the November 2020 | Volume 33 | No. 11
Celebrating 110 years! of the rockford business community
ROCKFORD CHAMBER’S
Candid conversation with Mayor Tom McNamara Chamber President Einar Forsman and Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara sat down for a “Candid Conversation with the Mayor” on October 15th. This was a virtual event to Chamber members presented live and unedited, and offered to members of the business community to hear from the Mayor on a host of issues both in our current environment and longer term as well. The presenting sponsor for this event was BMO Harris Bank.
MILLIONS IN DIGITAL GRANTS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS
Mayor McNamara was given a chance to share a “30,000 foot” synopsis as to what is going on in our community since November of 2019, which was the last time he addressed the business community. The Mayor started talking about the “good days” pre-COVID-19. “We had the lowest unemployment in the City of Rockford since it’s been measured. We also had a 25% decrease in violent crime. And, we also did not have a homicide from October to March.” The Mayor also focused on the stable or reduced property tax rate where they added over $6 million to the reserves, thankfully putting the city in a strong
position before the current crisis hit our community. The Mayor reminded the audience that what this community is facing is going on in all major metropolitan areas across the country. This includes the global pandemic, civil unrest, civic engagement following the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and a dramatic increase in violent crime. The Mayor also shared his perspective of how we, as a community, have dealt with these issues and will make us stronger over the long haul. “I think when you look at this year and what it has shown Continued on page 3
RFD breaks ground on 90,000-square-foot international cargo facility
Rockford and Harlem schools are set to receive nearly $2 million in grants to improve students’ access to remote learning technology. The Digital Equity Formula Grants from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act are intended to offer students more reliable access to the technology they need to participate in e-learning. School districts can use the funds to expand connectivity and provide students with devices like computers or tablets. Funds will be distributed using a need-based formula. Visit the Illinois State Board of Education website for the full list of schools receiving funds.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
EDUCATION OUTLOOK
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 VIRTUAL PLATFORM For more information, see page 19 SPONSORED BY
Magma Aviation, London, is one of several international companies that are part of Chicago Rockford International Airport’s growing heavy cargo operations.
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Thanks in part to recent agreements with Senator International, Germany, and companies like Magma Aviation, London; Air Atlanta, Iceland, and Longtail Aviation, Bermuda, RFD Executive Director Mike Dunn announced the building of a new, modern cargo facility at a press conference on Oct. 13. The 90,000-sq.-ft, International Cargo Facility will be located on the south side of Chicago Rockford International Airport and house Emery Air, Senator International and other cargo operators. It’s expected to be completed by summer 2021. Emery Air will perform ground handling operations (loading and unloading of aircraft). “We have been working very hard over the last several years to bring in what we call heavy freighters from all over the world,” Dunn said. “With the expansion, we now anticipate the arrival of more new cargo aircraft from around the world in addition
to the UPS and Amazon operations.”
High-Flying Rankings So far for 2020, the airport is on pace to break its own record with 30 percent continued year-over-year cargo growth. Senator International has been flying one 747 freighter a week from Frankfurt, Germany into RFD since June 2020. In mid-October, Senator increased to two flights a week, and RFD anticipates three flights a week after the first of the year. RFD is home to UPS’ second largest North American air operation and is one of Amazon Air’s largest air operations. It ranks as the 19th largest cargo airport in the United States, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2019 All-Cargo Data for U.S. Airports. It makes the list with far larger airports in Los Angeles, New York City, Miami and Atlanta, and ranks ahead of airports in Phoenix, Portland, Denver and Baltimore. v
PLAN TO IMPROVE AREA’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES The Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board presented key findings from its Environmental Scan Survey of mental health and substance abuse services to the Winnebago County Board on Oct. 8. The findings will guide the development of a three-year strategic plan to improve services. Funding for the services comes thanks to a community vote during 2020 Winnebago County primary election to raise the sales tax one half cent on a dollar to fund mental health services in the area. The halfcent tax will raise an estimated $12 to 13 million each year. Chairman Frank Haney appointed the members of the mental health board. The board will prioritize sales tax proceeds towards services that help individuals whose illnesses prevent their functioning in ageappropriate social roles, with an aim towards helping them remain in the community.
