PCI PHARMA SERVICES PAGE 4
’TIS THE SEASON PAGE 9
The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com
VAN GALDER NOW DEPARTS FROM EAST SIDE TRANSFER CENTER December 2017 | Volume 30 | No. 12
Mayor McNamara addresses the
Rockford Chamber Tom McNamara has packed a lot into his first six months as Rockford’s 41st mayor. “It’s the most rewarding job you could ever ask for, and it’s the most challenging job you could ever ask for,” said the Rockford native. “I enjoy it more than I ever thought I would. You don’t get a full appreciation for the job anywhere else, other than being in it.” On Nov. 16, the former third ward alderman addressed a Rockford Chamber of Commerce audience for the first time since he took office in May. McNamara shared his priorities for the city, including
PHOTOS BY BRIAN THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
Facing challenges and opportunities
Mayor Tom McNamara spoke of a plan for progress. public safety, workforce development, creating a business-friendly environment and public private partnerships. “We have significant challenges, but we also have opportunities,” he said. “When you look at the sense of togetherness and the unity our community can have, that’s what we’re going to need to move us forward. Let’s focus on how we can do things and do them together.” Rockford is facing a $10.2 million deficit this year and a cumulative deficit of 78 million dollars over the next five years. To address the budget deficit, the city has appointed a finance task force, a group of volunteers with accounting,
finance and operations experience. McNamara said crime is his top priority and cutting public safety funding is not in his plans, which he discussed during a Q &A with Rockford police chief Dan O’Shea. “We’re not where we need to be,” McNamara said. “But if you look at the indicators, we’re making progress. We have laid out a plan that includes community engagement. We’re starting to see end roads.” Public safety is the top concern for chamber members as well. “It starts with the community,” said Mike Schablaske, Continued on page 3
City of Rockford to place home rule referendum on the March ballot
Visit us online at: rockfordchamber.com ■ online registration ■ keynote speaker video clips ■ event photos ■ list of Chamber events
Questions? 815-987-8100
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Rockford City leaders are considering asking its voters in the March 13, 2018 primary election to support restoring home rule powers to the City of Rockford. Citing the need for more local control, greater flexibility to address problems unique to Rockford, and an ability to diversify revenue streams to address budget issues and sustain key services to the community; obtaining home rule powers would provide the necessary authority to address these issues. In 1983, at the peak of a recession, voters removed the City’s home rule authority. By putting the question on the ballot, voters will be able to be part of the process to understand home rule,
and learn or gain confidence in its ability to help the City of Rockford, and ultimately consider whether they support a return to home rule. A citizens’ committee, Our Decisions – Our Solutions has been formed to educate and advocate for the restoring of home rule powers. The committee is led by Attorney Roberta (Bobbie) Holzwarth, Dr. Bill Gorski, Pastor Kenneth Board, and Rudy Valdez. On Monday, November 27th, the City of Rockford Codes and Regulations Committee passed a resolution to place the home rule question on the ballot. It now travels to the full City Council. Mayor Tom McNamara says the city’s Continued on page 5
The Van Galder Bus line has begun using the RMTD East Side Transfer Center, 725 N. Lyford Road, for trips to downtown Chicago and Midway airport. Passengers should park in the south lot across from the Cracker Barrel restaurant. Service will operate seven days a week, 4:20 a.m. to 12:10 a.m. (midnight). Those traveling north to South Beloit, Janesville and Madison will leave from berth G, and those traveling to downtown Chicago and Midway airport will leave from berth H. Departure times remain the same. O’Hare trips will continue to leave from the Walton Street terminal. Visit govangalder.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dec. 7 • Rockford Art Museum For more info, see page 27
SPONSORED BY
THE ROCKFORD ROASTING COMPANY, ACCORDING TO ALTON BROWN Food Network star Alton Brown named Rockford’s own Rockford Roasting Company on his list of top eight coffee shops in the United States. The two-page spread appears in the December 2017 issue of Food Network magazine. Brown has been touring the country with his live variety show, Eat Your Science, and at every stop, he makes it his mission to refuel at the best local coffee shops. He states about Rockford Roasting Company, “These guys were the first to educate me on other parts of the coffee cherry, like the cascara [the pulp and skin surrounding the coffee bean], which they use to make iced tea.” The story notes that the Rockford coffee shop created a drink in Alton’s honor.
PERTUSSIS INCREASES IN WINNEBAGO COUNTY The Winnebago County Health Department issued an alert on a community outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) with 19 confirmed cases since midOctober, including students in the Harlem, Rockton and Rockford School Districts. Pertussis spreads by coughing or sneezing or spending a lot of time near one another. It’s very serious for babies under one, pregnant women and immune-compromised individuals. Visit www.wchd.org.
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The humble brag We all know that outright bragging is frowned upon in almost all situations, with the possible exception of grandparents, with their completely perfect, beautiful, talented and smart grandchildren. Today, I am accepting the risk of being called a shameless bragger as I tell you of some people who quietly work with a constant focus on what is best for our business community. Recently, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce completed the process of adding members to the board for next year and following. Candidates for board membership understand the job and commitment. These people are, by most accounts not much different than you and me — lives full of family, home, community and work. But, like most leaders, they step up to add considerable work (without pay) for the betterment of their community. I have been honored to serve as a member of the Chamber’s nominating committee for several years. In retrospect, I see the same phenomenon every time: We are blessed with candidates who lead in their business field and are committed to improving the business environment by their actions. We are presented with an amazing array of business leaders from
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Chairman’s Perspective VIEWPOINT across the community. In fact, we often have more qualified candidates than we can accommodate any given year. This blessing of plenty has continually assureed that we have the highest quality
board to serve you, year in and year out. Please understand that by accepting the board member role, in most cases, they are accepting the potential of serving up to nine years as a member of
2018 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Rick Zumwalt Z Resource Chair Elect Michele Petrie Wintrust Bank Dan Ross Vice-Chairman Gallagher Williams-Manny Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Patti Thayer Immediate Past Chair Thayer Lighting, Inc. Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Butitta Brothers Jon Thompson Automotive Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Honquest Family Tim Honquest Funeral Home with Crematory Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Paula Carynski OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Rkfd. Area Convention John Groh & Visitors Bureau Nathan Bryant Rkfd. Area Economic Development Council Rockford Bank & Karl Swanson Trust Co. Einar Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network Savant Capital LaVonne Brown Management Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc. SwedishAmerican, Don Daniels A Division of UW Health Jan Bowman TLC Construction UTC Aerospace Systems Ira Grimmett YWCA Kris L. Kieper Northwestern Illinois Machajewski Kim Blascoe Wipfli LLP Doug Curry Stenstrom Companies Elizabeth Lee Greenlee Textron Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth Udaya Talwar Woodward 2017 Chamber Board Alumni Rena Cotsones, Northern Illinois University Patrick Shaw, RSM Patrick Morrow, Alpine Bank Laura Williamson, Independent Consultant
the board. They not only gladly accept that Richard Zumwalt Rockford Chamber commitment, Board Chairman but embrace work on various committees and councils to further the work of the Chamber for business. As the result of a very intentional process, the board members represent the widest possible reflection of our business community. A common trait of each member is the ability to represent their business and industry, but always put community first. This article has been shameless bragging about people who serve your community with vigor, insight, thoughtfulness and a realization that actions today can make a better community tomorrow. I am proud to be associated with a group of true leaders stepping up for our business community. The members who complete their time on the board this year join an illustrious group of alumni who continue to impact our entire community. With the deepest thanks for those who have served, we welcome our 2018 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board and Officers.
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Mayor’s Speech (continued from front page)
executive director of Transform Rockford. “The key is knowing your neighbors, knowing the police. Wholesale changes in community leadership have given the city a chance to push the reset button. Our community can succeed if it supports our leaders. It’s going to take better relationships and collaboration to address the issues that plague our city. I believe it can pay off over time.”
Home Rule, Taxes, Jobs Another goal for McNamara is returning Rockford to home rule and reducing reliance on property taxes. Rockford has not been a home rule community since the 1980s. “If you look at the state and Washington, it’s dysfunctional,” he said. “Outside of our local delegations, Rockford is not their top priority. We need to take ownership. Home rule will help us reduce our reliance on property tax, and it will strengthen our neighborhoods. It’s up to us.” Others agree that a safer community
and lower property taxes will help Rockford grow. “One of the things business people say is property tax is bad for their business, and it’s bad for recruiting people to come to Rockford,” said Einar Forsman, president and CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “Lowering a property tax and displacing it with other means of revenue that is directly focused on beneficiaries of a service is probably more appropriate.” The city is working to transform the Barber-Colman Complex into a workforce development community. “I’m excited about its location in southwest Rockford,” McNamara said. “Barber-Colman used to be that beacon of light for Rockford with 5,000 jobs. It’s going to be a great location reutilizing some historic buildings and making an investment in our people. We want them to be ready for the jobs that are here today and the jobs that are here for tomorrow.” The sponsors of the luncheon were BMO Harris Bank, AT&T and Humana. theVoice
Let your Voice be heard The Rockford Chamber of Commerce elcomes and encourages submissions for The w VOICE of the Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101
For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100. The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.
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Member Profile PROFILE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN ROCKFORD
PCI Pharma Services
Rockford-based company now global
PCI Pharma Service employs 1,800 at its seven facilities, including machine operators, analytical chemists and business specialists. By Paul Anthony Arco If you don’t recognize the name PCI Pharma Service, you might know the Rockford-based pharmaceutical company by its many previous names including Anderson Packaging, Inc. PCI Pharma Services is a global leader in outsourced pharmaceutical services including contract drug manufacturing, packaging and logistical services. “We work with many recognizable brands in over-the-counter medicines as well as many important prescription drugs for cancer, HIV, diabetes,
heart disease and many other serious diseases,” said Justin Schroeder, senior executive director, global marketing & design, who joined the company straight from college 18 years ago. “We also package, label and distribute medicines for clinical trials, not FDA approved, in several locations including Rockford,” It all started in 1967, when industrialist John Anderson launched Anderson Packaging, the company that packaged and shipped billions of boxes of household products. By 2000, the company began a move exclusively into healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
In 2003, the company was sold to AmerisourceBergen, and Anderson ultimately became AndersonBrecon. PCI purchased the company in 2013. PCI is headquartered in Philadelphia and also operates drug manufacturing, packaging and logistical facilities in Europe. PCI’s seven Rockford locations offer commercial packaging services, in addition to packaging and labeling investigational medicines for clinical trials; storage and global distribution of clinical trial medicines and onsite analytical laboratory services. In clinical and commercial therapies, PCI supports medicines that are delivered to more than 100 countries around the world. In 2015, PCI announced a rebrand to PCI Pharma Services, to showcase its portfolio of pharmaceutical outsourcing services. “There are a number of factors for our continued growth,” Schroeder said. “The biggest one is the aging population in the U.S. That drives growth in healthcare here domestically, coupled with the rise in the standard of
living in global emerging markets. We support medicines destined to more than 100 countries, which can be a very complex business. Many companies are looking to outsource activities that were typically done in-house, which continues to fuel the market we compete in.”
Expansions in Rockford In 2014, PCI opened a new 93,000-sq.-ft. clinical trial storage and distribution facility in Rockford. The Rockford campus has undergone other capital expansions of its clinical and commercial packaging facilities over the last four years to support its business growth. Earlier this year, PCI began moving one of its commercial packaging operations currently located in Woodstock to Rockford. Recently, PCI also acquired pharmaceutical and healthcare contract packaging services provider Millmount Healthcare, which is located near Dublin, Ireland. Continued on page 5
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Member Profile (continued from page 4) Rockford’s seven facilities total more than a million square feet and have 1,800 employees, from machine operators, to analytical chemists, to business specialists. “We try to create a great work environment,” Schroeder said. “We have many dedicated employees. We have 11 employees who’ve been here longer than 30 years and 30 with more than 25 years. We have a great workforce. Many of the employees are from the Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties.” The pharmaceutical industry has seen many changes, and that’s not likely to slow down any time soon, according to Schroeder. “Globalization is definitely a factor in industry change,” he said. “We are also seeing more entrepreneurial ‘emerging pharma’ businesses that may literally be comprised of 15 or 30 people trying to get one drug approved, as compared to years past where the market was dominated by large ‘blue chip’ pharmaceutical companies such as Merck or Pfizer employing tens of thousands of people. It’s changed the face of the industry in the last five to 10 years.
“A lot of drug development activities are disease specific, and drug companies are targeting very specialized medicines. They are smaller in scope and extremely high-value, specialized cancer medicines or treatments for cystic fibrosis, for example. In addition, the whole dynamic in the way drug companies interact with doctors has changed. Physician samples used to be a significant part of our business, but that has dramatically reduced over the past decade” Recently, PCI celebrated 50 years in business with an event for local dignitaries, vendors and friends of the company, and of course, its employees. “We’re very fortunate to touch so many truly lifesaving drugs,” Schroeder said. “It’s not cliché. It’s very rewarding, and we’re proud to conduct our business right here in Rockford.”
Home Rule
on the proposal from the citizens’
(continued from front page) over-reliance on property taxes comes from not having home rule. “We’re losing population; the state of Illinois is losing population. We need to do what we can here to stabilize and entice people to move to our community,” said Mayor McNamara. He says it goes hand in hand with the level of property taxes. “What that means to me is a community that owns its own destiny, a community that can decrease its property tax burden on the people who live here,” said Mayor McNamara. The Rockford Chamber Government Affairs Council heard a presentation
ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PCI PHARMA SERVICES Justin Schroeder, senior executive director, global marketing & design 4545 Assembly Dr. 815-484-9400 www.pciservices.com
Confluence: A convergence of forces, people or things
Confluence Honors Celebrating Partnerships
committee, and ultimately voted to recommend to the Rockford Chamber Board of Directors to support placing the question on the March ballot. On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the Chamber
Plan on joining us as we recognize companies, organizations and individuals for their work in impactful partnerships.
Board of Directors accepted that recommendation and voted the same support. Currently the recommendation is solely to support the placement on the ballot for voters to be able to decide on home rule. Early in 2018, the Rockford Chamber will take up the larger topic as to the full details of what is anticipated from regaining home rule, and whether to support a recommendation for that restoration. theVoice
Launch of the Great Neighborhoods Project The Transform Rockford Great Neighborhoods team launched a new project aimed at encouraging neighborhoods to discuss and map their assets. “It will create opportunities to tell the neighborhood story — the history and unique attributes that make the neighborhood what it is,” said Patrick O’ Keefe, Transform Rockford. “It’s about creating a vision, and a plan for strengthening that vision, to attract investment and visitors.” Bob Peterson, president of the Signal Hill Neighborhood Association, participated in the Great Neighborhoods asset mapping process. He said, “Focusing on our positive attributes helped reaffirm our neighbors’ choices to live in Signal Hill. There were different assets identified by newcomers and by longtime residents. The discussion and merging of ideas really opened participants’ eyes to our neighborhood’s possibilities.” He added, “The new businesses coming into the North Main and Auburn Street area showed their confidence and interest in the North End. These businesses will improve the adjoining neighborhoods and attract customers from all over the city.” Interested neighborhoods are encouraged to contact greatneighborhoods@transformrockford.org.
Join us
Thursday, DECember 7, 2017 5:30 – 7:30 pm Rockford Art Museum 711 N. Main Rockford, IL 61103 $45/person includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages Registration at rockfordchamber.com or Mail 308 W. State Street, Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101 Phone 815-987-8100
PRESENTING SPONSOR
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR SPONSOR
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Higher graduation rates in area high schools Challenging students to be their best Colby Collins can’t imagine anything getting in the way of graduating from high school and fulfilling his dream of becoming a pilot. The junior at Jefferson High School is an engaged student — a member of the flight and rocket clubs, a student ambassador and someone who takes pride in having helped build four “Big Sim” flight simulators at the school. Colby’s engagement is by no means unusual at Jefferson, which last school year saw its graduation rate increase 13 percentage points from the year before. While Jefferson saw the biggest graduation rate increase in the Rockford Public Schools, the increases were also impressive at the district’s three other traditional high schools — Auburn (8%), East (6%), and Guilford (7%). There are many reasons our high schools are getting traction. One of the primary ones is the redesign of our high schools into college and career academies. Jefferson was the first out of the gate five years ago with academies. The academy concept now is fully established at all of our high schools, and we have earned national recognition as a Ford Next Generation model community. Ford honored us for how we make education relevant for students and how we collaborate with local businesses to produce the students (and the workforce) they need.
The Capstone Experience Sergio Ramos has volunteered for six years at Jefferson through Alignment Rockford. He has been integral in our Academy Support Team for the Business, Arts, Modern World Languages and Information Technology (BAMIT) academy at the school. A business manager at United Technologies Aerospace Systems in Rockford, Ramos said he has been impressed by the increasing focus of students at Jefferson. He’s happy to introduce them to opportunities for technical careers in Rockford and show them what a workplace looks like. Ramos was involved, too, in another of our go-tools tools for high school engagement: the Capstone experience. These projects, which became an option for all of our seniors last school year, are a way to demonstrate growth in 21st century competencies such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. Ramos enjoyed helping students go from: “This is overwhelming. I don’t know how to get focused in my research,” to presenting their Capstone to a panel of judges. He’s also seen students grow through
“Two of our high schools — Auburn and Guilford — have landed on a Washington
Post list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools.” mock interviews and site visits to UTAS. As much support as Jefferson students get from the community, they get even more from their school. Don Rundall, Jefferson principal, believes the academy concept of redesigning the high school into smaller learning communities has been the single biggest cause of the graduation rate increase. His staff also takes a team approach to student achievement, behavior and raising aspirations, he said.
Area Success Stories Jefferson’s success story is played out all over our district. Our schools find that rigor is another recipe for heightening engagement. Two of our high schools — Auburn and Guilford — have landed on a Washington Post list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools. They are among the top 71 schools in Illinois using a simple ratio: The number of Advanced Placement tests taken each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year. The Post’s Jay Mathews, who invented the ranking, has found it a reliable measure of how successfully schools challenge their students. Auburn and Guilford are the only Rockford area schools, private or public, to make the list. I am thrilled about our high schools’ progress. But I am happiest for students like Colby, who are pushing themselves at a time of their lives when it would be easy to get off track. We are proud to be able to support our community’s young people and honored they found their way at RPS 205. 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.
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IGNITE
Young Professionals
Thanks to my job: What I know now
Things I’d tell my five-years-ago self Just over five years ago, I was a recent college graduate with the world in front of me. Some of my peers were off to jobs they had landed during their last semester of school, some were off to internships, some were off to graduate school and some were staying on campus for what we affectionately called “a victory lap” to finish up their undergraduate degree.
If you would have asked me five years ago what I’d be doing today, I probably would have thrown my hands up and shrugged. I packed up my belongings from my college apartment and was off to move back in with my roommates, dear old Mom and Dad. I had arranged to work my same college summer job in a special education summer school program following graduation, but had no idea what was coming for me after that. Little did I know I’d continue to work at the school for another year, work at a golf course or drive a delivery truck for a fastener company. I had many doubts and worried: “How am I going to pay off these loans?” “Why didn’t I study something different?” “What am I going to be when I grow up?” A lot has changed since then. So, five-years-ago self, here are some things I wish I could tell you: You aren’t going to be in debt forever. You will pay off your student loans and your car and you’ll toss around sayings such as, “I changed my contribution to my 401k” or “I invested in Facebook today.” Talk to a banker or investment strategist to find out what makes the most sense for you. Use your network. Talk to everyone and anyone about what it is you can do and what you seek for yourself. It will be someone in your network that will find the job for you. Join a club, a team or a networking group, such as IGNITE. Set up a LinkedIn page and don’t ignore it. Interact and engage with your connections. One day you will wake up, and not dread going to work because work gives you a sense of purpose, pride and happiness. It also gives you a paycheck, which is always a nice perk! I was underemployed before finding my current job and felt that I was meant for something more. Through networking, I found a job at an organization that was the fit for me, and I am now on
Hannah Schoenberg IGNITE
my third position there, a coordinator for the Ticket To Work Program. Just the other day, I was presenting on the program and my co-worker said, “Hannah leads that program.” I never thought five years ago I would be leading anything, but here I am! Just because you’ve graduated, doesn’t mean your learning is done. Every day will teach you a new lesson, challenge you to change your way of thinking and force you to grow in ways you never thought you would. Never pass up an opportunity to learn something new. Whether it is for personal or professional growth, you won’t regret learning something new. You live in a community full of resources. Use them! I would have told myself to start exploring the resources made available to me much earlier. Thanks to my job, I could now make a huge list of resources in our community -- resources for people with disabilities (ahem-RAMP-where I work), resources for youth, transportation options, career supports. I could go on and on. It’s a combination of all these things that makes me feel that I am exactly where I need to be right now. I am financially stable, in a job I enjoy and learning things every single day. I have learned how to ride the fixed-route bus system, how to access my community and more about social security than I ever thought possible -- thanks to my job. If you would have asked me five years ago what I’d be doing today, I probably would have thrown my hands up and shrugged. I never would have told you that I’d be working at a non-profit, assisting job seekers working their way off social security. Or that I would have advocated at IEPs for special education services, or that I would have written curriculum. I don’t want to say I am a stranger from who I was five years ago, but I feel I have blossomed and grown into the person I need to be right now. I look forward to what the next five years brings me and the only piece of advice I have for my future self is: “You’re going to be just fine.” Hannah Schoenberg is employment network coordinator at RAMP and INVOLVE Co-Chair with IGNITE. Visit www. igniterockford.com. The views expressed are those of Schoenberg’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
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ILLINOIS, USA
ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM
Five Go Rockford adventures for winter
A variety of indoor, outdoor attractions For many people in the Midwest, the winter months are an excuse to hibernate and wait for spring when outdoor activities and festivals get back into full swing. Here in Rockford, we embrace the cold-weather months and there is no slowing us down. With that in mind, here are my 5 Go Rockford Adventures you should take this winter. 5. The holiday season in Rockford lights up every December with some of the best displays in the region. The tradition of driving through the Festival of Lights in Sinnissippi Park is one many Rockford families look forward to each year. Now that Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens hosts its All Aglow displays, the holiday cheer is amplified. Down the street, don’t miss the classic scenes of Christmas at Woodward in Loves Park or Rockford’s River Lights, presented by ComEd, along the banks of the Rock River in downtown Rockford. While the RACVB’s Stroll on State presented by Illinois Bank & Trust festival is my obvious choice for favorite holiday experience, these displays are certainly at the top of my list. 4. No matter how cold it is outside, the beautiful Coronado Theatre is always heating up thanks to an amazing and ever-changing lineup of great entertainment. In the spirit of Transform Rockford’s enthusiastic call to better our community, I think REO Speedwagon’s rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” will be extra special when the group takes the stage on Jan. 24. And don’t forget about the amazing performances by our own Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Catch their first show of 2018 on Jan. 13. 3. Snow Park at Alpine Hills has already won the hearts of my three children — and I’ll be honest, of this adventurous dad, too. With its five acres of winter wonderland and high-speed thrills while you sled down their tracks,
John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
you can’t help but grin with excitement. Nestled right in the heart of Rockford, it certainly is an attraction that continues to grow in popularity. And thanks to the helpful surface-lift to take you back up to the top of the hill, the kids won’t get tired too quickly! 2. For a night on the town, creating your own brewery hop is always a fantastic way to spend time with a group of friends. The Rockford area is lucky to have three amazing breweries: Carlyle Brewing Co., Pig Minds Brewing, Co., and Prairie Street Brewing Co. Start your adventure at Carlyle for a few European-style lagers and maybe a giant pretzel, then hop on over to Prairie Street for a classic American brew in its Screw City Light, and finally, swing up to Machesney Park’s gem Pig Minds for a few brews paired with its unique vegan dishes. 1. The Riverfront Museum Campus is often the perfect pick during winter since you can explore three museums without having to venture back out into the cold. You can spend the entire morning getting wild with your kids at Discovery Center Museum before slowing down for a relaxing stroll through the galleries at Rockford Art Museum and, when you feel like jumping into the past, take the underground tunnel over to Burpee Museum of Natural History. So, don’t let the cold slow you down. The Rockford region has plenty of attractions to help you get up, get out, and GO! Want to add to your winter adventure itinerary? Check out gorockford.com! John Groh is president/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The views expressed are those of Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
HART INTERIM LIBRARY TO OPEN Rockford Public Library announced the public opening of the Hart Interim Library on Dec. 2. The library will serve as the primary downtown location while the main library at 215 N. Wyman St., undergoes total reconstruction. The Hart Library at 214 N. Church St., has served as the Montgomery Ward building and Winnebago County Resource Intervention Center as well as a satellite jail. It will feature a state-of-the-art children’s space, several meeting rooms and innovative Makers Lab, giving users hands-on experience with 3D printers and machinery to work with wood and textiles.
The library in downtown Rockford will feature a Makers Lab, giving patrons experience with a 3D printer. These printers are being used to create everything from human and animal prosthetics, to jewelry, to clothes and footwear, to machine parts. Shown is a prosthetic foot created for a duck. Source: www.designboom.com.
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STROLL STATE Rockford’s fifth annual Stroll on State took place on Saturday, November 25 in downtown Rockford. To celebrate the anniversary, organizers added the Dasher Dash 5K and expanded the holiday parade with decorated floats and larger-than-life inflatable balloons. The event, which coincides with Small Business Saturday, helped ring in the holiday season for guests and downtown retailers alike.
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C O M M E R C E
Small Business Enterprise How are small businesses financed? A look at regional trends
The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, which conducts research and publishing data on small firm characteristics and contributions, looked at recent research and surveys on the financing trends and habits of small businesses. (Visit www.sba.gov/advocacy.) The Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, which offers free services to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in a roughly 3.5-county area, looked at local financing trends. “We have observed and discerned our innovators and entrepreneurs are most likely to hope for grant funding first, friends and family second, then conventional standard lenders avenues last,” said Bo Boger, director for the Illinois SBDC in this region. “The reasoning is simple: Progress to the areas of least resistance first, then move to the financing areas that require substantially more planning.”
Why Do Small Businesses Seek Financing? The SBA Office of Advocacy found that small businesses borrow for four principal reasons: to start a business, purchase inventory, expand a business and strengthen the firm’s financial foundation. Firms choose different means of financing depending on the intended purpose. Small businesses’ financing options typically fall into two categories: debt and equity. Other unconventional sources can also play a critical role in meeting a firm’s financial needs.
“Most start-up businesses, by their own prerequisite, think of their business launch as a debt enterprise/endeavor,” Boger said. “That positioning, in the mind of the entrepreneur, is not always fruitful. Everyone would benefit if more developing businesses would contemplate some equity, not controlling interest, but rather a “reasonable” financial position, in addition to debt from a lender. He added, “The primary challenge facing the majority of beginning companies is no product or service history. It is not uncommon for lenders to refuse debt financing even when the backdrop for a product has a patent. The barrier -no history.”
How Large is the Small Business Financing Market? Small business accounts for a significant amount of all business borrowing, according to the SBA. Bank loans going to small businesses totaled almost $600 billion in 2015. Small businesses also draw from other sources, such as finance companies, angel capital and venture capital. While the percentage of these funds that go to small businesses is unknown, the total funding from these sources accounted for $593 billion in 2015. Additional sources of small business finance include personal savings, personal and business credit cards, online lending platforms, loans from family and friends, and home equity. “These numbers are not surprising or alarming,” Boger said. “Eighty
percent of all businesses in the United States are small, with less than five to seven employees. Americans want to be independent and work for themselves. “In upcoming months, we will undertake the raw statistics overshadowing a few of the reasons all entrepreneurs must think sensibly and rationally regarding their individual strengths and shortcomings.”
How Do Existing Businesses Finance Expansion?
What Percentage of Small Businesses Use Financing?
How Much Capital Do Startups Need?
According to the National Small Business Association, 73 percent of small firms used financing in 2016. Small business financing needs vary greatly. About one-quarter use no financing, and for others, the lack of capital causes difficulties growing the business, financing future sales and keeping adequate inventory. “All businesses need capital to operate; that is the reason for the old adage: ‘Cash is King,’” Boger said. “It’s true regardless of your size, market share, customer base and/or employee morale. What you finance, the terms of the loan and how you plan to repay the loan are critical questions that need vigilant attention.”
How are New Businesses Financed? Startups make heavy use of personal equity and traditional debt, with over half using their own personal savings. Census Bureau data showed that employers made greater use of financing than did nonemployers, but also continue to rely on personal savings. Roughly 30 percent of new non-employer firms and seven percent of employer firms used no startup capital.
Existing businesses use similar financing vehicles as startups to finance expansion. Personal savings are the most common source of expansion finance, followed by reinvestment of business profits. The percentage of firms using expansion capital is much smaller compared with those starting new businesses.
Small businesses’ startup capital needs vary, and employer firms tend to use more than non-employers. More than 43 percent of employer firms used over $25,000 in startup capital compared to only 12 percent of non-employer firms. A relatively large percentage of both employers and non-employer businesses used a small amount of startup financing (less than $5,000), and a sizeable share of both used no startup capital.
What Role Do SBA Loans Play in the Small Business Credit Market? To some extent SBA loans act as a shock absorber in times when credit is tight by smoothing risk and offering additional capital access opportunities. For information on SBA loan programs, visit sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/ loans-grants/small-business-loans.
Are You SBA’s Next Winner? The SBA Illinois District Office wants to recognize small business owners with amazing success stories. Submit your success story or one of an entrepreneur who deserves recognition by Jan. 9 to SBA’s 2018 National Small Business Week Awards. SBA is holding webinars on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to answer your questions and to offer tips on a successful nomination. Register here to participate: SBANominationTips.eventbrite. com. Visit sba.gov/nsbw/awards. ABOUT THE SBDC The Illinois SBDC at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce offers services free of charge to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Rockford area, both chamber members and non-members. As a partnership between the Rockford Chamber and the Illinois DCEO, it operates out of NIU EIGERlab, NIURockford, 8500 E. State St., and maintains an office at the chamber’s downtown location. For questions, contact Bo Boger, SBDC director, at 815-316-4301.
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
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December 2017
The lost art of simplicity Why do we overcomplicate things? Making a case for the power of simplicity is no easy task. And yet, more than ever, I’m convinced that simplicity is the scarcest commodity among leaders, and probably the most important. Here are some good quotes that attest to this on a theoretical level. Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, “In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” Albert Einstein believed that “most of the fundamental ideas of science are essentially simple, and may, as a rule, be expressed in language comprehensible to everyone.” And yet, in my consulting to organizations of all kinds, from high tech companies to churches to banks, I find that there is a natural tendency among managing leaders to add unnecessary complexity to situations, problems, descriptions and solutions. As a result, plans do not come to fruition, employees get confused, customers become disappointed and leaders are left discouraged. So why do leaders do this? Why would they complicate their worlds and create problems for themselves and their organizations? First, I have to believe that they don’t know that they’re doing it. Based on my experience, executives generally don’t like to make their own lives more difficult. But since that is exactly what they’re doing, there must be a powerful underlying cause. I’m guessing it has to do with pride, and usually the intellectual kind. Think about it this way. When
I find that there is a natural tendency among managing leaders to add unnecessary complexity to situations, problems, descriptions and solutions. someone acquires a great deal of knowledge through education, either formally at a university or by reading voraciously about a given subject, it is natural that they’ll want to employ that knowledge. In fact, they’ll probably want to use it even if it’s not required, or for that matter, helpful. Otherwise, they’ll have to admit that all the time, effort and money they put into learning may have been something of a waste. An example from outside the world of business might be helpful here. Consider a dietician who studies nutrition and exercise physiology for a number of years in school. People hire her to help them lose weight and get fit. Few people in her situation will be satisfied simply telling her clients to eat smaller portions, exercise every day and avoid one or two particularly harmful foods. While that would be a more understandable, reliable and actionable solution than a complex combination of vitamins, supplements, Pilates classes and underwater yoga, the latter seems to be a more common prescription if the magazine covers I see at the grocery store are any indication. This same thing happens among executives who overcomplicate their work in the areas of management, strategy or marketing. For instance, many CEOs who
are faced with a difficult executive on their team will spend great amounts of time, energy and money procuring an executive coach or doing an exhaustive 360-degree feedback program when what they might need to do is just sit down and kindly tell the guy that he’s been acting a little bit like a jackass lately and needs to stop. I’m guessing that a successful gas station manager or restaurant owner would do that, but then again, they’re probably not encumbered by excessive knowledge or an overly sophisticated education.
Simple Solutions When it comes to managing priorities and projects within their organizations, many executive teams use the most complicated and detailed systems, and yet they often remain confused about what is going on around them. I’m always amazed how receptive CEOs and their teams are when we introduce them to our simple one-sheet scorecard, the one that uses the green, yellow and red approach to assessing progress. There is nothing sophisticated or complex about it, and I suppose that’s the point and the reason why it is so welcomed. It probably shouldn’t be a surprise that so many successful entrepreneurs dropped out of college or came from relatively modest educational backgrounds, and for that matter, that relatively few of them have PhDs. A person with a humble background is going to have an easier time being, well, humble, and embracing an idea or approach that isn’t terribly impressive, but simply works. And shouldn’t the real measure of an idea, system or approach to a problem be
whether it actually works or not? For many executives who are enamored Patrick Lencioni with The Table Group, Inc. sophistication, that isn’t enough. Often, they seem disappointed by simple but effective solutions to seemingly complex problems. I think one reason for that disappointment is that simple solutions usually require discipline and hard work over time, while the sophisticated ones seem like shiny silver bullets, capable of making a problem go away in one innovative shot. And it can be disconcerting, after years of studying and reading and learning, to come to the realization that success comes down to common sense and discipline. I certainly understand why many of us are so attracted to innovation and sophistication. After all, that is where most of our media and academic community focus their attention. Simple, workable solutions to problems don’t generally provoke magazine cover stories, journal articles in business schools, or features on the nightly news. But they do make for successful companies, informed employees and loyal customers. I guess that will have to be enough for now. The views expressed are those of Patrick Lencioni’s of The Table Group, Inc., and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.tablegroup.com/hub.
Congrats to Rockford Leadership Alliance Participants With a raised glass, Rockford Leadership Alliance participants toasted a year of growth in November. The 2017 program focused on Organizational Health and encouraged participants to examine and improve upon their own organization’s health. The program enrolled 200 participants this year in both morning and afternoon sessions. Each participant was placed in a small group of 10, purposefully designed to be a cohort of individuals from different industries and/or organizations who would have similar opportunities and challenges based on their role in their respective organization. Each session focused on a specific facet of Organizational Health. The year started with a keynote by best-selling
author and CEO of the Table Group, Patrick Lencioni for a crowd of 800 at the Coronado Theatre in downtown Rockford. Pat was enthralled by the work the Rockford committee was prepared to do and energized by the collaboration and dedication of so many. After being inspired by Pat, participants were asked to roll up their sleeves, get vulnerable and dive into heavy work designed to allow for lasting and impactful change. Skillfully led by the talented facilitators from The Anser Group, each session encouraged participants to specifically examine their organization’s health by digging deeper into areas of organizations that were essential, basic, and often
overlooked. The work focused on four main areas, as outlined by Lencioni in The Advantage: “Build a cohesive leadership team, create clarity, reinforce clarity, over-communicate clarity.” Rockford Leadership Alliance is possible thanks to the dedication of our 2017 investors: Alpine Bank; BMO Harris Bank; City of Rockford; Crusader Community Health; Greenlee; Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association; OSF Healthcare; Rockford Housing Authority; Rockford Park District; Rockford Public Schools; Rosecrance; RSM; Savant; SwedishAmercan, A Division of UW Health; Thayer Lighting; United Way of Rock River Valley; and Winnebago County.
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the development of leaders in our community. Rockford Leadership Alliance will resume in the fall of 2018. Registration will be open to any and all leaders in the community. Additional information, registration link and investment opportunities will be released soon. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication. Organizations in the Rockford community are better today than they were this time last year thanks in part to your enthusiasm and willingness to engage. The Rockford Chamber looks forward to working with you on continued improvement. Cheers!
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December 2017
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
Guest Perspective INSIGHT
Workplace harassment Getting the message out to everyone The prohibition against workplace harassment as a form of illegal discrimination has been recognized for decades. With the passage of time, haven’t employers and employees figured out that harassing behavior in the workplace can’t be tolerated? Why are harassment prevention efforts still necessary? Unfortunately, the message hasn’t reached everyone. The list of high profile harassment accusations, such as the recent claims against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and Fox news personality Bill O’Reilly, grows longer each day. In its fiscal year 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 28,216 charges alleging workplace harassment, including sexual harassment -- the most in over six years. Harassment issues are not going away. The EEOC appointed a Select Task Force to study workplace harassment. In June of 2016, the Task Force published a nearly 100-page Report. The Task Force presented “a firm, and confirmed, belief that too many people in too many workplaces find themselves in unacceptably harassing situations when they are simply trying to do their jobs.” The Task Force called for nothing less than “a reboot of workplace harassment prevention.” The
following steps should assist employers in their efforts to drive the anti-harassment message to all employees. Leadership and Accountability. Not surprisingly, it all starts at the top. Per the Report, management must nurture an environment where respect and civility are promoted, and harassment is not tolerated. Management must model a consistent commitment to those goals. Supervisors must hold each other accountable for preventing harassment. If the boss won’t tolerate inappropriate behavior, the message to employees comes through load and clear. With a commitment from leadership, other steps fall into place. Policy. What is necessary to support management’s efforts? Employers must have a comprehensive harassment and sexual harassment policy. A well written policy contains the following provisions: ■■ A complete definition of harassment and sexual harassment. ■■ Examples of the type of behavior that may constitute harassment or sexual harassment. ■■ An explanation of the process for reporting allegations. ■■ Identification of those to whom allegations should be reported. (Consider
allowing employees to report to individuals of either gender). ■■ An explanation of the investigation process, including a provision for alternate investigators in case the primary investigator is the alleged harasser. ■■ A statement that all reports of sexual harassment will be investigated promptly and treated seriously. ■■ An anti-retaliation statement. ■■ A statement that those found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to discipline, including discharge. Communication. A policy on a piece of paper, however, is clearly not enough. A policy must actually be put into practice to provide a benefit. Importantly, employees must know the policy exists and how to invoke the policy when circumstances arise. Educate employees so that they do not engage in sexual harassment; but if they do, make sure the victim knows how to find protection under the policy: ■■ Post the policy throughout the workplace and electronically. ■■ Include a review of the harassment policy in new employee orientations. ■■ Emphasize the policy in employee handbooks. ■■ Educate employees of the existence of the policy. Training. Training is the next important element in an employer’s efforts to address harassment. Under current case law, an employer protects itself by conducting harassment training. Interestingly, however, the Task Force’s Report found that the value of training was limited. Training was found to be beneficial in helping employees understand what conduct is unacceptable in the workplace. Training can also help employees understand the procedure for filing a harassment complaint. It was not necessarily an effective tool in eliminating harassment. What are some of the Report’s recommendations to increase the effectiveness of training?
Employers should offer Samuel J. dynamic Castree, Jr. compliance Staff Management, training on a Inc. regular basis and in a universal manner. Training should be conducted by qualified, live and interactive trainers. Live trainers who are dynamic, engaging and have full command of the subject matter are the most likely to deliver effective training; Employers should dedicate sufficient resources to train middle-management and first-line supervisors on how to respond effectively to harassment. Compliance training should not be a canned, “one-size-fits-all” training. Effective compliance trainings are those that are tailored to the specific realities of different workplaces. Other Training Topics. To increase training effectiveness, the Task Force explored other options and topics. The Report provided that, “Among the trainings we explored, two stood out for us as showing significant promise for preventing harassment in the workplace: (1) workplace civility training; and (2) bystander intervention training.” Adding these topics to harassment training should be considered. Conclusion. Will these steps be enough to ensure employees understand harassment will not be tolerated? Will these steps protect an employer from liability and employees from being harassed? Of course, no policy, procedure or training can guarantee these results. Training and communication, however, along with management committed to a culture in which harassment is not tolerated will go a long way in protecting the interests of employee and employer alike. Samuel J. Castree, Jr., is senior vice president and general counsel at Staff Management, Inc. The views expressed are those of Castree’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Legislation addressing sexual harassment signed into law On Nov. 16, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation introduced in response to recent allegations of sexual harassment in and around the statehouse. House Bill 137 will give the Legislative Inspector General, a post vacant since 2015, power to investigate all complaints submitted during the last three years. House Bill 137 was introduced to allow the newly-appointed Inspector General to look into complaints that occurred between December 2014 and November 2017. It was discovered that during the inspector general vacancy, complaints were filed but never addressed, and a statute of limitations in current law might have prohibited the new Special Legislative Inspector General from moving forward with an investigation of some of those complaints. Senate Bill 402 also was signed, prohibiting sexual harassment of legislators and lobbyists. It requires state agencies and lobbyists to adopt a sexual harassment policy, and all state officials, employees and lobbyists to complete in-person sexual harassment training on an annual basis and for the Department of Human Rights to implement a hotline to report sexual Source: Senator Syverson’s Week in Review: Nov. 13 to 17 harassment.
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BUILDING COMMUNITIES: The Impact of Philanthropy
December 2017
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Guest Perspective INSIGHT
All hands on deck: Powerful partners Key to keeping community ship on course … a sailing ship without a mast is of no use to anyone; the partners are essential to ensure the ship stays on course regardless of the direction or strength of the wind. In a very clichéd attempt to find inspiration for this article, I turned to the dictionary. The first entry under the word “partner” was as you might expect, the second held no surprise. But the third entry literally elicited an audible, “What?!” and sent me off into a corner of the Internet I hadn’t visited before – the realm of nautical glossaries and sailing blogs. Sure enough, there was more to this word “partner” than I had realized, and this less familiar definition holds powerful lessons for those of us engrossed in the work of community change. In the nautical world, a partner is defined as, “A framework designed to strengthen the deck at a point where a mast passes through.” The “partners” ensure the mast remains fixed and stable, no matter how hard the wind may blow the sails. Imagine the stress and pressure that is put upon a mast when gale-force winds whip the sails back and forth. Even the stoutest beam, standing alone in the middle of a large ship, with the weight of sails and rigging and the threat of unpredictable and changing winds, is vulnerable without reinforcement. And a sailing ship without a mast is of no use to anyone; the partners are essential to ensure the ship stays on course regardless of the direction or strength of the wind.
Strength Against the Winds This
relationship
between
the
strength of the partners and the ability of the ship to reach its destination is a lesson that can be directly applied to our own community. NICNE has been working to support nonprofits in their work since 2004. Over time, it has become increasingly clear that significant issues facing our community cannot be solved by the nonprofit sector alone; achieving optimal community outcomes depends on cooperation between government, for-profit and nonprofit leaders. Even in a time when there is broad consensus about community priorities, even with a cohesive, strong vision for where the community should be heading, unless all the partners are united in a framework of support for that trajectory, we are vulnerable. This intentional partnering between sectors takes a heavy measure of trust, as well as recognition that while partners may speak from different experiences, each voice has value. Building this mutual trust takes time, and is essential to ensuring the framework of partners is stable. Russ Gaskin of CoCreative Consulting identifies 12 factors that should be considered when building trust between partners. He states, “We could also think of these as potential ‘forces’ that ... are either forces against me having trust in the work or forces for me having trust in the work. If the forces for outweighs the forces against, then I’ll continue to support the work.” Read through his list and think about each factor as a forceful wind blowing the community ship either toward a common vision or rattling our sails and threatening an unsecured mast: 1. Intent: Do we agree on what we are trying to make happen? 2. Interests: Do we share the same basic interests? 3. Values: Where our values appear
Jennifer Smith NICNE
to be in conflict, can we see how they are actually complementary and both necessary to success?
With a powerful faction of
4. Analysis: Do our various analyses of what’s going on with this issue complement one another, or compete in fundamental ways?
partners even in times of economic, civic or social unrest, we can have greater confidence that our community can bear the brunt of the storm and continue to get done what needs to be done. The strength of the partnership is essential to ensure the sails are set and the ship stays on course regardless of the direction or strength of the wind. As Ella Wheeler Wilcox states in her poem “Tis the Set of the Sail:” “One ship sails East, And another West, By the self-same winds that blow, ’Tis the set of the sails And not the gales, That tells the way we go.”
5. Need: Why should we work together? 6. Empathy: Do we really understand the needs and experiences of those we’re trying to help? 7. Belonging: Will you look out for me and my needs and interests in this work together? 8. Contribution: Can I contribute meaningfully to this work? 9. Capability: Are we up to meeting this challenge? 10. Plans: How will we do this? Are the plans enough to make this happen? 11. Commitment: Are we all truly committed to making this happen? 12. Momentum: Does what we’re doing seem to be working?
Jennifer Smith is program and membership coordinator at Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence. The views expressed are those of Smith’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
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BUILDING COMMUNITIES: The Impact of Philanthropy
December 2017
Nonprofits hired more aggressively than for-profits in 2017 “With social enterprises and purpose-driven businesses experiencing tremendous growth, it is only going to get more difficult for nonprofits to attract and retain the top performers they need to advance their missions.” — Lisa Brown Alexander, CEO, Nonprofit HR Nonprofit HR released the results of its 10th annual Nonprofit Employment Practices Survey of 420 nonprofits nationwide (a representative sample of the sector), which indicated that while nonprofits have been hiring more aggressively than for-profits for the last several years, the gap is now narrowing. According to the survey, 50 percent
of nonprofits planned to hire in 2017, while the corporate hiring outlook is the best it has been in a decade, with 40 percent of for-profit companies planning to hire in 2017. However, most nonprofits are not improving their talent and culture practices in order to thrive in the face of competition with the growing number
of social enterprise and purposedriven businesses. Sixty four percent of nonprofits surveyed reported they did not have a formal recruitment strategy, 81 percent reported they did not have a formal retention strategy and 52 percent reported they did not have a formal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy.
Key Findings 56 percent of nonprofits have no plans to change the way they source for talent in 2017. 28 percent of nonprofits cite an inability to hire qualified staff within a limited budget as their top staffing challenge in 2017. This was the most commonly cited top challenge among nonprofits surveyed. 27 percent of nonprofits have plans to develop a formal retention strategy in 2017.
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11 percent of nonprofits said they expected their total turnover rate to increase in 2017, while 59 percent said they expected it to stay the same. 42 percent of nonprofits name balancing ethnic/ cultural diversity as their greatest diversity challenge, while 35 percent list retaining staff under the age of 30. “The results of this year’s Nonprofit Employment Practices survey clearly illustrate the need for nonprofits to prioritize their people, and the talent and culture strategies that support them,” said Lisa Brown Alexander, CEO of Nonprofit HR. “With social enterprises and purpose-driven businesses experiencing tremendous growth, it is only going to get more difficult for nonprofits to attract and retain the top performers they need to advance their missions. The time for organizations to get serious about recruitment, retention, culture and human capital is now.” For more information and to view the survey infographic and interactive data portal, visit www.nonprofithr.com/2017nonprofit-employment-practices.
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BUILDING COMMUNITIES: The Impact of Philanthropy
December 2017
Guest Perspective INSIGHT
Everyone benefits when you make charitable gifts Developing a balanced approach to giving
Will Geske Edward Jones
Generally, a worthwhile charity should spend at least 75 percent of its income on programs. Now that we are in the heart of the holiday season, you may be thinking about ways you can put your money where your heart is. Specifically, you might be pondering which groups you should support with charitable gifts. And as long as you choose groups that meet the right criteria, your generosity can also be rewarding to you, in the form of tax benefits. To begin with, you’ll want to make sure you are giving to a reputable charity. That means you’ll need to ask some questions. How does a group measure its effectiveness? Is it devoting as much of its contributions as possible to the actual work of the organization, or is it spending too much money on administrative costs? Generally, a worthwhile charity should spend at least 75 percent of its income on programs. You might be able to find this type of information on a charitable group’s annual report and its website. You also can go to the website of one of the agencies that evaluates charitable groups. On these sites, you can get a lot of information dealing with a charity’s effectiveness, income, spending and other topics. After you’ve identified a charity, or charities, you can decide how much you want to give and how you want to give it. If the charity has 501(c)(3) status (named after the section of the Internal Revenue Code that governs such groups), your gift can offer you a tax deduction. So, for example, if you are in the 25 percent tax bracket, and you give $1,000 to a qualified charity, you can subtract the $1,000 from your adjusted gross income, which will result in tax savings of $250. Upon making your gift, make sure you get a receipt that lists the name of the
organization and the date and amount of your contribution. (Your maximum deduction will be limited to a percentage of your adjusted gross income.)
Donating Stocks You can do more than simply write a check, however. If you have stocks that have grown significantly in value, you may want to donate them to a charitable group. You will be allowed a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the gift on the date of the transfer, even if your original cost was only a fraction of today’s value. Furthermore, you will avoid the capital gains taxes you’d have to pay if you sold the stock, provided you’ve held the stock for at least a year. If you do contribute appreciated stocks, you will want to be cognizant of the effect of your donation on your portfolio. If you were to give a sizable amount of growth-oriented stocks, would it affect your overall growth potential? Conversely, if you are primarily giving away relatively conservative, incomeproducing stocks, would it end up moving your portfolio in a riskier direction? When donating stocks, if at all possible, try to do so in a way that does not harm your portfolio’s balance. In any case, whether you give cash or appreciated assets, you’ll need to make your gift by Dec. 31 if you’re going to deduct it on your 2016 taxes. So be as generous as you can afford, think about the effect of your gift on your own financial situation – and be prepared to act soon. Will Geske is financial advisor with Edward Jones. The views expressed are those of Geske’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
ONLINE TOOLS FOR PHILANTHROPISTS There are many tools online when deciding where to spend your charity dollars. CharityWatch, formerly known as the American Institute of Philanthropy, is a nonprofit charity watchdog and information service that reviews the financial records of roughly 600 major American charities. Visitors to the website can find information on the percentage of funds each charity spends on its charitable purpose, its cost to raise $100, whether it holds massive asset reserves, and an overall letter grade rating ranging from “A+” to “F.” Charity Navigator contains information on highly rated charities, tips for donors and stories on hot topic such as the California wildfires and Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, with lists of charities taking part in those relief efforts. Visit charitynavigator.org.
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People and Businesses to Watch
December 2017
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
Regional, National Indicators THE ECONOMY U.S. Indicators October 2017
Consumer Price Index
0.1 percent
Unemployment Rate
4.1 percent
Payroll Employment Average Hourly Earnings Producer Price Index Employment Cost Index Productivity U.S. Import Price Index U.S. Export Price Index
261,000 $0.01 0.4 percent 0.7 percent (third quarter, 2017) 0.3 percent (third quarter, 2017) 0.2 percent 0.8 percent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment Rates Region / State / Nation July 2017
Aug. 2017
Sept. 2017
Oct. 2017
Rockford
5.8
5.6
5.0
----
Chicago
4.8
5.3
4.8
4.9
Illinois
4.8
5.0
5.0
4.9
United States
4.3
4.4
4.2
4.1
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Five Largest U.S. Counties More than half of U.S. population in 4.6 percent of counties: County
State
Pop.
Los Angeles
California
10,137,915
Cook
Illinois
5,203,499
Harris
Texas
4,589,928
Maricopa
Arizona
4,242,997
San Diego
California
3,317,749
“The most populous counties are often transportation hubs and major ports. The small counties are mostly found in landlocked areas in the Great Plains, mountains and deserts. It’s not uncommon for these counties to even be losing population over time.” — Larry Sink, U.S. Census demographer
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Best Cold & Warm Destinations for Winter Travel Cold
Warm
1.
Chicago, Ill.
Orlando, Fla.
3.
Washington, D.C.
San Diego, Calif.
2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10.
Portland, Ore.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Austin, Texas
Seattle, Wash.
Houston, Texas
New York, N.Y. Minneapolis, Minn. Philadelphia, Pa. Boston, Mass. Denver, Colo.
Los Angeles, Calif. San Antonio, Texas
San Francisco, Calif.
Tucson, Ariz.
New Orleans, La.
■ Chicago ranked #1 for lowest travel costs and fewest hassles. ■ Chicago ranked #2 for most attractions and most cold-weather activities behind New York. ■ The average flight to a popular cold winter destination costs $277.61, lasts three hours and 49 minutes, and has 0.38 connections. In comparison, the average flight to a popular warm winter destination costs $407.43, lasts five hours and 59 minutes, and has 0.59 connections.
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People and Businesses to Watch
December 2017
Entrepreneurial clients to watch! By Sherry Pritz, NIU EIGERlab Whether they are selling consumer goods or assisting nonprofits, entrepreneurs have an inventor’s resolve that sets them apart from the crowd. Here are the stories of two NIU EIGERlab clients that have identified a problem, created a solution and are succeeding as entrepreneurs. Nicole Sdao is founder/CEO of NonProfitTHRIVE, a product enabling nonprofits to procure and manage volunteers and track volunteer hours all using one seamless, easy-to-use system. A lifelong volunteer and chiropractor by profession, Sdao thought there should be a simpler, more intuitive way to assist both volunteers with the desire to contribute and nonprofits with the need for volunteers. She used her skills to develop an innovative software product that helps both audiences. Sdao won NIU EIGERlab’s “Spirit of Entrepreneurship” FastPitch Competition award in 2015. Today, she has a total of 515 registered volunteers, 73 nonprofits (19+ in Rockford) and currently is an incubating client in gBETA’s sought-after nationally ranked startup accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. NonProfitTHRIVE’s web-based platform captures verified volunteer hours, applying that data for a variety of purposes including PR — marketing companies’ community engagement, taxes and to attract new personnel — specifically millennials. Until now, this labor-intensive process was the nonprofit’s responsibility to record. “I think the most defining steps for an entrepreneur are the ones taken after listening to push-back, Sdao said. “Identifying the nature of the push-back will help you to process whether to stay the course or pivot.” Visit nonprofitthrive.com.
Addressing a Market Pain Point Santosh Arcot is president of Titan IP, a company engaged in inventing, developing, manufacturing and launching new and innovative products in the consumer goods space. Like others who have chosen to escape from corporate America, Arcot’s previously demanding role as a global marketing manager at a large healthcare company left him with no time for family or friends. He was testing the entrepreneurial waters with his first product on a part-time basis but decided to take the plunge of being a full-time entrepreneur in late 2013 and hasn’t looked back. Arcot learned the ins and outs of
Nicole Sdao
Santosh Arcot
bringing a product to market with his first invention, but because of manufacturing issues, he chose to move forward with product number two, which has been a growing success — the HopperTopper™, the ultimate lawn and leaf bag reusable funnel, which is made in the USA. Again, he targeted a pain point that anyone with a yard and trees have — making the removal of leaves and other yard waste more manageable. The success of the HopperTopper has been impressive. Within one year of hitting the market, the HopperTopper can be found at 2,000 Walmart locations. Additional retail outlets carrying the product include Bed Bath & Beyond, True Value Hardware, Ace Hardware, DoItBest, Amazon and, soon, Home Depot. Arcot currently is working with NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development on a new product that will launch at the 2018 National Hardware Show in May. “I told my wife: If you find that there is any task around the house or yard that you think could be improved, be sure to let me know,” Arcot said with a smile. Visit hopper-topper.com. NIU EIGERlab embraces startups and supports entrepreneurs like Sdao and Arcot along the pathway toward success. Programming and services are in place at two NIU EIGERlab locations to assist startups and existing businesses — entrepreneurs in all phases. To learn more about the programming and services available, visit www.EIGERlab.org or call 815-753-2192. Sherry Pritz is marketing & events coordinator/ business development at NIU EIGERlab Innovation Network. The views expressed are those of Pritz’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
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HARE, MENKE, PATEL RECEIVE FUNDRAISING AWARDS The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Rockford Chapter recognized a number of individuals and organizations for their work in the community. Mary Jo Hare received the Outstanding Community Service Volunteer award; drawing attention to her volunteer work as an ambassador for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. She also served on committees for the RAM Greenwich Art Fair Festival, Ethnic Heritage Museum, American Heart Association Rockford Chapter Passion Committee, Starlight Theatre, MELD’s Golf Play Days, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois and Family Counseling Service’s Dancing with the Rockford Stars. Dawna Menke received the Outstanding Philanthropist award of 2017 for her community engagement and support; serving on the boards of the Belvidere Chamber of Commerce, Growth Dimensions, YWCA of Northwestern Illinois Board of Directors, the Central Illinois Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives, Boone County Council on Aging, Belvidere Boone County Food Pantry and United Way of Rock River Valley. She not only raised money but encouraged philanthropic training for fellow board members. Sagar Patel received the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer award, in particular for his dedication to Rock Valley College’s $6M “Engineering Our Future” campaign
and in spearheading a single $2 million gift from Woodward. The campaign supported the alignment of the curriculum at Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University to provide a pathway to the field of engineering. Perks Family Foundation received the Outstanding Corporation or Foundation award for its support in outfitting Rockford University’s two theaters with new lighting systems, and its partnerships with the Rockford Park District: Eclipse Lagoon, Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, the Alpine Hills Adventure Park and, most recently, phase two of the revitalization of Levings Lake Park. The Presidential Youth Service award went to the Guilford High School construction trades students for learning everything it would take to build a home from the ground up for Habitat for Humanity. The family that received the home built by the students said: “To our family, this house is structure. It will bring chaos to calm. This is the place we will call home, and the students who invest their time and efforts will forever be a part of that.” The Future Philanthropist Award went to Hallstrom Homeschool Co-Op for collecting items and organizing drives for several local nonprofits and for raising $16,012 this year to benefit Hike for Life, the annual fundraiser for the Pregnancy Care Center. They had raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years.
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December 2017
Dr. Fleming commends region’s customized education-to-workforce pipeline strategies market with a competitive advantage. He currently supports more than 40 career and technical education programs as a dean of instruction, CTE, at Norco College (part of Riverside Community College District, Calif.) and serves as vice president for the California Community College Association for Occupational Education. During his keynote address, Dr. Fleming reminded the community that what we are doing is a global differentiator and not many communities are doing this type of work. As a community, we need to continue to support these efforts and continue to talk about them, along with promoting them inside as well as outside our region. Utilizing the capabilities to establish these customized talent supply chains as a differentiator for the Rockford Region has provided an advantage over other regions when cultivating opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic wellPreparing All Students being of our region. Dr. Fleming is a passionate advocate Nathan Bryant, president and CEO for ensuring all students enter the labor at the RAEDC, stated, “The region has Nearly 800 business and community leaders joined to celebrate the region’s wins and rally again to continue the creation of customized education-to-workforce strategies that are relevant to employers’ needs at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council’s 2017 Annual Meeting. Dr. Kevin Fleming, producer of the viral video “Success in the New Economy,” and as author of the bestseller, “(Re)Defining the Goal,” discussed his 7:2:1 concept. The concept demonstrates the ratio of education levels required to support a sustainable and repeatable talent supply chain. The 7:2:1 ratio breaks down: For each job requiring a master’s degree or higher, two jobs require a four-year degree and seven jobs require a two-year degree, certificate, training or apprenticeship. These education levels can be represented within one company as well as in the global economy.
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
Call for aerospace capabilities The Rockford Area Aerospace Network is a consortium of companies implementing a strategic plan to increase the competitiveness of the Rockford Region for aerospace expansion and attraction. The Rockford Region is home to four tier-one aerospace companies and more than 250 suppliers within a 90-minute radius. Every commercial aircraft has a component or system that was designed or manufactured in the Rockford Region. RAAN rebranded itself this year to better represent the strengths and capabilities of our region. The new tagline, “Every System Every Aircraft,” embodies the region’s influence on the aerospace industry. Major subsectors of our region’s
the opportunity to attract and retain sticky jobs that are good today, tomorrow and in the future in the region through the development of these customized education-to-workforce solutions. The community that successfully collaborates and demonstrates the ability to support business workforce requirements will control its own destiny. There is no bigger opportunity for our community.” Bryant talked about regional organizations and businesses, understanding their niche in the overall workforce conversation and the need within the region to connect businesses and education facilities with a single voice of organized efforts to ensure our workforce lands where they are needed and have the skills required to suit our industry clusters.
Active Search for Companies Michele Petrie, president of Wintrust Commercial Bank and chairman of the board for the RAEDC, spoke about her plans, which included continued development of the RAEDC’s focus on execution, prioritization and results. Petrie reviewed activities from the year and metrics for the second year of Rockforward20/20, the RAEDC’s five-year strategic plan. “We will go from processing opportunities that happen to land in our region to actively searching for companies we want to attract, as well as actively facilitating deals and growth opportunities with companies already here,” Petrie said. “Best in Class results occur when you take action by
capabilities include AS9100 and Nadcap-certified suppliers of: ■ Electric power generation systems ■ Power management ■ Actuation systems ■ Metal component fabrication ■ Aircraft interior manufacturing ■ Maintenance, repair and overhaul RAAN and the RAEDC want to know what your aerospace capabilities include. Visit RockfordIL.com/ aerospacecapabilities to provide information to be included on the RAAN (RockfordAerospace.com) and RAEDC (RockfordIL.com) websites.
building on the successes of the past while executing in a modern, disciplined way.” A priority outlined in Petrie’s plan is to ensure the RAEDC, Rockford Chamber of Commerce and Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, in addition to many other community stakeholders, continue to work closely together to create efficiency and ensure the community leaps forward toward top 25 status. Continuing the momentum, the Rockforward20/20 strategic plan has established the region’s economic growth goals through 2020, as well as the RAEDC’s mission to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth. This strategic plan embraces the many economic opportunities in our region and will carry forward the momentum from Rockforward2!. ROCKFORWARD20/20 President’s Circle Investors: Alpine Bank, City of Loves Park, City of Rockford, Comcast Business, ComEd, Fehr Graham, First Midwest Group, Inc., IBEW/NECA, JP Morgan Chase, Larson & Darby Group, Mercyhealth, Mid-West Family Broadcasting, Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association, Northwestern Illinois Contractors Association, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford Area REALTORS, Rockford Public Schools, Rockford Register Star, SwedishAmerican Health System, UTC Aerospace Systems, Village of Machesney Park, WIFR-TV, Winnebago County, Woodward, Inc., WQRF TV/WTVO TV, WREX.
Rockforward20/20 measurements
22-Month Progress
Five-Year Goal
New and Retained Jobs
1,393
10,000
Capital Investment
$582,774,952
$925 million
New or Renovated Space
1,449,752 sq. ft.
8 million
Progress as of Oct. 31 towards the Rockforward20/20 goals:
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
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December 2017
Training Center welcomes out-of-state students
Bernie Luecke RVC BPI
The third class of Rock Valley College’s Cold Forming Training Center, to graduate Dec. 6, includes five students from as far away as Texas. Shown (left to right): Dave Booker (instructor), Neil Sussman, Darrell Oiler, Trayvon Taylor, Joshua Samuels, Anthony Kucharski, Joseph Cancilla and Joshua Lippe. Oct. 16 marked the start of the third class at Rock Valley College’s Cold Forming Training Center located at 424 Buckbee Street. The eight-week accelerated skills training was created by Rock Valley College to provide students with core skills in cold forming and cold heading. Cold forming is a process by which wire is shaped through a series of blows performed at room temperature. The demand for this specialized training was prompted by local fastener operations, which were experiencing the retirement of its seasoned header operators and lack of access to a skilled workforce. These issues are not unique to
Rockford and are being felt by the entire fastener industry across the country. El Camino College in Compton, Calif., has addressed its area’s needs by creating the Aerospace Fastener Manufacturing Training Center. It’s the only other facility in the country that specializes in aerospace fastener training. Through the marketing efforts of the Industrial Fastener Institute (IFI) and the Fastener Education Foundation (FEE), fastener companies from across the country have sponsored their employees training education at Rock Valley’s Training Center. The third class at Rock Valley College has enrolled employees from Arconic Fastening Systems and
Manufacturers in the News PCI Clinical Services launched a mobile application with more convenient access to its client services online portal Webflow™, a comprehensive customer support center that provides clients real-time, 24/7 access to a wide range of reports and information on the status of their clinical trial supplies.
North American Tool announced its upgraded quality certification under ISO 9001:2015 standards as of Nov. 20, 2017. The company previously earned certification under ISO 9001:2008, and is audited and registered annually by DNV GL Business Assurance USA. Woodward, Inc., reported financial results with net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2017 at $62 million, compared to $63 million for the fourth quarter of the prior year. Net earnings for 2017 were $201 million, an 11 percent increase compared to $181 million in the prior year.
Rings in Waco, Texas, ITW Powertrain Fastening in Lexington, Ky., and Securit Metal Products Company in Dowagiac, Mich. Two local students, along with the five out-of-state students, hope to be hired as cold heading operators upon graduation on Dec. 6. “Dave Booker our instructor is very experienced and has made a big difference in the quality of the training we have been receiving,” said Rockford student Trayvon Taylor.
Drawing Students Nationwide Rock Valley College’s Training Center offers the option of receiving the Measurement Materials and Safety credential from The National Institute for Metalworking Skills. It has proven to meet the needs of the out of state students. “The hands-on approach with a lot of repetition setting up the header has made a huge difference in strengthening my cold forming skills,” said Anthony Kucharski from Dowagiac, Mich. The commitment provided by his company,
ITW Powertrain Fastening in Lexington, Ky., has not gone unnoticed. “I appreciate my company ITW for sending me to get this specialized training, along with learning how important the cold forming industry is and its positive impact,” adds Darrell Oiler with ITW. The Training Center continues to experience great local and national support. Most recently the IFI and FEF have provided additional monetary support to enhance the equipment needs of the training center. Mid States Screw Corporation, National Machinery, Metal Resource Solution, Securit Metal Products, Rockform Tooling & Machinery and Wire Tech have provided donated equipment, supplies and resources for the center. Bernie Luecke is director of the Business & Professional Institute at Rock Valley College. The views expressed are those of Luecke’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Learn More on Dec. 12 If you are interested in learning more about Rock Valley College’s Cold Forming Training Center or would like to register for the next class, you can attend orientation on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 8:30 a.m., at Rock Valley College’s Stenstrom Center, 4151 Samuelson Road next to Jefferson High School. Please call Bernie Luecke at 815-921-2067 or e-mail Bernie at B.Luecke@RockValleyCollege.edu.
Manufacturing News is sponsored by RVC BPI
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December 2017
the News IN Members THEin NEWS
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
1. Cheryl Sio
2. Danna Krischke
3. Paul Kehoe
4. Mary Beth Clausen
5. Cathy McDermott
6. Bob Morris
7. Dr. Melina Kambitsi
8. Dr. Ronald Foran
9. Dr. Neil Shah
10. Dr. Michael McCarthy
11. Dr. Michael Michelotti
12. Dr. Mark Zarnke
13. Dr. Machelle Dopkins
14. Brent Pentenburg
15. Andrew J. Welp
16. Christine Beaderstadt
17. Lisa Abrams
18. Paul Gilmet
19. Karli Smith
20. Gino Nizzi
21. Sharece Craft
22. Mike Wise
23. Matt Gabel
24. Pamela Osborne
Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
The Pregnancy Care Center named new board members: Cheryl Sio (1), MembersAlliance Credit Union; Danna Krischke (2), Shelter Insurance Companies; Paul Kehoe (3), Knights of Columbus, and Mary Beth Clausen (4), Morrissey Family Businesses. YWCA Northwestern Illinois welcomed two new board members for three-year terms: Saba Jaffery, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Laurie Miller, 2HB Human Resources and Benefits Solutions Group. Cathy McDermott (5), Rock River Development Partnership, was named to the boards of the National Association of Produce Market Managers and the Illinois Farmers Market Association.
NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS
Dopkins, AuD (13), audiologist, to Mercyhealth Perryville.
promoted Mike Wise (22) to senior claim representative.
J.L. Clark named Bob Morris (6) as its new president, succeeding Phil Baerenwald.
The YMCA of Rock River Valley announced that Brent Pentenburg (14), chief operating officer, will be interim CEO; replacing former CEO Mike Brown.
Matt Gabel (23) returned to the business banking team at Associated Bank.
Dr. Melina Kambitsi (7) joined The AllianceÂŽ as vice president of business development and member services. Mercyhealth welcomed Ronald Foran, M.D. (8), cardiology and internal medicine and pediatric cardiology and cardiac pathology, Mercyhealth Strathmoor, and Neil Shah, M.D. (9), vascular and interventional radiology, Rockton Avenue. Mercyhealth acquired Surgical Associates of Northern Illinois and welcomed Michael McCarthy, D.O. (10), general surgeon; Michael Michelotti, M.D. (11), general surgeon, and Mark Zarnke, M.D. (12), general and cardiothoracic surgeon, to Mercyhealth Physicians. Mercyhealth welcomed Machelle
Savant Capital Management hired Andrew J. Welp, J.D. (15), CPA, as its third dedicated wealth transfer advisor. WilliamsMcCarthy hired Christine Beaderstadt (16) as an associate in its litigation group. Rosecrance hired Lisa Abrams (17) as its new executive director at the Lakeview Recovery Home and Facility in Chicago. Paul Gilmet (18) joined as alumni coordinator. Chartwell Agency promoted Karli Smith (19) to vice president. Rockford Mutual Insurance Company hired Gino Nizzi (20) as technical engineer and Sharece Craft (21) as customer care specialist, and
Pamela Osborne (24) is the new executive director of Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. Rick Raihle joined The AllianceÂŽ as provider network manager. Des Plaines Office Equipment hired Angi Kolthoff (25) as its newest account executive at its Loves Park location. Governor Bruce Rauner appointed Marlana Dokken (26) of Region 1 Planning Council to the Task Force on Opportunities for At-Risk Women. Dola Gregory, founder and CEO of Rock House Kids, will retire from her CEO position effective Dec. 31. Her successor will be Deanna (Dee) Lacny, the current COO. (Continued on page 21)
25. Angi Kolthoff
26. Marlana Dokken
27. Dr. A. Sanyo Konyak
28. Anne Cunningham
29. Lorri Mostad
30. Dr. John H. Braxton
31. Dr. John Kaminski
32. Dr. Murtaza Rizvi
33. Jack Walden
34. Chris French
35. Linda Niemiec
36. Dr. William Cunningham
37. Kathy Quast
38. Traceine Wilson
39. Deb James
40. Scott C. Sullivan
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
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December 2017
the News IN Members THEin NEWS
41. Mike Pagani
42. Mary Vinyard
43. Christina Markese
44. Amy Bilskey
45. Claudine Bjork
46. Michael St. John
47. Jeff Hultman
48. Don Schreiner
Membership: 101 101 MEMBERSHIP
Building a community that supports one another
Continued from page 20 A. Sanyo Konyak, M.D. (27), joined the L.P. Johnson Family Health Center. He also is a clinical assistant professor of family and community medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, welcomed two new advanced practice nurses to its team, Anne Cunningham (28), APN, at the Belvidere Clinic, and Lorri Mostad (29), APN, at the Center for Mental Health. It welcomed Dr. John H. Braxton (30), cardiothoracic surgeon; Dr. John Kaminski (31), electrophysiologist, and Dr. Murtaza Rizvi (32), internal medicine. Jack Walden (33) has joined Blackhawk Bank as vice president, business banking.
EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS Chris French (34), assistant golf professional, Aldeen Golf Club, was named Illinois Assistant PGA Player of the Year. Linda Niemiec (35), vice president development, Crusader Community Health, received the Danny K. Davis Achievement Award, one of the Illinois Primary Health Care Association’s Awards of Excellence. Dr. William Cunningham (36), OB/ GYN, SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, received the Faculty and Staff Aureus Award for September from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford Medical Student Council; based on nominations by medical students. Rockford Mutual Insurance Company celebrated anniversaries: Kathy Quast (37), generalist, 35 years, and Traceine Wilson (38), senior marketing field representative, and Deb James (39), commercial underwriter, five years. Scott C. Sullivan (40), partner, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, was named to the 24th edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. For the fourth
49. David Armstrong straight year, he was selected by his peers in commercial litigation. Mike Pagani (41) was named Meridian’s October employee of the month. Heartland Hospice recognized four newly board-certified hospice and palliative care nurses: Mary Vinyard (42), RN, CHPN; Christina Markese (43), RN, BSN, CHPN; Amy Bilskey (44), RN, CHPN, and Claudine Bjork (45), RN, BSN, CHPN. Michael St. John (46), vice president and retirement plan services manager, Alpine Trust & Investment Group, received the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation. The Greater Rockford Italian American Association honored four women of Italian descent at its 2017 Italian Hall of Fame Banquet: Ange Armato, Rockford Peaches, and Rosie Scalise Sheridan and Joan and Colleen Gullo for perpetuating the Sicilian tradition of St. Joseph’s Altars in homes and Catholic churches.
OF GENERAL INTEREST Jeff Hultman (47), president & CEO, Illinois Bank & Trust, spoke with local young professionals during Ignite Rockford’s Lunch with a Leader at Lucha Cantina on Oct. 30. Don Schreiner (48), CEO of OrthoIllinois and OrthoIllinois Surgery Center, was a featured panelist a Becker’s ASC Review meeting on ambulatory surgery centers in October. David Armstrong (49), founder of Hope In Recovery Employment (HIRE LLC), will present to a Congressional forum on addiction and employment in Washington, D.C., in early 2018; elaborating on employment challenges for those in recovery.
The Rockford Chamber offers one benefit that can drive your business and save you money. With your member login, you can offer exclusive discount coupons to members, while taking advantage of other member discounts. HOW TO UPLOAD A COUPON 1. Visit www.rockfordchamber.com 2. With your mouse, hover over MEMBERSHIP from the top menu. In the dropdown menu, click Member Login. 3. Enter your log-in credentials. Don’t have your credentials? Contact the chamber at 815-987-8100. 4. From the Member Portal Home Screen, click Add A Coupon. 5. Click New Coupon. 6. Select a Coupon Type. Members Only will showcase the coupon only to chamber members who log-in to their portal. General Coupon will be visible to all who visit the webpage. 7. Follow the prompts. 8. Save & View! You can return to this screen to edit, if needed. TIPS •
Include an expiration date on your coupon.
•
Include a unique reference code to help you track your coupon’s success rate.
•
You can find other members’ coupons by going to rockfordchamber.com, hover over membership, click coupons.
•
Promote your coupon through social media, your newsletter, etc.
Have additional questions? We’re happy to help! Call 815-987-8100 or email Doug at dhessong@rockfordchamber.com.
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December 2017
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS V2 Marketing Communications promoted and facilitated a two-day fall workshop and college fair for the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters with more than 450 attendees in Schaumburg, Ill.
Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members. Per Mar Security Services was recognized by Security Sales & Integration as a Top Market Leader for delivering customized security solutions in the retail and entertainment, utilities, healthcare and education sectors. KMK Media Group completed an updated website at www.civilideas. com for Civil Engineering Services. KMK completed a promotional video for local manufacturer, Ipsen, Inc., for an upcoming industry trade show. View at www.kmkmedia.com/ portfolio/tv-video. It was hired by the Temple Independent School District in Texas for ongoing marketing consulting and support. Blackhawk Bank employees and customers raised more than $3,500, and the bank matched contributions dollar for dollar, for a total of more than $7,000 to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund to help those affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Edward Jones earned the No. 1 ranking among full service investment firms for the third year in the U.S. Investment Firms Customer Experience Index, 2017, for client service, respect and communication. Thayer Lighting, Inc, was certified under the Business and Enterprise Program for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services. SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, collected more than 4,000 diapers and a small amount of monetary donations from employees and the community during its firstannual Diaper Drive this fall for The Pregnancy Care Center. CEANCI was approved for the second and final year of a $91,050 grant for 21st Century Workforce Development from the Howard D. Colman Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.
SwedishAmerican, a division of UW Health, wins approval in November to build a new, $24 million, 70,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art clinic on Bell School Road, on roughly six acres near the SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center campus. It will offer about 100 clinic rooms and 25 providers in OB/GYN, pediatrics, family practice, internal medicine and endocrinology services.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Illinois held an “I Care” awareness campaign during Mental Illness Awareness Week, featuring a public service announcement with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebago County Chairman Frank Haney, airing on local television stations, and a full-page advertisement with area leaders giving an anti-stigma message in the Rockford Register Star. Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the airing on Oct. 28 on CBS of a special presentation of Rockford’s Toughest Mudder event, which took place on Aug. 26 at Chicago Rockford International Airport. YMCA of Rock River Valley announced that ABC News Anchor and TV Host John Quiñones will be the featured speaker at its annual Community Dinner on March 1, 2018. Rockford Area Arts Council hosts Creative Mondays, noon to 2 p.m., at 713 E. State St. Joanna Dowling and Sharon Nesbit-Davis will guide participants in arts activities designed
to recharge and revitalize creativity. Freewill donation. Register at 815963-6765 or visit www. artsforeveryone.com. ZION Development Corporation and Comprehensive Community Solutions held a Diamond Anniversary Celebration in November; marking the combination of the 35th and 25th anniversary of each organization, respectively. University of Illinois Extension is accepting applications for 2018 Master Gardener Training, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Thursdays, Feb. 1 to April 12 at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Visit web.extension. illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357. Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois seeks volunteers for its GoodTAXES program in Rockford and DeKalb. The free income tax preparation services for low-tomoderate income area residents take place January to April of each year. Training begins in December for volunteers: tax preparers, greeters, customer service assistants and interpreters. Call 815-987-6205 or vita@goodwillni.org or visit www. goodwillni.org/good-taxes.
Alpine Kiwanis Club members volunteered with three non-profit agencies on Oct. 28 at KFACT Inc., Northern Illinois Food Pantry and Special Olympics, Harlem High School as a part of Kiwanis One Day, which joins Kiwanis Clubs around the world in a day of service. Ignition Studio, Inc., helped Woods Equipment relaunch the Batwing, its flagship product line with theme development, identity design, trade show exhibit, microsite, national advertisements, social media and promotional material.
Discovery Center Museum unveils its newest role-play space, in partnership with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital exhibit will encourage young visitors to be the ones to ask, “Where does it hurt?” to spark imagination about a career in the medical field.
After nearly 40 years, the former Saint Anthony College of Nursing was demolished to accommodate final construction plans for the $85-million North Tower project on the campus of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. In summer, the college moved to the new Health Science Center at Rock Valley College. Chartwell Agency, in partnership with Ignition Studio, Inc., completed a website redesign for Wesley Willows at wesleywillows.org. Rock Valley College will launch the new Mobile Application Development Certificate program starting in the spring 2018 semester. With 11 credit units, students will learn both iOS and Android development skills. Contact c. konkol@rockvalleycollege.edu. Illinois Bank & Trust is presenting sponsor for fifth-annual Stroll on State for the third year in a row. Becker’s Hospital Review named OSF Healthcare Cardiovascular Institute at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center to its 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Heart Programs list for 2017. Blackhawk Bank was the honored recipient of the Dorothy Haight Award at the Racial Justice Conference in Janesville in November hosted by the YWCA of Rock County for racial diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Larson & Darby Group received two industry recognitions by the American Institute of Architects, Prairie Chapter: A Certificate of Merit for Adaptive Reuse/Preservation for its work on UW Health Sports Factory, and an Honorable Mention Award for Architecture Design for the Rockford Mass Transit District East Side Transfer Center. Starting Dec. 4, Rosecrance Health Network will offer outpatient substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling in Des Plaines, Ill., with the transition of the Advocate Addiction Treatment Program at 701 Lee St., to Rosecrance. It announced its new substance abuse prevention initiative: “It’s more than ‘just say no’: Raising Responsible, Resilient, Drug-Free Kids” for parents of children in third through eighth grades.
(continued on page 29)
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December 2017
Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Continued from page 28 Winnebago CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Berry Campus of Rosecrance Health Network were named this year’s grant recipient of Club Blue Rockford. CASA will receive grant money annually over three years. Rosecrance will transform existing spaces into a play therapy room and a sensory room to supplement more traditional “talk therapy.” Hope In Recovery Employment (HIRE LLC) was selected from among more than 700 organizations as Facing Addiction’s action partner of the month. Rockford Park District will host drop-in morning walks, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. to noon, at UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., (except Thanksgiving Day). $2 per session includes coffee. No registration. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden announced the unveiling of a new interactive water feature for kids this coming spring at Nancy Olson Children’s Garden; adjacent to the popular hedge maze and lookout tower. Thayer Lighting, Inc., received a System of Award Management vendor designation through the U.S. Federal Contractor registration. Rock Valley College opened the RVCare on-campus wellness clinic on Nov. 13; providing services to
Issues to Watch LEGISLATIVE
New Illinois Laws for 2017
employees and family members (above 18 months of age) covered under the Rock Valley College group insurance plan. Care will be provided by an OSF HealthCare Medical Group physician’s assistant. Visit rockvalleycollege.edu/rvcare.
Here are some laws related to veterans and military affairs, and energy, utilities, environment and conservation that have taken affect this year. For specific language of the laws, visit www.ilga.gov.
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP ranked in the 2018 U.S. News – Best Lawyers© “Best Law Firms” list for the fourth consecutive year. It received the metropolitan tier one ranking in commercial litigation for the Chicago region.
Illinois Code of Military Justice Update SB 2861/PA 99-0796 Creates an appeal process for ICMJ court martials, by adopting procedures from the Model State Code of Military Justice which is modeled after the UCMJ.
Heritage Credit Union named its Rockford area award recipients of the Richard J. McGrath Endowment Fund for 2017 as Remedies Renewing Lives and Warm Feet Mission. More than $70,000 has been distributed to worthy causes since the fund was founded in 2007. First Free Rockford announced a three-year commitment to sponsor 115 women and children through its Tabitha Centers initiative in the city of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sponsorships will fund job skills training or tuition, doctor visits, proper nutrition, clothing and housing to help break the cycle of human trafficking. OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center received a ‘B’ letter grade by The Leapfrog Group in the new Hospital Safety Grades; ranking it among the safest hospitals in the United States.
ON DIGITAL Members Caught on Digital Ceremonial ribbon donated by SERVPRO of Rockford.
Children’s Home & Aid holds a ribbon cutting on Nov. 14 at 474 7th St., Rockford.
Associated Bank holds a ribbon cutting on Nov. 28 for its new branch grand opening at 2714 11th St., Rockford.
VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
Military Family Care Plan HB 4327/PA 99-0599 Allows a parent who is on active military duty to appoint a short-term guardian for their child and allows that guardianship to last up to 30 days after the end of the parent’s active duty. Heroes Way Designation Program HB 4344/PA 99-0802 Creates the Heroes Way Designation Program Act and allows the family of veterans who were killed in action while on active duty to apply for a designation that would allow the placement of an honorary sign on roadways under the jurisdiction of IDOT.
Student Musicians at Military Funerals HB 4432/PA 99-0804 Permits a child in grades 6 through 12 to be excused from a public school when absent from class for the purpose of playing “Taps” at a military funeral in Illinois for a deceased veteran. Military License Plates Transfer HB 4433/PA 99-0805 Allows the surviving spouse of a deceased military service member to retain the special license plates if he/ she is a resident of Illinois and if the transfer takes place within 180 days of the death of the service member.
Veteran License Plate Reclassification HB 5402/PA 99-0809 States that individuals who qualify for the military specialty plates may reclassify their standard plate
registration without paying replacement fees or the registration sticker cost. National Guard Discrimination HB 5756/PA 99-0557 Provides that there shall be no unlawful discrimination in the Illinois National Guard and brings the guard’s policies in-line with federal standards and guidelines. Uranium Testing HB 6123/PA 99-0719 Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide non-monetary assistance to any resident of Illinois who served in active duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait or Qatar with any component of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Illinois National Guard, who requests a pre-deployment or post-deployment test for depleted uranium in accessing federal resources for pre-deployment and post-deployment testing for depleted uranium. DCFS Abuse Report of a Service Member HB 4425/PA 99-0638 Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to determine the military status of each parent or guardian who is named as the alleged perpetrator in a child abuse or neglect report. Sets forth several guidelines.
ENERGY, UTILITIES, ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION Coal Mines SB 2813/PA 99-0538 Makes changes concerning mine examinations, including timing and scope of the examination. Allows for the use of a multi-gas detector, rather than a flame safety lamp, to test for methane or oxygen. Requires examiners to enter the examination report either by calling out the results of the examination to a recorder on the surface or by personally recording the report so it is not susceptible to alteration. Makes other coal mine safety changes. Environmental Commission Organization SB 2920/PA 99-0541 Adds four more voting members to the Environmental Justice Commission. Requires the four new members must be in communities concerned with environmental justice and be made up of one member of the manufacturing sector, one from the energy sector and two from the labor sector.
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December 2017
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
Community Events COMMUNITY Rockford Chamber members appear bolded. Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.
DECEMBER, 2017 Friday, December 1
Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center hosts its annual Hollyberry Holiday Bazaar, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 3470 N. Alpine Road, Rockford. Includes crafts, home baked goods, vendors and home BBQ lunch. For questions call 815-877-1441. Wine Tasting, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Artale & Co., 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, to benefit the Barbara Olson Center of Hope. More than 30 wines to sample. Call 815-964-9275 for more information. Northern Illinois University Art Museum, 116 Altgeld Hall, Dekalb, opens its School of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition, an invitational show featuring recent artwork and scholarship by faculty and teaching staff of the NIU School of Art and Design through Dec. 16. The exhibition reopens Jan. 16 to Feb. 23, 2018. The Annette and Jerry Johns Student Art Gallery of the School of Art and Design, host the free exhibition, Rise: Symbols of Protest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to noon, Fridays through Dec. 7. First Northern Credit Union and Rock House Kids host a Children’s Charity Toy Drive through Dec. 2. Bring unwrapped donations to Napleton’s Autowerks, 6600 E. Riverside, Blvd., Loves Park. Join for hot chocolate and cookies, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Dec. 2.
Saturday, December 2 University of Illinois Extension’s annual Horticulture for the Holidays workshop takes place, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Easter Seals building, 650 N. Main St., Rockford. Register at web. extension.illinois.edu/jsw or call 815-986-4357. Court Street United Methodist Church presents the Chicago-based Melikin Puppets seasonal production, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., dramatizing the classic story, The Shoemaker and The Elves, and an adaption of The Night Before
Christmas as seen through the eyes of the family dog, Woofer. Call 815-9626061 for tickets. Rockford Art Museum presents its winter fundraiser Evergreen Leather and Lace at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, silent and wine auctions, food, live music by High Society Orchestra and the new exhibition, Misfits. Tickets at rockfordartmuseum. org or 815-968-2787. Ethnic Heritage Museum/Graham – Ginestra House presents La Posada, 3 to 5 p.m., at Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford. This is the Hispanic version of the procession and tells the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus through the “Hymnos de las Posadas.” Call 815-962-7402 or visit www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org. Rockford Park District presents its All Aglow exhibit at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, through Jan. 7. New this year is the Sinnissippi Station Model Garden Railroad Exhibit, through Jan. 14. Visit www. rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Sunday, December 3 Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden presents a Christmas Concert and Dessert Buffet, 2 to 5 p.m., 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. Visit klehm.org/ christmasconcert.
Monday, December 4 Rockford Park District kicks off Junior Winter Golf Academy for ages 7 to 11. Meets once a week, Dec. 4 to 18, at the Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. Will train golfers and introduce them to their swing through video analysis. Visit www. golfrockford.org.
Tuesday, December 5 The Rock Valley College Foundation, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and the Rockford Public Library hosts a Community Scholarship Fair, 5 to 7 p.m., at Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford. Seminars from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Visit cfnil.org or rockfordpubliclibrary.org or call 815-965-7606.
Wednesday, December 6 Rock Valley College hosts an User Choose from 10 App Tutorials, 5 p.m., at the RRStar building, 99 E. State St., room 2108, Rockford. RSVP at www.rvchourofcode.com/ rsvp.html or email Chuck Konkol, c.konkol@rockvalleycollege.edu. 2HB Human Resources & Benefits Solutions hosts 2HB Christmas Bus Trip Holiday Shopping in downtown Chicago. Departs 8:30 a.m., from Rockford (location TBD). Drop off at Water Tower Place and Macy’s. Load up to return at 3:30 p.m. For questions call 815-9773496. The Mercyhealth Development Foundation invites area families to attend its Angel Statue of Hope Candlelight Vigil and Remembrance Ceremony, 6 p.m., at the Angel Statue of Hope, Waterside Park at the corner of East State and Water streets in Rockford. For more information call 815-9714141. Rockford Regional Health Council presents its 2017 Annual Meeting, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Partner’s Pavilion, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, 1601 Parkview Ave. Free. Includes light hors d’oeuvres. Register at www. rockfordhealthcouncil.org.
Thursday, December 7 University of Illinois Extension presents Saving Money with Smart Meters Workshop, 6 p.m., at the Durand Library at Durand Schools, 200 W. South St., Durand. Free, but register at 815-986-4357 or web. extension.illinois.edu/jsw.
Friday, December 8 J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday, a seasonal variety show, returns to the Sullivan Theater in the Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Dec. 8 to 10. For tickets visit BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center box offices, www. ticketmaster.com or 815-968-0595. Court Street United Methodist Church presents A Charlie Brown Christmas featuring Court Street’s Fine Arts Saturday Troupe, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 2 and 7 p.m., and
Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 815-962-6061 for tickets.
Saturday, December 9 Rockford Park District presents Breakfast with Santa events at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens; Dec. 9, 8 to 9:30 a.m., and 9:30 to 11 a.m., and Dec. 16, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Register at least one week in advance at www. nicholasconservatory.com/activities (click registration link).
Sunday, December 10
Ethnic Heritage Museum/Graham – Ginestra House presents Christmas Open House, noon to 4 p.m., at 1129 S. Main St., Rockford. Live musical entertainment, holiday gift shop and ethnic treats. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Erlander House Museum also will be open. Call 815-962-7402 or visit www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org.
Sunday, December 17 Ethnic Heritage Museum/Graham – Ginestra House presents Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity program, 2 to 4 p.m., at 1129 S. Main St., Rockford. The gospel play, adapted and directed by Dorothy Paige Turner, is performed by the Reader’s Theater at 2 p.m. Includes a Kwanzaa celebration. Call 815-9627402 or visit www. ethnicheritagemuseum.org.
Wednesday, December 20 Rock House Kids hosts a celebration in honor of Founder and CEO Dola Gregory’s Retirement, 4 to 7 p.m., at 1325 7th St., Rockford. Gregory founded the Rock House programs in 1999. RSVP to Barb Seaworth, 815-962-5067, ext. 103.
Tuesday, December 26
Discovery Center Museum presents Holiday Hoopla, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dec. 26 to 30, at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. A post-holiday headquarters with hands-on arts and crafts with science, math and engineering. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www.discoverycenter museum.org.
Saturday, December 30 Harlem Globetrotters bring their tour, 2 p.m., to the BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. Tickets at ticketmaster.com, the box office or 815-968-0595.
Sunday, December 31
The Rockford Chamber Ambassadors meet in November for a tour by Kim Lawson of the Rockford Park District’s UW Health Sports Factory. Lunch was catered by Prairie Street Brewhouse.
Discovery Center Museum presents to Countdown to Fun! 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Ring in the New Year. Rick Shark and Ryan Seahorse are your hosts each hour as we track the New Year across the globe. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www.discoverycentermuseum.org.
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
December 2017
Can Transform Tennis help Rockford get fit again?
By Alex Gary, Thinker Ventures The sport of tennis has been a major molder of John Torrence’s life. A three-time NIC-10 tennis champion in the 1970s, he said the sport taught him the importance of fitness but also about civility and honesty as well. His kids grew up playing the sport, and he watched with dismay as the courts he used to see filled with players increasingly sitting unused, with weeds growing through the cracks. In 2015, he read a story in the Rockford Register Star detailing the deteriorating conditions of the Guilford Tennis Center, which has been the central gathering spot of the area’s top players for decades. After years in business, he felt it was time to take a bigger role, so he got together with several other avid players to create Transform Tennis. He used the Transform Rockford model as a guide, creating spokes and committees and identifying action steps and, perhaps more importantly, funding. Transform Tennis formed a USTA Community Tennis Association called Rally Rockford Tennis Association with John serving
as its director. Among the goals they’ve identified, establish more programs for kids, support middle school programs, repair courts, bring back tournaments for adults and try to create a new, larger center that could draw players from the region, much like the idea behind the basketball courts at the UW Healthy Sports Factory. “Tennis is a lifetime sport, but it’s also one kids can learn at a really young age,” Torrence said, “but it’s also not an individual sport. You have to play someone so it’s a psychological sport. There’s a lot of strategy and tactics involved. You have to be honest with your line calls, and you have to learn how to handle losing. It’s a character builder.” Torrence said the group’s goals fit well with Transform Rockford because tennis is one of the best there is when it comes to improving cardio health and that’s an area where Winnebago County needs to improve if we’re going to be one of the 25 top communities in the country by 2025. In the latest Illinois Health Rankings, Winnebago County was ranked 87th out of 102 counties with 34 percent of the adults here being obese. If you want to learn more about the organization, visit facebook.com/ RRTATennis/.
PERSONAL INCOME GROWTH SOLID IN 2016 By Alex Gary, Thinker Ventures Winnebago County was one of the 2,285 counties where personal income grew in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The BEA released its per capita personal income estimates by county on Nov. 16. The personal per capita income of people living in Winnebago County rose 1.5 percent from 2015, growing from $39,295 in 2015 to $39,904 in 2016. Personal income fell in 795 counties. For this measurement, the BEA
tracks income from all sources -labor, rental or business income, investments and Social Security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average inflation rate for 2016 was 1.3 percent, so residents in Winnebago County should have experienced slightly more money in their pockets last year. Personal income growth in Winnebago County outpaced rural areas where income grew by just one percent. It lagged though the average growth rates of metropolitan areas, which was 2.5 percent.
Per capita personal income Winnebago County
United States
2014
$37,891
2014
$46,494
2015
$39,295
2015
$48,451
2016
$39,904
2016
$49,246
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December 2017
Membership Renewals
New Chamber Members URBANE DESIGN STUDIO, LTD.
LOWE’S DISTRIBUTION CENTER
A full-service interior design firm servicing the northern Illinois and Chicago areas. 4001 N. Perryville Road, Ste. A205 Loves Park, IL 61111 Victoria Graf 815-312-3090 www.urbanedesignstudio.com
For More Than 60 Years, Lowe’s has been Improving, Home Improvement 2801 S. Springfield Ave., 61102 Jodi Miller 815-721-8260 www.lowes.com
Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in October, 2017.
A.W. Anderson Agency, Inc. Aerotek, Inc. Area Erectors, Inc. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Atlas Components
Atmosphere Commercial Interiors Bachrodt on State
EASTERSEALS TEEN AND FAMILY SUPPORT
Ballard Properties
650 N. Main St., 61101 Kathleen Kurtz 815-965-5069
Bobcat of Rockford
BelRock Asphalt Paving Inc. Burpee Museum of Natural History Campbell Science Corporation Carefree Windows Inc.
December 2017 Member Anniversaries Thank you to the members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
35-YEAR MEMBER
10-YEAR MEMBERS
Piping Industry Council of the Rockford Area Christofferson Moving & Storage The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club
Aerotek, Inc. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP First Benefits Group Granite City Food & Brewery Prorok Law Office, P.C. Village Green Home & Garden
25-YEAR MEMBERS
5-YEAR MEMBERS
30-YEAR MEMBERS
AAIM Employers’ Association Merrill Lynch
20-YEAR MEMBER Winnebago County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 17th Judicial Circuit
15-YEAR MEMBERS TLC . . . The Learning Center, Inc. Windmill Hill LC
Christenson Funeral Home & Cremation Parkside Warehouse, Inc. Rockford Molded Products Tebala Event Center Trinity Day Care Ultrasonic Power Corporation Zimmerman & Walsh, LLP
Carz R’ Us General Automotive & Tire Center for Sight & Hearing Chastain & Associates LLC
MEMBERSHIP SALES POSITION
The ideal candidate must be sales-oriented, willing to follow proven success methods and enjoy talking to business leaders.
Piping Industry Council of the Rockford Area Powmet, Inc. Professional Graphics Inc. Prorok Law Office, P.C.
Rockford Bank & Trust Co.
Cross Creek Condominium Association
Rockford Bank & Trust Co. Stewart Square
Crusader Community Health On Rockford Bell Credit Union West State Street, Woodward Campus for Community Health Care Rockford Dermatology Rockford Fastener Inc. Crusader Community Health Auburn Campus
Crusader Community Health Loves Park
Rockford I.D. Shop, Inc. Rockford Promise Rockford Rotary Club Rockford Systems, LLC
Crusader Community Health on Broadway, Uram Building
S.J. Carlson Fire Protection
Culver’s Restaurant
SmithAmundsen LLC
D & S Marine Inc.
Saint Anthony College of Nursing State Farm Insurance - Brian Faulk
Eckburg Insurance Group
Taylor Company United Technologies
Epilepsy Foundation
Tebala Event Center
Forest City Diagnostic Imaging
Testing Service Corporation
Gary W. Anderson Architects
The Harvard State Bank
■ Wants to work in a position that supports business
■ Proven track record of achievement
Holiday Inn of Rockford
Primary responsibility is to ensure the growth of the Chamber’s membership by creating, developing, sustaining and recruiting new members in a manner that will ensure a net gain in members and an enhancement of the Chamber’s
Physicians Immediate Care
Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary
Heartland Hospice
PURPOSE & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Phelps Industries, Inc.
Rock River Water Reclamation Crimson Ridge Estate Condos North District
EXPERIENCE:
■ Possess superior telephone skills
Personal Finance Co.
Rock River Environmental Services
ComElec-East, Inc.
■ Values integrity
■ Understands the issues facing business
Parkside Warehouse, Inc.
Rise Broadband
■ Works independently
■ Proven success in a professional sales environment
Panino’s Restaurant - North Main
City of Loves Park
Giovanni’s, Inc.
■ Seeking a career rather than a job
Panino’s Restaurant - State Street
Remedies Renewing Lives
investment revenues. Responsible for achieving membership recruitment goals on a monthly basis.
■ Goal-oriented
PANDORA Jewelry Store
Christenson Funeral Home & Cremation
GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford This position is for someone who is:
Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd./North Main Chapel & Care Center
Regional Office of Education
Des Plaines Office Equipment
Seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, credible individual to complete our membership development/sales team.
Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd./Fred C. Olson Chapel
Children’s Home & Aid
Crusader Community Health Belvidere
ROCKFOR D CHAM B ER
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
GrahamSpencer Brand + Content Solutions
HomeStart Kowal Development, Inc.
Title Underwriters Agency Town Square Publications Tree Care Enterprises Inc. U.S. Cellular University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford University of Illinois College of Nursing - Rockford Campus
■ Previous success in a fast-paced environment
Lou Bachrodt AutoMall
■ Ability to communicate with use of imagery, a must
Louis Bageanis
University of Illinois-Chicago College of Pharmacy at Rockford
Luther Center
Upper Cervical Care Center
Maculan Chiropractic Clinic
Upper Iowa University - Rockford Center
■ Must be able to laugh at yourself and with others
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree preferred
Send resume and personalized cover letter including day-time phone number to: hgarner@rockfordchamber.com.
Michalsen Office Furniture Inc. Mid-West Family Broadcasting Movement Fitness Northern Illinois University NIU Eigerlab Center for Products Development
Van Galder Bus/A Coach USA Co. Winnebago County Housing Authority Winnebago County Recorder Woodman’s Food Market, Inc. #30
theVoice rockfordchamber.com
EVENTS
Upcoming Chamber Events DECEMBER, 2017 Tuesday, December 5
Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford St. Kris Kieper Machajewski, YWCA, will present on How Time, Talent and Treasure Can Transform an Organization. Hear a behind-the-scenes story of the merger between the YWCA and LaVozLatina. Sponsored by First Northern Credit Union.
Wednesday, December 13 7:30 - 9 am Rockford University Burpee Center 5050 E. State St. Regents Hall, 2nd Floor, Rockford
Breakfast BUZZ Kevin Versino, Rocktown Adventures; Rex Brown, OrthoIllinois, and Sherry Gaumond, Larson & Darby, present Enhancing Performance, Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace.
Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Alden Park Strathmoor, 5668 Strathmoor Dr., Rockford.
Thursday, December 7 5:30 - 7:30 pm Rockford Art Museum 711 N. Main St., Rockford
ROCKFORD CHAMBER
CONFLUENCE Join us as we recognize companies, organizations and individuals who collaborate in impactful partnerships in our business community. Sponsored by Mercyhealth (presenting); and Wintrust Commercial Banking (Community Connector Sponsor).
Ribbon Cutting, Dog Haus, 7616 Walton Street, Rockford 61108, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Advertisers Index ADVERTISERS
Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care. . . 13 The Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Alpine Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MembersAlliance Credit Union. . . . . 16
Blackhawk Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Broadmoor Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Quartz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Edward Jones.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Habitat for Humanity Rockford Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Tuesday, December 19
Illinois Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
IGNITE hosts its Ugly Sweater & Ugly Shoe Holiday Party, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Don Carter Lanes, 4007 E. State St., Rockford. Bowling, unlimited pop and pizza and cash bar. Includes prizes. Sponsored by Blackhawk Bank.
JANUARY, 2018 Thursday, January 25 5 - 8 pm Giovanni’s, Inc. 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford
ROCKFORD CHAMBER
Klaas Financial Asset
Advisors, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Sponsored by RSM US LLP.
Wednesday, December 6
Wednesday, December 13
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December 2017
Illinois Small Business Development Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Rockford Bank & Trust Co.. . . . . . . . . 2 Rockford Chamber of
Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . 5, 9, 14, 25, 27 Rock Valley College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 RSM US LLP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Savant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Thayer Lighting, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100.............................................. Direct Line Harold “Bo” Boger, IL Small Business Development Center Director.............................................................. 815-316-4301 Sue Boyer, Member Relations................................................. 815-316-4315 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO.......................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer.................................... 815-316-4312 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology................... 815-316-4338
Annual Dinner
Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment. . .................. 815-316-4317
Bill Graham, director of creative affairs, Procter & Gamble Productions, producers of the long-running soap operas: Guiding Light, As the World Turns and Another World, presents The Power of Likable Leadership. Announcement of the 2018 Citizen of the Year.
Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development................... 815-316-4337
Sponsored by OSF Healthcare (presenting), Associated Bank (gold), and AT&T and The Alliance (bronze).
Stephanie Mathews, Administrative & Finance Assistant .................... 815-987-8100 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller............................... 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator......................... 815-316-4320
Chamber Board of Directors & Officers EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DIRECTORS Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.
Chairman of the Board Richard Zumwalt Z Resource
Jan Bowman TLC Construction
Vice Chair Michele Petrie Wintrust Bank
LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management
Vice Chair Dan Ross Gallagher Williams-Manny
Paula Carynski OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc.
Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School Immediate Past Chair Patti Thayer Thayer Lighting, Inc.
Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health
Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency
Patrick Shaw RSM US LLP
Ira Grimmett UTC Aerospace Systems
Karl Swanson Rockford Bank & Trust Co.
Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory
Jon Thompson Butitta Brothers Automotive
Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale
Laura Pigatti Williamson
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Nathan Bryant Rockford Area Economic Development
John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network
Let your Voice be heard Do you have news to share?
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 DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION