December Voice 2013

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

nIu sTuDEnT CAREER suCCEss

MEMbERsAllIAnCE CREDIT unIon

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CITIZEns GRouP MobIlIZEs FoR DIsAsTER REsPonsE PlAnnInG December 2013 | Volume 26 | No. 12

Grassroots movement

By Michael Schlabaske Transform Rockford is a movement with a bold goal – to dramatically improve the social and economic condition of the Rockford region. Transform Rockford does not intend to do that independently or by forcing change at existing organizations. Rather, it means to drive change by aligning the region’s organizations and individuals to achieve a shared vision that is developed by the and for the community.

The first step in the transformation process is to agree that the current condition of the region is not acceptable and that

PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Coronado Theater was the venue accommodating the first meeting of Transform Rockford. things can and should be dramatically better. This is done by showing that our region compares very unfavorably with other regions on a variety of social, economic and environmental measures and then agreeing as a community that dramatic change – a transformation – is needed. We recognize that it is sometimes hard information to hear, but the brutal facts and details are crucial to allow our community to truly understand our current situation in several areas. Only then can we begin to determine where and how to move forward.

The next step is to develop a shared vision by getting the input of the entire

community. From this vision, strategies and detailed plans are then developed with the community. The vision, strategies and detailed plans will be drafted with community input and then offered for discussion and comment by the community before being finalized.

Transform Rockford estimates this entire process will take about one year.

These loops of getting input, drafting, collecting comments, and revising take time. However, including the entire community’s thoughts will make the plans better and will engage the community’s passion for more on page 11

Healthcare Industry Luncheon spotlights behavioral health

By Paul Anthony Arco

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

There was a time when Phil Eaton could never have imagined speaking in front of a business community regarding issues of mental health and substance abuse.

Times have certainly changed.

Eaton, president and CEO of Rosecrance Healthcare Network, delivered a stirring message highlighting the progress and challenges in behavioral medicine, during the Rockford Chamber of Commerce annual healthcare industry update luncheon. This year’s event, which drew a crowd of 300, was held Nov. 14 at Giovanni’s.

“In this community we have made tremendous strides,” Eaton said.

“Mental health is no longer viewed as a burden. Twenty years ago, we didn’t want to talk about it, even when people in our community were struggling.”

Eaton credited President John

Phil Eaton, president and CEO of Rosecrance Healthcare Network, delivers a stirring message.

F. Kennedy with spearheading the national movement. In 1963, Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act. That law called for the creation of a community-based network of care for individuals dealing with mental illness and developmental disabilities. more on page 3

The Winnebago County Citizen Corp Council (CCC), comprised of first responders, government, education, health and social service organizations, completed a program to manage and mobilize a network of volunteers in time of disaster.

Memorandums of Understanding between Winnebago County and other community organizations, primarily faith-based, will allow the CCC to operate in areas strategically suited for disaster response.

United Way of Rock River Valley is the host agency and will take the lead role in attracting and mobilizing volunteers and using 2-1-1 capabilities to guide citizens towards resources and information.

Citizens interested in volunteering to assist in times of disaster can register at wevolunteer.org and check “yes.”

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Education outlook luncheon Dec. 12 • Radisson

For more info, see page 26

THE Y EnCouRAGEs All To InCREAsE THEIR DIAbETEs IQ With the knowledge that one in three Americans has prediabetes, the YMCA of Rock River Valley encourages residents to learn their risks and to take preventive steps to reduce their chances of developing the disease. Only 11 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it. Individuals can assess their risk by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes, and learn how lifestyle choices and family history and factors such as race, age, weight and activity level put a person at risk.

Some basic lifestyle changes that can decrease the risk are to eat fruits and vegetables every day; choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin; aim for whole grains with every meal; be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week; choose water instead of beverages with added sugar, and speak to your doctor about your risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.

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President’s Message VIEWPOINT

Community engagement, shared values critical in transforming Rockford Those who should be engaged in transforming Rockford are residents, guests, employees, business owners and many, many others.

The dialogue has begun on the Transform Rockford initiative in and around our community, and one thing is clear: Having far-reaching community engagement will be a primary component in the process of taking Rockford on the path towards a toplevel city. The leaders who have kicked off this initiative have made it clear that we must have shared values, universally supported, in order to put agendas and other distractions aside and move forward towards positive change over the coming decades.

Should we be skeptical about achieving high-level community engagement?

Absolutely not!

Community engagement can be defined

as “how an active citizen participates in the life of a community in order to improve conditions for others or to help shape the community’s future.” Even with this definition, one person’s idea for engaging the community could be totally different from another’s. But we all must come to the table.

By engaging the community, we hope for a number of outcomes, primarily, a more educated and engaged public – a public that is more attached to and more invested in the community. After all, since the public is affected by the decisions of local government, as well as other organizations, they should be involved in the process! Beyond that, by engaging the community, civility

prevails and public trust increases, as those engaged grow more connected.

Done correctly, community engagement is a proposition that benefits everyone.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves So how do we get started? First, we must demolish our preconceived notions and negative assumptions -known as dialog barriers. We might think that the public can’t appreciate the complexity of the issues or they might feel their opinions aren’t valued. The public might feel ignored or that their input isn’t taken into consideration.

Ultimately, they might think that their efforts are a waste of time. Only by breaking down these barriers can we begin to get started.

Although no easy task, approaching community engagement by focusing on a few core areas — their purpose, the people involved, the process, and the desired outcomes — will provide clear direction.

Transform Rockford

has

Einar K. Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

communicated

its

process quite well and clearly outlined it

at

www.transformrockford.org.

Now it is important to identify the key stakeholders: Who needs to be involved? Well, that’s all of us. But how do we get everyone engaged?

This is where your help is needed.

Those who should be engaged in transforming Rockford are residents, guests, employees, business owners and many, many others. You need to be engaged, and you need to encourage others to be engaged. We need your help in identifying different groups and different means of achieving the highest level of engagement.

The Transform Rockford initiative is under way, please get involved!

Einar K. Forsman is president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

December 2013

Healthcare Industry Continued from front page

“It was personal to him,” Eaton said.

“The president’s sister, Rosemary, had a developmental disability that became apparent when she was a child. She lived out her adult life in private institutional care and was rarely seen publicly. Clearly, her situation weighed upon the president.”

President Kennedy laid out his vision for Comprehensive Community Mental Health Centers, where all severely ill people could receive unified care that would allow them to lead productive lives. “It was a great and grand vision,” Eaton said.

Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, said it was the right time to address mental health at the annual healthcare luncheon, which is geared towards business professionals.

“We haven’t had a dialogue about mental health and substance abuse issues,” he said. “It was a chance to better understand what they do in our community, and what their challenges are. People see Rosecrance as an organization that provides a key service to the community, and is a highly-prized asset for Rockford.”

During his presentation, Eaton acknowledged several individuals and agencies that have stepped up to meet needs with short resources, including Janet Wattles Center under the direction of Frank Ware, who, sadly, passed away two months after the January, 2011 merger between Janet Wattles and Rosecrance. “Those important partners have helped fill the service gaps that otherwise would exist for lack of local resources and unreliable funding from the state,” Eaton said.

Some of those are filled by generous donors. Last year, more than $2.2 million in charity care and community benefits was raised for needed behavioral health services and treatment.

Funding Remains an Issue Winnebago County is one of few Illinois counties that lack a local tax to fund services for residents with behavioral health needs. “The only local funds that go to behavioral health services are provided by the county through specialty courts and through the justice system,” Eaton said. By default, he added, jails become treatment facilities – and they are not prepared to do that work. “It troubles me when I see people who can’t access service in a timely manner,” he said. “We need a champion who will take up the mantle and say we are going to do this for our community.”

Dave Winters, Bill Hoelting and Pat Derry attended the Healthcare Luncheon.

Frank Rotello and Brent Bernardi of Alpha Controls and Services talk with others at the luncheon.

In November, 2014, Rosecrance will move its services from the Ware Center in downtown Rockford to the former Sun View Market on North Main Street.

The agency is buying and renovating the 42,000-square-foot former grocery store, which will give clients better access and more parking. The new location also is on a bus route.

“This move allows us to provide centrally located healthcare services to our clients, who live in every zip code in the city,” Eaton said. “It will be safe and convenient for staff and clients alike. We will have more space to improve and expand programs.”

In early November, more good news arrived with the news that the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was implemented. “This is historic civil rights legislation that is intended to end long-accepted insurance discrimination against individuals with behavioral health needs,” Eaton said. “What it means is that health plans with co-pays, deductibles and visit limits cannot be more restrictive for benefits applying to mental health or substance use disorders than they are for medical and surgical benefits.”

“Nothing good happens when substance abuse or mental illness goes untreated,” Eaton added. “It should be as valued as fire protection, golf courses and snow removal. The time is right in our community for people to understand the priority of serving those who struggle.”

This year’s luncheon was sponsored

by BMO Harris Bank, Humana, Rockford Spine Center, Rosecrance ECOH, SwedishAmerican Health System, Alpha Controls & Services and Rock Town Consulting .

Let your Voice be heard The Rockford Chamber of Commerce ­ elcomes and encourages submissions for The w VOICE of the Rockford Business Community.

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Send news releases and other ­ items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100.

The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101.

Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

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PROFILE

Board Member Profile

A multi-faceted perspective

Why is the Chamber important to business, the community?

PCI announces groundbreaking on clinical storage and distribution facility

is probably outof-date

today.

We hear a lot about change in the Rockford community. What needs to be done. What we’d like to see done.

But you cannot help affect change if you aren’t sitting at the table! The Chamber allows your voice to be heard and to be consolidated with other Chamber members, so that our voices grow louder.

But the great

What do you want to contribute as part of the Chamber board?

What is your business background?

I’ve been serving on the Chamber board for 6 years and am very excited to be serving as the Board Vice President this year. I bring my perspective as a business owner, as a woman business owner and as a former County board member. A little business, a little government, and a lot of home and family management. And, many people don’t know that I worked as a Chamber staff member back in the ’90s, so I bring that unique perspective to the table as well.

What is the purpose of your business?

Thayer Lighting is in the business of providing bright ideas for saving energy. Simply put, we will come to your commercial property and conduct a free, energy assessment. Then we will develop a plan to replace or retrofit ole fluorescent lamps and ballasts with new, more efficient fixtures. It is an affordable way to reduce your utility bill and, by utilizing incentive programs, much of the purchase cost is covered. The result is a more pleasant place to work and a lower utility bill at the end of the month. Win-win.

What trend is impacting your industry?

LEDs! LED (Light-emitting diode) lamps and fixtures are an increasingly popular option for reducing electrical consumption. LED lighting is a rapidlychanging work-in-progress. In fact, everything you knew about LEDs last year,

potential

of

LEDs’ efficienty and has

long

life

caused

Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting Inc.

manufacturers to devote considerable resources to developing new products and applications.

I have worked in the lighting business for a total of 16 years and assumed the role of CEO in 2007. My responsibilities include day-to-day management of Thayer operations, business development and account management. Prior to taking on my current role at Thayer, I worked for 7-½ years in commercial real estate for Whitehead REALTORS®.

What one word would you use to describe yourself?

I like the word Motivator. If I believe in it, I can sell anything. I love the opportunity to talk about my industry and help people get as excited as I do about all the innovations and technological advances.

What are you most thankful for?

I am thankful every day for having faith. It gets me through the day-to-day “crises” as well as the big emergencies.

Anything else to share with Chamber members?

Work it! You can’t just pay your Chamber dues and expect the sales to start rolling in. You need to participate in the process – attend networking events, go to dinners, exhibit at expos. And you’ll get a nice side effect of your work – you will meet a lot of really great people who will teach you so much more than you possibly teach them! Your Chamber membership is a resource like no other.

Packaging Coordinators Inc. (PCI) announced it has undertaken construction on a new standalone clinical storage and global distribution facility to support its growing business. PCI plans to break ground in anticipation of completing construction in mid2014. The new state-of-the-art facility will be located in Rockford near its current clinical packaging, storage, and distribution facility located at its Rockford commercial pharmaceutical packaging location. The new site is designed to be 93,000 square feet and located in the industrial park adjacent to the Chicago Rockford International airport The existing facility was constructed in 2011 to support PCI’s strategic expansion of clinical services for investigational medicines.

Business growth in the area of global distribution of investigational products has warranted construction of the new purpose built facility, allowing PCI to provide additional capacity for both storage and global distribution. The new site complements PCI’s 2012 opening of its European-based stand-alone clinical distribution site in Treforest, Wales located just north of Cardiff in the United Kingdom.

The new PCI Clinical distribution facility will support ambient and cold chain storage of investigational medicines and will be DEA approved for storage of Schedule II-V controlled substances.

PCI hired Cord Construction for the new facility and McClellan Blakemore as the architects of record for the project. PCI’s proximity to the airport provides convenient international access. PCI currently distributes

clinical/investigational medicines to investigator sites around the world and industry trends demonstrate continued growth of clinical studies being executed in emerging markets such as South America, Asia, Russia, and Eastern Europe.

“The ability to package, store, globally distribute, and process returns of investigational medicines all in one state-of-the-art campus is a real benefit to our clients,” states Bob Misher, senior vice president of global clinical services at PCI. “This new facility helps us strategically position our business to further support industry trends we are witnessing; the first being international growth in the execution of our clients’ clinical studies, and secondly clients’ investigational medicines that need cold chain storage and shipment at 2-8°C, -20°C, and -80°C. We have been steadily expanding our capabilities in these areas as industry dynamics change.

The location is built to be very accommodating as the industry and the needs of our clients evolve in years to come.”

About PCI The global healthcare industry trusts PCI for the packaging solutions that increase their products’ speed to market and opportunities for commercial success. Leading technology and continued investment enables us to address global packaging needs throughout the product life cycle — from Phase I clinical trials through commercialization and ongoing supply. For more information, visit www.pciservices.com.

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December 2013

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Tips for a guest-friendly holiday party Is the stress of planning the perfect party for employees getting in the way of your holiday joy this season? Are jingle bells “ring-a-ling-a-linging” a little too loud? Are you dreaming of a warm beach, far away from to-do lists, menu planning, and perfect Martha Stewart-esque decorating instead of dancing sugar plums? The advent of foodbased television programming has party goers wanting more from holiday parties than ever before; causing extra anxiety for party planners. Fear not! Here is a look at some popular trends that will brighten up your office parties and put the jingle back in your holiday step.

Farewell Traditional Dinner Gone are the days when a catered event meant narrowing menu options down to chicken or fish. Traditional multi-course, sit-down meals are often being replaced with smaller meals served throughout the reception to encourage “mingling.” While some clients still are attached to the formality of sit-down dinners, guests love the variety a “small plate” event provides. Small plates are interactive and focus on presentation; guests like the unique experience of a chef creating a little masterpiece just for them. Feeling extra adventurous?

Consider hosting a cocktail and dessert

reception for merry-makers to delight in.

What’s Out: Carving stations with big hunks of meat, pans of food basking under heat lamps, and sushi bars lined with rows of premade California rolls.

What’s In: Small plates, interactive food stations, and artfully presented bitesize fare.

DIY Food and Drink Bars A fun trend in event planning right now is Do-It-Yourself (DIY) food and drink bars. DIY stations create an individualized, interactive experience for your guests.

Allow your guests to get creative with their food and customize it however they please; they will love the opportunity to customize their plates. DIY stations have come a long way from the pasta stations of the past, incorporating risotto, jambalaya, gourmet mac & cheese and street food like tacos. The possibilities are endless for these stations. Some trendy ideas include: hot chocolate bars, outdoor s’mores stations and popcorn bars.

a creative name and serve it with flair.

Offering signature cocktails in lieu of an open bar helps keep costs down and is a great way to supplement beer and wine.

Another current beverage trend may be something you remember from your high school prom, updated with a boozy twist: The drink fountain. While punch has been popular at holiday parties for years, creative “signature” spirits flowing from a fountain is quite the rage this season.

Don’t forget those that don’t imbibe, smallbatch sodas and elixirs make nonalcoholic options more enticing.

‘Midnight’ Snacks It is late, dinner was served hours ago, and your guests have been drinking and dancing all night. Offering a late night snack to revelers will go a long way. Whether you have a hot dog cart next to the dance floor, a table stacked with sliders, a gyro station, an espresso bar, (my personal favorite) warm cookies and mini milk cartons, or simply boxes of your favorite local pizza.

Signature Drinks

Dream in Themes or Casual Settings

Mixology is the “in” thing right now.

Enlist the help of one of our fine local bars or hire a bartender to create one or two signature cocktails to match the theme or style of your event. Give the libation

Having a theme helps make choosing food, décor, entertainment, and all other elements simpler. Themes can be fun and silly (The Christmas Story, Christmas in July) or elegant (Snow and Ice, Silver Bells).

Part of the fun of holiday parties is getting Chef Brian Jason to reconnect and Rockford catch up with Country Club your coworkers, friends and family. In order to facilitate a social setting, design comfortable lounge areas. Smaller, more intimate seating arrangements help guests feel relaxed and not stuck at a single round table talking to Barry from accounting all night. Offer a mix of high tables and lounge seating to create a fluid event for your guests and facilitate conversation.

Celebrating Post-Holidays There is such demand placed on an employee’s time during the holidays that companies are increasingly switching corporate celebrations to January. This trend is resulting in greater guest turn out.

Also popular trend this season; inviting clients to celebrate along with you as a thank you for their business throughout the year.

Brian Jason is chef at Rockford Country Club.

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

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December 2013

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RAEDC 2013 Annual Meeting and Dinner Celebrates Rockforward! success, updates community on Transform Rockford More than 850 business and community leaders celebrated the region’s economic wins over the past year and learned about the efforts of Transform Rockford at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council’s 2013 annual meeting and dinner at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center.

Tom Gendron, chairman & CEO of Woodward, Inc., gave the keynote address to a capacity crowd; presenting the initiatives of Transform Rockford, a group of business and civic leaders working to create a long-term vision to combat crime, poverty, joblessness and other issues facing the community.

Gendron discussed events that personally lead him to the decision that transformation was necessary, important and doable in the Rockford region. He also highlighted ways for the community to get involved and engaged in the transformation project.

“Our attention continues to be drawn to areas of workforce preparedness and talent development, so that our key, targeted industries in our area have the talent that they need in order to grow. “

— Board Chairman Joel Sjostrom A video program highlighted Board Chairman Joel Sjostrom and other RAEDC investors, who discussed the success of the organization in 2013. “Every major city, county and metropolitan area in the country has organizations whose chief responsibility is to add to the quantity and quality of local jobs,” Sjostrom said. “With over 15,000 economic development organizations competing for about 2,000 job-creating projects in the United States annually, job-creation strategies are becoming increasingly differentiated among localities and are driven largely by the capacity of the local economic development organization and community to meet the needs of these expanding companies.”

Sjostrom continued, “At the RAEDC, we are diverse in our scope.

We focus on the traditional economic

Tom Gendron presents the initiatives of Transform Rockford at the RAEDC’s Annual Dinner.

development functions of job-attraction and expansion activities. However, our attention continues to be drawn to areas of workforce preparedness and talent development, so that our key, targeted industries in our area have the talent that they need in order to grow.

It is imperative that we meet their demands before we can begin to meet the demands of any new employers to the region.”

“The RAEDC has been implementing and continuously improving our Rockforward strategic plan; we know that Rockforward results impact the region. Rockforward is making our region stronger, more diverse and more resilient. Our economic is restructuring and is better than it was before the Rockforward Campaign began. Our region is working together to achieve our goals. This is made possible by you … our investors, and the climate of collaboration you are creating by working together to bring innovation to our community’s organizations and businesses,” Sjostrom concluded.

Year to date, the RAEDC, along with our community’s economic development professionals and elected officials, have achieved 21 project commitments from clients. These projects will result in more than 950 new and retained jobs, more than $30 million in capital investment and 374,000 square feet of new or renovated space.

John Saunders, chairman of the RAEDC Business & Retention Solutions Team stated, “It is only through these collective efforts of our region’s team of professionals and elected officials that the project wins are realized in attracting and retaining businesses. We know that prepared communities win, and the work of the RAEDC has and continues to prepare the Rockford Region for success.”

Mary Cacioppi is senior director of investor relations at RAEDC.

More than 50 business service professionals attended the third-annual Partners for Economic Development event.

Rockford area business service professionals convene to learn about area economic development tools More than 50 business service professionals attended 2013 Partners for Economic Development (PED), an event to increase awareness of the resources readily available to businesses leaders looking to enhance the success and growth of their companies.

Attendees represented a wide range of service offerings including banking, finance and accounting, architecture and engineering, IT consulting and support, legal counsel, and marketing and public relations. All of these service sectors interact with a robust and diverse set of clients that could be experiencing growth opportunities within our region or would be great candidates to utilize resources highlighted throughout PED. The third-annual PED event provided attendees with a healthy balance of general information as well as the opportunity to connect with local economic development professionals regarding specific questions and situations. Topics covered included: ■■ Business expansion and relocation assistance ■■ Small business revolving loan funds

financing

and

■■ Attracting and retaining a talented workforce

■■ Workforce training and grants ■■ International trade -- compliance, partnership and supplier searches, grants to increase export sales ■■ Foreign Trade Zone benefits ■■ Resources entrepreneurs

for

start-ups

and

■■ Ownership transition planning ■■ Economic development incentives such as TIF, Enterprise Zones, River Edge Redevelopment Zone ■■ Selling goods and services to the government programs and resources targeted at promoting a thriving business climate in the Rockford Region Attendees were given a resource guide containing detailed information on all of these topics, which can be found online, www.rockfordil.com/files/ Partners for Eco Dev 2013.pdf.

For more information on any of the topics mentioned above or specific opportunities to help support the growth of a company, please contact Terrance Hall, 815-969-4258 or thall@rockfordil.com Terrance Hall is business development specialist at the RAEDC.

Panelists touch on a variety of relevant economic development topics.

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

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December 2013

Rockford Toolcraft, Inc., a John Deere ‘Partner-level Supplier’ Rockford Toolcraft Inc., earned recognition for the third time as a Partner-level supplier for 2013 in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program — Deere & Company’s highest supplier rating.

One of the Midwest’s largest tool & die and metal stamping companies, Rockford Toolcraft Inc., supplies dies, metal stampings and assembles to eight John Deere facilities in the agriculture, lawn & garden and construction equipment divisions.

It was founded in Rockford in 1976 by Jerry Busse as a tool & die shop and has grown to a two-plant, 350-employee company serving the agriculture, heavy truck, automotive, appliance and commercial hardware industries.

Manufacturing in America Manufacturing plays a major role in our economy. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest County Business Patterns, the manufacturing sector includes almost 300,000 establishments with 11 million employees, producing goods that we consume domestically or export abroad. The nation relies on several key Census Bureau programs to track America’s manufacturing.

OSHA rights and responsibilities

Compliance training available According to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) website, 4,383 workers were killed on the job in 2012 on average, which translates to more than 84 a week or nearly 12 deaths every day. This is the second lowest preliminary total since the fatal injury census was first conducted in 1992.

The OSHA Act of 1970 was passed to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed at work. Per the OSHA Act, “the law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers.” OSHA is not just an administration that sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards, but also provides information, training and assistance to workers and employers. Workers who believe that their employer is not following OSHA standards, or they are working around serious hazards, may file a complaint with OSHA to have their workplace inspected.

Employer responsibility is to provide a safe workplace. Per OSHA, “employers MUST provide their employees with a workplace that does not have serious hazards and follow all relevant OSHA safety and health standards.”

Employers also must: ■ Inform employees about hazards through chemical information sheets.

■ Keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

■ Perform air sampling tests.

■ Provide hearing exams or other medical tests.

■ Post OSHA citations, injury and illness data, and the OSHA poster.

■ Not discriminate or retaliate against a worker for using their bernie luecke rights under the RVC BPI law.

The OSHA act also covers private sector workers, state and local government workers and federal government workers. Those NOT covered by the OSHA Act are selfemployed, immediate family members of farm employers or Workplace Hazards regulated by another federal agency, i.e., MSHA, FAA or Coast Guard.

Workers are entitled to working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm. OSHA also provides workers with the right to: ■ Ask OSHA to inspect their workplace.

■ Use their rights under the law without retaliation and discrimination.

■ Receive information and training on OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.

■ Access to copies of test results done to find hazard in the workplace.

■ Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

■ Get copies of their medical records.

As an employer, if you are not in compliance or violate an OSHA standard, you can be assessed the maximum penalty of $7,000 for each serious violation and $70,000 for a repeated or willful violation.

One very simple and cost-effective way to avoid a penalty is to become compliant through training.

For more information on how the Business and Professional Institute at Rock Valley College can help you obtain OSHA training, please contact Bernie Luecke, 815-921-2067 or B.Luecke@ RockValleyCollege.edu.

■ Notify OSHA within eight hours of a workplace incident in which there is death or when three or more workers go to a hospital.

Manufacturing News is sponsored by Rock Valley College, BPI

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December 2013

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

NIU student career success a catalyst for regional success A few weeks ago, Dr. Douglas Baker was inaugurated as the 12th president of Northern Illinois University. Well before his first official day on the job back in July, President Baker had already visited Rockford to learn first-hand about NIU’s long history of engagement with this important part of NIU’s service region.

President Baker came away from his initial visit to Rockford with a good sense of the strong ties between NIU and the Rockford area and a vision for building on this existing network of leadership and engagement.

During his inauguration ceremony, President Baker described his first few months on the job and how inspired he has been by the determination of NIU students, the extraordinary lengths NIU faculty and staff go to care for our students, and the generosity of NIU alumni who have reached back to share their successes and pave the way for the students following in their footsteps.

As President Baker and the faculty and staff of NIU work to create the new university of the 21st century, NIU is making a new commitment to student career success. The university must provide students with a deep and meaningful body of knowledge and skills, helping to prepare them for the new realities of the global economy.

Author Daniel Pink (2005) says that we are progressing into the Conceptual Age, in which America will be “a society of creators and empathizers, of pattern recognizers and meaning makers.”

Higher education in this new era must emphasize creativity, communication and critical thinking skills to ensure the success of the next generation.

An invaluable element of student career success is interaction with working professionals in real world activities while students are still in school. This is a foundational principle of the Rockford Public Schools new Career Academies model. The opportunity for meaningful internships, integrated with students’ academic curriculum, is a tremendous contributor to student success after graduation. This approach is exemplified by Rockford’s Joint Institute for Engineering and Technology – Aerospace (JiET-A) initiative. JiET-A was inspired by collaboration between NIU and the Rockford Area Aerospace Network, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Rock Valley College, EIGERlab and the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance to support and enhance workforce development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and branding of Rockford’s aerospace cluster.

The work of NIU and its Rockford

Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University

area partners in support of the regional aerospace cluster was one of three “success stories” cited as the Association of Land Grant and Public Universities (APLU) honored NIU with its inaugural Innovation and Economic Prosperity “Place” Award recently. This award puts NIU and the Rockford area on the map for excellence in creating and sustaining meaningful communityuniversity partnerships in support of regional economic development. The other success stories highlighted in the award were NIU’s efforts in expanding broadband connectivity throughout northern Illinois and the innovative cross-disciplinary array of P-20 support activities for students and teachers in the region. Each of these projects has had a significant positive impact on the Rockford area.

A hallmark of the NIU experience is meaningful engagement in one of the most dynamic regions in the country.

Each day, NIU students, faculty and staff are actively engaged with businesses, President Baker has set forth a bold vision that every graduate who so desires will have a job in their area of interest within six months of graduation. The best predictor of career success is a meaningful (preferably, paid) internship.

We are grateful to the many Rockford area companies and organizations that currently offer internship opportunities for students. We need more! Internships are a win-win proposition – students get great experience while businesses have the opportunity to tap the skills and fresh perspectives of bright young minds.

Mentorship is another important element in preparing students for career success.

President Baker has let it be known that he is counting on NIU’s 225,000 alumni (10,000 in the Rockford area alone) to help provide this competitive advantage to our students.

Our students’ success and the region’s success are inextricably linked. In this era of local, state, national and global transformation, we must all find new ways of collaborating to ensure that our students – the region’s future workforce, entrepreneurs, creators, parents and leaders – are ready to succeed.

Rena Cotsones, Ph.D. is sssistant vice president for regional engagement for Northern Illinois University. Her office is at NIU-Rockford and she can be reached at rcotsones@niu.edu.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

December 2013

Member Profile PROFILE

The MembersAlliance Credit Union at 6951 Olde Creek Road, off of Perryville Road in Rockford, is one of its five locations in the tri-county area.

MembersAlliance Credit Union

By Paul Anthony Arco In 1938, MembersAlliance Credit Union was founded by a small group of Sundstrand employees. “It was difficult for the average working person to get a loan back then,” said Cheryl Sio, president of MembersAlliance. “That’s how all credit unions got started; people pooled their money together and gave loans to coworkers for a decent return on their money. At first, it was a concept more than a physical space. Nine people signed the application for the charter, and then it became a small co-op.”

Much has changed since those early days. Today, the credit union is celebrating 75 years of business, and is the largest locally owned credit union in the area with 18,000 members in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties.

MembersAlliance, with 62 employees, has five locations, including its main branch at 2550 S. Alpine Road, a Perryville branch and three Walmart locations. The credit union offers a variety of services, including online banking, bill paying, mobile banking, savings, checking, home mortgages and auto loans.

“We do anything a bank does,” said Sio, who joined MembersAlliance 38 years ago. “It comes down to the fees and cost of products. At a credit union, you can buy postage stamps, pay your property tax, and even purchase Great America tickets. We’re focused on the consumer.”

Buying Shares in the Company Credit unions, which were founded in 1908 in Manchester, N.H., are different from banks; when you deposit your money, you’re actually buying shares of the company. Rather than being a customer, you’re part owner.

The 10-member board of directors are volunteers, elected by vote. An annual meeting is open to all voting members.

That’s not to say there haven’t been challenging times over the years. In the past five years, MembersAlliance has been forced to tighten its budget – resisting the temptation of investing in technology, for example – due to a tumultuous economy.

“We’ve been careful on how we spend our money,” Sio said. “To make sure we’re here 25 years from now, we had to do things to keep us viable.

That’s been a good thing for us as well as our members.”

But now, MembersAlliance is starting to break away from those constraints.

The credit union has launched new products, such as mobile banking; revamped its website; and turned to social media as a way to connect with existing and new members. “You can become a member, open a checking account, or fill out online applications all on our website,” said Lorna Cote, director of marketing. “We treat our website as another branch.”

In addition, MembersAlliance supports many local charitable and community organizations, including Stateline Youth for Christ Tutoring Clubs, Easter Seals, Rockford Autism Therapeutic School, and Rockford Park District activities. The credit union also hosts free educational seminars and holds a community shred day twice a year.

“We live and breathe by this community,” Sio said. “We choose to be leaders and believe we can make a difference.”

MembersAlliance is celebrating its 75th anniversary in December with open houses at each of its five locations.

There will be prizes, food, as well as a ribbon cutting with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, at the main branch on South Alpine Road.

“I wish those people who started this credit union could see what their dream became,” Sio said. “We’ve weathered many storms, and we remain a strong and viable option for our community.

It’s amazing how far we’ve come.”

MembersAlliance Credit Union Cheryl Sio, president 2550 S. Alpine Road Rockford, IL 61108 815-226-2260 www.membersalliance.org

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10

December 2013

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

One-two punch:

The impact of public speaking on leadership Thirty pre-retirees stared down at a presenter in the Rockford-NIU classroom.

They had come to learn about Social Security claiming strategies, and the only thing between them and that information was a financial planner that looked too young to be giving the presentation.

As the presenter waited for the right moment to strike, the audience was trying to anticipate his next move. In the presenter’s head, he thought, “begin introduction,” but what the audience heard was, “When I was asked by Savant to present about Social Security claiming strategies on a Saturday morning, my first response was, are there actually people that want to learn about Social Security claiming strategies on a Saturday morning?” The audience chuckled, and that was all that the presenter needed to speak clearly and confidently over the next 45 minutes.

Savant and Toastmasters Just a short five years ago, Tom Muldowney, founder of Savant Capital Management, asked a group of employees if they would be interested in growing their speaking and leadership skills.

At that time, I did not know it was the opportunity of my lifetime.

Before Muldowney brought Toastmasters to Savant, I was too nervous to stand in front of any size group of individuals and speak about anything, let alone in-depth, finance-related topics. At that time, I hardly would have considered myself a true leader in the workplace.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization with more than 14,350 clubs serving 292,000 members. Founded by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley in 1924, it has been teaching individuals the power of competent communication and leadership skills.

Through the use of manuals, it teaches members how to write different types of speeches, what forms of communication should be used in each to make the speech most effective, and how to take part in each meeting through the various roles: Toastmaster (leads the meeting), Grammarian (catches the speakers’ “ums” and “ahs”) and Evaluator (evaluates a speech). Through practice, members learn to become more confident speakers.

Each Toastmasters club has a president, a VP of education and a VP of membership. Over time, many of us took on more responsibility. As we took on these roles, and others, we learned the qualities of being a good leader.

Ryan Monette The impromptu Savant Toastmaster’s “table topics” Club helped us think on our feet and perfect the “elevator pitch.” We learned about timemanagement and how to respectfully introduce speakers. We became a close group of Toastmasters.

On Sept. 29, 2013, the Savant Toastmasters club celebrated its fiveyear anniversary. Many of the original members still are going at it, and we have made strides in gaining members from the community.

Although I have not reached the apex of my public speaking career, I can directly relate the success I have had to the teachings of Toastmasters International. Even after all the studying to earn my certified financial planner (CFP®) designation, and the hours spent in overtime at the office, it is Toastmasters that has taught me how to use my voice and my confidence to gain traction and exceed expectations.

It wasn’t that I did not have it in me … it was that Toastmasters helped bring it out.

For those looking for an immediate impact, it can happen. But, for many of us, the recognizable growth in our speaking and leadership skills can run the course of many years. For me, the noticeable transformation took place at the NIU-Rockford classroom. After the chuckle from the audience, I was good to go.

On his 80th birthday, Dr. Ralph Smedley wrote about the magic of a successful club experience: “It leads to the discovery of hidden abilities, bringing these latent talents to use, and thus enriching the man’s life.

It broadens the man’s conception of how to live with people. It helps in the integration of personality. It brings out for use the leadership traits and abilities and thus helps to prepare the man to be a leader.”

Our Club The Savant Toastmasters club meets at noon the first and third Wednesdays of the month. If you are interested in becoming a better public speaker and would like to grow your leadership skills, please stop by a meeting or check out the other clubs in the Rockford area. You can find a list at reports.toastmasters.org/ findaclub/

Personal Impact

Ryan Monette is the current president of the Savant Toastmaster’s Club and a financial planner with Savant Capital Management.

During the club meetings, we became confident speakers. Through constructive evaluations of our speeches, we learned to become more effective communicators.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

11

December 2013

Roberta Holzwarth, co-Lead for the Case for Change of Transform Rockford outlines Rockford conditions at the Transform Rockford meeting.

Eric Wilson of WREX conducts interviews. The event was both televised live and simulcast on-line by local media.

Transform Rockford Continued from front page

change on the issues. Engaging people and organizations from across the community will allow for the most powerful part of this effort – the alignment of the region’s resources to achieve that shared vision.

Transform Rockford means to engage everybody – individual contributors, the private sector, the faith community, the public sector, and non-for-profits.

All of this work must be bound together with a lot of communication and a set of values shared by all. Communicating the work publicly can increase engagement and provide feedback that will make the work better. It will also allow all parties to get connected, find shared interests, and set the stage for the alignment of resources necessary to accomplish major goals.

The shared values are important to provide an understanding of how we will work together. By committing to the shared values, parties can more easily enter into work together where relationships do not already exist or there are challenges to those relationships.

The shared values listed below also are on our website, www.transformrockford. org, where additional information is provided as well: ■■ Inclusion ■■ Caring ■■ Respect ■■ Transparency ■■ Trustworthiness ■■ Consensus ■■ Ideation ■■ Responsibility ■■ Interconnectedness This change in how we work together can be transformational in itself.

The combination of shared values, communication and mutual interests can allow for the creation of new and stronger relationships. Those relationships will be key to unlocking the sleeping giant of potential that comes with alignment.

Alignment is critical to a successful transformation for multiple reasons. First, some of the objectives we face will be too large to tackle without getting multiple organizations and individuals pulling in the same direction. Second, we will be far more efficient when we are connected as community and the appropriate parties can then be more easily identified and

Members of Transform Rockford committees answer questions from attendees after the main presentation.

Tom Gendron of Woodward lays out the need and action plan for engaging the community to build the community’s plan for being a top 25 city by 2025.

Attendees at the Transform Rockford rollout already submitted their thoughts and ideas on post-it notes after the event. Hundreds were received and are being organized and documented on the TransformRockford.org website!

Jay Graham and Mike Dunn Jr. talk with Amy Diaz. mobilized to address issues. Third, when we are connected as a community, opportunities will emerge that would not even be identified by parties that work alone and are not connected.

The power of alignment is one reason why Transform Rockford has been using diverse teams in its early work. Networks of relationships have already been leveraged to achieve common objectives such as the engagement of the public or finding best practices for strategic planning processes. This team approach has also been educational for parties that were less experienced with a particular aspect of the transformation process. We have also learned a bit about ourselves and built confidence that diverse teams are powerful.

Once the planning work is complete, implementation work can begin.

Inclusion of the entire community in this process is critical to ensure that all perspectives are considered and to obtain the best possible ideas.

You can think of transformation as a strategic planning process, bound together with a heavy dose of communication and a strong set of shared values. Its aim is dramatic change and its power will come from the connection and alignment of resources to achieve that shared vision.

Transformation is not magic. This is hard work. It requires constant reflection on whether we are adhering

Attendees and committee members share ideas and answer questions. to our values and how our efforts align with the greater good of the community.

The magnitude of change can at times be overwhelming. It will sometimes be messy and deliberate, but transforming our community into a top tier community is worth the challenges.

We encourage – and very much welcome – your involvement and input.

For more information, check out our website at www.transformrockford. org or connect on our social media pages through our website to begin this journey with us. n

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FOCUS ON FINANCIAL PLANNING

December 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Stronger credit market doesn’t make it easier to qualify for a mortgage

Patricia Young Riverside Community Bank

history is the most important.

Any delinquencies, collections or public record items will impact scores.

A 120-day delinquency will impact the score more than a 30-day delinquency.

Similarly, recent late payments will have more negative effect than those from years ago.

Good things are starting to happen for the Rockford housing market! After years of cautious lending due to a devastating recession and record numbers of foreclosures, lenders are growing more optimistic about the economy and lending funds to those looking to borrow.

This is good news for the Rockford economy. For consumers, the “credit gap” between available credit and desired credit has all but disappeared. For businesses, the improved credit market means consumers have more access to funds for purchases. In the housing market, a more robust credit market helps increase the flow of transactions because more people are applying and qualifying for mortgages.

However, a stronger credit market doesn’t mean it’s any easier to qualify for a mortgage. From our perspective as community bankers serving the residential mortgage market, we regularly see situations where avoidable problems keep would-be homeowners from qualifying for mortgages or receiving the most attractive interest rates. Often the problem is the credit score. A lower credit score (and therefore a higher interest rate) can cost homeowners thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage.

There are many misconceptions about credit scores. We’ve compiled a list of the top five common misconceptions about FICO® Scores — the most commonly used credit scores in the mortgage industry.

Fact: Co-signing student loans and other debts can be disastrous. If you cosign on a student loan, your score is likely to decrease at the time you co-sign because of the increased risk.

Tips: Most people are completely unaware of the danger of co-signing on any loan. Be prudent. If you must co-sign, take steps to help ensure payments are made on time. Be aware that bank risk professionals are wary of student loans.

Misconception 1: Checking your credit report causes your score to fall.

Misconception 5: Working with a credit counselor will negatively affect your score.

Fact: Checking your credit report has no impact on your score.

Tips: Reviewing your credit report regularly is important, and you don’t need to pay for expensive credit monitoring services. Just take advantage of the free reports already available to you. Every four months, visit annualcreditreport.com and request a report from one of the credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion or Equifax.

Fact: Reputable credit counselors can provide valuable assistance to people getting back on their feet. Credit counseling will not, on its own, negatively impact your score.

Tips: If you need help, do seek reputable help. Also be aware that the most important aspect of reestablishing a good credit score is making payments on time, over the course of years. In that sense, there are no shortcuts.

Credit markets are more robust now than any time since the financial crisis. But lending standards for mortgages remain high and are likely to stay high. If you are in the market for a mortgage or loan, be especially sure to monitor your credit history in order to maintain your score and to take advantage of its value available in the marketplace.

Misconception 2: Employment status and income affect your credit score.

Fact: Employment status and income are important criteria in the mortgage application process, but they play no part in your credit score. Here are the actual components of the FICO® Score: Payment history: 35 percent Length of credit history: 15 percent Amounts owed: 30 percent Types of credit used: 10 percent New credit: 10 percent Tips: The percentage breakdown shown above illustrates what’s most important for improving your credit score. Payment

Misconception 3: Closing unused credit cards will help raise your score.

Fact: Even when you pay off and close a credit card, that information remains on your credit history.

Tips: To maximize your credit score, keep your existing accounts open but keep your balances below 50 percent of the applicable credit limit.

Misconception 4: Co-signing loans doesn’t put you at risk as much as your own borrowing.

Patricia Young has been in the mortgage industry for 21 years -- the last 10 at Riverside Community Bank.

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

theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON FINANCIAL PLANNING

December 2013

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

IRS announces 2014 pension plan limitations Taxpayers may contribute up to $17,500 to their 401(k) plans in 2014

When opportunity knocks, open the door Be diligent in managing your investments.

Evaluate your portfolio regularly.

If you’ve been around long-time investors, you’ll probably hear them say, ruefully, “If only I had gotten in on the ground floor of such-and-such computer or social media company, I’d be rich today.” That may be true — but is it really relevant to anyone? Do you have to be an early investor of a spectacular company to achieve investment success?

Successful investors are often rewarded when they not only hold on to investments during declines but also increase their holdings by purchasing investments whose prices have fallen.

Not really. Those early investors of the “next big thing” couldn’t have fully anticipated the tremendous results enjoyed by those companies. But these investors all had one thing in common: They were ready, willing and able to look for good opportunities.

And that’s what you need to do, too. Of course, you may never snag the next big thing, but that’s not the point. If you’re going to be a successful investor, you need to be diligent in your search for new opportunities. And these opportunities don’t need to be brandnew to the financial markets — they can just be new to you.

Evaluating Your Investment Mix For example, when you look at your investment portfolio, do you see the same types of investments? If you own mostly aggressive growth stocks, you have the possibility of gains — but, at the same time, you do risk taking losses, from which it may take years to recover. On the other hand, if you’re “overloaded” with certificates of deposit (CDs) and Treasury bills, you may enjoy protection of principal but at the cost of growth potential, because these investments rarely offer much in the way of returns. In fact, they may

13

Shawn D. Rooney Edward Jones

not even keep up with inflation, which means that if you own too many of them, you will face purchasing-power risk. To avoid these problems, look for opportunities to broaden your holdings beyond just one or two asset classes.

Here’s another way to take advantage of opportunities: Don’t take a “time out” from investing. When markets are down, people’s fears drive them to sell investments whose prices have declined — thereby immediately turning “paper” losses into real ones — rather than holding on to quality investment vehicles and waiting for the market to recover.

But successful investors are often rewarded when they not only hold on to investments during declines but also increase their holdings by purchasing investments whose prices have fallen — or adding new shares to existing investments — thereby following the first rule of investing: Buy low. When the market rises again, these investors should see the value of their new investments, or the shares of their existing ones, increase in value. (Keep in mind, though, that, when investing in stocks, there are no guarantees; some stocks do lose value and may never recover.)

Instead of looking for that one great “hit” in the form of an early investment in a skyrocketing stock, you’re better off by seeking good opportunities in the form of new investments that can broaden your existing portfolio or by adding additional shares, at good prices, to your existing investments. These moves are less glitzy and glamorous than getting in on the ground floor of the next big thing – but, in the long run, they may make you look pretty smart indeed.

Shawn D. Rooney is a financial advisor with Edward Jones.

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

The Internal Revenue Service announced in October cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirementrelated items for tax year 2014. Some pension limitations such as those governing 401(k) plans and IRAs will remain unchanged because the increase in the Consumer Price Index did not meet the statutory thresholds for their adjustment. However, other pension plan limitations will increase for 2014. Highlights include the following: ■■ The elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan remains unchanged at $17,500.

■■ The limit on annual contributions to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) remains unchanged at $5,500.

The additional catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $1,000.

■■ The deduction for taxpayers making contributions to a traditional IRA is phased out for singles and heads of household who are covered by a workplace retirement plan and have modified adjusted gross incomes (AGI) between $60,000 and $70,000, up from $59,000 and $69,000 in 2013.

For married couples filing jointly, in which the spouse who makes the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the income phase-

out range is $96,000 to $116,000, up from $95,000 to $115,000. For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the deduction is phased out if the couple’s income is between $181,000 and $191,000, up from $178,000 and $188,000. For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phaseout range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

■■ The AGI phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is $181,000 to $191,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $178,000 to $188,000 in 2013. For singles and heads of household, the income phase-out range is $114,000 to $129,000, up from $112,000 to $127,000. For a married individual filing a separate return, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

■■ The AGI limit for the saver’s credit (also known as the retirement savings contribution credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $60,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $59,000 in 2013; $45,000 for heads of household, up from $44,250; and $30,000 for married individuals filing separately and for singles, up from $29,500.

Source: www.irs.gov

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December 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FoCus on FInAnCIAl PlAnnInG

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Now is the time for year-end tax planning Looking for tax-saving opportunities As 2013 draws to a close, there still is time to reduce your 2013 tax bill, and even begin to plan ahead for 2014. The following are some areas to consider to reduce your potential tax burden.

A. Review Estimated Adjusted Gross Income and Tax Brackets Appropriate tax planning always starts and ends with “the numbers,” the most important being your adjusted gross income (AGI). Because many tax benefits are tied to or limited by AGI, such as IRA deductions for example, a key aspect of tax planning is to estimate both your 2013 and 2014 AGI. With this information, a taxpayer then can consider whether to accelerate or defer income or deductions, and thus your ability to maximize itemized deductions that are tied to AGI from year to year. Your 2012 tax return and your 2013 pay stubs and other current income- and deduction-related materials are a good starting point for estimating your 2013 AGI. Another important number to consider is your “tax bracket,” i.e., the rate at which your last dollar of income is taxed. Due to legislation in early 2013, the tax rates for 2013 changed from 2012 and are now 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35% and 39.6%.

Although the application of the tax brackets as to taxable income are indexed for inflation, if your income increases faster than the inflation adjustment, you may unknowingly be pushed into a higher bracket. If so, your potential benefit from any taxsaving opportunity is increased (as is the cost of overlooking that opportunity).

Proper year-end tax planning involves calculating your estimated tax bracket, and considering alternative brackets that may be applicable year to year.

B. Retirement Planning Deductions Year-end planning always includes considering tax-saving opportunities for retirement planning. To begin, individuals who are not active participants in an employer pension plan may make deductible contributions to an IRA. The annual deductible contribution limit for an IRA for 2013 is $5,500. For 2013, a $1,000 “catch-up” contribution is allowed for taxpayers age 50 or older by the close of the taxable year, making the total limit $6,500 for these individuals.

Individuals who are active participants in an employer retirement plan also may make deductible contributions to an IRA, but their contributions are limited in amount

depending on their AGI. For 2013, the AGI phase-out range for deductibility of IRA contributions is between $59,000 and $69,000 of modified AGI for single persons (including heads of households), and between $95,000 and $115,000 of modified AGI for those who are married filing jointly. Above these ranges, no deduction is allowed.

In addition, an individual will not be considered an “active participant” in an employer plan simply because the individual’s spouse is an active participant for part of a plan year. Thus, you may be able to take the full deduction for an IRA contribution regardless of whether your spouse is covered by a plan at work, subject to a phase-out if your joint modified AGI is $178,000 to $188,000 for 2013. Above this range, no deduction is allowed.

C. Year-end Charitable Planning Year-end planning always involves considering the tax benefits made available by making charitable contributions. Remember, you can use a credit card to charge donations in 2013 even though you will not pay the bill until 2014. A mere pledge to make a donation is not deductible, however, unless it is paid by the end of the year. Remember also for claimed donations of cars, boats and similar items of more than $500, the amount available as a deduction will depend on what the charity does with the donated property, not just the fair market

value of the donated property.

To avoid capital gains, you also may want to consider giving appreciated property to charity. Remember also that charitable contributions of money, regardless of the amount, will be denied a deduction, unless the donor maintains a cancelled check, bank record or receipt from the donee organization showing the name of the donee organization, and the date and amount of the contribution.

Finally, a special provision scheduled to expire at the end of 2013, called the Charitable IRA Rollover, gives taxpayers the ability to distribute tax-free to charity up to $100,000 from a traditional or Roth IRA maintained for an individual whose has reached age 70-1/2.

post-secondary

D. Education Credits Should Not be Overlooked

or attendance).

Taxpayers also now should pay special attention to available Education and Learning Credits when completing their year-end planning.

Back in 2009, significant changes were put in place for the Hope Credit (the American Opportunity Tax Credit for 2013). Due to legislation in early 2013, these changes continue through 2017. The maximum credit for 2013 is $2,500 (100% on the first $2,000, plus 25% of the next $2,000) for qualified tuition and fees paid on behalf of a student (i.e., the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s spouse, or a dependent) who is enrolled on at least a half-time basis. The credit is available for the first four years of the student’s

Test Your Knowledge Financial Buzzwords

Michael T. Cyrs WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

education.

For 2013, the credit is phased out at modified AGI levels between $160,000 and $180,000 for joint filers, and between $80,000 and $90,000 for other taxpayers. Forty percent of the credit is refundable, which means that you can receive up to $1,000 even if you owe no taxes. The term “qualified tuition and related expenses” includes expenditures for “course materials” (books, supplies and equipment needed for a course of study, whether or not the materials are purchased from the educational institution as a condition of enrollment The

Lifetime

Learning

Credit

maximum in 2013 is $2,000 (20% of qualified tuition and fees up to $10,000). As with the Hope credit, eligible students include the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s spouse or a dependent.

For 2013, the Lifetime Learning credit is phased out at modified AGI levels between $107,000 and $127,000 for joint filers, and between $53,000 and $63,000 for single taxpayers.

You also may be eligible for an abovethe-line deduction for student loan interest paid on any “qualified education loan.” The maximum deduction is $2,500. The deduction for 2013 is phased out at a modified AGI level between $125,000 and $155,000 for joint filers, and between $60,000 and $75,000 for individual taxpayers. Legislation in early 2013 made certain rules permanent that keep the student loan interest deduction

AFFluEnZA A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to “keep up with the Joneses.”

Symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements. People said to be affected by “affluenza” typically find that the very economic success they have been so vigorously chasing ends up leaving them feeling unfulfilled, and wishing for yet more wealth.

at its current levels.

While we are getting very close to the end of the year, there still is time to review and implement sound strategies to minimize your 2013 tax liability. Judge Learned Hand said it best, “Anyone may so arrange his affairs that his taxes shall

bullDoG MARKET

be as low as possible.”

A slang term for the stock market in the United Kingdom. “Bulldog market” usually is used by non-U.K. residents. It is an allusion to the Great Britain’s famous pooch, the British bulldog.

Michael

CAsIno FInAnCE

concentrates

High dollar bets in the markets, either involving high-risk investments, and/or high-leveraged accounts. Investors who employ these tactics are usually taking large risks in order to attempt to earn large rewards. While most investors prefer a more conservative approach, some investors are comfortable undertaking a large amount of risk, in order to have the opportunity to secure large returns.

Source: www.investopedia.com

and business succession planning and

T.

Cyrs,

WilliamsMcCarthy his

CFP, LLP,

practice

partner, Rockford, in

estate

administration, tax-exempt organizations, business and corporate law.

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

16

December 2013 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

FOCUS ON NON-PROFITS

New Elevate program helps young people to complete high school Rock Valley College, YMCA of Rock River Valley and Lydia-Rockford have launched Elevate, a new youth program for income-eligible youth, 16 to 21, in Winnebago and Boone counties, both in-school and out-of-school, who need help earning their high school diplomas or obtaining GEDs. The program offers in-school tutoring at three locations for those interested in attending high school, and provides instructors for GED classes. Youth accepted into the program receive stipends, career readiness and job search assistance, and supportive services, including help with childcare and transportation.

For more information, call 815-921-2260 or visit www.rockvalleycollege. edu/elevate. Instructors, counselors, parents and others are welcome to refer applicants to the website. The Elevate program also has a Facebook page with more information.

Elevate is offered through The Workforce Connection and funded through the Workforce Investment Act by the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance, the workforce investment board serving Boone, Winnebago and Stephenson counties.

Learn about Illinois’

Cottage Food Laws University of Illinois Extension launches website

Have a favorite recipe for cake that everyone loves?

Thinking of making some extra cash by selling it at a local farmers market this spring? The University of Illinois Extension launched a website to address the Illinois Cottage Food Laws. “From Garden Gates to Dinner Plates” offers resources for vendors, consumers and farmers market managers with information on cottage foods, food safety, food labeling and preservation.

“This new website will help you to not only navigate through the rules and regulations, but also to answer questions such as what foods are permitted to be made and sold by a Cottage Food Operation, as well as what information must be included to meet the labeling requirements,” said Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator.

The Cottage Food Laws are specifically for vendors preparing products in their home kitchen to sell at farmers markets.

As of 2013, 26 of the 50 states have enacted cottage food laws, which allow for the production of non-hazardous foods, such as cakes, cookies, pies, preserves and baking mixes in home kitchens.

Cottage food operators must have a current Illinois Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Management certificate and be registered with the local county health department.

These laws give vendors rules and regulations allowing them to sell items at farmers markets that otherwise they would be unable to sell.

Information You’ll Find at the Website

Items sold by a cottage food operation are intended for end-use only. Gross receipts from the sale of food exempted under the cottage food law may not exceed $25,000 in a calendar year. Products can’t be resold to retail stores, restaurants, on the Internet, by mail order, to wholesalers, brokers or other food distributors who resell food.

Simple Steps to Keep Food Safe ■■ Before any kitchen chore; wash hands with warm water for 20 seconds. Always wash hands and surfaces after touching raw food.

■■ Use gloves if you have a cut or infection.

■■ Wash countertops, cutting boards, appliances and any kitchen utensils with hot soapy water before and after use.

Sanitize using one teaspoon chorine bleach to one quart of water.

■■ Wash dish cloths in the hot cycle of the washing machine to reduce bacterial buildup.

■■ Replace old and worn cutting boards.

■■ Consider using paper towels to clean kitchen surfaces. If you use cloth towels or sponges, wash them in the hot cycle of your washing machine. Replace sponges often.

■■ Separate raw meats from other foods.

Use a separate cutting board for fresh fruits/vegetables and raw meats.

■■ Cook food to the right temperature.

■■ Do not smoke, use tobacco or eat while preparing food.

■■ Do not allow pets in the kitchen.

■■ Refrigerate food promptly.

■■ If not making jam immediately, store fruit unwashed in refrigerator. Refrigerate cut fruits promptly. If freezing fresh fruit Serving samples at the farmers market to process later, make sure freezer is 0°. must be prepared at home by the CFO Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/cottage, and served in individual containers with “From Garden Gates to Dinner Plates,” for lids, or individually wrapped. Labeling is more resources and information. not required.

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FOCUS ON NON-PROFITS

December 2013

Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Partnerships work to conserve land Heather Loebner, a sustainability and philanthropy consultant from Chicago, was the featured speaker at the Natural Land Institute’s Corporate Council Luncheon in November at Katie’s Cup. Loebner is on the National Parks Conservation Association Midwest Leadership Council and a member of Chicago Wilderness, a coalition of businesses, organizations and government agencies that work to conserve natural areas in the four-state region around Chicago.

Loebner spoke about how businesses, non-profit organizations, developers and government agencies partner in Chicago, and stimulated ideas for how our community can create local collaborations to preserve natural resources and restore wildlife habitat in an urban setting.

Three examples of successful conservation collaborations were: Sustain Our Great Lakes, which has resulted in more than $60 million in environmental impact on more than 27,000 habitat acres and 100 stream/ riparian miles. The collaboration reconnected about 850 stream miles.

The Chi-Cal River Fund, which financed projects related to green stormwater infrastructure and public use and habitat enhancement.

The Wildlife Habitat Council, which supported a project to restore dune, swale and savanna habitat in Indiana and Illinois. Visit their websites at sustainourgreat lakes.org, nfwf.org/Chi-Cal and wildlife hc.org.

Indirect Impact to Bottom Line Sustain Our Great Lakes was funded by one corporation, ArcelorMittal, and five federal agencies. A participant asked Loebner why the world’s largest steel and mining corporation would want to be involved with conservation work.

Her answer was very interesting and went beyond the standard, “to be a good corporate citizen.”

They may not see a direct result in more sales of their goods, but they do see a result on their bottom line when they go

through the Kimberly Wheeler permitting Johnsen process Natural Land Institute in a local community. Citizens don’t show up to dispute a permit request, which means less spent on promoting a message about who they are and what they do. They already have shown that they care about the communities where they have a footprint, and they don’t have to spend money on staff time or attorney’s fees to go through the process of fighting protesters.

Another point she made was about reaching out to unlikely partners. Once you know what your goals are, identify your potential partners. Think about whom you wouldn’t normally work with on a project, because if you dig deeper, you might find that you do have similar goals that can be reached together through that project.

Creative Sustainability Incentives Loebner shared many examples of partnerships, success stories and ideas for working together to create a sustainable natural environment. She told about Downers Grove, which is offering financial incentives to homeowners to help reduce flooding, by giving them a percentage of the cost to buy rain barrels or to put in a rain garden or green roof. The City of Chicago also expedites permits for new construction projects that use “green” building practices, such as green roofs and energy sources.

Natural Land Institute works with community organizations, businesses and government agencies on projects that result in a sustainable natural environment in northern Illinois. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships in the community, and appreciate Loebner’s insights. Visit naturalland.org.

Kimberly Wheeler Johnsen is director of marketing & membership at Natural Land Institute.

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

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Guest Perspective INSIGHT

Your business can help change someone’s life this holiday season Partnering with nonprofits for the holidays We’ve counted our blessings and gained five pounds over Thanksgiving.

We’ve shopped ’til we dropped and found some amazing deals on Black Friday.

Now, the “season of giving” is upon us.

This time of year, many people would like to give back to their community, but aren’t quite sure how. Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois encourages local corporations to get involved, give back and provide a means for their employees to volunteer or donate. Goodwill’s Corporate Donations Program provides many ways for businesses to help make a positive change in the community — without asking employees to open their checkbooks.

Goodwill’s Corporate Donations Program provides many ways for businesses to get involved. Corporations can sponsor an Employee Donation Drive.

Goodwill’s Donation Toolkit provides all of the materials needed to inform and engage employees, from payroll stuffers and customized posters to “how to” timelines and employee incentive ideas.

Goodwill’s trucking department provides same-day pick-ups so donation bins aren’t overflowing and cluttering business areas. Donation Drives allow employees to volunteer with their coworkers and provide a fun opportunity to give back to the community.

Another way for corporations to partner with Goodwill and “give back” is through the Reconnect Program.

Many businesses have unusable IT, AV, electronic and other equipment and machines that they do not know how to dispose. Goodwill provides free pickup, data destruction, de-manufacturing and an environmentally responsible way to recycle computers and related equipment – working or nonworking.

Shannon Halverson Goodwill

Goodwill also encourages businesses to consider its Goodwill Haulers Program, with provides for the disposition of furniture and other items following a corporation’s renovation or upgrade. In most circumstances, transportation and labor to move these items is offered to the corporation at no cost. Items collected are used in Goodwill facilities to reduce expenses, or sold in stores to fund its mission.

Items your business might consider donating are products of impaired value, over runs, returns or damaged items, office furniture, IT equipment, filing cabinets and phones. Goodwill will take unused warehouse items, such as gaylords, pallets, warehouse racking and fixtures.

Goodwill creates opportunities for families, friends and neighbors who are facing various barriers to enhance their lives. Counselors provide solutions for overcoming those barriers through various programs and services, all of which are free to participants and funded through the sale of gently used donated items at stores throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Benefits to partnering with Goodwill include engaging employees, cost savings, convenience, efficiency, possible tax credits, environmental responsibility, and most of all, helping build a stronger community. Partnering this holiday season not only will feel good to you and your employees, it could help change someone’s life.

Shannon Halverson is public relations/ marketing manager for Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.

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

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December 2013

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IGNITE

Young Professionals

IGNITE offers tools for professional success I became involved with Ignite after moving back to Rockford in 2012. I had spent 12 years away from my hometown serving in the Marine Corps, completing my education and teaching in Arizona.

When I moved back, I was very interested in giving back to the community. I heard about Ignite’s mission of recruiting and retaining young professionals in the Rockford area, and I knew I wanted to get involved.

Since my professional experience was in higher education, and my profound belief is that education is the key to transforming the Rockford area, I decided to join the EDUCATE committee of Ignite.

The EDUCATE committee is focused on the education and development of young professionals. We would like to ensure that all young professionals in the Rockford area have the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in their chosen careers.

As the co-chair, I oversee a number of initiatives that correspond with the committee’s and organization’s goal.

Our Lunch-Outside-the-Box series brings community leaders and young professionals together. These lunches offer an opportunity to learn about the

Rockford area from local Ben Slack politicians, IGNITE philanthropists and business owners. Our most recent series included presentations by Dr. Ehren Jarrett, superintendent of Rockford Public Schools, and Darcy Bucholz, executive director of the Northern Illinois Work Force Alliance. We look forward to our upcoming speakers: Jim Keeling, State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato and Julie Bousma.

The EDUCATE committee also hosts a quarterly professional development book club, and is an active partner in both the United Way of Rock River Valley’s I Read program and Alignment Rockford’s Academy Expo.

We always are looking for more ways to help improve the community through education and opportunity for young professionals. Hopefully, we can continue to make strides towards achieving our goal of creating a safer, better-educated and prosperous Rockford.

Ben Slack is co-chair of Ignite’s EDUCATE committee and director of communication for the Epilepsy Foundation. He can be reached at bslack@efncil.org.

2013: A memorable year for Ignite As 2013 comes to a close, IGNITE would like to thank its membership and the business community for making this a year of memorable growth and networking.

This year, our organization not only welcomed new Rockfordians and those with prior community ties, but also new leadership, as IGNITE’s board terms expired. In just a few short months, these new board leaders helped IGNITE plan exciting programming for 2014 and beyond including, Lunch and learn sessions, After 5 networking nights, IGNITE fundraisers, professional book club evenings and candid conversations with local youth about why returning to Rockford after college is a smart choice.

IGNITE Young Professionals has grown from 250 to 315-plus members this year alone. IGNITE offered no-cost annual memberships starting in July, thanks to the support of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Given these softer economic times, the move allowed young professionals actively to engage in the programming without an annual membership fee.

As an organization with young professionals in a variety of industries, we feel fortunate to say we’ve been able to deliver something for everyone in 2013 via our three committees: REACH, EDUCATE and INVOLVE. Each committee was led by cochairs who actively engaged their committees in conversations to

better serve the membership as well as IGNITE’s mission to attract and retain young professionals in our region. Committee members reached young professionals via networking sessions, educational programming and development opportunities, while bridging young professionals to sources for involvement, including service on area boards.

Now in its fifth year, IGNITE will explore new avenues for its website, and plans are underway to change the visuals in early 2014. Stay tuned to IGNITE via social media and the website. It will be, without a doubt, another year for the books!

IGNITE coordinator Betsy Lopez can be reached at betsy@IGNITErockford. com. Contact her for more information on all things IGNITE, such as getting involved on a committee, sponsorship opportunities or submitting local happenings to share with membership.

We invite you to get to know and share ideas with the leadership on making the organization beneficial to the community and its young professionals.

President: Jolene Smith. Vice president: Mark Middendorff. Secretary: Mika Doyle. EDUCATE co-chairs: Heather Bradshaw and Ben Slack.

INVOLVE co-chairs: Branson Werner and Maurice West II. REACH co-chairs: Derek Erwin and Caitlin Ludwig. IGNITE coordinator: Betsy Lopez. IGNITE marketing director: Britney Lindgren.

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December 2013

Measuring the success of our graduates

Goal attainment predicts readiness for success If you entered one of our high schools recently, you may have heard students and staff talking about academies. There is a feeling of excitement and optimism about the implementation of the high school redesign. Next year, all of our high schools will have wall-to-wall academies.

We will help our students truly prepare for their future. But how will we know if we’re successful? What are we measuring to make sure these students are prepared for life beyond high school?

Internally, we’ve spent a lot of time looking over best-practice models for this concept. We’ve considered all of the statistics we can analyze, and trends we can chart. Since each student is different, there cannot be a one-size-fitsall approach to measuring success. We’ve come up with five different ways we can tell if students have the skills necessary to graduate and find continued success after graduation.

Students may reach one or more of these goals – but we believe that achieving at least one will mean that they are ready for success.

Complete a national career certification. Through many of our pathways, students will be able to earn certifications while enrolled in courses.

For example, a student can become a Certified Nursing Assistant or a Microsoft Office User Specialist.

Present a digital portfolio. Students will complete a senior capstone project and show milestones from their school years. We anticipate the digital portfolio will include up to 20 events from sixth through 12th grade. For example, students would show evidence of completing college and career readiness tasks, like internships, college essays, college applications and job applications.

Achieve a silver ranking or higher (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) on the ACTWorkKeys. The WorkKeys are a job-skill assessment system used by businesses to measure workplace skills of employees and job applicants and by schools and colleges to help prepare students for the workplace. “Silver” status means they could qualify for 67 percent of the jobs in the WorkKeys job database.

Complete at least one Advanced Placement course.

Dual credit classes. Students can achieve college credit, while meeting graduation requirements.

Our assessment won’t stop there. We will measure how many students enter kindergarten having received a highquality early childhood experience.

We will measure how many students enroll in a post-secondary institution and how many graduate. We will compare those numbers against the regional statistics to see how our students stack up against others.

We know that college and career readiness means something different to everyone. Everyone has different dreams and aspirations. Our goal is to help our students turn those dreams into reality with the necessary skills.

When our students succeed, our whole community wins.

Dr. Ehren Jarrett is superintendent of Rockford Public Schools.

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

Get to Know Your Ambassadors Name: Lori Barker Company: Rockford Supportive Living Position: Director of Healthcare Development How long have you been an Ambassador?

2006 to 2010; 2012 to current!

What do you like most about being an Ambassador? If you love meeting people, the Ambassadors Club is a great opportunity for you to participate in the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Being an Ambassador has allowed me to meet new business owners through ribbon cutting celebrations; welcoming them to the Chamber or congratulating them on the expansion or remodeling of their businesses. Working in the healthcare field, I’ve been given an opportunity to know first hand the help available to the people with whom I am in contact. I enjoy our monthly meeting; offering another opportunity to network with one another and experience a variety of chamber member locations and speakers throughout our great city! I appreciate the flexibility of participating in the different events that fit into my schedule.

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December 2013

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Rockford University PERSPECTIVE

How I learned to stop worrying and love the recession There is absolutely no question: the Great Recession hit the Rockford area hard. Unemployment hit a shocking high of 15.4 percent (source www.bls. gov), businesses closed their doors, and families were faced with tough decisions.

The situation was dire, and the recovery has been less than encouraging. However, change and a more vibrant economy are around the corner.

The area unemployment rate fell to a dismal 10.7 percent in August, 2013.

While that is still a high and unsatisfying figure, the number masks important aspects of the changes that occur over the cycle of recession and expansion. One of the key things that happens during a recession is a restructuring of business and manufacturing. These changes include opening and closing plants, changing production technology, and changing the composition of the workforce.

A common assumption is that firms are continuously making these changes throughout the business cycle to maximize profits by lowering the costs of production.

The reality is that these changes are often difficult for companies. Many wait until they absolutely must respond to the heightened competitive pressures of a recession.

The result is cyclical unemployment (unemployment that derives directly from the falling demand for goods and services during a recession), comingled with structural unemployment (unemployment that results from the changing structure of firms and industries in the economy). This phenomenon increases the unemployment rate in a recession; overstating the impact of reduced demand on employment.

Forcing Changes for Future Profitability Okay, here is the part where it gets better: those changes, no matter how negative the short-term impact, are important for future profitability. By changing the number and nature of workers employed, savvy firms improve their competitive outlook and insulate themselves from future economic downturns. The firms that survive the culling become stronger and healthier for their experience. This can only be a good thing for future performance.

Some important questions arise: What industries are resilient to the hardships of the business cycle? And, what jobs will be generated as the economy responds to the pangs of the recession?

Spend some time with the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and you can see some surprising trends. Yes, unemployment is high and persistent. Construction is down and is not showing a trend of improvement.

Manufacturing has recovered to some extent to about 33,000 jobs compared to a recessionary low of 25,000 jobs, but

Caleb Lewis short of preRockford University recession levels.

Business and professional service jobs also have shown improvement since the downturn and show an obvious upward trend. Leisure and hospitality more than recovered and employment in that field is at its highest level in a decade. Additionally if you spend time on the employment pages of some of the area’s biggest employers’ websites, you will come to one conclusion: There are jobs available. So why is unemployment so persistent?

Changes in Qualifications As the economy changes, the qualifications required by employers change as well. However, the demand for labor responds faster to the economic climate than workers can. Structural unemployment has serious implications for the worker, as it requires workers to change and update their training and skill set to find new employment. These adjustments may be difficult for companies, but they are particularly painful for the workers.

New skill requirements might mean a new degree, and that once-valuable years of work experience are no longer relevant to an employer. A firm can choose to swap out a piece of equipment much faster than a worker can acquire the skills to operate the new, more advanced, machinery.

So how do workers make these changes?

More often than ever before, the answer is by taking advantage of one of the area’s many universities, community colleges, or for-profit college adult learning programs.

These programs provide students with the education and training they need to compete in the new economy and to work in the changed workplace. At the same time, many adult programs accommodate the learning style and schedule of the adult learner.

These programs are powerful tools for an area in transition and facilitate the changes that are necessary for the workforce. When these workers are gainfully employed, they will be the satisfied customers of other area businesses and so further spur the recovery.

So to area businesses I say: Don’t count the workers out — they have noticed that the economy has changed and have the means of changing their circumstances. Don’t worry, they’ll catch up.

Caleb Lewis is an assistant professor of economics, business and accounting at Rockford University.

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

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December 2013

Members Caught on Digital ON DIGITAL Ceremonial ribbon donated by SERVPRO of Rockford.

Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY Population Clock

As of November 22, 2013: U.S. 317,112,847

World 7,125,945,500

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Midwest Manufacturing Output Increased in August Grand opening of the 2013 Children’s Holiday Shoppe.

Lonnie’s Stonecrafters, Inc., held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 29 in celebration of its new location at 3291 S. Alpine Road, Rockford.

The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 1.5 percent in August, to a seasonally adjusted level of 96.7 (2007 = 100). The Federal Reserve Board’s industrial production index for manufacturing (IPMFG) moved up 0.7 percent in August. Regional output rose 4.0 percent in August from a year earlier, and national output increased 2.8 percent.

Monthly Index

% Change

June 13

July 13

August 13

August 12 - 13

Chicago Mfg. Index

96.1

95.4

96.7

p

4.0

CFMMI-Auto

99.0

96.2

100.1

p

8.4

CFMMI-Steel

91.0

92.1

92.0

p

2.2

CFMMI-Machinery

97.2

96.8

97.6

p

1.5

CFMMI-Resource

91.5

91.9

92.3

p

1.9

IPMFG

97.0

96.7

97.4

p

2.8

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

U.S. Indicators October, 2013 Consumer Price Index

q 0.1 percent

Unemployment Rate

Seagren’s Avon Beauty Center held a ribbon cutting on Nov. 1 at 621 S. Perryville Road, Rockford.

7.3 percent

Payroll Employment

p 204,000

Average Hourly Earnings

p $0.02

Producer Price Index

q 0.2 percent

Employment Cost Index

p 0.4 percent (third quarter, 2013)

Productivity

p 1.9 percent (third quarter, 2013)

U.S. Import Price Index

q 0.7 percent

U.S. Export Price Index

q 0.5 percent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rates—Region, State, Nation

Next Level Health Cooperative held a ribbon cutting on Nov. 13 at 2835 McFarland Road, Ste. D, Rockford.

Aug 13

July 13

Aug 12

Rockford

10.7

11.4

11.6

q 0.7

q 0.9

Chicago

9.2

9.7

8.9

q 0.5

0.3

Illinois

9.0

9.5

9.0

q 0.5

0.0

United States

7.3

7.7

8.2

q 0.4

q 0.9

Source: U.S. Department of Employment Security

Change/Mo. Change/Yr.

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December 2013

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the News IN Members THEin NEWS

1. Jason Wombacher

2. Victoria M. Haines

3. Kenneth Dufour

4. Victoria R. Glidden

5. Fiona Thomas Cummings

6. Mary Beth Clausen

7. Mark Gerard

8. Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr.

9. Pat Hazen

10. Nichole Dickerson

11. Jaime Houghton

12. Lynette M. Gisel

13. Frank Haney

14. Dr. Kathleen Kelly

15. Dr. Michael J. Born

16. Dr. Andrea Giamalva

Board Appointments, RETIREMENTS

Jason Wombacher (1), WilliamsManny Insurance, joined the Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful board for a one-year term, and Victoria M. Haines (2), UTC Aerospace Systems, for a three-year term.

Rockford University approved six new members in October to its board of trustees; five are graduates of the university: James H. Clarke, Ph.D.; Elizabeth I. Donovan; Thomas A. Gendron; Elizabeth Hegel; Nathan Howard, and Judge Iain David Johnston.

Kenneth Dufour (3), ASA, MAM, Aviation Management Consulting, Inc., was appointed chair, and Victoria R. Glidden (4), JD, BA, Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP, a member of the Saint Anthony College of Nursing board.

New Hires, Promotions, Retirements

Ticomix hired Jerry Doll, professional services manager; Andrea Shives, marketing coordinator; Angelina Nunez, network engineer; Ken Lorenz, regional sales director; Cory Bryan, programmer; Dean Johnson, chief technology officer; Sarah Ramsden, account manager/ SEO consultant; Diane Goldsworthy, business development rep; Michael

Snider, business development rep.; Melanie Walton, network dispatch coordinator, and Lori Demshar, account manager for Aptris (a Ticomix company).

Fiona Thomas Cummings (5), M.A., PMP, LEED green associate, is the new chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.

Mary Beth Clausen (6) is the new director of client relations for the Morrissey Family Businesses.

Mark Gerard (7) independent branch leader, is leading the new Charles Schwab branch in Rockford at 801 N. Perryville Road, Ste. 4.

Rock Valley College hired Frank Horvat as the men’s soccer head coach and Carrie Barker as the women’s soccer head coach.

Judson University celebrated the installation of its sixth president, Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr. (8), in a ceremony on Oct. 24.

Pat Hazen (9) joined Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory in the advanced planning/pre need department.

Nichole Dickerson (10) joined Rockford Mutual Insurance Company as agency specialist.

Jaime Houghton (11) joined Packaging Coordinators Inc.’s North American Clinical Services team as director of clinical project management & planning at the packaging and distribution site in Rockford.

officer and chief quality officer, and welcomed family physician, Andrea Giamalva, M.D. (16)

Lynette M. Gisel (12), MSN, GNPBC joined Saint Anthony College of Nursing’s graduate program as an assistant professor-advance practice nurse.

Lori Bruce was promoted to branch manager at the Associated Bank branch at 612 N. Main St.

Meridian hired three new employees for its new customer support location in Janesville: Mark and Mary Terry and Jake Chanson.

Ipsen, Inc., hired Kathi Edwards (17) as communication specialist for its marketing department.

PR Etc., hired Rebecca Nunes (18) as assistant account executive.

Tyler B. Slack (19) joined WilliamsMcCarthy LLP as an associate.

Melissa Blaser joined Wipfli LLP as senior manager and Teri Downey as manager of its financial institutions practice’s risk advisory regulatory compliance team.

Mark Rice (20) and Chris Baer (21) became shareholders in the civil engineering consulting firm, McClure Engineering Associates, Inc.

Eckburg & Bates Insurance Agency welcomed Frank Haney (13), CIC, CLCS, as an insurance agent and Amy Boston as chief operations officer. Haney is an elected member of the Rock Valley College board of trustees.

Kim Kaufman joined Heartland Financial USA, Inc., as vice president, treasury management regional sales manager, based at the Riverside Community Bank Harrison Avenue branch.

SwedishAmerican Health System named Dr. Kathleen Kelly (14) its chief clinical integration officer, Michael J. Born, M.D. (15), MBA, CPE, FACEP, as chief medical

Packaging Coordinators Inc., hired Brian Keesee (22) as executive director of clinical services for its North American Clinical division; leading site functions for the clinical packaging and distribution facilities in Rockford.

17. Kathi Edwards

18. Rebecca Nunes

19. Tyler B. Slack

20. Mark Rice

21. Chris Baer

22. Brian Keesee

23. Deb Esparza

24. Dr. Connie Vitali

25. Kerry Allen Schaible

26. Mark Scholl

27. Bradley Gummow

28. Rick Reese

29. Cassie Ciminger

30. Gordon Eggers, Jr.

31. Ingrid Dohm

32. Dr. Brian Bear

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December 2013

Members in the News Employee/Community Recognitions, Awards

2013 Jack W. Packard Quality Champion awards to Deb Esparza (23), application project manager for IMS (staff award) and Connie Vitali, M.D. (24), chairman of the department of pathology and medical director of the lab (physician award).

Kerry Allen Schaible (25), Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, received his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College.

Marci Meyer celebrated five years with Rockford Mutual Insurance Company.

Mark Scholl (26), partner, Wipfli LLP, Sterling, received Polo Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Citizen of the Year Award.

Bradley Gummow (27), managing director – investment officer, Gummow Wealth Advisory Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, was featured in the Chicago Financial Leaders special section in Forbes magazine in November. He received the 2013 Five Star Wealth Manager award in Chicago.

Rick Reese (28), CIC, CRM, AIC, Coyle-Varland Insurance, completed the James K. Ruble Contractors Seminar through The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors in Indianapolis in October.

Senior visual communications student Cassie Criminger (29) was named the Judson University Student Lincoln Laureate for 2013 as a top senior.

Gordon Eggers, Jr. (30), president & CEO, Crusader Community Health, received the George O’Neill Leadership Award from the Illinois Primary Health Care Association.

Rock Valley College students Hayley Jackson and Sarah Bliss won Best Delegates as a part of the college’s Model United Nations team, which competed in the National Model United Nations conference in Washington, D.C. The team won Outstanding Delegation for the third year in a row.

Rockford Christian Schools gave its annual Legacy awards to Keith & Karen Christianson, board members, volunteers and parents, and Betty Berglund, a teacher at the school for almost 45 years.

Figure skater Makala Arn competed in the Upper Great Lakes Regional Figure Skating Championships in October, where

she placed third overall in the novice ladies level. She has tested to the U.S Figure Skating Novice level, and trains locally with Rockford Park District professional coaches Gene Heffron and Carol Ueck.

Spine surgeons Dr. Michael Roh, Dr. Christopher Sliva and Dr. Fred Sweet and physiatrist Dr. Marie Walker, Rockford Spine Center, received the 2013 Patients’ Choice Award for the third year.

Paige Springer, dining service employee, Wesley Willows, received a $1,000 scholarship to pursue her nursing assistant certification at Rock Valley College, in honor of former resident LaVada Johnson.

Seventh-grade language arts teacher Melissa Leisner, alumna of Judson University, received the Milken Educator Award in November at Prairie Knolls Middle School in Elgin, Ill. One of the highest honors in education; winners receive $25,000 in unrestricted awards.

Of GENERAL INTEREST

Nancy Salsbury, Spectrum Insurance Agency, completed her Insuring Personal Residential Property exam and Bonnie Arrington her Commercial Casualty II exam toward their Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Two installations of Ingrid Dohm’s (32) art work were unveiled at the new SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, 3535 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Dr. Emmett Blahnik, known as TheDoctorForWeightLoss.com, now is in Rockford and accepting patients at Next Level Health Cooperative. He can be heard on “Spread the Health” radio live at 100.5 FM on Thursdays, 9 to 10 a.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m.

For the second year, Rockford Spine Center’s Dr. Michael Roh, Dr. Christopher Sliva, Dr. Fred Sweet and Dr. Marie Walker will serve as the Rockford IceHogs’ orthopedic spine specialists.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that landscape architecture students Jake Poloni and Steve Mann, University of Gloucestershire (England), won a gold award at the Malvern Autumn Show with their edible garden inspired by Rockford’s countryside.

Brian Bear, M.D. (32), Rockford Orthopedic Associates, Ltd., was an instructor at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Wrist and Elbow Arthroscopy and Associated Procedures: Techniques and Innovations course in November in Rosemont, Ill.

Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE The following is current Illinois legislation and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s positions.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

legislative return in the coming weeks and/or months if the pension reform proposal, which appears to have promise, proves actuarially sound.

Manufacturers Purchase Credit (MPC) Both the House and the Senate took action to fix a technical error with the MPC; however, that technical fix was furnished in two different bills, neither of which were advanced in the opposite chamber. The Senate did not take up SB 1448 and instead IRA Program (HB2461) unanimously approved a separate bill, Establishes an automatic Individual HB 2977, containing only the MPC Retirement Account program for technical fix language yesterday after employees of employers that have not the House had drawn its fall session offered a qualified retirement plan to to a close. The Chamber supports their employees within the last two both bills. years.

The MPC amendments in both bills Sponsor: Rep. Mell (D-Chicago) provide that purchasers of manufacStatus: Re-referred to Rules turing machinery and equipment and Committee graphic arts machinery and Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose equipment made on and after Sept. 1, 2004 through Aug. 30, 2014 (when the Illinois chamber Govt. current credit sunsets unless renewed) Affairs Report qualify for the manufacturer’s The following are excerpts from the purchase credit, regardless of whether Nov. 13 Illinois Chamber Government or not the serviceman paid use tax to Affairs Report, including a rundown of his suppliers or registered to collect legislative action taken and not taken the tax. on issues of importance to the Illinois The legislation is in response to a Chamber.

Department of Revenue Aug. 13 The conclusion of the two-week veto Compliance Alert, which notified session on Nov. 12 proved antitaxpayers that the department would climactic after the state made disallow the MPC credit and impose headlines when the Illinois Legislature penalties and interest on those approved SB 10 allowing same sex claiming MPC credit on otherwise couples to marry in Illinois beginning qualifying purchases from July 1, 2014. The House quickly unregistered servicemen who paid recessed, leaving only the Senate to use tax to their suppliers. The take up legislative items while leaving department’s position is based on a others idle on the floor before recessing technical error that occurred after the to the possibility of a return in MPC was repealed in 2003 and December or in the New Year before reinstated in 2004 when MPC the regularly scheduled spring 2014 provisions relating to the Service Use session gets underway on Jan. 29.

Tax were inadvertently omitted.

Pension Reform Responsible Bidder While the General Assembly did not The Senate Labor and Commerce take up any sweeping pension reform Committee approved HB 924 against legislation on the state retirement heavy opposition from the Illinois systems, the Legislature did approve a Chamber, the Black Chamber of bill that could serve as a test balloon Commerce, the NFIB and other for a pension reform bill down the road. business/trade groups and local SB 1523 makes changes to the governments. The bill would require Chicago Park District pension fund and contractors and subcontractors to sped through both chambers only this comply with Responsible Bidder week, passing the House by a vote of requirements to qualify for public works 87-26-2 with the Senate concurring projects at the local level and require 46-4-4. local contractors to participate in a U.S. Under the plan, the retirement age Department of Labor-approved for existing employees under 45 apprenticeship program in order to bid increases from 50 to 58 years and on public works projects. The bill employee-required contributions threatens both small contractors’ ability increase from 9 to 12 percent of their to comply and compete for local public salaries by 2019. The measure also decreases automatic annual increases works projects and increased public construction costs on local in retirement benefits and decreases governments and municipalities. on-duty disability benefits. The park While the legislation received the green district is required to make light from the committee, it was not supplemental contributions in 2015, without the committee members’ 2016 and 2019 in an attempt to directive that the bill return to the increase the current 43 percent committee if and when a compromise funded level to 90 percent by 2050. between business and labor could be In the meantime, the bipartisan identified. Until that time, the bill’s legislative committee, tasked with producing a legislative solution to the sponsor, Senator Harmon, has committed to holding the bill on state’s burgeoning pension problem, Second Reading. currently is awaiting an actuarial The bill narrowly passed the House in cost-savings analysis on its latest proposal. The proposal may prompt a April by a vote of 60-50-3.

State Community Bank (HB0007) Establishes a state-run community bank of Illinois.

Sponsor: Rep. Flowers (D-Chicago) Status: Re-referred to Rules Committee Illinois Chamber Position: Oppose

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Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

SwedishAmerican Health System and the YMCA of Rock River Valley will open a new medical wellness center, BetterLife Wellness, at the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA in downtown Rockford in early 2014. It will include wellness educational programs, classes and support groups.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden donated 2,078 pounds of fresh produce to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry through its Plant A Row garden program.

Rock River Valley Blood Center received the High-Performer Award for its autologous T-cell collections to help treat stage-4 prostate cancer patients.

One of the latest advances in prostate cancer treatment options, the cells are used by Dendreon Corporation to manufacture PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T), the only FDA-approved treatment for certain men with advanced prostate cancer, using their own immune system to fight their disease.

Thirty six organizations received the first Winnebago County Renewable Energy Expo Leadership by Example recognition awards in October for using initiatives, from wind and solar power to waste-to-energy practices to renewable energy building integration.

Rock River Valley Pantry, Shelter Care Ministries, Inc., LYDIA Home Rockford and Children’s Home & Aid received $49,500 in grants from the Mill Foundation.

Employees at Williams-Manny held their first-ever Fall Frenzy Rummage Sale in October; raising $1,020 for the United Way of the Rock River Valley.

Rockford City Market had a recordbreaking year for attendance with 75,463 visitors this season; 32 percent over 2012’s attendance numbers. The market took place every Friday, May 31 through Oct. 11 in downtown Rockford.

SwedishAmerican Hospital received a 2013-2014 Consumer Choice Award from National Research Corporation based on household surveys.

Brian Thomas Photography completed individual and group images for the Rockford Chamber’s One publication, highlighting the 2013 Twenty People Should Know.

Meridian expanded into Janesville, Wis., and increased its offerings to include wide-format printing; providing banners, posters, trade show displays, window and floor graphics, wall murals, and point-of-purchase, indoor/outdoor and way-finding signage.

Natural Land Institute announced a hike app featuring the Dianne Nora Nature Trail at Nygren Wetland Preserve in Rockton. The Prairie State Hike App is available to smartphone and tablet users through Apple and Android stores for 99 cents and includes multiple tours

for natural areas throughout Illinois.

Forward Equity Marketing Group was hired to facilitate advertising and marketing for Woodman’s Food Market’s 15 stores and for East Rockford Body Shop.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra received its newly restored Steinway Concert Grand Piano, which was tested in October by area musicians including Emily Bear. The piano, over time, had lost its ability to be heard over the full orchestra. Rather than replace it, which would cost at least $120,000, the RSO chose to rebuild it.

KMK Media Group completed production of a new website, glenwoodcenter.com, for Glenwood Center Ltd., a private mental health provider in Rockford.

Rockford Aviators professional baseball announced the opening of the 2014 Frontier League season with a home game on Friday, May 16 against the River City Rascals.

Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners approved a Sustainability Policy and Illinois Parks and Recreation Administration Environmental Report Card. The board approved an environmental policy in 2004, and the district scored 155 out of 166 total possible points, or 93 percent, in its last report card.

Wipfli LLP, CPA and consulting firm, launched Manufacturing Tomorrow, a regular news service and blog provided by its manufacturing and technology experts.

Remedies Renewing Lives received a $20,000 grant by the Martin-Campbell Foundation for a new outdoor playground with age-appropriate equipment for children in the agency’s emergency domestic violence shelter.

Brian Thomas Photography photographed the ribbon cutting of a new Tesla Supercharger, located at Cherryvale Mall in Rockford, which will be featured in national and international promotional pieces for Tesla Motors.

Rock Valley Credit Union presented a $500 check and hosted a food drive in November to help replenish the shelves at Hand in Hand Pantry in Rochelle.

Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center is open every Saturday all year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for free selfguided hikes. Visitors also can view feeding time for the resident birds of prey at 1 p.m., at the Birds of Prey live exhibit, which offers up-close views of raptors, and one of the few accessible tree houses in Illinois.

Carpenter’s Place launched Cycles for Change through an estate gift by the late Merrill Johnson, a man with compassion for the homeless and a passion for biking. Recipients receive a bike for transportation. Individuals and groups who want to help can donate a new or gently-used bike, lock, helmet or headlight, or make a financial donation.

Beloit Bicycle Company will clean, tune up and size donated bikes.

with serious mental illness: diabetes, hypertension, obesity and asthma.

Youth Service Bureau received a $1,500 check from the Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council for a holiday party in December for foster children and their families, complete with roller skating, pizza, special treats and a visit with Santa.

First National Bank & Trust Company staff earned recognition with an award from the Wisconsin Bankers Association for financial education efforts. Through WBA’s Bankers Promoting Financial Literacy program, FNBT bankers made 104 presentations to nearly 4,400 students on money management, saving and budgeting in the past year.

Edward Jones, which hired 336 military veterans as financial advisors, was named one of the 2013 Most Valuable Employers for Military® by CivilianJobs.com, and was recognized

by G.I. Jobs on the 2013 “Military Friendly Employer” list and Military Times EDGE, ranking No. 43 on the 2013 Best for Vets ranking.

Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital earned certification for disease-specific care in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Chicago Rockford International Airport honored more than 30 ambassadors, who since November, 2012, have volunteered more than 2,098 hours in curbside luggage assistance, ground transportation, way finding, customer service and airport special events support.

Crimson Pointe assisted living implemented the Arial® wireless monitoring system from Stanley Healthcare Solutions.

SwedishAmerican Health System established in October a one-year Exploring program to help area youth, 14 to 20, explore medical careers.

The program is offered through Irving, Tex.-based Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America, working in partnership with area school guidance counselors.

V2 Marketing Communications completed a website for The Parks Chamber of Commerce, featuring an online membership directory, news and events, and Young at Heart Festival information, at parkschamber.com.

PR Etc., was hired to work with Prescient Audio, www.prescientaudio. com, as it debuts its new speaker technology, ThinDriverTM technology, TD-12, to a national audience.

Woodward, Inc., reported financial results with net sales for fourth quarter, 2013, of $558.4 million, including the Duarte business acquisition; an increase of 6 percent over fourth quarter, 2012.

March of Dimes annual Signature Chefs Auction drew a record crowd of nearly 500 people, raising $75,000 — 30 percent more than in 2012. Pearson, a Rockford plumbing, heating and pest control company, helped by sponsoring the chance to win a two-year lease to a new 2013 Toyota Hilander SUV, which was raffled off at the event.

A team of 20 walkers from Riverside Community Bank, raised $350 during the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in October, as a part of the bank’s support of the fight against breast cancer.

Four local restaurants helped commemorate October as Down Syndrome Awareness month by donating a portion of their sales, amounting to $825, to GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford for educational and therapeutic programs: Backyard Grill & Bar, Loves Park; Red Mango, Machesney Park; McDonald’s, Charles St., Rockford, and Culver’s Restaurant, Roscoe.

Wipfli LLP’s Turnaround and Restructuring Services group was honored with the Turnaround of the Year Award presented by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association in November for its role in helping Robinson Metal recover following two years of fraud and embezzlement by its former controller, and the impact of the recession.

Chem Processing, Inc., and J.L.Clark, A CLARCOR Company, were two of 27 Illinois companies and organizations honored with Governor’s Sustainability Awards by the Illinois Sustainable Technology for environmental excellence through innovative sustainability practices.

Rockford University’s Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence launched a new service for nonprofits.

NICNE Customized Consulting & Professional Services offers assistance from expert advisors in human resources, marketing, strategic planning, fund development, mission development and refinement, executive searches, grant writing and organizational communication.

Rosecrance Foundation received a $50,000 Community Partners Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to enhance a two-yearold collaboration with Crusader Community Health that allows lowincome clients of each organization to receive services from both agencies at the same site. The grant was written specifically to address four chronic conditions prevalent among people

David & Diane Graf Rockford Endowed Scholarships, $2,000 to $3,000, are available to Rockfordarea incoming freshman and transfer students attending NIU College of Business in fall 2014. Visit www.cob. niu.edu/rockfordclub/scholarship.asp for criteria and applications. Funds are donated by Dr. David Graf and Dr. Diane Graf, college alumna, and NIU Rockford Club members.

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December 2013

BMO Harris Bank continues as presenting sponsor The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that BMO Harris Bank will continue as the presenting sponsor for the Chamber’s Business Luncheon Series for 2014. BMO Harris Bank became the annual presenting sponsor for this series in 2011 as part of its strong belief in providing guidance, services and education to help businesses grow and succeed.

The series, long a hallmark for the Rockford Chamber, annually features speakers of strong national and local reputation, who provide timely information, provocative thought and stimulating ideas to meet the Chamber’s mission as the leading advocate for business growth in the Rockford Region.

Past sessions have included Small Business concentrating on growth and development, Mayor’s Business Luncheon, State of the County, Healthcare Industry Update and Education Outlook. Similar sessions are anticipated for 2014.

“We value greatly the partnership we have with BMO Harris on this series and appreciate the great level of community support BMO Harris has provided since entering the Rockford market,” said Einar

Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber. “The Chamber Business Luncheon Series has a strong reputation for creating access to businesses, to national experts on critical topics as well as top elected and governmental leaders to discuss local issues.”

About BMO Harris Bank Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions with more than 600 branches and about 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank’s commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the United States. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank SM is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

New Chamber Members MEMBERS

American Express OPEN Small Business Credit Cards

The Leading Payment Card Issuer for Small Businesses in the United States 200 Vesey St. New York, NY 10285 Jasginder Singh 917-593-8729 www.americanexpress.com/us/ small-business/credit-cards/

Aramark Refreshment Services Office Coffee Service; Vending Services; Tea and Water Services 1851 Howard St., Ste. F Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Derek Wichman 847-472-7300 www.aramarkrefreshments.com

Assured Staffing Specializing in Temporary and Direct Hire Placements 431 S. Phelps Ave., Ste. 603, 61108 Darla Richmond 815-397-8888 www.assuredstaffing.net

Bradford Systems Corporation Your Complete Workplace Storage Solutions Expert 430 Country Club Dr. Bensonville, IL 60106 David Bradford 815-315-0615 www.bradfordsystems.com

Heartland Hospice Providing Hospice Care Wherever Our Patients Call Home 363 Financial Court, Ste. 300, 61107 Pam Weiss, RN, BSN, CHPN 815-397-3691 www.heartlandhospice.com

Lenox Healthcare for Women We Recognize that Each Woman has Unique Needs that Deserves Personal Attention 1235 N. Mulford Road, Ste. 200, 61107 Colleen Bowles 815-965-6644 www.lenoxcare4women.com

Rockford Fastener Inc. Manufacturer of Standard and Custom Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Washers 725 South St., 61102 Bryan Burgy 815-968-5343 www.rockfordfastener.com

Seagren’s Avon Beauty Center A Licensed Avon Beauty Center Selling Avon Products at Current Catalog Prices in a Retail Environment 621 S. Perryville Road, 61108 Emily Seagren 815-332-2100 eseagren.avonrepresentative.com

December 2013 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members who celebrate their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber in December, 2013.

30-Year Member

10-Year Member

La Voz Latina

Padgett Business Services

20-Year Member

5-Year Members

Rockford Christian Schools

15-Year Members C & E Specialties, Inc. Farm & Fleet of Rockford KMK Media Group, Inc. Market Dimensions, Inc. P. A. Peterson Center for Health

Aikon Desktop Services Anderson Japanese Gardens Columbia College Morning Star Village Rock River Environmental Services

Membership Renewals Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in October, 2013.

A. W. Anderson Agency, Inc. A-1 Dry Cleaners & Laundry Abreo Restaurant Absolute Fire Protection, Inc. Aetna Plywood, Inc. Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter American TV & Appliance of Rockford, Inc. Bickford of Rockford Bobcat of Rockford Briggs Floor Sanding & Refinishing Campbell Science Corporation Carz R’ Us General Automotive & Tire CBro, Ltd. Center for Sight & Hearing Chicagoland Medical Billing Specialists, Inc. Christofferson Moving & Storage City of Loves Park City of Rockford Colorwave Graphics, LLC Come Together Rockford Cream City Scale LLC Creative Crane & Rigging, Inc. Credit Union 1 Cremation Society of Illinois Crimson Ridge Estate Condos North Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary Cross Creek Condominium Association CYRS Wealth Advisors LLC Eckburg & Bates Insurance Agency Egg Harbor Cafe Entre Computer Solutions Epilepsy Foundation Faust Landmark Apartments Office Gallagher Miller Buettner & Parrott Gary W. Anderson Architects GiGi’s Playhouse/Rockford, LLC GNS Gas Company Heritage Aero, Inc Holiday Inn of Rockford HomeStart Intouch Home Care Services of LSSI Mainstreet Financial Group Malik Eye Institute MAZTEK Calibration, Inc. Minuteman Press MSI Reverse Olson Enterprises LLC PANDORA Jewelry Store

Peterson Meadows Piping Industry Council of the Rockford Area Powmet, Inc. Premium Oil Company Proactive Business Networking Solutions Professional Graphics Inc. Provena St. Anne Center Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Remedies Renewing Lives Ringland-Johnson, Inc. Rock Valley Glass Rockford Association for Minority Management Rockford Bank & Trust Co. Rockford Bell Credit Union Rockford Housing Authority Rockford Rigging, Inc. S. J. Carlson Fire Protection Saint Anthony College of Nursing Sandray Precision Grinding, Inc. Sexson Orthodontics, Ltd. SmithAmundsen LLC State Farm Insurance Solomon Foley Stateline World Trade Association Summit Radiology SWITS, Ltd. Target Commercial Interiors the groundUP s.s.i. (gUs, inc) The Home Depot Title Underwriters Agency Trinity Day Care Unity Hospice of Western Illinois Universal Restoration Services Unlimited Services Upper Iowa University Rockford Center Upstream Investment Partners URS Energy & Construction Vito’s Ristorante, Inc. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Winnebago County Housing Authority Winnebago County Recorder Woodman’s Food Market, Inc.

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EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events DECEMBER, 2013 Tuesday, December 3

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

Tuesday, December 10

Alpine Road, Rockford.

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

Wednesday, December 11

Lead 360: December Breakfast, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Sponsored

by Rockford Park District (presenting) and SwedishAmerican Health System (keynote).

Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Rock Valley College Woodward Technology Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road.

Einar K. Forsman, president & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, presents “Positioning Yourself for Growth in 2014.” Sponsored by McGladrey.

Ribbon Cutting and 75th Anniversary, MembersAlliance Credit Union, 2 to 3 p.m., 2550 S.

Ribbon Cutting, Charles Schwab, 4 to 7 p.m., 801 N. Perryville Road, Rockford (Gruno’s Diamonds building

on Perryville and Crimson Ridge).

Ribbon cutting, 4 p.m., with the mayor, followed by refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and dessert.

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford.

Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place, 815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@ carpentersplace.org.

Ribbon Cutting, Charles Schwab, 4 to 6 p.m., 801 N. Perryville Road, Rockford.

Thursday, Dec. 12 11:30 am - 1:15 pm Radisson Conference Center 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford

Education Outlook Luncheon Dr. Ehren Jarrett, superintendent, Rockford Public Schools, and Dr. Jack Becherer, president, Rock Valley College, present, “Connectivity: Community Advancement through Educational Achievement” on the widespread agreement that the United States must raise educational achievement for the 21st century labor market, through more than K to 12 education alone.

BMO Harris Bank (presenting), Humana, and SwedishAmerican Health System (gold).

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

Tuesday, December 3

Rockford Park District invites hikers to join the Atwood Adult Hiking Club for a one-hour hike, 9 a.m., Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. Visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org. Call 815874-7576 to confirm, or if weather is questionable.

Wednesday, December 4

Rosecrance Health Network invites the community to attend an Open House and Ribbon Cutting for its newly opened Belvidere office, 915 Alexandra Dr., 4 to 6 p.m. RSVP to Jo Lyttle at 815-387-5607 or jlyttle@ rosecrance.org.

Rock Valley College Studio Theater, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, presents The Wizard of Oz, Dec. 4 to 14, 8 p.m., nightly, with additional 2 p.m., matinee on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets at 815-921-2160 or visit rvcstarlight.com.

Thursday, December 5

Northern Illinois SCORE presents Writing Your Business Plan, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford. Register at http://bit. ly/13g2ADb or call 815-962-0122.

Friday, December 6

Heartland Hospice presents Christmas for Veterans Collection Open House, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 363 Financial Court, St. 300, Rockford. Enjoy chili, cookies and fellowship, when you donate cookies, new winter gloves and socks, to be delivered to more than 1,000 fellow veterans living in nursing facilities in northern Illinois.

Saturday, December 7

University of Illinois Extension hosts Horticulture for the Holidays, 8 a.m.

to noon, at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford.

Three make-and-take workshops with educator, Candice Miller. Register by Dec. 2 at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357.

Judson University’s Center for Worship in the Performing Arts presents a free Christmas Concert of Worship, 7 p.m., in Herrick Chapel, 1151 N. State St., Elgin, Ill. Includes worship duo David Gungor and John Arndt, The Brilliance, and the Judson University Choir and the Judson Civic Orchestra. Freewill offering. Visit www. judsoncivicorchestra.org.

Arthritis Foundation presents its Jingle Bell Run/Walk, 8:30 a.m., at the YMCA in Freeport, 2998 W. Pearl City Road. For more or to register, visit www.jinglebellnwil.org or call 815-9716380.

Rockford Park District hosts Breakfast with Santa at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Register early at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org or call 815-987-8858.

Sunday, December 8

Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford, hosts Holiday Traditions, on Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m., through Dec. 22. The six ethnic galleries celebrate the Christmas season: African American, Hispanic, Italian, Irish, Lithuanian and Polish. Unique Christmas gifts and entertainment. Call 815-962-7402 to preregister for tours other days or visit www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

ly/13aMDwy or call 815-962-0122.

required. For information call 815-9657606.

Saturday, December 21

Rockford Public Library presents Check it Out! 1 to 3 p.m., Rock River Branch Program Room, 3128 11th St. Taught by Woodforest National Bank.

Registration required. Call 815-9657606.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Christmas season with Holiday Pops! Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 22, 3 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 711 N. Main St. Tickets at 815-965-0049 or www.rockfordsymphony.com.

Wednesday, December 11

Meet Mark Gerard, independent branch leader, at a Grand Opening Event for the Schwab Rockford Independent Branch, 4:30 to 7 p.m., 801 N. Perryville Road, Ste. 4. Call 815-209-0055 to confirm attendance.

Thursday, December 12

University of Illinois Extension presents Managing Your Diabetes through the Holidays with wellness educator Diane Reinhold, 2 to 3 p.m., at 1040 N. Second St., Rockford.

Register at web.extension.illinois.edu/ jsw or call 815-986-4357.

Friday, December 13

IMEC presents Lean 101 Manufacturing Overview with Simulation, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State St., Rockford.

For questions contact 815-298-7134 or email rshrum@imec.org. Register at www.imec.org.

Wednesday, December 18

Tuesday, December 10

Rockford Public Library presents Understanding How the Affordable Care Act Can Benefit You, 1 to 2 p.m., East Branch Friends community meeting room, 6685 E. State St. Presented by Mary Hallock, BlueShield of Illinois. Registration required. Call 815-965-7606.

Rockford Public Library presents a Scholarship Fair, 5 to 8 p.m., at Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St. Will include representatives of many Rockford-area organizations that provide scholarships. Registration NOT

Northern Illinois SCORE presents Online Marketing With Facebook Ads and LinkedIn Ads, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford. Register at http://bit.

Thursday, December 19

Sunday, December 22

Rock Valley College softball program hosts a Pitching Clinic at the Physical Education Center, 3301 N. Mulford Road. Beginners, 3 to 5 p.m.; advanced, 5 to 7 p.m. Register by Dec. 19 with Darin Monroe, 815-9213822 or d.monroe@rockvalleycollege. edu or download form at www. rockvalleycollege.edu/Athletics/ Softball/index.cfm.

Thursday, December 26

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Ste. 2, Rockford, presents Wacky Winter Workshops, Dec. 26 to 30; 11:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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

Saturday, December 28

Harlem Globetrotters comes to BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, for its 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour at 7 p.m. Online voting at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule to choose game-changing rules. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com, box office or 815-968-5222.

Tuesday, December 31

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Ste. 2, Rockford, presents Countdown to Fun! 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Crafts, games, music and art come together to count down to midnight -- somewhere in the world! Music with Kantorei, the singing boys of Rockford.

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

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December 2013

EVENTS

Upcoming Chamber Events JAnuARY, 2014 Friday, January 10

Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. Registration required. Contact Heidi Garner, 815-316-4312.

Tuesday, January 14

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

Wednesday, January 15

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations.

Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place, 815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@carpentersplace.org.

Thursday, Jan. 23 5:00 - 8:00 pm Giovanni’s 610 n. bell school Rd., Rockford

Annual Dinner Save the Date!

Sponsors: OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (presenting), First National Bank & Trust/ Williams McCarthy (gold), Leading Lawyers (silver), McGladrey/The Alliance (bronze).

Tuesday, January 28

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

ADVERTISERS Advertisers Index

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 12 BMO Harris Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . 18 Broadmoor Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Charles Schwab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Comcast Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 First National Bank and Trust Company . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 FurstSearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 GiGi’s Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Goodwill Northern Illinois . . . . . . . . . 16 McGladrey LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . 3 Mendelssohn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Northwestern Mutual . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Reynoldswood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Riverside Community Bank . . . . . . . 11 Rockford Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rockford Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 20 Rockford Health System . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Rock Valley College / BPI . . . . . . . . . . 7 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Thayer Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 United Way of Rock River Valley . . . 15 Van Galder Bus Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 WilliamsMcCarthy LLP . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Wednesday, January 29

Advantage Power Network Club, 11:45 a.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Contact Teri Watts, United Commercial Realty, Teriw1214@ gmail.com.

Advantage Club – Originals, 11:45 a.m., various locations. Contact Tiffany Staman, Carpenter’s Place, 815-964-4105, ext. 221, or tiffanys@ carpentersplace.org.

Membership: 101 MEMBERSHIP

10 ways to unlock

your membership opportunities!

1. Review your listing on our website directory—make sure your info is correct!

2. Display your membership plaque/decal openly: we can send you the chamber’s logo for your website, emails, etc.

3. Attend a membership orientation—we are always adding new products and services.

4. Get your employees connected—your membership is for your entire organization.

5. Make the chamber your first and trusted resource.

6. Maximize our publications—submit news and info to our newspaper, The Voice, and our bi-weekly E-Newsletter.

7. Learn how to get noticed: Our visibility expert will be able to provide you with the best sources available for promoting your business.

8. Secure your participation: Check out the calendar of events regularly

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ............................................. Direct Line Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO ......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Executive Assistant to the President ................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology .................. 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, 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 Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance ...................................................... 815-316-4316 Stacy Mullins, Director of Events ............................................. 815-316-4302 Diane Navickis, Member Relations Manager............................... 815-316-4315 Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager ............. 815-316-4336 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ........................ 815-316-4320

Chamber Board of Directors & Officers ExECuTIVE CoMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Richard Walsh SwedishAmerican Health System

DIRECToRs Romero Bennett Blue Sky Insurance Agency, Inc. Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.

Vice Chair Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc.

Ryan Brauns Rockford Consulting & Brokerage

Vice Chair Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company

Treasurer Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products Immediate Past Chairman Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions

Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Darlene Furst Furst Staffing Jeff Hultman Riverside Community Bank

Penelope Lechtenberg Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College Paul McCann Stanley Steemer Pat Morrow Alpine Bank Amy Ott Chicago Rockford International Airport Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy Daniel Saavedra Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects Henry Seybold Rockford Health System

Pat Shaw McGladrey LLP Somchan Thatsanaphon K-I Machine Tool & Production Inc. Tim White UTC Aerospace Systems Jennifer Wood CPA

Ex-oFFICIo DIRECToRs Don Thayer Rockford Area Economic Development Council Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

and get familiar with our councils. Find one or more that fits you.

9. Get social: Join us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter to find out what best fits you. Participate in discussions. Provide information that makes you the expert in your field.

10. Be a supporter of your membership: know what companies/organizations are members and frequent their businesses.

Contact Diane Navickis for more details on unlocking the key to Chamber opportunities and success.

Is it time for your personalized Chamber Check Up? 815-316-4315 dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com

January 2014 special sections:

Checks and Balances Marketing Communications For information on advertising, call 815 987-8100