighters with volunteer or part time fire fighters.

The municipalities of this state are facing unprecedented financial challenges and many are struggling to maintain public safety staffing due to wage and benefit costs and declining revenues. This should be an item that can be discussed at the bargaining table and allow the parties to negotiate over its impact.

Expo connections cont from page 1 casual approach was nice. We got to meet face-to-face, instead of a cold call.

That’s the point of these events, to get out there and showcase your business and show what you as a company can do for other businesses.”

During their conversation, Matus shared with Oswald his need for printed material for an upcoming client meeting. Matus said J.L. Clark has most of its print material sourced through its local advertising firm, but is open to expanding its supply base.

Meridian got to work the next day on printing sell sheets and brochures.

The results were right on the mark, according to Matus. “They did a fabulous job and delivered on time at a very competitive price,” he said. “The key for us was Meridian presented a professional approach to our business.

They didn’t talk just about printing, but about ways they can help us expand our business. That made the difference.”

Expo Brings Companies New Opportunities More than 3,000 people turned out for the fourth-year event, which was free. Rockford Chamber of Commerce

officials are pleased with the feedback they’ve received from participating businesses.

“It’s great to see companies picking up new opportunities as a result of the expo,” said Chamber Board Chairman Mike Broski. “J.L. Clark represents one of Rockford’s finest long time manufacturing companies.

In comparison, Meridian is relatively new and as a result of the networking done – they both benefit.

“This year’s event was better than ever. There was a great deal of energy and excitement the entire day. I have talked to many organizations that participated, and they all say the same thing – the event brought many new opportunities to participating companies.”

Oswald and Matus plan on meeting again in the near future to discuss additional projects. “It was a perfect opportunity,” Oswald said. “I could not have painted a better picture the way our relationship with J.L. Clark began.”

The presenting sponsor of this year’s expo was TDS, a telecommunications provider. The gold sponsor was Humana, The bronze sponsor was Veolia Environmental Services. Cricket Communications, Giovanni’s, Inc., and the Morrissey Family Businesses were business after hour sponsors.

Let your Voice be heard The Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages submissions for The 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 10860630, 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.

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions Vice Chairman Rich Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Pam Maher KMK Media Group DIRECTORS Teresa Beach-Shelow Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. Romero Bennett Blue Sky Insurance Agency

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer of Rockford

Walt Boothe Harris Bank, N.A.

Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank

Ryan Brauns Rockford Consulting & Brokerage

John Oller PBC Linear, A Pacific Bearing Company

Paul Callighan ComEd Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. J. Chapman Maverick Media Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Darlene Furst Furst Staffing Penny Lechtenberg Hinshaw & Culbertson Mike Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Mark Peterson CBL Associates CherryVale Dee Premo Whitehead, Inc. Realtors Peter Ricker Rockford Register Star Tim Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Patrick Shaw RSM McGladrey, Inc. Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc. Jennifer Wood Sikich LLP Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Janyce Fadden Rockford Area Economic Development Council Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Dan Saavedra Saavedra Gehlhausen John Groh Architects Rockford Area Convention Henry Seybold & Visitors Bureau Rockford Health System President/CEO

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Setting your PR, marketing plan for 2012 Consider these tips, trends to get the best bang for your buck As we work out of the worst recession in recent memory, businesses will continue to watch what they spend and tighten their budgets. Unfortunately, the budgets that usually take the biggest hit are the marketing and PR budgets. Consumers will also be watching what they spend as they too recover from economic uncertainty. So that leaves us with businesses that have less money to spend to attract customers, and customers who are making very specific spending choices.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Companies that consider incorporating the following PR and marketing trends will have more opportunity for success.

Support Business Goals with Integrated Marketing Communications Often we see clients’ communications initiatives fulfilling a narrowly defined marketing role that does not support the overall business goals. In fact, often, businesses’ marketing departments develop their annual plan without understanding management’s focus and revenue objectives.

Management and marketing must develop cohesive communications activities to help meet the overall goals.

Additionally, it has become even more critical that companies adopt integrated marketing and PR strategies for a wellrounded approach. Merging public relations with marketing – or ensuring the communications and accountability between the departments are coordinated – will give companies a competitive advantage.

Social Media Companies that don’t take advantage of social media will be missing out on an opportunity to connect with their customers and build brand loyalty in a way they never could before.

To incorporate social media into your overall plan, set realistic goals and treat it like any other tool for customer communication. Consider your social media sites as a listening tool, think of your audience’s needs first and provide value in your messaging. Using social media can be cost-effective in delivering your message, if managed well.

Content Marketing As advertising budgets dwindle companies that incorporate more content into their overall strategy will be successful. Consistent, relevant content on your website, Facebook page, and Twitter account provides many opportunities to deepen customer relationships and secure your place as an influential thought leader among your clients and customers.

Repeated exposure through content provides multiple opportunities for

Rebecca Epperson PR Etc.

conversion, rather than a “one-shot” all-ornothing sales approach.

Cause Marketing Cause marketing continues to be a way companies can create buzz, generate goodwill and develop positive public perception. To be successful, a cause marketing campaign should first and foremost have buy-in from employees and reflect the core beliefs of the company. Talk to your employees about issues that are important to them before deciding on a cause. You want to make sure your employees are engaged and on board with the campaign.

As consumer spending remains tight, cause marketing helps give your products or service an added incentive for purchases. It adds a layer of value for the customer, in that they are receiving a product, but have also helped contribute to a charitable cause.

Infographics While content is crucial, it is also important to tell your visual story.

Infographics are visual representations of information or data. As companies look for ways to stand out from the proliferation of news releases that reporters receive, an infographic is a way to get noticed and provide information in a visually appealing and effective way.

Crisis Management Companies must have a crisis management plan in place in the event that a negative situation arises.

We’ve all seen how quickly information and misinformation is spread and companies that are prepared to react proactively will have a better shot at protecting their reputation. And it’s not enough to just create the plan. Practice implementing your plan by practicing different crisis scenarios.

Also, revisit your plan every six months to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant.

Thought Leadership Activities Gaining visibility by engaging in thought leadership activities such as speaking engagements and bylined or co-authored articles should be a critical component of your company’s overall plan. The level of credibility raised through these activities is invaluable. Thought leaders are sought out by the media for commentary, lauded by other businesses for setting industry trends, and recognized as leaders in the market.

These are just a few examples of trends companies should consider when allocating their public relations and marketing dollars.

As you work to implement your 2012 plan think about incorporating these trends as a way to stay competitive and successful in the New Year and beyond.

Rebecca Epperson is president and CEO of PR Etc., a public relations, event planning and marketing firm with offices in Rockford, IL and Racine and Madison, WI.

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Necessity is the mother of invention In this case…it’s the father

Michael McGuire shares product information at the 2011 FastPitch Competition Expo.

By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab Michael McGuire was a finalist in this year’s Stateline FastPitch Competition with his invention, the On-the-Go inflatable potty seat. Being a wonderful, attentive father, McGuire was paying close attention when his then three-year-old daughter was not her happy, bubbly self during their family trip to Disneyworld. She had no choice but to use an unfamiliar potty seat.

McGuire became the father of invention.

He was astounded to learn that the only portable potty seat product on the market was grossly inadequate, as it is uncomfortable and unstable.

He experienced his “ah ha” moment and went to work. After several reiterations using such unconventional tools as a flat hair iron, his daughter was elated with his invention.

Fast-forward three years to 2011. McGuire has just signed a license agreement with Ginsey, a progressive leader and worldwide

multi-channel supplier of bathroom and home products for the entire family. The company will assist him with, not only effectively launching his product, but also with building a brand.

This wasn’t McGuire’s first rodeo. The serial entrepreneur invented an unrelated product, which had the misfortune to be launched in the midst of the start of a recession (2001). That product met an untimely demise, but along the way, he learned many valuable lessons that assisted him with his next invention, including connecting with a smaller manufacturer that would agree to significantly lower minimum orders, resulting in less capital outlay.

McGuire did his homework. In order to infiltrate the world of moms and kids, he disguised his name and posed as a mom on the Mommy Blogs sites to confirm he and his wife were not the only parents facing this issue. His advice to inventors is, “Don’t be dissuaded; don’t lose focus because of the negative feedback.” Toys “R” Us was one of the first companies he approached and was abruptly turned down.

The EIGERlab staff is confident that you’ll see this serial entrepreneur Fastpitching again! He strongly believes in the theory that people invest in you, not necessarily just in your product.

Sherry Pritz is marketing coordinator at EIGERlab, Rock Valley College.

International trade law: An intellectual property overview

By Yulia Sopina, RAEDC Intellectual property protections are an important facet of international trade law. The U.S. government and the governments of foreign countries have laws in place to protect their citizens and companies from intellectual property infringement. As a U.S. company looking to export, it is important to be aware of the safeguards you have for your intellectual property, and what laws are in place in countries you seek to market to.

Intellectual property is an ownership of ideas. Unlike the tangible assets of your business, such as computers or buildings, intellectual property is a collection of ideas and concepts. One important note is that physical property often contains intellectual property. A machine might be based on a patented idea, or a book might have copyrighted text. As such, intellectual property laws often define both what can and cannot be done with the intellectual property itself and what one can do with a copy of that property that you lawfully possess.

Property in an Era of Globalization In an era of globalization, intellectual property rights must be protected and regulated at an international level.

The U.S. Department of State explains that countries protect intellectual property

“because they know safeguarding these property rights fosters economic growth, provides incentives for technological innovation, and attracts investment that will create new jobs and opportunities for all their citizens. … In the United States alone, for example, studies in the past decade have estimated that over 50% of U.S. exports now depend on some form of intellectual property protection, compared to less than 10% 50 years ago.”

The most common forms of intellectual property protection are patent, trademark and copyright. A patent applies to a specific product design, a trademark to a name, phrase or symbol, and a copyright to a written document. All three methods have limitations – there’s no one perfect way to protect an idea.

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) of the Rockford area, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Rock Valley College, can help your company navigate intellectual property laws. Learn how to protect your intellectual property while exporting. Contact the ITC today at 815969-4268 or ysopina@rockfordil.com.

Yulia Sopina is national business development assistant at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

We need your input for our Voice of the Customer survey Every year, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council reaches out to primary employers in the area to garner a better understanding of the experiences and expertise they have as members of the business community.

This is done through our Voice of the Customer survey (VOC), a very important part of our business retention and expansion efforts.

It is important that Rockford businesses are able to operate in a robust economic climate. The VOC is a very important tool in creating this type of climate for Rockford. Information gathered in these conversations aids us in developing projects (like the GE and Navistar Supplier Symposiums and the formation of the Rockford Area Aerospace Network) and in providing assistance to help local businesses grow and be more competitive.

Advocacy for Our Economy As more companies participate in the VOC, we can be even more strategic

in our efforts to develop a better regional economy. As the number of VOCs increases, so does the number of opportunities we have to be more of a resource to companies in the Rockford area. As a one-stop resource, the RAEDC works to streamline and improve access to services for small businesses and entrepreneurs right here in Rockford. By communicating our VOC findings to legislators and city officials, we advocate for improvement in the regulatory environment. We promote involvement in international trade as well. This, in a nut shell, is why our goal of 125 company visits is so important.

If you are a primary employer, we would like to have your input for our Voice of the Customer initiative. I can be reached at msimpson@rockfordil.com or 815-969-4258.

Matthew Simpson is business development specialist at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

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Study reveals pressing challenges for U.S. manufacturers Leadership turnover, aging equipment, workforce skills gaps among key issues facing Illinois companies Today, the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center, along with its trade association, the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC), released the results of its 2011 Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) Study, identifying key trends affecting the industry and steps U.S. manufacturers can take now to be successful in the next generation. The ASMC represents manufacturing extension agents and advocates for legislative and programmatic resources to help its small manufacturing clients better compete in the global marketplace.

The study, conducted by the Manufacturing Performance Institute, finds that this is a critical point in time for U.S. manufacturing, and manufacturers must assess whether they have the workforce, business systems, equipment and strategies in place to successfully compete in the future. While external factors, like the economic downturn present challenges, manufacturers can remain competitive by focusing on six strategies assessed by the NGM Study as a blueprint for success (see sidebar).

Specifically, the Study Found: Nearly six out of 10 U.S. manufacturers could have a new leader in the next five years — a five percent increase over 2009. This presents an opportunity for manufacturers to solidify leadership and direction for years to come if they develop their next generation of leaders now.

Sustainability increasingly is important to manufacturers, with 59.2 percent of manufacturers reporting that sustainability is important or highly important to their future, up from 35.1 percent in 2009. Many of these manufacturers are responding to customer demands for greener products, while others recognize cost-control

opportunities such as reduced energy consumption and the re-use of materials.

Most manufacturers have systems and equipment in place to support the current requirements of the six NGM strategies, but few describe their equipment as “state-of-the art.” For example, only 18 percent have state-of-the-art equipment to support world-class innovation, and just 14 percent have state-of-the-art equipment to support world-class process improvements.

Few manufacturers have both talent and workforce development programs to drive world-class performance. Due to an aging workforce and gap in skilled labor, more professional training and development is needed to prepare manufacturers for the next generation.

Small companies need assistance in implementing NGM strategies. Smaller manufacturers are less likely than larger companies to be at or near world-class performance in the six NGM strategies, and are less likely to have best practices in place.

“The six strategic areas assessed in the Next Generation Manufacturing Study serve as a road map for success to help U.S. manufacturers thrive in the next generation,” said IMEC President, David Boulay. “Helping small manufacturers identify strategic development priorities and overcome challenges within their operations will be key to the industry’s future growth and contribution to the nation’s economy.”

Help from a Range of Resources A majority of U.S. manufacturers surveyed said they look for outside help in a range of areas, such as regulatory compliance and business development, to achieve success. In addition, a majority say that their organizations have been positively impacted by state manufacturing associations and

Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, such as IMEC, which helps Illinois manufacturers to develop and implement strategies in these six areas through hands-on technical assistance and implementation training services.

In response to a slow-down in the building construction industry, Belvidere-based Corrugated Metals worked with IMEC to pursue quality, efficiency and safety improvements to make its products and services more attractive to potential customers in private and government markets.

Following successful ISO registration, IMEC helped Corrugated Metals achieve certification to the U.S. military’s Qualified Suppliers List of Distributors (QSLD), a move that helped the company win a $30 million department of defense contract. “The quality improvements have given us a strategic advantage over the competition,” said Ken Carlton, president of Corrugated Metals and its partner company, Infrastructure Defense Technologies.

The study, first conducted in 2009, surveyed more than 800 U.S. manufacturers. Illinois led the nation with more than 100 responses from manufacturing leaders.

More information can be found at www.smallmanufacturers.org/2011NGMStudy.

For more information on the American Small Manufacturers Coalition, visit www.small manufacturers.org/.

SIX NEXT-GENERATION STRATEGIES Customer-focused innovation Develop, make and market new products and services that meet customers’ needs at a pace faster than the competition.

Engaged people/human capital acquisition, development and retention Secure a competitive performance advantage by having superior systems in place to recruit, hire, develop and retain talent.

Superior processes/improve ment focus Record annual productivity and quality gains that exceed the competition through a companywide commitment to continuous improvement.

Supply-chain management and collaboration Develop and manage supply chains and partnerships that provide flexibility, response time, and delivery performance that exceed the competition.

Sustainability Design and implement waste and energy-use reductions at a level that provides superior cost performance and recognizable customer value.

Global engagement Secure business advantages by having people, partnerships and systems in place capable of engaging global markets and talents better than the competition.

Manufacturing News is sponsored by IMEC

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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It’s time to invest in a comprehensive visitor experience For the past two years we’ve been stressing the importance of investing in a comprehensive visitor experience; one that connects the dots, creating a coordinated and integrated environment that is attractive to visitors and residents alike. While we still have a long way to grow, we have made some significant strides forward and have some great success stories.

Great Gardens Just Got Better In October, the Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens held its grand opening. The 22,000-square-foot facility claims the title of the third largest conservatory in the state. If you haven’t been yet, GO. It’s outstanding. Combine this new facility with Anderson Japanese Gardens, Heritage Gardens at Midway Village Museum, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, La Paloma Gardens, Sinnissippi Gardens and Tinker Swiss Cottage & Gardens and you’ve created a wonderful, overnight destination for garden enthusiasts.

“In the last couple years we’ve proven that we can have a bigger impact when we work together.”

That is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by these local gardens. The existing gardens joined together last spring to create “Great Gardens Rockford,” which works to jointly market these wonderful attractions to visitors through brochures and at home and garden shows.

Downtown Events Make a Connection Rockford City Market and Friday Night Flix have been repeatedly recognized for their success in transforming downtown on Friday nights.

But much of that success lies in the fact they “connected the dots.” These two separate events spent their first year working together to turn their individual successes into a synergistic experience; coordinating times, cross promoting and communicating together.

They also took it one step further and created a physical connection by incorporating the Rockford Mass Transit trolley; providing a link between the market, movies, museums and other downtown destinations. Both just concluded their second year and together with the new Saturday Soundstage at

John Groh RACVB

Davis Park welcomed more than 65,000 people downtown on Friday and Saturday nights.

Time to Efficiently Move People Around Now it’s time for us as a community to, like the market and movies, physically connect our products. We already have a good beginning.

As you drive over the Jefferson or Whitman Street bridges you can see progress in the $7 million riverwalk project at Riverfront Museum Park. The project, which will be completed next year, will include a lighted cable bridge, boat docks, open-air amphitheater and paths connecting the riverfront with Main Street. When complete, Riverfront Museum Park will have a park-like setting that people can enjoy the river from.

Recently, the Rockford Park District put the river to use and tested the idea of a water taxi at this year’s On the Waterfront. The Forest City Queen ferried nearly 400 people between Martin Park and Beattie Park Labor Day weekend. Officials are considering the idea of using the boat in a pilot program that would connect the conservatory, Riverfront Museum Park and downtown.

While park district officials look at the river, the city is looking at its streets.

Recently approved, the City of Rockford 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Plan includes converting downtown’s oneway street pattern on Main and Church and portions of 2nd and 6th streets into a two-way system. Returning two-way traffic to downtown creates a less confusing traffic pattern, making our community more welcome to guests. It also increases the exposure of downtown businesses, helping out-of-town visitors identify their intended retail or restaurant stop and finding new businesses and restaurants to explore.

Take That Step!

In the last couple years we’ve proven that we can have a bigger impact when we work together. We’ve connected the dots and looked forward, not back. We’ve seen a new vision for our future take shape, and we are taking steps to get there. It’s important that we continue to invest in this new future and connect more dots, creating a great experience for local residents and attracts visitors to our community.

John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Contact him at jgroh@gorockford.com.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

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New Chamber Board Members Slated for 2012

IGNITE

Young Professionals

Change presents opportunity Ludwig leaves a legacy for IGNITE Like death and taxes, change is a part of life. In IGNITE, we welcome change as a signal of growth, progress and evolution. Our recently departed executive director, Caitlin Ludwig, is the epitome of that change we cultivate. She has taken on the new challenge of serving

“We have grown from a hopeful vision in 2009 to a promising reality in 2011.” as the alumni coordinator for Rockford College. She left not because she wanted to, rather, she left because it was time for new growth and evolution of her career.

The IGNITE Leadership Team is incredibly proud of her for exemplifying the growth we foster within our membership.

Ludwig leaves IGNITE as a burgeoning force in the Rockford region.

We have grown to more than 250 members and have added significantly to

Patricia Diduch Village of Machesney Park

our corporate sponsorship base – all while enduring the Great Recession. We presented our group and its programming to the Chamber board at its September meeting, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We have grown from a hopeful vision in 2009 to a promising reality in 2011.

Our Generation is Optimistic As we enter into the next chapter of IGNITE, we cannot be anything but optimistic about our future — both as an organization and as a generation. We are grooming the next generation of private, public and non-profit leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in the greater Rockford region. Change is inevitable. It can be viewed either as an opportunity or as an obstruction. We choose opportunity.

Patricia Diduch is president of the IGNITE board and planning & zoning specialist with the Village of Machesney Park.

The Chamber’s nominating committee, headed by board member Pam Maher, presented a slate of nominees for the Chamber Board of Directors at its October 25 meeting. In announcing the slate of candidates, Chamber President Einar Forsman noted that there were many qualified candidates for each position on the board. “We’re confident those members nominated will represent the Rockford area business community with distinction.”

New Board members recommended to be nominated for a three-year term to begin January 1, 2012 are.

Somchan Thatsanaphon, K-I Machine & Production, Inc. Tim White, Hamilton Sundstrand For an additional three-year terms, the following individuals are recommended for reappointment under our bylaws: Rena Cotsones, NIU-Rockford Pat Morrow, Alpine Bank Pat Shaw, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP Rick Zumwalt, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Rich Walsh, Swedish American Health System Jennifer Wood, Sikich LLP

Dee Premo will complete nine years of service on the board on December 31, 2011, the maximum permitted under the current Chamber bylaws.

Theresa Beach- Shelow will complete 3 years on the board on December 31, 2011.

The Board will vote on the nominating committee’s recommendations at its November 29 meeting. For more information about the board nomination process, contact Einar Forsman at 815.316.4304.

The following were voted on at the September 27 board meeting to be elected as an officer for the coming 1year term, to begin January 1, 2011 and expire December 31, 2011: Chairman Elect: Rich Walsh, Swedish American Health System; Vice Chairman, Patti Thayer, Thayer Lighting.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is a market-driven, voluntary membership organization whose mission is to be the Rockford region’s leading advocate for business growth. The Chamber delivers benefit to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing services and educational opportunities that help our members grow. www.rockfordchamber.com

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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U.S. employers’ hiring plans guarded through year-end “Even though we’re seeing a slight slowdown in hiring momentum for the fourth quarter, we know employers are struggling to fill open positions that require specialized and technical skills” — Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup president of the Americas Amid ongoing market uncertainty, U.S. employers expect hiring to remain relatively stable in the fourth quarter, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. The net employment outlook for fourth quarter, 2011, is +7 percent, up from +6 percent during the same period last year and down from the +8 percent outlook for third quarter, 2011.

Mixed Hiring Expectations The survey revealed a softening outlook in many industries. The outlook is positive overall for 11 of 13 industry sectors surveyed, but employers in 12 of the 13 expect hiring to slow down compared to three months ago. Six industry sectors expect hiring to decrease considerably.

“Employers are hesitant to make big decisions when it comes to hiring in the fourth quarter,” said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup president of the

Americas. “Recent economic conditions, coupled with the results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, indicate hiring intentions among U.S. employers remain guarded with a low level of job creation expected in the short term.”

“Even though we’re seeing a slight slowdown in hiring momentum for the fourth quarter, we know employers are struggling to fill open positions that require specialized and technical skills,” Prising said. “This talent mismatch, between the available job candidates and the skills needed for open positions, presents a challenging paradox as we see high unemployment rates along with employers who want to hire but can’t find the right person in the right place. This workplace challenge will continue to build when more jobs open up, and the economy recovers.”

Hiring by Region, Industry Sector Employers in all four U.S. geographic regions surveyed anticipate a positive seasonally adjusted outlook. Compared to one year ago at this time, employers in the Midwest and West look for hiring to increase slightly and those in the Northeast and South anticipate hiring to remain at the same pace.

Employers in 11 of the 13 industry sectors surveyed have a positive outlook for fourth quarter, 2011:

■ Durable Goods Manufacturing (+8%) ■ Nondurable Goods ■ Manufacturing (+8%) ■ Information (+8%) ■ Professional & Business Services (+8%) ■ Leisure & Hospitality (+8%) ■ Other Services (+5%) ■ Education & Health Services (+4%) ■ Transportation & Utilities (+3%)

■ Wholesale & Retail Trade (+17%)

Two industry sectors have a slightly negative outlook:

■ Mining (+15%)

■ Construction (-4%)

■ Financial Activities (+9%)

■ Government (-3%)

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

People You Should Know cont from front page The leaders chosen came from a variety of career paths, including financial, education, legal and medical. There were 84 applicants submitted. The honorees were selected by a group of eight independent judges from the local business community. “This isn’t the top 20 people in Rockford, this is the first 20,” Forsman said.

“We are fortunate to have great business leaders in our community.”

The “People You Should Know” concept replaces “Forty Leaders Under 40,” a program that honored young professionals the past three years. “We felt

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW 11

this new concept gave us more flexibility to recognize many different groups of individuals throughout the coming years,” Forsman said. “It’s a chance to recognize top leaders in organizations, unsung heroes, and new and emerging professionals who are coming into our area.”

Springboard for Bringing Leaders Together Dan Loescher, principal of Loescher & Associates, Ltc., was one of this year’s recipients. He has led capital campaigns for Crusader Community Health, Burpee and Discovery Center museums, Rosecrance and the YMCA of Rock River Valley. “This means that this community has a core group of people who invest in their work, life, and volunteer efforts,” he said. “I’m honored to

be a part of this outstanding group.”

Many in attendance at the reception believe that the new recognition could serve as a springboard in filling a void of leadership in the community.

“In the last 10 to 15 years, we’ve lost many Fortune 500 companies here in Rockford. Not only do you lose those companies, but you lose a wealth of talent,” said Rich Walsh, chief operating officer for SwedishAmerican Health System. “What we need to do as a community is seek out other people in smaller companies to fill those leadership roles. You have to start somewhere, and this event is a great first step.”

But certainly not the last step. Many of this year’s honorees already have started thinking of ways to work together. “A group

of us talked and we need to take this to another level,” said recipient Kathy Weber, managing director for BMO Harris Bank.

“Some of us don’t know each other. We need to get together and learn from one another.

The first class of “People You Should Know” will be profiled in a special publication produced by the Chamber, which will be available in mid-November.

The event was sponsored by Reno & Zahm and supported by McGladrey.

“The recipients of this award recognize the importance of achievement and mentoring others to achieve success,” said Ian Linnabary, partner, Reno & Zahm.

“Our community is filled with countless individuals who have been positively impacted by the efforts of one or more of these ‘People You Should Know.’”

2011 Class of People You Should Know Dr. Jack Becherer, president, Rock Valley College Through his leadership at RVC, Dr. Becherer has formed new partnerships with other education institutions or districts and businesses. His achievements include the Running Start program, where he gives highly-motivated students the ability to earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree at the same time. He has successfully lobbied for a generous building program on campus. In his short time at RVC, he has overseen the construction of the PEC, the Estelle Black Library, the Jacob Center for Math and Science, and soon the Arts Instructional Center.

Brent Brodeski, CEO, principal, financial advisor, Savant Capital Management Brent partnered with Thomas Muldowney of Savant Planning Group, Ltd. (now known as Savant Capital Management) in 1992. Savant has grown into the largest Register Investment Advisor firm in the Rockford area, with nearly $2 billion in assets. In 2011, he was named the 10th “Most Experienced Independent Financial Advisor” by Bloomberg Businessweek.

Gary Caruana, UPS security manager, United Parcel Service A life-long resident of Rockford, Caruana has been with UPS for more than 25 years. He is responsible for the safety of 1,500 UPS employees and making sure packages are shipped and received in good condition and a timely manner. He also serves on the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and CASA.

Jeff Fahrenwald, director of MBA and Community Training, Rockford College Along with directing Rockford College’s MBA program, Fahrenwald leads training programs for public, private and not-for-profit

organizations. He is active in recruiting international students and business groups to come to Rockford. His work has helped Rockford College and the community deepen its investment and growth in human capital.

Lori Gummow, executive director, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful In 1988, Gummow started Winnebago/Rockford Clean and Beautiful, which is now Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. She is the voice that speaks to city and county leaders when it comes to recycling, waste reduction, liter prevention and other environmental issues.

Roberta “Bobbie” Holzwarth, attorney, Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C. Holzwarth is the only Rockford-area attorney to be named a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. She has served the Winnebago County Bar Association in several positions including president.

James “Jim” W. Keeling, partner, Hinshaw & Culbertson Keeling has led and participated in many fundraising campaigns that have provided amenities for Rockford area youth and families, including Perryville recreation paths, Sportscore Two, the Learning Links, First Tee program, Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, and the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza.

Kathleen M. Kelly, M.D., F.A.C.P., Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer, SwedishAmerican Health System Dr. Kelly’s leadership around transparency of publicly reported Core Measures for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has resulted in SwedishAmerican’s continued recognition as a Top 100 hospital. She maintains an active role with the Rockford Health Council and Crusader Clinic.

Dana Kiley, vice president, Coyle Varland Insurance Agency, Inc. Kiley is a strong partner to many nonprofit organizations, providing his industry expertise in helping many assess their risks and plan for their futures. Kiley is a founding member of NEXT Rockford, president of Rockford Cosmopolitan Charities and serves on the Northern Illinois Community Foundation Scholarship Board.

David Klintworth, managing director, wealth management, RSM McGladrey, Inc. With a commitment to help people and the community, Klintworth took on the risk of starting a wealth management practice from the ground up. He has served on various national leadership positions and assisted other McGladrey offices in developing their wealth management practices.

Rebecca (Kopf) Epperson, president & owner, PR Etc. In 2002, Epperson launched PR Etc., a public relations, special events and marketing firm that specializes in helping organizations gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. She has grown PR Etc., to have a presence in Madison, Rockford and Racine and takes on accounts ranging from local non-profits to large, internationally recognized corporations.

Dan Loescher, principal, Loescher & Associates, Ltc. Loescher has led capital campaigns for Crusader Community Health, Burpee and Discovery Center museums, Rosecrance and the YMCA of Rock River Valley. He also manages to find time to give truly personal attention to his many individual and business clients. more on page 12

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

12 PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

2011 Class of People You Should Know cont from page 11

LoRayne Logan, owner, The WorkPlace Logan is a hard-working and dedicated professional who has grown her fledgling business into the successful company it is today. Workplace has been repeatedly honored

by Forbes magazine as a “Top Ten Staffing Company.”

John Phelps, president, Rockford Local Development Corporation Phelps grew the size of the SBA 504 program from being quite small to more than $50 million under management for businesses that projected increasing employment by

Bill Roop, president & CEO, Alpine Bank For the past 28 years, Roop has dedicated himself to building Alpine Bank and the community it serves. He has helped thousands of local people and businesses by taking time to know them and their needs and building long-term personal relationships.

Andreas Schell, president, Hamilton Sundstrand Electric Systems, and Rockford Site Executive In his 18 months in Rockford, Schell has become actively engaged on various boards and has leveraged multiple opportunities to open Hamilton Sundstrand’s doors to the community, suppliers, colleague companies and elected officials. He takes his role as the leader of the largest manufacturer in Rockford very seriously and wants to drive a better awareness of Hamilton Sundstrand, as well as the capabilities of this region’s Aerospace Cluster.

more than 2,500 jobs.

Dr. Michael Roh, spine surgeon, Rockford Spine Center Dr. Roh earned his medical degrees from Brown University, where he graduated first in his medical school class. As one of the select core faculty members for The Prestige® Cervical Disc, he traveled around the country teaching other surgeons this innovative disc replacement procedure.

Samuel Schmitz, president, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Under Schmitz’s leadership, Goodwill is a thriving nonprofit in the stateline area. It has added three stores and is planning to open two more in the future. It has added more valuable programs and more than doubled the number of community members it is able to help and serve.

David Stern, M.D., CEO, Practice Velocity Dr. Stern (with his two partners) founded Practice Velocity, LLC, and designed and developed a modified electronic medical record and practice management software for urgent care professionals. Under his direction, Practice Velocity has grown to more than 200 employees and serves more than 750 clinics in 48 states.

Robert Trojan, president, Rockford Linear Actuation Trojan has made significant contributions during the start up of Rockford Linear Actuation, as well as manufacturing as a whole in the Rock River Valley. He has focused on moving the local manufacturing agenda forward using his blog, board and volunteer positions, as well as networking with others to initiate partnerships that have enhanced the entire region.

Kathy Weber, managing director, Harris Bank Weber oversees a team of professionals dedicated to providing high net worth individuals and families with a full range of wealth services. She also has demonstrated a high level of giving back to Rockford as a volunteer and by advocating for and supporting funding from the bank. She currently serves as a board member for the Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford Health Careers Foundation and the Rockford Park District Foundation.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

People You Should Know Reveal Reception

David Klintworth and his wife, Beverly (left), enjoy a moment with Janna Becherer.

Congratulatory applause from the capacity crowd who attended the event at the Karl J. Jacobs Center on the Rock Valley College campus.

To view more event pictures, go to rockfordchamber.com

Roberta Holzwarth, Holmstrom & Kennedy, and Ian Linnabary

Andreas Schell, Hamilton Sundstrand, gets an identifying corsage as wife, Anke, looks on.

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW 13

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Rockford College PERSPECTIVE

Social entrepreneurship changing the face of business Serving as a change agent in the local community JJ Asongu Rockford College

Rockford is a very generous city.

In spite of the difficult economic times that the city has experienced, Rockford residents continue to look for ways to make the city and the world a better place to live.

One can clearly identify two approaches to solving the social issues that confront Rockford – traditional philanthropy and industry. While most of us should be familiar with how non-profit organizations work to improve our society, fewer people conceive businesses as having the sole aim of solving societal problems.

In Rockford, like other parts of the United States, the concept of social entrepreneurship increasingly is becoming popular. Yet, it is important to understand what it’s all about.

Defining Social Entrepreneurship Social entrepreneurs are people who recognize a social problem and apply market principles in resolving the problem.

They employ entrepreneurial principles to organize, create and manage a venture to achieve social change (a social venture).

As a relatively new concept, there isn’t an agreed definition of the concept of social entrepreneurship.

While I subscribe to the above view that social entrepreneurs are those who apply business solutions to societal problems, there are many who think otherwise.

For example, the non-profit organization, Ashoka, argues that rather than leaving societal needs to the government or business sectors, social entrepreneurs “find what is not working and solve the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution, and persuading entire societies to take new leaps.”

Whether we subscribe to the market approach or the philanthropic one, it is clear that social entrepreneurs are people who are possessed by their ideas and as such often commit their lives to changing some aspect of society for the common good. They are both visionaries and ultimate realists, concerned with the practical implementation of their vision above all else.

Social entrepreneurs are known for coming up with ideas that are userfriendly, understandable and ethical.

Often they appeal to broad-based support and rely on people who are willing to stand up, seize their idea,

“It is clear that social entrepreneurs are people who are possessed by their ideas and as such often commit their lives to changing some aspect of society for the common good.” and implement it. Therefore, successful social entrepreneurs are mass recruiters of change-makers.

They are role models who proof the point that citizens who channel their passion into action can do great things for the benefit of society – either through innovative business ventures or through philanthropy.

History of Social Entrepreneurship It’s difficult to focus on the history of social entrepreneurship in Rockford, but I’ll attempt to trace it on a global level. Although social entrepreneurship is a recent coinage, social entrepreneurs can be found throughout history. Historically noteworthy people whose work exemplifies classic “social entrepreneurship” might include Florence Nightingale (founder of the first nursing school and developer of modern nursing practices), Robert Owen (founder of the cooperative movement), and Vinoba Bhave (founder of India’s Land Gift Movement).

In the 19th and 20th centuries there were many successful “social entrepreneurs” whose works straddled the civic, governmental and business worlds — promoting ideas that were taken up by mainstream public services in welfare, schools and health care.

While the idea of addressing societal problems isn’t new at all, the literature on social change first employed the terms social entrepreneur and social entrepreneurship in the 1960s and 1970s. The terms later came into widespread use in the 1980s and 1990s, promoted by Bill Drayton, the founder of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public.

Michael Young, a leading promoter of social enterprise, was described in the 1980s by Professor Daniel Bell at Harvard as “the world’s most successful entrepreneur of social enterprises” because of his role in creating more than 60 new organizations worldwide, including a series of Schools for Social Entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. Andrew Mawson was given

a peerage in 2007 because of his pioneering regeneration work. He has recorded these experiences in his book “The Social Entrepreneur: Making Communities Work” and currently runs Andrew Mawson Partnerships to help promote his regeneration work.

In the U.S., the Minnesota-based National Center for Social Entrepreneurs was founded in 1985 by John Whitehead, Judson (Sandy) Bemis and Robert Price. The center focuses on helping non-profits act in an entrepreneurial manner, which continues to show the bias towards non-profits when many people think of social entrepreneurship.

Modern Day Social Entrepreneurs One well-known contemporary social entrepreneur is Professor Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank and its growing family of social venture businesses, who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.

The work of Yunus and Grameen echoes a theme among modern day social entrepreneurs that emphasizes the enormous synergies and benefits when business principles are unified with social ventures.

In many countries, social entrepreneurs have filled the space left by a relatively small state government.

This is especially true in a country like Bangladesh, and to a lesser extent, the United States. In Europe and South America, social entrepreneurs tend to work more closely with public organizations at both the national and local levels.

It is important to resist the temptation of perceiving social entrepreneurship simply from the perspective of non-profits. As earlier mentioned, there are many for-profit social ventures. For instance, Chartered Diversified Holdings, LLC, whose founder is a Rockford resident, is working with another for-profit company called ARX Analytics & Advisory Private Limited, a software development company based in Gurgaon, India, as well as the Cameroon Association of Microfinance Institutions (CAMFI) and the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) to develop a credit bureau

serving the six African countries in the CEMAC region – Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Change Agents for Society There is nothing as powerful as a new idea in the hands of a first-class entrepreneur. Social entrepreneurs, like other entrepreneurs, are changing the face of business or serving as change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss and improving systems, inventing new approaches, and creating solutions to change society for the better. Just like other business entrepreneurs, some social entrepreneurs are creating entirely new industries or coming up with new solutions to social problems and then implementing them on a large scale.

Excellent examples of how marketdriven solutions have been put to positive effect by social entrepreneurs in solving societal problems can be seen in the fields of microfinance and mobile-banking. For example, once again Chartered Diversified Holdings, which styles itself as a for-profit social venture and which has Rockford connections, is working with various partner financial institutions in Africa to develop a continental electronic payment system using the mobile phone.

In fact, stories abound on how various for-profit or non-profit microfinance institutions (MFIs) are changing the lives of people in the developing economies in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.

The time has come for Rockford social entrepreneurs to develop solutions for the local economy.

Mindful of the fact that we live in a global village, some of these solutions could address social issues on a much wider scale than our immediate environment.

Januarius Jingwa (JJ) Asongu is a professor of international business at Rockford College and founder and former president of the Institute for Research on Global Business.

He’s the chairman of Chartered Financial Assistance, a leading microfinance institution in Cameroon, West Africa. jasongu@rockford.edu.

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

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

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PROFILE

Member Company Profile

Greenlee Textron to celebrate 150 years in manufacturing, community service “Greenlee has a long history in the community, and it is a part of who we are. We are a proud company—proud of the quality products we produce, proud of how we help tradesmen to do their jobs faster, safer and easier, and proud of Rockford, too.”

—Scott Hall, Textron Industrial Segment President

By Paul Anthony Arco In 1862, Robert and Ralph Greenlee started a barrel making company in Chicago that quickly expanded to include woodworking machinery. Eventually, the twin brothers outgrew their space and decided to move to Rockford, where they opened a new plant in 1903.

In Rockford, Greenlee made its first tools for metal working machinery, and soon followed with the company’s first metal working production machines. In the late 1920s, the company introduced a line of metal hole “knockout” punches, and a decade later, rolled out the hydraulicpowered pipe and conduit bender, among the first products developed for electrical contractors.

Today, Greenlee, now a part of global manufacturer Textron, manufactures tools and test instruments used by wire and cable installers. “They are used by electricians to utility linesmen, security installers, and anyone who works with wire and cable,” said Martha Kness, vice president of marketing.

“Our products are sold through distribution, catalogs and retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe’s. Our products help people make their living. How do we make professionals safer, more efficient and more productive? That’s our driving force, and we take pride in our quality and upholding the Greenlee reputation.”

Expansions in the Past Quarter of a Century Greenlee Textron has seen many changes in the last 25 years. In addition to becoming part of Textron, Inc., in 1986, the company acquired Fairmont Hydraulics in 1992, and purchased German tool manufacturer Klauke in 1996. In the last 10 years, Greenlee Textron has expanded in the data/telecommunications equipment industry with the acquisition of several companies, including Paladin Tools, based in Virginia, as well as a joint venture with Rothenberger, a German plumbing tool manufacturer.

Whether customers are looking for knockout punches, conduit benders, cable

pullers, test instruments or the new professional hand tools, the Greenlee name is well known in the industry it serves. “Each of those acquisitions has made us a stronger company,” Kness said. “It’s helped augment business and made us a broader supplier, not just tools for electrical, but for any professional who deal with wire and cable.

It’s allowed us to grow our company into utility, plumbing and other different channels.”

Greenlee Textron has approximately 1,659 employees, including 315 in its Rockford area facilities. As with many companies, Greenlee has been impacted by the economy. Staff totals are down 45 percent since 2007. “We’re tied to commercial construction,” Kness said. “If there are no office buildings, schools and hospitals being built, that impacts our business.”

Involved in Community for More Than 100 Years In 2012, Greenlee Textron will celebrate its 150th anniversary – an important milestone for the company.

“Greenlee has a long history in the community, and it is a part of who we are,” said Textron Industrial Segment President Scott Hall. “We are a proud company – proud of the quality products we produce, proud of how we help tradesmen to do their jobs faster, safer and easier, and proud of Rockford, too.”

Greenlee Textron has been a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for 97 years, and many of its employees are actively involved with several organizations throughout the community, including MELD, Rockford Pro Am, United Way of Rock River Valley, Burpee Museum of Natural History and Discovery Center Museum, Salvation Army Paint-AThon, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Rockford Area Literacy Council and RAMM. “Our employees live here, and we play a part in having a vibrant, healthy community,” Hall said. “Corporations have as much of a role in this as government and individuals. It’s not just

Greenlee, part of global manufacturer Textron, manufactures tools and test instruments used by wire and cable installers. Products are sold at retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe’s. one area’s responsibility. A vibrant, healthy community also helps to attract and retain talented employees.”

Kness is one such employee. She came to work for the company eight years ago.

“I enjoy the fact that we’re a part of a large Fortune 100 company, and the benefits that entail, but we still retain the feel of a small Midwestern company,” she

said. “At Greenlee Textron, we have the best of both worlds.”

GREENLEE TEXTRON 4455 Boeing Dr. Rockford, IL 61109 815-397-7070 www.greenlee.com

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

16 FOCUS ON HOLIDAY SERVICES

Toys “R” Us® announces 2011 From app-interactive playthings, to contemporary plush with peculiar personalities, to items inspired by virtual properties, to good old, “grossout” fun.

App-cessories Disney-Pixar® Cars 2 Appmates™ from Spin Master™ iCade Arcade Cabinet for iPad™ from Ion Audio iMarker™ Digital Stylus + Crayola ColorStudio HD App from Griffin™

KooKoo Zoo 6-Inch KooKoo Birds from Jay at Play International

MY3D Viewer for iPhone/iPod touch from Hasbro®

Smurfs Plush from JAKKS Pacific®

Quirky Stuffed Characters

22-Inch Lion (Jackson) from Plushalicious®

Uglydoll™ Plush from Pretty Ugly, LLC.

Annoying Orange Talking Fresh Squeezed Plush from The Bridge Direct

Tech-Inspired Toys

Gross is Good

Angry Birds™ Knock on Wood Game from Mattel®

The Trash Pack™ from Moose Toys

Mario Kart™ Wii Bowser’s™ Castle Ultimate Building Set™ from K’NEX (Toys“R”Us)

Incredible Edibles Fright Factory from JAKKS Pacific

Need for Speed Porsche GT3 RS Construction Set from MEGA Brands Moshi Monsters™ Moshling MiniFigures 3-pack from Spin Master™ Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventurev™ from Activision®

Doctor Dreadful Zombie Drink Lab from Spin Master™ Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker Creation Station from JAKKS Pacific Source: Toys“R”Us

Fun Facts for Thanksgiving Day In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims, early settlers of Plymouth Colony, held a threeday feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest, an event many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving. The event became a national holiday in 1863 with President Abraham Lincoln’s proclaimation.

President Franklin Roosevelt clarified that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month to encourage earlier holiday shopping.

248 million The number of turkeys

750 million pounds The forecast

expected to be raised in the United States in 2011. That’s up two percent from the number raised during 2010.

The turkeys produced in 2010 together weighed 7.11 billion pounds and were valued at $ 4.37 billion.

for U.S. cranberry production in 2011.

Wisconsin is expected to lead all states in the production of cranberries, with 430 million pounds, followed by Massachusetts (210 million).

pounds of the vined orange gourd.

If you prefer cherry pie, you will be pleased to learn that the nation’s forecasted tart cherry production for 2011 totals 266.1 million pounds, up 40 percent from the 2010 production.

1.1 billion pounds Total production

116.7 million Number of households

2.4 billion pounds The total weight of sweet potatoes produced by major producing states in 2010.

of pumpkins in the major pumpkinproducing states in 2010. Illinois led the country by producing 427 million

across the nation — all potential gathering places for people to celebrate the holiday.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Holiday parties this year: Keep it simple, keep it fun

By Kimberly Buchanan, Eventus With the holiday season upon us, many of you may be planning your office parties.

Trends for corporate parties are changing, with companies scaling back on everything from locations and attendees to food, decor and entertainment. But as many have noted, you still can have a festive celebration without the larger expense.

For those companies going on with holiday parties, event industry vendors note that almost all hosts are scaling back on costs, as well as the number of guests, the amount of food, and the decorations.

Some Holiday Trends for 2011 Here are observations based on conversations and recent trends across the industry.

Yes, corporate holiday parties will have less flamboyant decor. It’s ok to swap out fresh flowers and ice sculptures for nice candles. If you opt to do this, just make sure your décor matches the overall theme of your party.

As far as entertainment, there’s no need to bring in the high-price band. Go local.

There’s great talent right here in the Rock River Valley. You may not have to dress up for the ballroom, but you’ll still have a chance to boogie down. There has been a definite shift to a more intense cocktail-style event instead of the traditional dinner. The

general focus is more on upbeat entertainment, which will build steadily to full-on dancing as the evening progresses.

The main point to remember is that everyone should leave the company gathering having had a fun time. A signature drink is always nice. If you don’t go with a signature, just make sure there’s plenty to go around. And, speaking of getting around. The trend is more cocktailstyle foods. Carving stations are a nice added feature … staffed with chefs with cutlery. And don’t forget the passed trays of holiday-time pastries.

Décor – Find a unique location and scrap the tables of 10 for lounge seating instead so guests can mix and mingle.

And, if you haven’t already booked your holiday event, don’t fret. Many companies are opting to wait until after the holidays to have a nice luncheon delivered to their offices or cocktail parties after work instead of parties at restaurants or hotels, which makes it easier for employees to schedule around family activities. Whatever your choice, keep it simple and fun for everyone.

Employees simply appreciate the gesture.

Kimberly Buchanan is owner of Eventus, an event production and meeting management company based in Rockford.

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

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

Coping with the holidays in times of grief

By Andrew Vitale, Passages Hospice, LLC The holidays. Whether we’re ready for them or not, they’re almost upon us.

From All Hallow’s Eve to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah to Christmas, and another Auld Lang Syne, we’ve been taught that the holidays are for family. Holidays mark the passage of time in our lives. Holidays are the milestones for a family.

Support circles are important – family, friends, church groups, social groups and a grief support group may be necessary.

We cannot pretend there is

Ways to Cope

no pain, but sometimes we

Have a plan A and a plan B. Just because things have always been done one way, doesn’t mean a new tradition can’t be created in the family.

You may have always had Christmas dinner at your house. You don’t have to do it, if you don’t feel like it. Tell family members you don’t feel like it this year. Someone else will take the lead. Bring a dish to pass or a “memory dish” that was your loved one’s favorite, if you feel up to it. There is no right way or wrong way to deal with the holidays.

do this to make those around us comfortable.

What does one do when a loved one has died and is no longer a physical part of our family? If love is a key component of the holidays, especially love for our family, how does one go on without a loved one? For many people, this is the hardest part of grieving.

Holidays magnify our losses. How does one cope? Simply and gently.

The need for support increases during the holidays for most who have had a death of a loved one. Support circles are important – family, friends, church groups, social groups and a grief support group may be necessary.

We cannot pretend there is no pain, but sometimes we do this to make those around us comfortable.

Instead of ignoring or avoiding our feelings of grief, we should “lean into them.” Pain is what we all want to ignore, not the grief. Grieving is our way through the pain. We can incorporate our loved ones and our losses into the holidays.

A Time, Place to Memorialize ■ Offer prayers before holiday meals, naming loved ones and showing all present that they are with the family “in spirit.”

■ Lighting a candle or creating a “sacred space” with a photo of the loved one.

■ Verbally sharing stories.

■ Offering a story online or a blog about the loved one.

■ Have your loved one included in the prayers at your place of worship.

■ Have family members share funny stories about the loved one following dinner.

Some Dos and Don’ts ■ Be gentle and protect yourself.

■ Don’t do more than you want or need.

■ Allow time for feelings – bottled up feeling will only make you physically sick.

■ Journal about your feelings, your loved one, your pain, your joys.

■ Pay attention to children. They sometimes are forgotten mourners and can teach us about patience with ourselves. They offer a new vision of life around us.

Holidays can be difficult for anyone, let alone someone grieving the loss of a loved one. We need to be present to our loss, whether we choose to celebrate or not during the holidays.

During this fresh time of grieving, now more than ever, be gentle with yourself. Don’t do more than you want and don’t do anything that might not serve as a means of peace to your soul or your loss.

Andrew J. Vitale is director of bereavement services, Passages Hospice, LLC. Call 815226-7785.

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

FOCUS ON HOLIDAY SERVICES 17

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

18

MEMBERSHIP

INSIGHT

Member Category of the Month

Guest Perspective

Winning a healthier future through prevention

The following is a listing of Rockford Chamber members highlighted in a specific industry.

APPLIANCES AND TELEVISION, MAJOR APPLIANCES J. Maichle Bacon WCHD

Changing the nation’s focus

BUILDING MATERIALS, RETAIL Benson Stone Company, Inc. The Home Depot

CIGAR, CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO

The United States leads all nations in medical research and medical care, and for all we spend on health care, we should have the healthiest population. Yet for many important health indicators, such as how long we live or what proportion of newborns survive their first year of life, we trail all other developed countries and even many less developed nations.

Changing the Focus It is time to lead again on health by moving away from a health care system focused on sickness and disease to one focused on wellness and prevention. This must include assuring all can afford to see a doctor, but it is also essential that we make it less likely that they need to.

The U.S. spends less than five percent on prevention, despite CDC estimates that 80 percent of cardiovascular disease, 80 percent of type 2 diabetes and 40 percent of cancers could be prevented.

Rising rates of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, and their underlying causes, such as obesity and tobacco use, affect nearly half the population. Seventy-five percent of health care spending, or $1.5 trillion annually, is due to treatment of chronic disease.

In contrast, the U.S. spends less than five percent on prevention, despite CDC estimates that 80 percent of cardiovascular disease, 80 percent of type 2 diabetes and 40 percent of cancers could be prevented by doing three things: getting in shape, eating healthy and stopping smoking.

Al Grace Appliance American TV & Appliance of Rockford, Inc. Guler Appliance Company

Jack’s Cigar & Hookah Lounge

COSMETIC, SKIN CARE iro custom cosmetics Mary Kay Cosmetics - Roz Nma Okeke Mary Kay Cosmetics - Kimberly Russell

CUTLERY

Investing in an Efficient Public Health System More than ever in these challenging economic times, we must have a strong, efficient and effective public health system to reduce the burden of preventable diseases and avoidable health care cost. Such investments create healthier homes, workplaces, schools and communities, and contribute to longer, more productive and fulfilling lives.

With better health: a) children are in school more days and are better able to learn, b) adults are productive and at work more days, and c) seniors keep their independence.

Public health is one of the best buys in health care and must be a top priority in our nation’s effort to realign the health system where health starts – and not just where it ends.

National Prevention Strategy Launched

J. Maichle Bacon, MPH, is president, Illinois Public Health Association and public health administrator, Winnebago County Health Department.

In June for the first time, a National Prevention Strategy was developed to expand the focus of our health care system from mainly treatment to

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

HARDWARE, RETAIL Tri-B Hardward & Supply

JEWELERS Grunos Diamonds Zavius Jewelers

PET CARE SERVICES Go Dog Rockford

PHOTOGRAPHERS, PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Thomas Photography, Inc. Kimberly Neyer Photography Professional Graphics, Inc.

RESALE, CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Tom’s Cutlery

encompass prevention measures. The strategy’s four goals include Healthy and Safe Community Environments, Clinical and Community Prevention Services, Empowered People, and Elimination of Health Disparities. The Prevention and Public Health Trust Fund (i.e., part of health care reform – the Affordable Care Act) is the first dedicated source of funding to bring greater balance in resources so vital to prevention.

Logli Supermarkets Logli Supermarkets - Charles Street Logli Supermarkets - Rockton Avenue Woodmans Food Market, Inc.

DEPARTMENT STORES /FARM SUPPLIES

Thrifty Boutique Resale Shoppe

Wal Mart - Loves Park Wal Mart - Riverside & Owen Center Farm & Fleet of Rockford

Ideal Wireless IL, Inc. Sams Club, A Division of Wal-Mart Stores

FISHING TACKLE, RETAIL Anglers Edge Fishing & Marine

FLORISTS

RETAIL MERCHANDISING

SHOES Ackerman Shoes

SHOPPING CENTERS

Enders Flowers CherryVale Mall Pepper Creek/Fourth Street Greenhouse Highcrest Centre Windmill Hill LC FOOD, GOURMET Popcorn Parlor, Inc.

TRAVEL AGENCY

FORMALWEAR /MEN’S APPAREL

AAA Rockford Camelot World Travel Lindstrom Travel

Joseph A. Bank Mens Wearhouse, Inc. Parks Big & Tall

FURNITURE American TV & Appliance of Rockford, Inc. Ashley Furniture Homestore Fisher’s Ethan Allen Simply Amish

CANDLES/GIFTS Candles and Suds Just Goods, A Fair Trade Marketplace

GROCERY STORES /GROCERY STORE, ETHNIC Amana Food Market Hilander Foods, Inc.

T-SHIRTS Boughetto

WINE, RETAIL/WINE, SPIRITS DISTRIBUTORS Artale Wine Co. WineShop at Home

WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES BOUTIQUE/WOMEN’S APPAREL ACCESSORIES /HANDBAGS, RETAIL Inspirations Isa’s Boutique Maurices Miche Bags of IL Roxy Carmichael, LLC

Member-to-member Loyalty Card Cut out and write your company name on the card below.

Give it to the member you are doing business with to show your support of member-to-member business.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Developing young nonprofit leaders A leadership gap is coming, and it will be here faster than you think. We already have started seeing nonprofit executives stepping down in the area, and more will follow. As baby boomers begin to retire, and as nonprofits form and grow, there will be a shortage of qualified individuals to take on leadership roles. So what can we do to prepare future nonprofit leaders?

A 2008 study, Ready to Lead? Next Generation Leaders Speak Out, by the Casey Foundation, the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, and Idealist.org, interviewed almost 6,000 people across the country about heading a nonprofit organization. They defined nextgeneration leaders as individuals under the age of 40.

The survey found that a significant number of younger people are willing to lead, but they might not be quite ready. One in three respondents aspired to be an executive director someday, but felt there were significant barriers holding them back.

Barriers for Next-Generation Nonprofit Leaders Nonprofit jobs often include long hours, and many perceive these jobs to have lower pay scales than private sector jobs. The industry lacks mentors who can help young professionals improve skills and experience. There is the feeling that there are no development opportunities or a clear career path. Of those surveyed, 46 percent said they needed to further develop external connections and networks, 45 percent felt they needed to further develop technical or management skills required by the executive role, and 33 percent needed to further develop leadership capabilities.

Many of the barriers listed in the articles are ones I hear about in our own community. Future leaders are looking for opportunities to grow their leadership experience, learn new skills, and network.

And current nonprofit leaders are looking for young talent with a passion for the organization’s mission. So where does the disconnect come from, and how do we fix it?

Fostering Future Leaders Let’s start with current nonprofit leaders. If you have someone in your organization that you see as a future leader, help them build their skills. Have them attend meetings, work on projects with different departments, attend board meetings, or send them to a networking event that you cannot attend. Give them an opportunity to learn the organization as a whole. It’s important to be a mentor. If they feel they have someone they can turn to when they have questions, and who is helping them develop leadership skills, they will feel more confident and want to

Karissa Kienast stay with the Prairie State organization.

Legal Services For those looking to be a nonprofit leader, take control of your career! Ask for opportunities to lead initiatives and special projects. Find workshops, trainings or groups to help develop skills. Try to gain a broad range of experiences. See if you can help write a grant, ask your supervisor for a small budget that you can maintain, or volunteer to assist with the next fundraiser.

While joining a board of directors can give you invaluable experience, don’t feel this has to be your goal. If you find an organization that fits your passion, start as a volunteer. It offers a great introduction to the organization without the pressures of fundraising or executive decisions. When the time is right, discuss sitting on the board.

Resources to Get You Started Some of these may seem like daunting tasks, but our area already has some great resources to get you started. For nonprofits, use resources like the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE). Send your future leaders to NICNE sessions, including the new Leadership Exchange for Young Nonprofit Professionals. The group gives young professionals and those new to the nonprofit industry a broad view of nonprofits and develops their leadership skills. List your openings for board members on wevolunteer.org or contact IGNITE, which just launched the Next Generation Board Member Program.

Nonprofits can submit a form with open board positions and IGNITE contacts you with a member who shares an interest in your organization’s mission and goals.

Future leaders also can submit an application to the Next Generation Board Program and attend the Leadership Exchange. These are great opportunities to network and gain leadership skills.

I encourage you to get involved. Find a nonprofit that shares your passion and ask how you can help. Find a mentor, someone who can help you find external networks, develop skills and provide guidance for your questions. Finally, just ask! Take the initiative and talk to your executive director about taking on more responsibilities and working with other departments.

Working together, we can fill this leadership gap with skilled, confident young professionals who are able to lead their organizations into the future.

Karissa Kienast is communications officer at Prairie State Legal Services.

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

19

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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New Chamber Members MEMBERS ADVANCE HOME HEALTHCARE, LTD. Providing Skilled Nursing, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, Medical Social Workers & Home Health Aides 975 N. Main St., Ste. 106, 61103 Gino Viola / 815-997-0575 www.advancehomehealthltd.com

AIM DISTRIBUTION Distributor of Janitorial, Paper, Plastic, Maintenance, Printing, Safety & Shipping Supplies 510 18th Ave., 61104 Gordy Hall 815-986-2770 www.aimweb.biz

BENCHMARK HEALTH CORP Up Close and Personal Home Health Care 975 N. Main St., Ste. 104, 61103 Maggie Walker 815-668-3460 www.benchmarkhealthcorp.com

BUSINESS ADVISORS GROUP, LLC CPAs and Advisors to Businesses and Owners Assisting in Operational Planning, Tax and Financial Planning, Bank Relations, etc., Acting as an Outside CFO 801 N. Perryville Rd., 61107 David Odling, CPA 815-398-1470 www.businessadvisors.cc

CROSSOVER PROTECTION SERVICES

RCR PREMIER PRESERVATION LLC

Indoor Inflatable Playground with Open Play and Party Facilities. Full Service Armed and Unarmed Security Guard Services, Security Patrols, Event Security, Concession Area with Parents Area 6663 E. State St., 61108 Self Defense Training, Consulting Trace Upchurch 715 7th St., 61104 815-399-5637 Doug Pann www.monkeyjoes.com/rockford 815-963-7055 www.crossoverprotection.com

Offering a Wide Array of Services Within the General Contracting Industry Including Residential 5332 Hawkeye Trail Machesney Park, IL 61115 Richard McDonald 815-639-0458 www.rcrpremier.com

DIAMOND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INC.

ROCKFORD TRANSPORT INC.

Full Service Janitorial Company, Commercial and Residential, General Contracting, Landscaping and Lawn Care and Snow Plowing 7215 Clinton Road Loves Park, IL 61111 Cora McFadden 815-398-9760 www.weshineabovetherest.com

JAVAMANIA COFFEE ROASTERY Local Small Batch Coffee Roaster.

Distributor of JavaMania Coffee and Coffee/Tea Related Equipment & Products 8179 Starwood Dr., Ste. 4 Loves Park, IL 61111 Sandi Keller 815-885-4661 www.javamaniacoffee.com

Membership Renewals Thank you to the members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber in September.

A.A.T. Infrared, Inc. A-1 Dry Cleaners & Laundry Advance Window System Alhark Corporation Allyüe Hair & Nail Salon Ashley Furniture Homestore Bankhead Preparatory School Baymont Inn & Suites Bergstrom Inc. Bickford of Rockford Bisconti Computers Inc. Briargate Management, LLC Briggs Floor Sanding & Refinishing Clifton Gunderson LLP ComElec-East, Inc. Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild Rockford Cream City Scale LLC Cremation Society of Illinois Cronies Grill Crystal Precision Drilling, Inc. Culver’s Restaurant DRS Skinners’ Amusements Inc. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International Family Home Health and Hospice Forest Hills Village Fran Kral Inc. Header Die & Tool, Inc. Holiday Inn Express Home Environment Center of Rockford, Ltd. Illinois Department of Employment Security

MONKEY JOE’S PARTIES & PLAY

IMEC Kelly Epperson, Happiness Coach & Consultant Ken McEachran Agency, Ltd. Kryptonite Music Lounge Lexxon Networks, Inc. Maculan Chiropractic Clinic Mary-Stuart Carruthers Minuteman Press NorthPointe Terrace Northwestern Illinois Association Supported Employment Program Nutrition Works, Inc. PIC Physical Therapy Premium Oil Company Rockford Area Hotel-Motel Association Rockford Bell Credit Union Rockford Capital Leasing Rockford Promise Rockford Speedway/ Forest Hills Lodge Rockford Toolcraft, Inc. Texas Roadhouse Thayer Lighting, Inc. The Alliance the groundUP s.s.i. (gUs, inc) The Valspar Corporation Voyager Capital Management Warner Furniture Refinishing Wesley Willows Winnebago County Bar Association Winnebago County Schools Credit Union

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY-JOHNSONTHACKER GROUP

Wealth Management, Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Qualified Plan Services & Consulting 2126 N. Perryville Rd., Ste. B, 61107 M. Beth Thacker & Kelly Johnson 815-639-4100 www.morganstanley.com/ fa/melissa.thacker

MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY – THE PCMW GROUP Wealth Management, Financial Services, Investment, Retirement Planning, Education, Planning, Risk Management 2126 N. Perryville Rd., Ste. B, 61107 James P. Meisch 815-639-4140 www.morganstanley.com /fa/thepcmwgroup

NAZCA ENERGY LLC Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Municipal Applications 3814 11th St., 61109 Edward Caceres & Marius Morosanu 815-556-1953/815-262-2019 www.nazcaenergy.com

NOAH’S ARK ANIMAL SANCTUARY, INC. Rockford’s Only No Kill Shelter Since 1978. Adoption Center with Expanded Services to Include a Full-Service Veterinary Clinic 111 N. 1st St., 61107 Mike Schaer / 815-962-2767 www.noahsarkanimals.org

PERSONAL FINANCE CO. Meeting the Financial Needs of Consumers for Over 70 years 270 N. Mulford Rd., 61108 Todd M. Schneeman 815-226-5650

PITNEY BOWES Offering Mail Creation, Production, and Mailing Hardware, Software, Logistics and Supplies Chris Palmer 815-519-0172 www.pb.com

RBG SUPPLY, LLC Supplier of Janitorial, Food Services, and Packaging Supplies P.O. Box 2741 Loves Park, IL 61132 Brad Brubaker 855-724-1724 www.rbg-supply.com

Providing Commercial/Residential Weekly Trash Removal; Dumpster Rental; Recycle for Over 20 Years P.O. Box 7866, 61126 Craig Sockwell 815-633-4285 www.rockfordtransport.com

RYCOM Effective Graphic Design and Innovative Advertising for Local Businesses.

Advertising, Specialty, Internet Marketing P.O. Box 15624 Loves Park, IL 61132 Ryan Rydell 815-914-1766 www.ryanrydell.com

SACO USA (ILLINOIS) INC. Providing Import D.C. Motors, Auto Parts, and Machining Parts and Materials for the Manufacturing Industries 3391 Sage Dr., 61114 Z.J. Chen 815-877-8832

SEESMART LED SOLUTIONS Manufactures a Complete Line of LED Lighting Products (American Manufactured) for Commercial and Residential Applications 2723 Green Apple Lane, 61107 Henry Eskildsen 815-986-2979 www.seesmartled.com

SPRINGLEAF FINANCIAL SERVICES Financial Services Including Consumer Lending, Financial, Loans, Mortgages, Retail Financing, Vehicle, Auto 211 Elm St., Ste. D, 61101 Brandon Johnson 815-968-2473 www.springleaffinancial.com

STEP INTO WEIGHT LOSS, A DIVISION OF STEP INTO WELLNESS Release 34 Pounds in 6 Weeks Reset the Metabolism 5301 E. State St., Ste. 206, 61108 Starr Pittaway, CNHP 815-316-2232 www.yourstepintowellness.com

THE DATACENTER DATA PROTECTION INC. Providing Local Off-Site Vaulting of Client Data Assets, Co-Location of Client Servers Within Our DataCenter Infrastructure & Automated On-Line Backup and Restore of Client Data 4901 Colt Road, 61109 Timothy Goodwin 815-874-2100 www.thedatacenter-us.com

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

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Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY Midwest Manufacturing Output Increased The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 0.6% in August, to a seasonally adjusted level of 85.0 (2007 = 100). Regional output in August rose 7.6 percent from a year earlier, and national output increased 4.2 percent. Updated Sept. 27, 2011 Monthly Index

% Change

Jun 11

Jul 11

Aug 11

Chicago Mfg. Index

84.2

84.4

85.0

CFMMI-Auto

75.7

76.8

77.4

CFMMI-Steel

82.0

82.8

83.5

CFMMI-Machinery

84.0

83.5

84.6

CFMMI-Resource

90.7

90.5

90.4

National Index

90.9

91.4

91.8

Aug 10 - Aug 11

7.6 10.3 17.1 12.8 0.8 4.2

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Unemployment Rates—Region, State, Nation Aug 2011

July 2011

Aug 10

Change/Mo.

Rockford

13.1

12.1

14.7

Chicago

10.4

10.5

9.7

1.0 0.1

Illinois

10.0

10.0

9.9

0.0

United States

9.1

9.3

9.5

0.2

Change/Yr.

1.6 0.7 0.1 0.4

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security, Sept. 22, 2011

Second highest homeownership rate on record U.S. Indicators September, 2011 Consumer Price Index 0.3 percent Unemployment Rate 9.1 percent Payroll Employment 103,000

Housing Inventory Grows in South, West

Producer Price Index 0.8 percent

The national housing inventory increased by 15.8 million units, or 13.6 percent, from 2000 to 2010 in all states but grew faster in the South and West than in the Midwest and Northeast. Notably, housing inventory by percentage increased the most in Nevada (41.9 percent), Arizona (29.9 percent), Utah (27.5 percent), Idaho (26.5 percent) and Georgia (24.6 percent). No states in either the Midwest or the Northeast experienced a percentage change in housing inventory greater than the national increase of 13.6 percent.

Employment Cost Index

0.7 percent (second quarter, 2011) Productivity

0.7 percent (second quarter, 2011) U.S. Import Price Index

0.3 percent

U.S. Export Price Index

0.4 percent

November 2011 Member Anniversaries 30-YEAR MEMBER Rockford Toolcraft, Inc.

25-YEAR MEMBERS GrahamSpencer Inspired Strategic Communication Independence Village at Rockford

20-YEAR MEMBER Sandray Precision Grinding, Inc.

5-YEAR MEMBERS Coronado Performing Arts Center Maurices

Midwest Building Management Professional Graphics, Inc. Rockford Bank & Trust Co. – Wyman Street City of Rockford Saint Anthony College of Nursing Summit Radiology Winnebago County Housing Authority Winnebago County Regional Planning & Economic Development

The U.S. Census Bureau released information showing homeownership rates as the second highest on record at the decade mark (2010), behind only 2000. Still homeownership decreased by 1.1 percentage points to 65.1 percent between 2000 and 2010 — the largest decrease for a decade since 1930 to 1940.

Average Hourly Earnings $0.04

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Thank you to the following members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in November, 2011.

Still homeownership falls from 2000 mark

Population Clocks

Oct. 19, 2011

U.S. 312,449,546 World 6,969,292,767 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Homeownership Greatest in the Midwest The homeownership rate was greatest in the Midwest (69.2 percent), followed by the South (66.7 percent), the Northeast (62.2 percent) and the West (60.5 percent). West Virginia (73.4 percent) and Minnesota (73.0 percent) had the highest homeownership rates in 2010 as well as in 2000.

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Woodward, Inc., established the Office of the Chairman to oversee Woodward’s global strategic direction focused on the aerospace and energy markets comprised of Thomas A. Gendron, chairman, and chief executive officer, and Robert F. Weber, Jr., chief financial officer and treasurer.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center awarded a $1,750 grant from the Community Arts & Humanities Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for a free student outreach with the NIU Steelband, a 35-member ensemble led by Liam Teague, which conducts steelpan lectures/demonstrations and mini-concerts for up to 850 area students and teachers.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois opened a new 16,000-squarefoot retail store at 11900 Kreutzer Road in Huntley, including a drive-thru donation center.

SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere will broaden its range of surgical services, including podiatry, gynecology and orthopedic surgeries, with the opening in fall of a $3.6 million, 4,975-square-foot surgical area containing two of the latest high-tech, smart operating room suites.

Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza held a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of its new 1,800 square-foot pavilion with a permanent shelter that makes the site a year-round visitor destination and venue for activities and events.

PS Designs & More, Inc., was hired

by Boone County Crime Stoppers to design and develop its new Web site, www.boonecountycrimestoppers.com , which encourages the community to get involved in solving crimes with an anonymous online exchange of information between a tip report and Crime Stopper contact person. www.askforpsdesigns.com Hartsough Dermatology hired Argyle Marketing to develop a custom Facebook fan page to promote its skin care treatments and services.

Congressman Don Manzullo (REgan), chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia & the Pacific, Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen, Winnebago County Farm Bureau President Earl Williams Jr., and farmers from northern Illinois joined a delegation of 21 Taiwanese business leaders and officials in September to sign letters of intent for Taiwan to purchase up to $5 billion in corn and soybeans from American farmers.

Wipfli LLP offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Spokane,

Wash., closed their doors on Sept. 29 for Community Day. Rockford associates donated time at Circles of Learning, Rockford Day Nursery, and Zion Development – Longwood Gardens Senior Housing Facility.

Judson University honored 12 students in a ceremony for completing certificates in SpanishEnglish Ministry Studies in September in Herrick Chapel of Judson’s Elgin campus. The program was created in collaboration with several local churches.

The Music Academy opened up its new home to the community in Loreen Hall, 226 S. Second St., in the heart of Haight Village, in October.

The not-for-profit community school of music for 26 years has provided high quality and affordable music education to those six months of age to adults. Faculty consists of 30 skilled professional artists as teachers of piano, strings and voice.

Nearly 800 people traveled to Rockford in September to attend a four-day training conference and workshop hosted by Rockford-based Reformers Unanimous International to learn how to more effectively help individuals working to overcome addictions at North Love Baptist Church.

RAMP received an AT&T Investing in Illinois Grant through a nomination by State Reps. Dave Winters, Joe Sosnowski and Bob Pritchard and State Sens. Christine Johnson and Dave Syverson to provide independent living services for people with disabilities in Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb and Stephenson counties.

Aetna Plywood, Inc., a wholesale distribution company, purchased the St. Croix Valley Hardwoods Forest Products Division, based in White Bear Lake, Minn., broadening its market reach to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., metropolitan area. Aetna services Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and portions of Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky.

Popcorn Parlor, Inc., opened at Edgebrook on the ground level next to Annie’s with gourmet popcorn and 24 flavors of soft serve ice cream, 48 flavors of salt water taffy, nostalgic candies, gourmet sweets, flavoring spoons for beverages, chocolatecovered fruits and nuts, various lollipops and tons of packaged candies.

Bourn & Koch, Inc., a maker of machine tools on Kishwaukee Street in Rockford, is receiving $2.175 million in federal stimulus funds to remanufacture wind turbine gearboxes. It was one of five companies receiving funding in the second round of Green Industry

Business Development Grants by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is part of Illinois’ energy plan.

Wipfli LLP ranked number nine of value-added resellers in the nation based on revenue generated, in a survey conducted by Accounting Today of professional services firms and ERP software resellers. INSIDE Public Accounting named Wipfli one of the Top Five Fastest-Growing Firms in the nation, as well as an All-Star Firm, based on performance in management and growth.

The Rockford Park District received a $7,840 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to purchase 100 recycling collection containers for Sportscore One and Sportscore Two for plastic bottles, aluminum and paper.

Rockford Public Library’s digital collection now is compatible with the Amazon® Kindle through OverDrive, its provider of eBooks and audio books. OverDrive supports Windows®, Mac®, iPod®, iPhone®, iPad®, Sony® Reader, NOOKTM, AndroidTM, BlackBerry® and Windows® Phone.

KMK Media Group, Inc., completed a German-based Web site for Galleon Strategic Partners in Colorado at www.gspglobal.de, and a site for Pearson Heating, Cooling and Pest Control at www.pearsonguy.com.

Bounce TV, the nation’s first over-theair broadcast television network programmed for African-American audiences, launched in Rockford on WQRF-TV 39.2, owned and operated by Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. Comcast subscribers in the Rockford area can access the network on digital channel 818 (in Rochelle digital channel 349).

The Carrie Lynn Center and MERIT, the Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, formed an advisory board to assist in increasing the awareness of child abuse in Winnebago and Boone counties.

JX Peterbilt–Rockford donated $385 to the Rock River Valley Pantry through its Casual for a Cause program at its 13 locations throughout Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Casual for a Cause encouraged associates to make a $3 weekly donation in exchange for wearing jeans on Fridays. The location which collects the most chooses which charity to donate to that month.

The SwedishAmerican Health System Diabetes Self-Management Center received the American Diabetes Association Education

Recognition Certificate for highquality education as an essential component in effective diabetes treatment.

YWCA of Rockford announced that Naomi Tutu, third child of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, will return as keynote speaker for the 2012 Leader Luncheon.

Savant Capital Management, Inc., was recognized with two Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) certifications for the fourth consecutive year.

Keith Country Day School celebrated the 96th anniversary of Founders Day on Oct. 16 on campus, within the Gaylord Commons.

SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere held a ribboncutting ceremony on Oct. 5 to dedicate its $3.6 million surgical area.

Rockford City Market won the Gold Pinnacle Award for the Best New Event with budgets under $250,000 from the International Festival and Event Association. This year the event brought more than 40,000 people to downtown Rockford.

The Greater Rockford Music Teachers Association was awarded a $1,000 grant by the Community Arts & Humanities Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for “A Journey Into Composition with Catherine McMichael,” an event to be held on Nov. 4 and 5 at the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center.

Rockford Art Museum was awarded a $1,750 grant by the Community Arts and Humanities Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois for its annual Young Artist Show, to be on display in spring, 2012.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois celebrated in October the opening of its new 16,000-squarefoot retail store, which includes a drive-thru donation center, at 11900 Kreutzer Road in Huntley, Ill. Rock Valley College, EIGERlab, will start a TechWorks Fast-Track CNC machine morning program at 605 Fulton Ave., on Dec. 14. Local companies have expressed a need for these skilled employees. Call 815-316-6354.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden’s winter hours take effect beginning in November from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Visitors are welcome for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter bird watching. Visit www.klehm.org.

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Business Briefs PS Designs & More, Inc., designed promotional materials for the Children’s Home + Aid Great Holiday Giveaway raffle to support MotherHouse Crisis Nursery and the Early Prevention in the Community (EPIC). Drawing on Dec. 5 on WREX TV News Today.

Visit www.childrens homeandaid.org/raffle.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois launched its fall Creative Funding Opportunity Program in which cadettes, seniors and ambassadors (grades 6 to 12) connect with Rockford business owners and explore various careers by offering businesses an online means to purchase quality items for corporate gift giving. Partner with a local Girl Scout entrepreneur by e-mailing info@girlscoutsni.org by Dec. 1.

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Ritu Bhargava Company: Shelter Insurance Position: Agent How long have you been an Ambassador?

2 years What do you like most about being an Ambassador? I love being an Ambassador because I get to meet people from all different businesses in our community. I also get to visit the new businesses opening in town. At Shelter, we believe very strongly in being part of our community and being an Ambassador is our way of giving something back.

Members Caught on Digital ON DIGITAL

Many thanks to Lamar Advertising for helping to promote the Regional Expo!

December Focus on

Financial Planning For information on advertising,

call 815-

987-8100

THE VOICE ONLINE NOW ON ISSUU™ Read favorite articles in full screen mode in the size you want. Print and send to friends with the click of a button.

Click on advertisements of interest to go to company Web sites to learn more and interact quickly.

Visit www.rockford chamber.com to experience the new Voice!

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Member in the News IN THE NEWS

1. Michael J. Williams

2. J. Maichle Bacon

3. Wiquas Hussain

4. Marilyn Griffin, M.D.

5. Magdalena Nowak, M.D.

6. Nameer Al Mardini, M.D.

7. Bryan Redington

8. Michael Van Vleet

11. Sean Beckmann, Ph.D.

12. Troy Skwor, Ph.D

13. Debra Gill

14. Denise Boxleitner

15. Matthew Dahlstrom, Ph.D.

16. Jeannine Scherenberg, Ed.D

17. Jean C. Harezlak, Ed.S

18. Chih-Ming Chung, Ph.D.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Michael J. Williams (1), executive director, Rock River Training Corporation, The Workforce Connection, was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to serve as a member of the Illinois Workforce Investment Board.

J. Maichle Bacon (2), Winnebago County Health Department public health director, was elected for a twoyear term as president of the Illinois Public Health Association.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS PR Etc., hired Wiquas Hussain (3) as account executive, responsible for overseeing the strategic marketing initiatives and implementation for Alkoblan, a manufacturer of pipes and pipe fittings serving markets in Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford welcomed Marilyn Griffin, M.D. (4), as a psychiatrist at University Psychiatric Services.

Magdalena Nowak, M.D. (5), joined Rockford Health Physicians – Perryville, 3401 N. Perryville Road in

Rockford, in family practice medicine.

She is accepting new patients.

SwedishAmerican Health System announced its new cancer specialist, Nameer Al Mardini, M.D., MPH (6).

Rockford Data Management welcomed Bryan Redington (7) as its new business development manager.

Michael Van Vleet (8) accepted the position as security manager for Rockford Health System.

Michelle Angileri joined Savant Capital Management as a marketing coordinator. Matt Armstrong transitioned to a financial advisor and member of the advisory team for Savant Portfolios. Kathy Pirtle was promoted to human resources manager.

Rockford College welcomes new faculty and staff for fall, 2011. Sean Beckmann, Ph.D. (11), assistant professor, biology; Troy Skwor, Ph.D. (12), assistant professor, biology; Debra Gill (13), instructor, nursing; Denise Boxleitner (14), assistant professor, nursing; Matthew Dalstrom, Ph.D (15)., assistant professor, anthropology;

Jeannine Scherenberg, Ed.D (16), assistant professor, economics, business & accounting; Jean C. Harezlak, Ed.S. (17), assistant professor, education; Chih-Ming (Ryan) Chung, Ph.D. (18), institutional research coordinator; Nellie Miller (19), marketing director; Rita Elliott (20), director of communications, and Caitlin Ludwig (21)), alumni relations coordinator.

Edith Makra Kusnierz (22) will join Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden in December as its new community trees advocate, leading the Community Trees Program working towards a sustainable community sheltered under a vibrant canopy of diverse, enduring trees.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste named Congressman Don Manzullo (REgan) a Taxpayer Hero in its vote rankings for the 2010 Congressional legislative session.

Beth Thacker (23) completed Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s rigorous investment studies program in New York and joined the firm’s

wealth management office in Rockford at 2126 N. Perryville Road as a financial advisor.

Mary Breeden (24), Alpine Bank assistant vice president, merchant services, received the Certified Treasury Professional® (CTP) designation.

James M. Coons (25), vice president at Stillman Bank, received his diploma in August from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Local League of United Latin American Citizens Council #5236 honored Judson University President Dr. Jerry B. Cain (27) as Man of the Year at its 10th anniversary celebration in September.

La Voz Latina Hispanic Resource Development Center honored Sandra Berumen (26), interim director for the Winnebago County Health Department Family Health Services Center, with the 2011 Latinos of Distinction award.

The Illinois Department of Public Health honored Todd Kisner (28), Winnebago County Health Department’s Ryan White Program supervisor, with the 2011 Arlene

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

25

Member in the News IN THE NEWS

19. Nellie Miller

20. Rita Elliott

21. Caitlin Ludwig

22. Edith Makra Kusnierz

23. Beth Thacker

24. Mary Breeden

25. James M. Coons

26. Sandra Berumen

27. Todd Kisner

28. Patti Bigger

29. Jakob J. Thompson, CPA

30. Denise Nichols

31. Laurie Drake

32. Gina Jay

33. Pam Maher

Photo by Kevin Sherman.

27. LULAC Woman of the Year Helen Strom; LULAC Judson Scholarship recipients Angelica Salgado and Gustin Martinez; LULAC Man of the Year Jerry B. Cain, Judson University president.

Valentine Sustained HIV/STD Leadership award for outstanding leadership in HIV/STD prevention and care in a public health setting.

The American Business Women’s Association named Patti Bigger (28) of Rockford as a 2012 Top Ten Business Women of the Year — the highest honor awarded to an ABWA member.

Jakob J. Thompson, CPA (29), audit and tax senior for Sikich LLP, received the Illinois State University College of Business Early Career Achievement Award.

Denise Nichols (30), facility director at Advanced Therapy Solutions, became board certified in biofeedback by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance.

Laurie Drake (31) and Gina Jay (32) also are part of the facility specializing in abdominal and pelvic floor therapy and physical and occupational therapy.

Terry Gagliano, security manager, and Wilburn Combs, security supervisor, both of SwedishAmerican Health System, were honored with Patriot awards from the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Stacy Wallace, marketing manager for LDR Cleaning & Restoration, attended the 2011 DKI Marketing Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. LDR is a member of Disaster Kleenup International, the largest disaster restoration contracting organization in North America.

Pam Maher (33), CEO of KMK Media Group, Inc., presented “Are Your Media Relations Hot? If Not, Turn up the Heat!” at the Rockford Chamber’s Regional Business Expo, and “Time to Use the ‘Other’ Half of Your Brain!” to HamiltonSundstrand’s Women in Aerospace group, which can be found at www.kmkmedia.com/aerospace.

Keith Country Day School honored former student, Mitchell Oliveira, a seventh-grader who died in spring, 2011, after a nine-year battle with leukemia, with the dedication of a new soccer scoreboard.

Matt Reynolds, vice president and banking center manager, and Pat McCoy, human resource officer at Blackhawk Bank, attended the 67th annual session of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in August.

Dr. Brian Knabe, financial advisor with Savant Capital Management and a practicing physician, presented “Opportunities Available for Physicians in the Financial Industry and How to Obtain Them,” at the eighth-annual SEAK NonClinical Careers Conference in Chicago in September.

Marge Bevers, FTZ administrator at the Chicago Rockford International Airport, attended the 39th annual National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones conference and expo, “Building Businesses & Communities Through Trade,” in September in New Orleans.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION 1. Publication Title: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community 2. Publication Number: 784-120 3. Filing Date: 09/30/2011 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: $25 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101-1104 Winnebago County.

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Same as above.

9. Publisher: Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101-1104.

Editor: N/A Managing Editor: Doug Hessong, same as above.

10. Owner: Rockford Chamber of Commerce Complete Mailing Address: 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101-1104.

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities.

Full Name: N/A Complete Mailing Address: N/A 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates.) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months.

13. Publication Title: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: September 2011 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation a. Total Number Copies (Net Press Run) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 6,000 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 6,000 b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 218 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 240 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 3,328 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 3,220 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® : Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: N/A Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: N/A (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: N/A Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: N/A

c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b(1)(2),(3), and (4)) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 3,546 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 3,460 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: N/A Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: N/A (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: N/A Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: N/A (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: N/A Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: N/A 4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 1,900 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 1,900 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d(1),(2),(3), and (4) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 1,900 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 1,900 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 5,446 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 5,360 g. Copies not Distributed Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 554 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 640 h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 6,000 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 6,000 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 65% Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 64% 16. This statement of ownership will be printed in the November 2011 issue of this publication.

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties): Signed: Doug Hessong, Dir. of Publications and Technology Date: Sep. 29, 2011

November 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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Community Events EVENTS NOVEMBER, 2011

Monday, November 7

Tuesday, November 1

Rockford Public Library presents NEHA Food Safety Training, Nov. 7 to 9, noon to 8 p.m., Friends of RPL community room, 6685 E. State St. Ross Brockett will teach on how to pass CFP-ANSI accredited food safety manager exams. Registration required.

Call 815-965-7606.

The Literacy Council kicks off a free Volunteer Tutor Workshop, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere. Learn techniques for teaching reading and English as a Second Language to adults. Call Stephanie at 815-963-READ or visit www.theliteracycouncil.org.

Rockford Public Library hosts Day of the Dead, 4 to 7:30 p.m., Montague Branch, Connie Lane Room, 2138 S. Winnebago St.; and the East Branch, 6685 E. State St. Registration required. Call 815-965-7606.

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Rockford College offers its Faith-Based Leadership Certificate Program with the Rev. Pam Hillenbrand and the Rev. Bob Hillenbrand on Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., room 116, 5100 E. State St., near campus. Visit www.rockford .edu/?NICNE or contact Karen Ream, 815-394-4384, KReam@rockford.edu.

Wednesday, November 2 The Rockford Chamber Advantage Club Originals host the third-annual Good Morning Rockford! with a TP Tower to benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission, 7 to 9 a.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn, 7675 Walton St., Rockford.

Visit advantageclub rockford.com/tpstore.html to donate cases of toilet paper by RBG Supply at a discounted rate, delivered the morning of the event.

Thursday, November 3 United For Our Children presents The State of Illinois Charter Schools as part of its fall education series, 11:45 a.m., and 4 p.m., at Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford. Speaker is Andrew Broy, CEO of Illinois Network of Charter Schools. Contact RALMmail@aol.com or 815-962-4279 to register.

Healthy Balance Reflexology Clinic, 6053 Fincham Dr., presents a six-week series, Learn the Art and Science of Foot Reflexology, from 6 to 8 p.m.

To register, call Karla at 815-519-4977.

Visit www.healthy balancereflex ology.com for details.

Friday, November 4 The NIU Steelband Student Outreach Event takes place at 10 a.m., Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St., Rockford.

Free. Call 815-964-9713 or visit www.mendelssohnpac.org.

Saturday, November 5 Saint Anthony College of Nursing hosts a fall Open House from 9 a.m. to noon at its main campus, 5658 E. State St., and its OSF Guilford Square campus, 698 Featherstone Road, both in Rockford. Call 815-395-5091.

Sunday, November 6 Discovery Center Museum presents Smashing Pumpkins, 1 to 4 p.m. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

United For Our Children presents The Role of Federal Government in Funding and Equity in Public Schools as part of its fall education series, 6:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St. Speaker is Ralph Matire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, Federal Department of Education. Light dinner at 6 p.m. Register at lwvgr@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, November 9 AAIM Employers’ Association Education Center presents The Difference Between Stress and Burnout: Implications for Leadership as part of its 2011 Leadership Webinar series from 1 to 2 p.m. Register at www.eaconnect.com or 800-948-5700.

Thursday, November 10 Women of Today’s Manufacturing presents Bring Your Daughter or Son to WOTM at 5:30 p.m., at Lino’s.

Presenter is Elizabeth Kautzmann, “Laser Liz,” product manager – laser at FANUC FA America. Register by Nov. 4 at www.wotm-rockford .com (events page). Contact 815-282-7581 or diane@superiorjt.com for questions.

Judson University hosts an Overnight Preview Event, starting at 5:30 p.m., lower level of the Betty Lindner Campus Commons at the Elgin (Ill.) campus, 1151 N. State St. Stay overnight in a dorm room with current students. On Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. are informational sessions, tours and more.

Visit www.judsonu.edu/visitJudson.

Friday, November 11 Rockford Symphony Orchestra presents SoundBites with Music Director Steven Larsen at noon at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford. Free but reservations recommended. Call 815965-0049 or visit www.rockfordsymphony.com.

Rockford Art Museum presents its annual Arts College Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Free. Students can learn about degree programs and career opportunities. Contact ssauer@rockfordart museum.org, 815972-2874 or visit www.rockfordartmuseum.org /leadership_day.html.

Saturday, November 12 Christopher Sliva, M.D., presents a free Community Health Care Talk on common spinal disorders and their treatments from 9 to 11 a.m., at Rockford Spine Center, 2902

McFarland Road, Ste. 300. RSVP to Krystal at 815-316-6873.

Monday, November 14 United For Our Children presents Neighborhood Development and Educational Outcomes as part of its fall education series, 11:45 a.m., at Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford.

Speaker is Noel Castellanos, CEO of Christian Community Development Association. Register at RALMmail@ aol.com or 815-962-4279.

The FABTECH trade show, sponsored by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, welcomes Congressman Don Manzullo at McCormick Place in Chicago, who will speak on “America’s Challenge: Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing and Create Jobs.”

Advance registration free at www.fabtechexpo.com.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center presents One Less Tenor as part of its Music On Main series at 5:30 p.m., Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford. Part of suggested donation goes to Shelter Care Ministries. Visit www.mendelssohn pac.org or call 815964-9713.

Tuesday, November 15 The YMCA of Rock River Valley hosts a Community Luncheon on future strategies for nurturing youth development, healthy living and inspiring social responsibility, noon at Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road.

Register by Nov. 8 to Janet Lundin, 815-489-1269 or jlundin@rockford ymca.org or visit www.rockfordymca.org.

Thursday, November 17 Rockford Public Library presents Finding Grants for Your Non-Profit Organization from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the main library, second floor computer room, 215 N. Wyman St. Registration required. Call 815-965-7606.

Rockford Art Museum presents the Singing Stylists: Holiday Blowout 2011 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Styles include burlesque, country, lounge, rockabilly, jazz and blues. Proceeds benefit Rockford Art Museum. For tickets call 815-968-2787 or visit www.rockford artmuseum.org.

The Stateline World Trade Association presents Economic Development Opportunities and the Rejuvenation of the Port of Milwaukee Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) a dinner at 5:30 p.m., at the Butterfly Club, 5246 E. Country Road X in Beloit, Wis. Marge Burton Bevers, FTZ #176 administrator, Greater Rockford Airport Authority, will moderate a panel with Eric Reinelt, port director, Port of Milwaukee, and Mary Regal, director of international development, Bentley World Packaging. Register by Nov. 15 to Aimee Thurner at info@slwta.org or 608-313-1367 or www.slwta.org.

Friday, November 18 Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Rockford College presents Creating Exceptional Boards, Nov. 18 to 19, at Regents Hall, second floor, Burpee Center, Rockford College. Keynote by Vernetta Walker, J.D., BoardSource. Register by Nov. 14.

Visit www.rockford.edu/?NICNE_ Events.

Court Street United Methodist Church presents Silver, a music event, at 7 p.m. Freewill donation.

Visit www.courtstreetumc.org.

The Illinois Department of Security hosts a Veterans Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the VFW Post 1461, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave., Belvidere. For questions call Judy Leonard at 847543-7480.

Saturday, November 19 Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory hosts its 11th annual Memorial Luminaria from 3 to 7 p.m., at its Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road in Rockford. Brief program at 5 p.m. Include your loved one’s photograph by emailing staceyb@ fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com by Nov. 12.

Call Stacey Beck at 815-226-2273.

Remedies Renewing Lives presents its Annual Remedies Ball from 6 to 11 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Dinner with guest speaker Carolyn Cox, a domestic violence survivor; Rockford’s Clutch Cargo Band; live and silent auction, and Dani Maxwell and Eric Wilson from WREX as emcees. Contact Brenda Smith at 815-966-1285 or bsmith@remedies renewinglives.org.

Sunday, November 20 Discovery Center Museum presents Charlie Brown and Charles Schulz: An Appreciation of Peanuts, 2 to 3 p.m., with local cartoonist Bruce Quast.

Call 815-963-6769 or visit www.discoverycentermuseum.org.

Friday, November 25 Discovery Center Museum presents Joe Cool Science, Nov. 25 to 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 815-9636769 or visit www.discoverycenter museum.org.

Wednesday, November 30 Rockford Area Economic Development Council presents its 2011 Annual Meeting & Dinner at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Networking, 5 p.m.; dinner, program, 6:30 p.m. Keynote speaker is Janyce Fadden, RAEDC president. Call Teri Johnson at 815-969-4261.

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence presents Reduce Your Risk at noon at Burpee Center, Rockford College. Learn about lawsuits brought against nonprofit organizations and ways to manage your risk with Jennifer Pearson and Chris Ziemba, Monitor Insurance. RSVP at least five days prior at 815-394-4384.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice November 2011

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events NOVEMBER, 2011 Tuesday, November 1 Business Women’s Council, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road. Kim Liva, VP Senior Wealth Planner from PNC Wealth Management will be presenting on how to establish a financial safety net, planning for retirement and business succession planning. Sponsored by AAIM Employers’ Association.

IGNITE Breakfast & Business: Entrepreneurship Edition: Ownership, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road. Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLC attorneys Matthew Logan and Brett Strand will talk about business ownership options — from incorporating to sole proprietorship.

Sponsored by McGladrey.

Wednesday, November 2 Good Morning Rockford!

Advantage Club Originals, 7 to 9 a.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 7675 Walton St. Help the Rockford Rescue Mission restock its toilet paper.

Network, good food and prizes.

Tuesday, November 8 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@flanders insurance.com.

Wednesday, November 9 7:30 - 9 am Rock Valley College 3301 N. Mulford Road

Breakfast Buzz ComED will present Incentives for Energy Rebates. This is a timely session as the program is set to expire in early 2012.

Sponsored by McGladrey

Wednesday, November 9 Advantage Power Network Club, Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@ whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, November 15 Ribbon Cutting, Step Into Weight Loss, a Division of Step Into Wellness, 5301 E. State St., Ste. 206, 4 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, November 16 IGNITE LOTB: More Than Just a Meal ... Rockford Rescue Mission, noon to 1 p.m., 700 W. Riverside Blvd. Learn about the

Rockford Rescue Mission and how to become more involved. Go the extra mile and bring a canned good (or two!) with you. Education series sponsor McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Wednesday, November 16 11:30 am - 1:15 pm Giovanni’s 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Healthcare Industry Update Health care expert Henry J. Aaron, senior fellow at Brookings Institution, will share his insights on the health care industry and reform.

Presenting sponsor - series BMO Harris Bank Gold sponsors Humana and Rosecrance Health Network Silver sponsors Employers’ Coalition on Health and Wipfli LLP Bronze sponsors - series Alpha Controls & Services and Clifton Gunderson LLP

27

Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 12

Rockford Chamber

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . .5

of Commerce . . . . . .15, 16, 23

Broadmoor Agency, Inc. . . . . . . .5

Rockford College . . . . . . . . . .13

Brian Thomas Photography, Inc. 8

Rockford Health System . . . .23

Coyle-Varland Insurance . . . .12

Rockford Health Physicians . .10

Goodwill Industries . . . . . . . .13

Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Hilton Garden Inn . . . . . . . . . .17

SwedishAmerican

Humana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Health System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

IMEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

UPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

McGladrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Van Galder Bus

Northern Illinois University . . .17

A Coach USA Co. . . . . . . . . . . .2

Reno & Zahm LLP . . . . . . . . .13

Widmer Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Riverside Community Bank . .21

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100

Direct Line

Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4304 Heidi Garner, Executive Assistant to the President . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4312

Friday, November 18

Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology . . . . . . .815-316-4338

Government Affairs Council Meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Founded on saving your business money, promoting a strong local economy and protecting the favorable business climate of Rockford. To join, contact Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312.

Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive . . . .815-316-4317 Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events . .815-316-4337 Cyndie Landis, Financial Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4300 Caitlin Ludwig, Director of Ignite! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4335 Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Membership Development Manager . . . . . . . .815-316-4315

Tuesday, November 22

Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4320

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@flandersinsurance.com.

Valerie Tippitt, Membership Development Manager . . . . . . . . .815-316-4336

Wednesday, November 23 Ribbon Cutting, Children’s Holiday Shoppe, 10 to 11 a.m., at The Market Place, 5846 E. State St. A place for children to shop for their family, friends and teachers. All items are priced from $1 to $6. Shop will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Nov. 29 to Dec. 17.

Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

DECEMBER, 2011 Tuesday, December 6 Business Women’s Council, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road. Sponsored by AAIM Employers’ Association.

Chamber 101 with Speed Networking, 4 to 5:15 p.m., Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, 839 N. Perryville Road, in the lower level.

Sponsored by MembersAlliance Credit Union.

Thursday, December 8 11:30 am - 1 pm Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford

Education Outlook Luncheon

Wednesday, December 14 Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber president & CEO, will present How to Maximize Your Chamber Membership. Sponsored

by McGladrey.

Featured speaker Geoffrey Canada will share the successes his organization, Harlem Children’s Zone, Inc., has experienced in bringing about positive change in a highly urban school system.

A partnership between the Rockford Chamber, the United Way of Rock River Valley, Alignment Rockford, Zion Development Corporation and the City of Rockford.

Advantage Power Network Club, Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts, Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com or Holly Hanson, The Business Edge Inc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Presenting sponsor - series BMO Harris Bank Gold sponsor - Humana Bronze sponsor - series Clifton Gunderson LLP

Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@flandersinsurance.com.

Tuesday, December 13 Advantage Club – Superstars, noon to 1 p.m., Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road. Contact Denise Wimmer, Alliance Insurance, denise@flandersinsurance.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, December 27

Wednesday, December 28 Advantage Club – Originals, alternate locations. Contact Karla Fernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology, Kfernet555@hotmail.com.