December VOICE 2020

the December 2020 | Volume 33 | No. 12

Celebrating 110 years! of the rockford business community ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY REVISIONS

Organizations partner to provide free NIU degree to RPS students City of Rockford to fund $1.5 million annually from nonproperty tax revenues

Since its founding in 2006, the nonprofit Rockford Promise has provided more than $1 million in scholarships to nearly 150 Promise Scholars at Rock Valley College and Rockford University. On Nov. 10, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara; Dr. Ehren Jarrett, superintendent of Rockford Public Schools; Dr. Tasha Davis, executive director of Rockford Promise, and Dr. Lisa Freeman, president of Northern Illinois University, announced a partnership to expand the program to provide free tuition at NIU to eligible RPS 205 students who live in Rockford.

Mayor McNamara and the Rockford City Council aim to fund this in 2021, and beyond. Eligible Rockford Public School students would earn a bachelor’s degree from NIU with all of the tuition and general fees paid by Rockford Promise and NIU. “The city is pledging $1.5 million

annually because we know this program is a game changer for our community,” the mayor said. “It is critical that we invest in our youth now to improve our community today and for many years to come.”

Students who qualify must live inside City of Rockford boundaries, attend Rockford Public Schools all four years of high school, and graduate with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Students currently enrolled in a high school in the school district at any grade level would be eligible without the four-year attendance requirement.

“Modeled after promise programs around the nation, including the Kalamazoo Promise, our goal is to increase educational attainment in our region while providing a powerful economic incentive for residents and businesses to locate to the Rockford Continued on page 4

Education Outlook

Conversation with Dr. Ehren Jarrett

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“It’s been a wild couple of years for Rockford Public Schools,” opened RPS 205 Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett in his interview with Chamber CEO Einar Forsman. This was in response to him providing a quick 30,000-foot view preand post-COVID. It seems like such a long time ago, but Dr. Jarrett reminded the audience of their first crisis a year ago. That was their technology crisis from the ransomware incident. Just a few months later they dove headfirst into the pandemic. Dr. Jarrett was quick to emphasize how proud he was to see the people inside the District, as well as those in the community, come together for the schools and students. He reiterated their focus on emphasizing a high-quality educational experience offered to our students, provided by the parents, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Jarrett outlined their response to the pandemic, beginning last spring with emergency remote learning. They

had to start from scratch, with no real preparation, to address education for 29,000 students. Many communities across the country were not prepared for something like this. Emergency remote learning required everyone to adapt in the short run.

The District used the summer to take what they learned from the earlier response and to look for the best model that would deliver quality learning for their students.

Ultimately, it led to a hybrid model of remote learning and in-class learning.

The formal remote learning, in some cases, required significant technology enhancements for students. This included providing Chromebooksç or iPads®. In addition, a key partner was Comcast, who provided reliable internet connections.

Asked how the “new world” was impacting the district, students, faculty and parents, Dr. Jarrett said, “We are all optimistic about what we can achieve

Continued on page 3

To address financial challenges, the Rockford Public Library Board of Trustees voted on Oct. 26 to close the Rock River and Rockton Centre branches and reduce 11 staff positions. The library will add a mobile library unit with internet access, custom collections and tailored classes/events/ demonstrations. It also will expand its digital offerings. Chromebooks will be available for long-term adult check-out. Remaining locations include the Montague Branch, the East Branch and the Hart Interim Library, along with the Nordlof Technology Center, until the opening of the new main library.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

CELEBRATION OF MANUFACTURING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 VIRTUAL PLATFORM For more information, see page 19 SPONSORED BY

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT’S CONSOLIDATION ON HOLD A few organizations have expressed interest in providing the funding to keep the Riverview Ice House open, according to Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine. But $6 million is needed, and the district has been meeting with a small group of stakeholders and potential partners on identifying grant opportunities and solidifying donor and sponsorship commitments.

The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners stated its intent to close the Riverview Ice House and expand Carlson Ice Arena at its Oct. 13 meeting. It aimed to free up dollars for neighborhood parks, youth programs and trails. The Riverview’s refrigeration system was becoming obsolete and renovations were required, including to the hockey boards and glass. A sustainable revenue stream also was needed to help offset the $351,958 tax subsidy to operate the two ice facilities.

If all goes well, the park district plans for a conceptual agreement from interested stakeholders in Riverview Ice House that would lead to a design and bidding process in January. Replacing the entire refrigeration system and other capital upgrades would take place by summer of 2021.

If this does not work out, the district plans to go to its original plan of adding ice to Carlson Ice Arena, closing Riverview Ice House and repurposing the Riverview Park area.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

CHAIRMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

MICHELE PETRIE Rockford Chamber Board Chairman

Thank you — it’s been a privilege

As I wrap up my two-year role of Chairman of the Board of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, I reflect back on where we were in early 2019, and where we are now.

Here were a few national news headlines from early 2019: “Bohemian Rhapsody and Green Book win Golden Globes” “Most 3 pointers in a game in NBA history (41) by Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings” “College Football Champion Clemson beats Alabama” “Americans chance of dying from an opioid overdose higher than a car accident” “El Chapo finally recaptured” “Patriots win the Super bowl” Here were a few local news headlines from early 2019: “Dangerous cold breaks Rockford temperature records”

“RFD airport sets records for cargo and passenger numbers in 2019, expects 1,000 new jobs in 2020” “Rockford ends year with lower violent crimes” “Voices from other places citing Stroll on State as proof point that the comeback is real” I don’t think anyone thought the majority of headlines in 2020 would be about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our citizens and our businesses.

Through these last two years, your Chamber continued to deliver on its mission of providing leadership growth opportunities, advocacy for our local businesses and a partner/platform to help businesses solve problems.

We did this through many leadership programs such as Rockford Leadership Alliance, Leadership Rockford, Lead 360, and more. We held annual dinners for our membership and for manufacturers. We held lunches where we heard from elected officials, education leaders, young professionals and health care systems. We operated councils such as Government Affairs, Business

Education, Manufacturing, Business Women’s, and Workforce Development.

And, I’ve had the privilege of writing articles about our community and its positive news, advocacy, mentoring, local success stories, local heroes, local projects, local events, engagement, developing a proactive mindset, consistency, leadership in chaos, adaptation, uncertainty, and change.

My hope is the articles delivered a positive message or a thoughtful topic when it was needed.

As I look forward and pass the baton onto our next chairman, Dan Ross, I see the following topics as our big focus: Unification. One of the main objectives of unifying the Rockford Chamber and RAEDC is to bring together and have a common voice for businesses. Optimizing resources and jelling as a team will significantly advance our community.

A big next step will be formation of the partnership which will eventually allow us to grow and unify other regional organizations with a united vision to propel our region forward. So much progress has been made. Stay tuned as clear next steps will be seen in the next three to six months.

Ramping down the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has created enormous change for businesses, families and residents in our Region.

What can we learn from all of this about preparation, planning, resiliency, and supporting businesses and people in our Region?

How to focus our deep values of “We care, we help, we work hard” to advance our community. As an Army kid, I’ve seen a lot of places and I am proud to call Rockford home. My children grew up in Rockford and my husband and daughter were born in Rockford. I have never lived in a city with stronger values and connectedness. My hope for our future is we come together as a team and tackle some of our big issues to move us forward. We have done it in the past and we will do it again.

Thank you for trusting me to lead this group. I’ve met members who will be friends long past my time on the Chamber Board and I have learned a lot. I’m very excited for the future as we are in very capable hands.

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

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication date. 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.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

EDUCATION

Continued from front page

but exhausted.” He cited students missing more personal engagement and feeling disconnected. Also, faculty needed to learn different ways to deliver their curriculum. He touched on attendance issues, including the dropped enrollment of 1,000 students. Attendance declined during the pandemic, in many cases it is due lost connections with some students and families. However, attendance has been on the rise month-over-month. Most of this is due to tremendous, varied outreach to reconnect with students, accomplished by both District employees, and community volunteers.

The 2020 Education Outlook event was scheduled for November to take advantage of released test results from the State on school performance. Testing did not happen in the spring because of the pandemic. The District is focused on making key incremental progress.

Factors working against them included the lack of spring testing in 2020. As they head into 2021, they plan to use the 2019 testing data as a baseline. In 2021, they will reintroduce testing to use as a foundational element, to see what kind of learning loss has happened. Of significant concern is finding what impact has been on students most negatively affected during the pandemic. Dr. Jarrett indicated that they are concentrating on meeting the

Einar Forsman (left) conducted an in-depth interview with Dr. Ehren Jarrett. needs of students at other levels so their learning opportunities can be enhanced.

Focusing on the whole child in areas such as social, emotional, food, and health.

Dr. Jarrett was asked to provide an update on their efforts to manage the District’s tax rate. Tax rates are a factor in attracting new residents and businesses.

For eight years, they have dropped their levy from $170 million to $155 million and kept it there for several years. They have gone from an initial tax rate at the beginning of that period of $7.93 per thousand, to $6.89 in 2019, to a projected $6.55 for 2020. The District Board and staff leaders have had a sustained strategy over this time to manage their finances with an eye towards responsible taxation.

Dr. Jarrett did acknowledge that at some point inflationary pressures may cause them to adjust in the future.

Mr. Forsman spoke of the importance of workforce availability and talent for the region. Dr. Jarrett spoke of the District’s and partner’s sustained work of transforming high schools for college/

career readiness. The goal is to see talent better connected to the workforce, in particular with high school redesign to be oriented around career academies. He also highlighted the Rockford University partnership for their teaching pathway, helping students get scholarships, teaching degrees, even masters in that area, helping to build future teachers for the District. Another initiative is City of Rockford and Police-Fire training and recruitment pathway.

Dr. Jarrett also spoke highly of the business community partnerships in sponsoring high school pathways. They are building strong relationships between employers and students. Site visits that are virtual, including job shadowing, have been impactful to students. Going virtual has presented opportunities, including the potential to ramp up the program more quickly. In-person experiences remain valuable, but, having portable learning opportunities have provided greater flexibility to students, guaranteeing experience with the business partners.

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The recent announcement of the partnership for Rockford Promise was also addressed. Dr. Jarett focused on the many leaders who have carried this forward over the years. Over $1 million was raised over the past 13 years, which went a long way to offer scholarships. Now, with the District, City of Rockford, NIU, and Rockford Promise, every student in the District is guaranteed a chance to attend NIU for a four-year degree. Students must have a 3.0 GPA at graduation to qualify for the program. This kind of opportunity is great to grow overall GPA, educational attainment in the community, and can serve as a recruiting tool for employers.

Currently there are 470 students at 3.0 GPA, and this Rockford Promise program should see that number grow year over year. This is a significant mindset change for students, giving them both hope and a target for their future.

Dr. Jarrett said there was great pride in the entire partnership in making the Rockford Promise/NIU opportunity happen. They did not compromise, wanted to create a true promise, and they are delivering on this. Dr. Jarrett could not overstate how important and valuable it was for the City of Rockford and NIU to come to the table with their contributions and long-term commitment to achieve this success.

In closing, Dr. Jarrett lauded the many people inside the organization and out in the community who regularly step up and are “all-in” for our students. v

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

ROCKFORD PROMISE

Continued from front page

region,” said Dr. Tasha Davis. “We also know that these programs have delivered additional benefits to their communities, including enhanced workforce readiness, higher property values and decreased crime rates.”

Are there internships

This represents a cultural shift for our

Frequently Asked Questions about the Scholarship What if the student lives in a county “pocket,” doesn’t pay city taxes, but attends RPS? To be eligible, students MUST live within the City of Rockford municipality.

Do parents or guardians need to continue to live in the City of Rockford while the student is in college? Yes. In order to remain eligible, a parent or guardian must continue to live within Rockford while the student is in college.

Special exceptions to this policy would be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Are there minimum academic requirements to meet once a student is enrolled at NIU? Yes. Students must be enrolled for 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA at NIU. How long does the scholarship last for each student? The scholarship terminates after four years of enrollment or upon graduation, whichever comes first.

Rockford Promise will continue

community. When you can speak to a

to partner with businesses and

middle-school student and tell them that

organizations real-world

to

offer

shadowing,

students internship

they’ll be able to attend college without paying tuition,

and employment opportunities to its

you provide an incredibly powerful incentive to succeed

students.

in high school.

Who is funding this? Rockford Promise has been funded by numerous individuals and businesses. The NIU

Results in Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Promise has reached more than 6,000 students since it was created in 2005. Kalamazoo Public Schools have grown by 25 percent, academic achievement is up and the high-school graduation rate is rising.

Almost 90 percent of the district’s graduates head to college or another form of post-secondary training — an exceptionally high rate for a low-income urban school district.

A study by NIU concluded that there is significant return on investment for a program like this. Results indicated that for every dollar invested, an estimated $131.81 would be generated in additional lifetime earnings, increased local expenditures and avoided costs of social programs and incarceration.

“Being able to expand this program to include an additional four-year degree option at NIU is incredible,” said Dr. Ehren Jarrett.

Rockford Promise will continue fundraising and providing scholarships to Rockford University and Rock Valley College, as well as looking for more ways to expand the program toward its goal of becoming a fully-funded promise program.

The proposed collaboration heads to the governing boards at NIU, RPS 205, Rockford Promise and the City of Rockford for final approval.

and shadowing opportunities?

scholarship specifically will be funded What if the student fails to meet the academic requirements? Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at NIU to remain eligible.

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 may be placed on probation for a period not to exceed one semester. Students who fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for two consecutive semesters will not be eligible.

Can a student defer if joining the military? No, there is not a deferment for military service.

Is this a “first dollar” or “last dollar” program? The Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship is a lastdollar program. Funding is applied AFTER all other forms of financial aid, such as federal Pell Grants, merit-based scholarships and other funding sources.

Does the award cover room and board and fees? No. It covers tuition and general fees only.

What is the deadline to apply for admission in fall of 2021? When will funds be available? Feb. 1, 2021 is the deadline to apply, with funds available beginning in the fall semester of 2021.

Does the scholarship have to be used immediately following high school graduation? Yes. Enrollment must begin in the first semester following high school graduation.

Are there household restrictions? No.

income

How will funds be dispersed?

Funds will be paid directly by Rockford Promise to Northern Illinois University each eligible semester to cover the student’s tuition and general fees.

Do students have to live in Rockford while at NIU? No. They can live in DeKalb while in the program.

However, the principal residence of their parent(s) or guardian must be Rockford while they are attending NIU. Is this program ONLY for students in RPS 205? Yes. Are home-schooled students or those in private or parochial schools eligible? No. It’s currently only available to RPS 205 students.

How will dual-credit courses at RPS 205 be impacted? Students will work with their RPS and NIU counselors to determine the best path for course enrollment; this would include students taking dual-credit courses at RPS 205.

Can students take the money from the Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship and attend another college or university? No. Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship funds can only be used to attend NIU.

initially by the City of Rockford. NIU

Is there an “employment” incentive or a “community” incentive to stay in Rockford once a student graduates from NIU? The community needs and wants students to remain here or return here after school.

Rockford Promise, City of Rockford and other partners will continue to develop incentives and programs to make our students successful while in college and to help them secure jobs and careers after college.

transport revenue).

Does Rockford Promise stay in touch with recipients when they graduate or finish their program?

Regular communication with Rockford Promise is a requirement. Throughout their time, scholars develop lasting relationships with mentors and others.

Upon graduation, Rockford Promise keeps in touch with graduates as they continue their education or go on to successful careers. We hope those graduates can someday become mentors to the next generation of Rockford Promise Scholars.

will pay the tuition and general fee rate in excess of $6,000 annually per eligible student. Funding will come from nonproperty tax revenues (such as gaming and government emergency medical How much will the Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship cost the City of Rockford? Mayor McNamara asked the City Council to approve a $1.5 million annual investment to cover tuition and general fees for all RPS students living in the City of Rockford who wished to attend NIU each year, based on recent college enrollment data of RPS students.

Why is the City of Rockford paying for this? Mayor Tom McNamara, in his 2018 State-of-the-City address, called for “full funding” of Rockford Promise by 2025. He believes based on data that the city’s lower rates of educational attainment impacts its ability to attract and retain companies and residents, grow its employment base, provide strong city services, reduce crime, increase property values and lower tax burdens. The scholarship will have a positive and transformational impact

Are there programs with Rockford University and Rock Valley College?

Since 2015, Rockford Promise has collaborated with Rockford University and Rock Valley College to provide limited full-tuition scholarships paid for through private donations. To date, nearly 150 students have received scholarships to RVC and RU. Those programs will continue with the hope they will expand in the future.

on current and future generations. It

Will other colleges and universities be added in the future? With additional private funding, Rockford Promise hopes to add other eligible schools.

Program or enrolled in high school at

Do I have to “return” to the area after college? Students are not required to return to Rockford after graduation.

However, the partners certainly hope they do!

Council decide to eliminate this

For employers, how will this impact their company?

Area companies can use Rockford Promise, and the Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship specifically, to attract and retain talented employees. They also can develop relationships with current Promise Scholars to enhance their pipeline of future employees.

recipients and all students enrolled in

tells young people they belong and can have a bright future here.

How long will the Rockford Promise

NIU

Scholarship

be

available? The mayor asked City Council to approve the investment for an initial term of 17 years. Upon any future termination, any students in the Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship the time of the termination notice would still be eligible for the scholarship.

Could a future Mayor or City funding?

Yes.

However,

there

is

protection in the termination notice requirements that would require all Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship high school at the time of termination notification

to

receive

their

full

Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. v Source: City of Rockford Mayor’s Office

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

profile

MEMBER PROFILE Partners (left) Mike Scheurich, Jim Tuneberg, Jim Rodriquez, and, (below) Lori McGirk, John Lanpher

Guyer & Enichen: Serving Rockford since 1928

Guyer & Enichen, P.C., is one of the oldest law firms in Rockford, and it might be one of the most communityminded firms as well.

Guyer & Enichen specializes primarily in business law, including real estate, probate, land use, zoning and municipality work for clients such as the Rockford and Belvidere Park Districts and Winnebago County Forest Preserve. Two attorneys associated with the firm handle family law such as divorce and paternity cases.

The firm also represents homeowner associations such as Lake Summerset.

“In business law, the fun part of the job is working with clients who want to start a new business or create a new aspect of business and watching them succeed,” said partner John Lanpher.

The firm opened in 1928 when attorney Stan Guyer, a native of West York, Ill., came to Rockford after earning his law degree from the University of Illinois. In addition to his legal work, Guyer was deeply involved in the Rockford community. He was a founder of Rock River Savings and Loan bank and a founder of WREX-13.

Other attorneys came and went over the years, until Ed Enichen joined in the late 1950s and formed a partnership with Guyer, who passed away in 1986.

Enichen, who was equally involved in the community, including the Rockford Park District, died in 2009.

Leaving a Legacy While the founders are gone, their passion for the community lives on today through the firm they built. The five partners are Mike Scheurich, Jim Tuneberg, Jim Rodriquez, Lori McGirk, and Lanpher. There are more than 20 employees in the firm, including some who have called Guyer & Enichen home for 25 years or longer. “We’re fortunate to have a good and dedicated staff,” said Scheurich, who joined the firm in 1977. “We don’t have a lot of turnover.”

Many of the firm’s attorneys are frequent speakers and authors on a wide range of legal subjects. They host webinars, educating groups on how to set up a business, to estate planning, trusts and wills.

Word of Mouth The attorneys also volunteer and contribute to a number of local and statewide community and charitable organizations. For example, Lanpher was the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s board chairman in the early 2000s and past chair of the Rockford Regional Health Council. Scheurich served on the MELD board, Kiwanis and has given 18 gallons of blood in his lifetime.

“It’s important to be a part of the community,” he said.

Guyer & Enichen started downtown in the Rockford Trust Building and had a satellite office in Winnebago at one time.

After a couple more moves, the firm acquired land on Rockford’s east side in 1998 and now have space on Reid Farm Road, which is surrounded by a wooded area and pond and sits across Spring Creek Road from Aldeen Golf Club. The firm’s state-of-the-art building has won awards for its architectural charm.

Much has changed in the legal profession over the years. “I remember in the 1970s you weren’t successful unless you had a personal relationship with all the judges,” said Scheurich.

“You had to build that trust. That’s the way law was practiced for 40 years. Now there are more lawyers than ever before and not all the work is done in court.”

The partners are proud of its history, its work and its reputation, and they hope to add more attorneys in the future. “You could go through 20 years of phonebooks and never find a full page, half page or quarter page ad of ours,” said Scheurich. “We’ve had enough business by word of mouth and have gained the respect of clients who help spread the word for us. We’ve been fortunate that the community has given us plenty of fulfilling work.”

GUYER & ENICHEN, ATTORNEYS AT LAW Partners: Mike Scheurich, Jim Tuneberg, Jim Rodriquez, Lori McGirk, John Lanpher 2601 Reid Farm Road, Suite B Guyerlaw.com 815-636-9600

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

7

GUEST COLUMNIST

Year-end tax-smart moves to consider ERNA COLBORN Edward Jones

Choices that help you achieve your long-term goals

As 2020 draws to a close, you might wonder how you can improve your tax situation — especially in terms of your investments.

Here are a few year-end ideas to consider:

Be a Tax-Loss Harvester In taxable investment accounts, you could sell investments that have lost value and use the losses to offset income from any capital gains you might have from selling investments that have appreciated. If you have an overall net capital loss for the year, you can deduct up to $3,000 of that loss against other kinds of income, including your salary and interest income. Unused net capital losses can carry over to future years.

This strategy works best if you’re in a higher tax bracket now than you expect to be in the future.

Take into account any costs associated with selling investments and be aware of the IRS’ “wash sale” rules, which prohibit you from claiming the losses if

you purchase a “substantially identical” security 30 days before or after the sale of a position sold at a loss. You may want to work with a financial professional to find a replacement investment to keep you invested in the market.

See your tax advisor before embarking on this type of tax-loss “harvesting.”

Avoid Mutual Funds About to Pay Out Taxable Distributions In December, many mutual funds pay out dividends and capital gains that have accrued over the year. If you’re planning to buy shares of a mutual fund in a taxable investment account, avoid purchasing funds on the verge of paying large taxable distributions. Instead, consider a more tax-efficient exchangetraded fund (ETF) or mutual funds that aren’t expecting large payouts.

Conversely, if you were planning to sell a fund anyway, you could possibly reduce taxes by selling before the dividends are distributed.

Your key motivator, in all investment-related decisions, should be whether your choices will help you achieve your long-term goals.

Boost Your Tax-Favorable Contributions If you haven’t maxed out your contributions to your employer’s retirement plan, health savings account (HSA), and/or IRA, make additional contributions for 2020 if you can. If your employer suspended 401(k) matches this year and you can afford it, consider increasing your contribution to make up for the lost amounts. Traditional pre-tax contributions are deductible and reduce your taxable income in 2020, while Roth contributions will generally reduce your taxable income in future years, when you take withdrawals from Roth accounts.

Consider Strategies in a Year Without RMDs If you’re older than 72 (or 70½ if you were born before July 1,1949), you typically need to take annual taxable withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs – from your traditional IRA or 401(k). However, you got some relief this year, as RMDs are

not required because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, you may want to consult with your financial advisor and tax professional to determine if a distribution from a traditional/pre-tax account still makes sense. If you’re in a lower tax bracket this year than you expect to be in future years, you may benefit from taking advantage of lower rates. Alternatively, if you don’t need the distribution to cover expenses, you might explore if a Roth conversion makes sense.

Your key motivator, in all investmentrelated decisions, should be whether your choices will help you achieve your long-term goals. Within this framework, taxes do matter – so, do what you can to control them.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones. Member SIPC. Erna Colborn, AAMS®, is financial advisor with Edward Jones.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

DANICA KEETON IGNITE

Meet IGNITE’s incoming president, Danica Keeton Connecting with each other, and the community we call home

Hi there! If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Danica Keeton, and I’m thrilled to serve you as the incoming president of IGNITE Young Professionals!

I am beyond excited to work alongside so many fantastic individuals to provide opportunities for the young professionals in our community to not only become more connected and involved, but to grow and make lifelong friendships in the greater Rockford area.

My goals as president of IGNITE are to make sure that we are providing beneficial opportunities for all the

young professionals in Rockford — from those in manufacturing to the beauty industry to educators — and all those in between. Nonprofits hold a special place in my heart, and I aim to better serve our nonprofit Chamber partners in getting them connected with our community’s young professionals.

I currently work for the Alzheimer’s Association as the manager of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rockford, Sauk Valley, and McHenry County along with being a professional wedding and event planner with my own company, Weddings by Danica, and serving on the board of the Junior League of Rockford

and Homestart. I am a graduate of Harlem High School and Augustana College, and soon to be a graduate of Rockford University’s MBA program.

I enjoy visiting the area’s craft breweries and wineries, supporting local organizations and businesses, indulging in the occasional Dungeons and Dragon’s game, and tending to my multitude of houseplants.

My personal mission statement is: “Act as an instrument for positive change by embracing something bigger than myself and serving as a leader with enthusiasm and compassion.”

I encourage each of you to hold me to this. I cannot wait to get to know each and every one of you as we continue to make IGNITE a more

prominent force in our community.

Please do not ever hesitate to reach out with questions, and I am always open to new ideas and brainstorming sessions!

To learn more about IGNITE or to join (it’s free!), visit www.igniterockford. com. For information on how to connect the young professionals in your organization to our community, other YPs, volunteer opportunities or board positions, email info@igniterockford. com to start the conversation.

Danica Keeton is incoming president of IGNITE, and manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Rockford, Dixon, & McHenry Co., Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.

IGNITE Board Members

Edgebrook presents “Cider ‘N Cinnamon Inside” on four consecutive Saturdays, starting on Small Business Saturday.

Edgebrook reinvents 45-year holiday shopping tradition Cider ‘N Cinnamon pop-up shops over four weekends With many holiday traditions cancelled or changed in 2020, Edgebrook is repurposing its 45-year outdoor holiday arts and crafts fair into a holiday pop-up shopping experience, Cider ‘N Cinnamon INSIDE. Taking place, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., over four consecutive Saturdays, Nov. 28 through Dec. 19, the fair brings together local makers and artisans and one-of-a-kind gifts from Edgebrook merchants for a unique holiday shopping experience.

Vendors will set up pop-ups, spaced appropriately, in storefronts throughout Edgebrook. Visit edgebrookshops.com/events/cncinside for a list of vendors.

President: Danica Keeton Vice President: Kira Devin Coordinator: Carmen Kellerman Secretary: Amanda Sink Marketing: Brianna Crosser REACH Co-Chairs: Vicky Rhine and Janessa Wilkins INVOLVE Co-Chairs: Kaleb Price and Shane Sullivan EDUCATE Co-Chairs: Kyle York and Bobby Reitsch

A huge thank you to the board members leaving IGNITE: Greg Lundquist, Past President Matt Brandt, Past EDUCATE Co-Chair Hannah Schoenberg, Past INVOLVE Co-Chair

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

 Destination

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

‘Tis the season to support local

Our businesses need our support

Support of locally-owned businesses has always been part of the goals for Stroll on State. This core purpose has been easy to see in previous years as our region’s residents and visitors attended the in-person event with small business vendors and downtown shops open and available to share locally-made goods, services and products.

Although the experiences of the “Merry and Bright Holiday” presented

by Stroll on State looks a bit different this season, the heart remains the same — to provide experiences that focus on civility in our community through kicking off the holidays together and encouragement to support locallyowned businesses.

Stroll on State, in years past, has been said by some businesses to be the “thirteenth month of the year” as the revenue derived by the event was comparable to a month’s worth of revenue. It is our desire with the lineup of fall and winter promotions, including Stroll on State’s Merry and Bright Holiday, to assist in gaining this much-needed increase of commerce for our locally-owned businesses. To accomplish this, the RACVB has worked collaboratively with local entrepreneurs and organizations to implement ideas to help increase purchases during the holiday season.

Allow me the opportunity to share some of these cool ideas in support of our tourism industry partners and locally-owned businesses in Winnebago County.

To-Go Tuesday To-Go Tuesdays began in October as a region-wide awareness campaign to support our local food and beverage industry as it prepares for cooler weather and pandemic-related restrictions. To-Go Tuesday acts as a virtual gathering place and weekly Facebook event supporting local restaurants with marketing efforts, and will run through Tuesday, Dec. 15.

As part of the campaign, RACVB is awarding a $25 gift card to one lucky winner per week who shares a photo of their to go order with a special hashtag #ToGoRockford. To ensure we continue our regional focus, each week during this eleven-week promotion we are highlighting one of the 11 municipalities of Winnebago County.

Small Business Saturday & Local Holiday Specials Nov. 28, 2020 is Small Business

Saturday. It is important that RACVB expands promotions through Dec. 24 to help raise awareness around the importance of supporting local, and as an avenue for enhanced marketing support of our region’s local shops, restaurants, bars and small businesses of the hospitality and tourism industry.

RACVB has invited regional locallyowned businesses to submit special promotions for this holiday season, creating a database for ways you can shop local and find some really awesome deals for your holiday season gift purchases. For details on these available deals, please be sure to visit the Stroll on State page at gorockford.com or stay connected through the RACVB’s and Stroll on State Facebook page.

Spread the Light Decorating Contest We have found that beautification acts as a way to welcome customers to your business during the holiday season and increases foot traffic. In partnership with Anderson Automotive Group, The Parks Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Chamber of Commerce and Village of Rockton, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced “Spread the Light: A Merry & Bright Decorations Contest for our Business Community” as part of 2020 Stroll on State presented by Illinois Bank & Trust. Spread the Light officially kicked-off Saturday, Nov. 28, and will run through Thursday, Dec. 24, on the GoRockford Facebook page, where our region’s best and brightest holiday business décor will be on display and residents can vote for winners in various categories.

The above initiatives speak to just a few of the ways the RACVB, alongside partners, is working to promote shopping local. We encourage, as an extension of civic pride, that we all take advantage of the unique and creative ideas and promotions of our locallyowned businesses. Let us celebrate the holiday season and support regional businesses.

Tis the season to shop local.

John Groh is president/CEO of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and serves as chair of the Davis Park Task Force. www. gorockford.com.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

R O C K F O R D

CENTER FOR

C H A M B E R

Some thoughts on attitude, with a dash of hope

I’ve never really been a huge NYE lover. I think my celebrations peaked the year my parents let us bang on pots and pans around 10 p.m. We blew on some noise makers, wore ridiculous hats and were in bed by 10:30 p.m. It’s been all downhill from there.

Don’t get me wrong – I like the idea of fresh beginnings, new starts and a clean slate. But, I tend to look at a year as a giant “to-do” list, each month another to check off the list. It’s really a pretty morbid way to think about time if I spend too long analyzing it, so I simply ignore that fact and go about my merry way.

This year, I know we’re all anxious for 2020 to end. What can only be described as a dumpster fire of a year, I don’t think anyone will be too sad to rip the cellophane off the new calendar and quickly recycle last year’s old planner.

2020 feels like a ticking time bomb, a giant waiting game trying to dodge whatever bad-news-bullet is headed our way next. And we’re so close to the end!

We’re in month 12! It will all soon be over … right?? RIGHT??

Well, not so much.

C O M M E R C E

Leadership Development

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021 CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber

O F

I don’t think it will be a surprise to anyone when I say that 2021 will likely begin with a rocky start. COVID will still be a main feature in our daily lives.

Racial injustice will unlikely be solved by a turn of the calendar. Somehow I doubt “befriend more people on the other side of the aisle” will be high on anyone’s New Year’s resolution list (though, it most certainly would do the world a bit of good if it was). The truth of the matter is, not much will be different after the clock strikes midnight. But one thing could really shift the tides: our attitude.

With the onset of a new year, comes the ability for people to think about things differently. It brings a sense of hope and opportunity — an idea that maybe this year can be different. And, that hope is what we all need right now.

With the advent of the new year, leaders would be wise to do two things:

Set Expectations for 2021 — and Start Now While I don’t expect leaders to have some hidden crystal ball, I do expect leaders to be transparent with information when they can be.

I don’t think anyone will be too sad to rip the cellophane off the new calendar and quickly recycle last year’s old planner.

Without information, humans are incredibly good at filling in the blanks with their own stories. Help navigate those waters by being upfront about what you know, what you don’t, and how you’re planning. Help employees understand that 2021 isn’t just a void of uncertainty, but rather a year that may involve some continued cutbacks, continued work from home schedules, or adjusted goals and budgets. People can handle negative news — they can’t handle copious amounts of continued uncertainty. Transparency now — even if the transparency is that you’re waiting for more information, don’t 100 percent know what will happen or are volleying between multiple options but will update them by “X” date — will win over employees in the long run.

Grab the Hope and Ride it for as Long as You Can Utilize the cheer of the holiday season and the newness of 2021 to instill some good in your organization. Handwrite holiday cards to all of your staff. Send a personalized email to each employee telling them what you value about them in your organization. Give people an unexpected day off as a “staff holiday party” — email them cookie recipes,

wrapping techniques, and holiday humor and tell them to enjoy the day.

When 2021 rolls in, set up a staff Zoom call and make New Year’s resolutions for your corporate culture.

Focus on how the pandemic has changed us as a people and talk about your organization’s values reflecting those changes. Start a tradition in 2021 where everyone submits one good thing that happened each week and include a smattering in an employee newsletter. It doesn’t matter what you do — just find the good and run with it for as long as you can.

Winter is long. And hard. And this year, lonely. Leaders have a unique position in which they can provide levels of clarity — sometimes big and sometimes small — while also providing a working environment that cares about people as people.

It’s been a long year — but actually, no longer than any other one. One day, this year will be a distant, albeit probably not forgotten, memory. So grab some pots and pans, bang the heck out of them, and let’s head into 2021 with some hope.

Caitlin Pusateri is vice president, leadership development at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

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C O M M E R C E

Small Business Enterprise Four manufacturers rise above this year’s challenges EDWARD CACERES SBDC

MIKE MASTROIANNI SBDC

This article will be my final one as the Illinois SBDC director at the Rockford Chamber. Edward Caceres will be the new director starting in December, and I will serve as a part time SBDC consultant. It has been an honor to serve in this role the past couple of years, and I thank Einar Forsman for his guidance, mentorship and trust.

It is always a great pleasure to be affiliated with Einar. In his years at the City of Rockford, at Rock Valley College, and at the Chamber, he has provided wisdom, leadership and advocacy for businesses and for the city and the region.

Edward is a talented leader, with many skills that will be perfect in this role.

We have worked together these past two years through one of the toughest times for small businesses, and his patience, insight, work ethic and skills propelled the SBDC ahead and strengthened it.

Edward has an MBA and has also been in his own business, as have all the part- and full-time SBDC advisors.

He is a strong advocate for solar energy and sustainable business practices. He has experience in social media, website

Edward Caceres takes the lead as the new SBDC director development and digital marketing. He is a native of Lima, Peru, and is fluent in English and Spanish. He is a friend as well as a colleague.

Edward will soon announce the addition of temporary part-time advisors in budgeting/finance and digital marketing to help with the client numbers we face.

In this issue, I am highlighting four of our manufacturing clients.

Evergreen Machining Services Gideon Solanki is owner of Evergreen Machining, a company that has done custom machining and manufacturing for 15 years. “The pandemic has caused a markable slowdown on orders and business, and we are attempting to redefine this company as a manufacturer,” Gideon said.

Though the relationship with the SBDC is recent, he has received answers to some questions and obtained some referrals to banking and expects to have more interaction with the SBDC in the future.

Midwest CNC, LLC Ken Warner is owner of Midwest CNC and has been in the business for seven years. He manufactures tool and die, aerospace components, custom machine parts, prototype parts, holding fixtures and assembly tools, as well as precision-turned parts and machining of various metals and plastics. “Business has been challenging, but we are seeing an increase in production at this time,” Ken said.

“Just in the short time that we have been exposed to the SBDC, they have been phenomenal in assisting with ideas, products and services to help our business grow. It is refreshing to know that there are still organizations that care about stimulating the economy as much as we do.”

Rockform Carbide Manufacturing, Inc. Karl Ericksen is president of Rockform. In place for more than 25 years, the business specializes in sintered tungsten carbide blanks and preforms for the aerospace, automotive, medical, munition, nuclear and pharmaceutical

industries. “Business has declined but we are proud to have not laid off or furloughed anyone during the current crisis,” Karl said. “We are using our time to cross train to grow and develop our team.

“The SBDC has helped tremendously in various aspects of our company, including, but not limited to, HR training, employee retention, supervisor training and employee development.

Mike and the SBDC team have been a great resource for our entire team, and we are beyond grateful for the wonderful relationship we have forged.”

Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. Teresa Beach-Shelow and Thom Shelow are owners of the company, which has been in existence for 29 years.

They specialize in precision welding, non-destructive testing, laser custom welding and CNC. “Sales are slower and off from our projections, but we have been doing well through September so far,” Teresa said.

She further stated, “the SBDC has been there when we needed them throughout the years, for specific HR, training and coaching to assist us with high-level support to grow our business and help take it to the next level.”

Mike Mastroianni is director at the Illinois Small Business Development Center in Rockford.

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SPECIAL SECTION Honoring Women In Business

December 2020

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Introducing the 2020 Women-in-Business Awards PRESENTED BY

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2020 Women-in-Business Honorees. Although typically presented in-person at our Women-in-Business Luncheon, honoring women and the important work they do in the business community is too important to go unnoticed.

The Rockford Chamber firmly believes that women in business — at all levels, in all industries — are an important economic driver for business, our community and our region. The Rockford region has an abundance of outstanding female leadership. This year’s honorees are resilient, creative, and down-right driven. In a year of constant change, these women continually give back, lead with grace and passion, and continue to move their organizations forward.

Congratulations to our 2020 Honorees. We appreciate everything you’ve given to the business community and look forward to your continued success.

EMERGING LEADER OF THE YEAR

Sarah Lambert Community Investment Director | Community Foundation of Northern Illinois Designed to honor a female professional in the early stages of her career, this honoree exhibits leadership skills, a commitment to professional growth and contributes positively to her team and/or organization. This individual is hard-working, passionate and eager to learn. (Formerly Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow)

From the words of her nominator: “When I think of a strong female leader — it is Sarah.

Sarah has been a manager for what may be seen as a short time, but, she has the skill and the moxie of a seasoned leader. In the two years that Sarah has been my supervisor, she has made me feel empowered and valued, and encouraged me to be the best version of myself in and out of the workplace. I am confident that this is only the start of her leadership; she is poised to become one of the standout female leaders in our community.”

WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR

Danna Krischke Insurance Agent | State Farm Designed to honor a female entrepreneur/ business-owner (minimum 51% female ownership) this honoree exhibits leadership skills and a commitment to her craft. The individual is dedicated to her organization, her team and her clients — and is able to demonstrate examples of business success.

successful business she had started and

From the words of her nominator:

persevered and flourished. She and

“Danna knows how difficult it can be to start a new business, as she has started and maintained several other roles during this time. Her leadership style is to model what her expectations are. She will never ask her team to do something she won’t do, or hasn’t done, herself. She leads by example and enthusiastic coaching. Praising her team to bring out their greatest potential is her secret to success.”

A lifelong resident in our community, a mother of nine, and a grandmother to two, Danna understands people. She recently took a leap of faith and left a

opened her own State Farm agency in Loves Park. With months of pondering, studying, and preparing, she finally opened December 1, 2019. In the midst of a global-wide pandemic, Danna has not only trudged through, she has her team have risen to the top of their territory’s top agents.

Danna understands that staying optimistic

and

genuine

has

real

strength. She works hard to continue to develop her team through coaching, unique company-wide programs, and continued feedback empowering her employees to succeed. Danna is a board member at the Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford and volunteers her time and treasures to other nonprofits including Miss Carly’s and the Fatherhood Encouragement Project.

A lifelong leader, Sarah’s innovative spirit and civic mindedness has strengthened her organization’s strategic initiatives. She has the innate ability to make others feel comfortable and supported while empowering them to work through a variety of tasks – no matter how big or small. Focused on collaboration and relationships, Sarah builds relationships with other female leaders in the community, builds connections in the community, and works to find creative solutions that best serve the needs of all those involved.

Sarah is currently involved with Alignment Rockford as co-lead of the Ready to Learn Policy Team. She also volunteers with Make-A-Wish foundation as a Wish Granter. A true servant leader, Sarah continually strives for the betterment of our community and those around her.

Join Us in Celebration — Virtually!

Stay tuned to Business Direct & the Rockford Chamber Facebook page for more information on an upcoming celebratory video honoring our Women-in-Business Honorees.

Packed with great stories of outstanding women, this will be a feel-good celebration you won’t want to miss!

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP

Ashley Osterberg

Executive Director | Rockford Symphony Orchestra

RN, BSN, CMSNRN | OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Designed to honor a female professional in a leadership role within her organization, honorees contribute positively to their organization’s success, effectively lead teams, and continually work to grow personally & professionally. (Formerly Woman Manager of the Year)

New in 2020! Designed to honor a female’s contributions outside of the office the honoree demonstrates a commitment to her community through service. This individual has contributed positively to community improvement and change through time, talent, treasure or a combination. Her skills are utilized in a way that does not directly benefit her professionally, but rather, for the betterment of others.

From the words of her nominator:

Julie humbly uses her many talents to contribute to the success of every organization she is involved with.

Her example of diplomacy when dealing with difficult situations is inspirational. She is always able to keep her cool, use words carefully and meaningfully, and make each person feel heard and understood in the midst of conflict. She holds herself to a personal standard of excellence that is admirable and

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COMMUNITY HERO

Julie Thomas

“Julie Thomas is a dedicated leader in the Rockford region, both in her job as Executive Director of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and in numerous additional organizations throughout the community including Rotary and Transform Rockford.

She is smart, thoughtful, compassionate, and dedicated. She pauses and develops strategy before making big decisions, but isn’t afraid to take decisive action when it is needed.

Julie’s leadership at the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the community at large is excellent at the best of times, but during this global pandemic, she has proven herself to be not just excellent, but exceptional.”

SPECIAL SECTION Honoring Women In Business

approaches all aspects of her life with this philosophy. Her leadership of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, her personal and professional involvement in the community, and her sincere connections with people are hallmarks of her leadership and her generosity as a person.

Julie is on a constant path of professional growth, whether it is attending local networking events, seminars, or national webinars. She seeks feedback from those around her in positions both above and below her, and takes into careful consideration what she learns from others as she is on her never-ending journey of growth.

Julie has been in leadership positions with her Rotary Club, is the first female Board Member of the University Club of Rockford, is currently serving on one of the Mayor’s Rockford Region Rebounding Working Groups, and has served in leadership roles with Transform Rockford.

From the words of her nominator: “How many people can say that they wake up every day and want to make a difference? Ashley Osterberg does that. She finds a way to make Rockford a better place each and every day. She is always asking how she can do more for the community.

Ashley’s positive spirit and outgoing personality is contagious.”

Ashley graduated from University of Illinois in Champaign with a major in Molecular Genetics & Psychology.

In 2011, Ashley graduated from St. Anthony College of Nursing with her BSN, and has worked in Rockford ever since. Ashley has experience in critical care, med-surgical nursing and the emergency department.

For the past 12 years, Ashley has worked extensively serving a vulnerable population in the surrounding area. The sensitive nature of her work demands confidentiality, but the effects of her

service can be seen rippling through the community.

Ashley also fosters dogs from Safe Haven in Elburn and prepares them for their forever home. She finds joy in caring for young pups and sharing their contagious energy and love with others — especially her fellow nurses.

Ashley is always looking for ways to make a small difference in the lives of others. From clothing drives, to donating spare change, it all adds up.

Ashley’s attitude of service has allowed her to make great contributions to her community and has inspired others to do the same.

Ashley is driven to work harder, learn more and become a better version of herself each and every day.

She has overcome obstacles utilizing her drive, positivity, determination and strength. Fueled by her passion to help others, Ashley makes a difference every day in Rockford, IL.

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SPECIAL SECTION Philanthropy & Fundraising

December 2020

MEASURING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19, AND THE RECOVERY

GUEST COLUMNIST

NICNE releases survey on northern Illinois nonprofits Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence released its Northern Illinois Nonprofit COVID-19 Impact & Recovery survey, administered in late October 2020.

Among 108 full and partial responses received by nonprofits in northern Illinois, more than 97 percent of organizations stated they experienced an impact on their services due to the pandemic. Of the impact measured, 73 percent cancelled some services, 61 percent offered limited or remote services, and more than 75 percent experienced financial losses due to program interruption. By contrast, 57 percent of organizations reported an increase in demand for their services.

In the area of vulnerability, 81 percent of organizations reported feeling moderately to highly vulnerable, 48 percent felt significant financial vulnerability and 12 percent faced risk of permanent closure.

When asked about realized and financial losses, 77 percent of organizations reported experiencing financial losses as a direct result of COVID-19, with an average realized loss of $156,000 and a total average anticipated loss of $227,333.

Most respondents expressed significant uncertainty about their ability to offer uninterrupted programs or to hold or reschedule special events in the future.

Although most reported applying for COVID-specific financial assistance, a significant portion stated they did not qualify or that available funds were depleted. Without a significant shift in

operational strategy and availability of new or additional assistance, one-third reported they were unsure if they would survive or believed they would not survive.

Rebuilding Organizations The survey data is being used by the 815 Community Response Team, comprised of NICNE, the Kjellstrom Family Foundation, United Way of Rock River Valley, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Transform Rockford and The Workforce Connection, to guide efforts to support the local nonprofit community.

“Nonprofits have been creative in their solutions to current circumstances,” said Pam Clark Reidenbach, executive director of NICNE. “We have seen strength, grace and a continued dedication to serve those in our community who are most vulnerable.”

It is our hope that this survey will prove useful to policy makers, community leaders and philanthropists to help determine how to best support the nonprofit sector, to ensure that services will continue to be available for everyone who needs them, and that our vibrant nonprofit community can remain strong through – and beyond – this current crisis.”

The 81Thrive Initiative is designed to help nonprofits survive. Visit www.815CRT. org to learn more.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Philanthropy for all seasons DAN ROSS Community Foundation

Funding organizations for a long-term stability

If you are like me, I tend to think most about giving in times when the need seems to be the greatest. I remember, in the days immediately following 9/11, spending hours on hold during one of the many telethons to try and give what I could to help those who lost so much in that tragedy. After the devastation brought on by hurricane Katrina, my family gathered with others to pack meals to send to those in need. Fast forwarding to our current pandemic, I am looking for every opportunity to ease the burden for those who are suffering.

Wanting to help in times of profound need is good and normal and is one of the best human impulses.

But at some point, the world goes back to “normal.” When all is well in my world, it is my tendency to not think about philanthropy. In the good times, unless someone specifically asks me for something or I am doing yearend planning, philanthropy is not top of mind. I describe this as situational philanthropy -- not a bad thing at all. Quite the contrary, situational philanthropy is critical to providing assistance when it is needed most.

This time, however, I am challenging myself to think about giving beyond times of crisis.

Power of Endowed Funds Throughout my career, I have pushed myself and the organizations I have been a part of to plan, from budgets and project plans all the way up to multi-year strategic plans. I believe in the power of planning, yet I historically have not brought this same philosophy to my giving.

This is going to change. My wife and I have begun discussions about what is truly important to us and are making plans to provide support for those causes today and for many years to come. If done right, we can help to ensure that funds are there for organizations we care about in both good times and bad.

Which brings me to a concept that I truly did not fully appreciate until I joined the Community Foundation earlier this year: the endowment. In short, an endowment is intended to be a permanent form of giving that can provide growing levels of support in perpetuity.

I always held a belief that endowments were reserved for those in an entirely different tax bracket and were primarily seen in

Wanting to help in times of profound need is good and normal and is one of the best human impulses. institutions. I was pleased to learn I was wrong! Endowments can be a vehicle for anyone who is looking to be intentional about their giving and who has a desire to have a long-term impact.

Endowments

can

take

many

different forms. An individual can establish their own and advise where the proceeds go on a yearly basis. The power to advise can pass to someone’s descendants, which is a great way to involve your family in your philanthropic planning. An individual can establish specific beneficiaries of an endowment at the time it’s established -- the “set it and forget it” method to endowment. You can even set an endowment for a specific field of interest without specifying individual beneficiaries up front.

Establishing a scholarship fund is another form of an endowment that helps others achieve their own goals.

If an individual does not want to establish their own endowment, there are plenty of existing endowments to which someone can contribute their own funds.

I have had the opportunity, over the past several months, to see how many organizations have benefited from the power of endowed funds. As other sources of revenue have ebbed and flowed during this pandemic, organizations that are the beneficiary of endowed funds have had some form of stability. This stability has come from individuals who challenged themselves to think long term in their giving.

Situational

philanthropy

will

always have a place in my life, but it is going to be augmented with intentional and well-planned giving.

Dan Ross is president of Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

GUEST COLUMNIST

What is new at the Coronado!

BETH HOWARD Friends of the Coronado

To shine even brighter once performing arts re-open

I hope this day finds you in good health and strong spirits. Like the rest of the world, we are experiencing unprecedented circumstances at the Coronado Theatre. Performances are on pause; however, the Coronado is not empty or lifeless. We are continuing with projects that will preserve the Coronado far into the future.

Our 93-year-old Coronado requires strategic environmental controls. We follow the 2001 restoration specialists’ guidelines to protect the special painted finishes and historical plaster details. A caring team is working together and staying alert to safeguard the 70,000-sq.-ft. structure.

We can’t help but reflect on what is missing. We miss the smiles of excited audiences and thousands of school children we see at the theater each year. We recall 2019 fondly as an incredible year with popular performances provided by R.A.V.E., the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and the Rockford Dance Company. The Friends of the Coronado hosted more than 6,000 students to experience live performances free of charge, including bus transportation. It also was the year we began a new student project, the Coronado Classroom.

The Coronado Classroom project was the vision of a longtime friend of the theater. Through his generosity and inspiration, we created the Coronado’s first education program. We welcomed over a thousand third-grade elementary school students, a classroom at a time, for a unique student education program at the Friends headquarters, the Coronado Corner. Through that project, we discovered the Coronado Theatre all over again through the eyes of third graders.

They learned how the Coronado’s opulent auditorium and lobbies whisked audiences away from their troubles in the Great Depression.

During WWII, this beautiful building inspired our community to raise a national record of $175,000 in war bonds in a single evening at a variety talent show by Camp Grant personnel.

The event was documented in Life magazine.

We packed the theater to the rafters with baby boomer kids in the 1950s for kiddie Saturday movies. We filled the streets and every seat when presidential candidate John F. Kennedy came to town in 1960. The community came together in 1997 to save and completely restore the Coronado, winning national awards for the project. In 2009, on

We miss the smiles of excited audiences and thousands of school children we see at the theater each year. the Coronado stage, we televised live the inauguration of the first Black American to become President.

The Classroom experience sparks something in the kids that we didn’t expect. They see our community’s and our nation’s history in the context of an unusual and dazzling space.

They recognize that the Coronado’s historical architecture, meticulously preserved, is not a time capsule but a vibrant space that will continue to reflect the times we live in. Surrounded by vivid echoes of the past and stories of the present, students are filled with community pride, and are welcomed with open arms to their Coronado.

The student-guided discussions gave us a new perspective. They taught us that preserving the beautiful historical architecture also guards the collective trust and timeline of human perseverance, ingenuity and triumph that the Coronado represents. The 3rd graders reminded us that in difficult times to look to our own history for courage, comfort and inspiration.

History tells us that the Coronado will be a part of our community’s COVID recovery and healing. Our history also indicates that we will take the best of our past and do more. We will have more events that remove financial barriers for audiences. Events will be inclusive, making everyone feel welcomed, and honoring new promises made to our citizens. We will create new traditions of community events and celebrations, new traditions that will showcase local artists and community members’ talents and cultures.

We hope the triumphant history of the Coronado Theatre brings you comfort and optimism. When it is time for the performing arts to “re-open,” our Coronado will shine even brighter.

Beth Howard is executive director of the Friends of the Coronado.

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

SPECIAL SECTION Philanthropy & Fundraising

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SPECIAL SECTION Philanthropy & Fundraising

GUEST COLUMNIST

JAMES MEISCH Morgan Stanely

Tips on becoming the change you wish to see in the world

Women are poised to change the face of philanthropy. In 2018, more than 90% of high-net-worth women gave money to charity.1 Since women often play key roles in educating and other family members in

giving, their philanthropic influence may extend far beyond their individual efforts.

Engaging in philanthropy — as an individual or as a family — can be one of the most meaningful and transformational

December 2020

aspects of your life. When charitable giving is tied to issues, values and causes that are collectively important to you and your loved ones, it becomes more than a gesture or a transaction. It enables children, parents and grandparents to work together toward addressing real problems in your local community or in the world at large.

In this way, giving becomes a family affair, or even a family tradition, that is passed from one generation to the next.

Getting Started with Effective Philanthropy Every dollar you put into the world has an impact, but how do you ensure that your charitable giving aligns with both your values and the change you hope to see in the world? Here is a quick roadmap for practicing strategic giving and maximizing your impact.

Step 1. Find your philanthropic passion. The first step in your giving journey involves finding your philanthropic passion. Start the process of purposeful philanthropy by considering what matters to you and what you hope to accomplish.

Ask yourself the following questions: ■■ What fields of interest would we like our philanthropy to address?

■■ What criteria will we use to identify which organizations to support?

■■ How important is having control over how our gift(s) are used?

■■ How will we measure our impact?

Creating individual or family mission and vision statements around philanthropy helps ensure that your giving is guided by a consistent set of values and goals.

Once you’ve established your guidelines for giving, you will want to identify causes, issues and organizations that you would like to support. Charity-ranking organizations, such as Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance, can be useful for assessing a non-profit organization’s 1 2018 U.S. Trust Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy.

Disclosure: Article by Morgan Stanley and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

James Meisch is a Financial Advisor in Rockford 349 at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”).

He can be reached by email at James.Meisch@morganstanley. com or by telephone at 815- 639-4138. His website is http:// fa.morganstanley.com/custermeisch/ Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com financial health, operational transparency and accountability in reporting on progress.

Step 2. Choose ways to give. There are many ways to give back, whether you choose to give money directly to a charity, create financial vehicles to facilitate giving or donate your time to volunteering for a non-profit organization.

Each of these ways has their advantages and disadvantages, and your Financial Advisor can help you determine which method(s) of charitable giving will allow you to practice purposeful philanthropy while still pursuing your other financial goals.

Step 3. Practice strategic giving.

You want your giving to count, and you want to know that your charitable dollars are making a meaningful difference. To maximize your impact, you may want to consider pooling your giving with that of other like-minded individuals and families who support the same cause. Or, you can choose to tie your gifts to specific programs or initiatives so you can track the effectiveness of your philanthropic dollars.

It’s also a good idea to stay engaged with the non-profit organizations you support by requesting impact reports or even communicating with their leadership to understand their progress.

If you’re interested in engaging in effective philanthropy but aren’t sure where to begin, your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor can connect you to professionals who can help you translate your philanthropic vision and values into a results-oriented, strategic giving plan.

James Meisch is first vice president, financial advisor, branch manager, Custer – Meisch Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Rockford.

The views expressed are those of Meisch’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. ©2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC# 3052745 04/20

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

DR. EHREN JARRETT Superintendent RPS 205

December 2020

Benefits for today’s – and for future generations

There are 469 students in our current graduating class who meet the criteria for the free NIU degree. We are committed to helping many more cross the bar.

There are so many exciting things about the City of Rockford’s pledge to contribute $1.5 million a year toward a tuition-free, Northern Illinois University degree for students of the Rockford Public Schools.

The partnership with NIU, the city and the school district vaults Rockford to the top tier of communities with location-based scholarships. Like its inspiration the Kalamazoo Promise, the goal of the Rockford Promise program is to increase educational attainment while incentivizing people to live here.

The beauty of the Promise, though, is its benefit to current and future generations.

The current generation of talent is more likely to choose Rockford as a place to live and work because of a free bachelor’s degree. That offer speaks not only to the community’s investment in education in general, but to an investment in their family members in particular. It adds $60,000 of value to the proposition of living and working in Rockford.

Meanwhile, it says to the future generation of talent – the students – that by working hard, you can reap the rewards. The city’s pledge means students of RPS 205 who live inside the city limits and graduate with 3.0 grade point average will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree from NIU, tuition-free. And this isn’t some abstract, far-away promise: Eligible seniors in high school this year can attend NIU next year.

As exciting as this news is, we know it comes with a challenge for the Rockford Public Schools.

There are 469 students in our current graduating class who meet the criteria for the free NIU degree. We are committed to helping many more cross the bar.

In addition to redoubling our effort to support students academically, we also pledge to expand the dual-credit program in the district. Dual credit allows students to graduate from the district with a head start on college and to enter college ready for rigorous work. There has been an increase of more than 1,000 percent in our high school students completing dual-credit

courses between 2017 and 2019. We are committed to even more growth.

We are also committed to expanding content-area master’s degrees among our teachers, so they can earn their certification to teach dual-credit classes.

Building Connections We know the success of the Promise wasn’t built in a day. The announcement last month wouldn’t have been possible without the work of people like the late Jan Jones, who started the Promise with one scholarship; like Dr. Matt Vosberg, who drove the vision of the program for nearly a decade; and like Susan Fumo, our executive director of school improvement who is now board chairman of the Promise.

Since 2006, the Promise has raised more than $1 million to support fulltuition scholarships to Rockford University and Rock Valley College. In 2020, there were 29 Rockford Promise scholars – a powerful testament to the commitment of those two institutions and the strength of the partnership.

This is not just about students going to college, however. This is also about how we can continue to build connections.

Over the last several years, the district has built regional partnerships with RVC and NIU so students can earn an engineering degree without ever having to leave Rockford. We have built local partnerships so students can learn about public safety careers, or follow any of 14 career pathways in our high school academies.

Let’s continue to build that pipeline of talent.

Let me close by quoting Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, who described best what the partnership tells our young people and their families: “You matter.

We are investing in you. No matter where you live in the City of Rockford, you have an additional opportunity to change your life – and the course of your life – for the better.

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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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

R O C K F O R D

C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

economic development RAEDC supports Rockford Promise initiative Rockford Area Economic Development Council is proud to support the latest partnership between the City of Rockford, Rockford Promise, Rockford Public Schools District 205 and Northern Illinois University.

This partnership will allow qualifying students the opportunity to attend NIU with the tuition and general fees paid

by Rockford Promise and NIU. To be eligible, a student must live inside the city limits of the City of Rockford, attend RPS 205 all four years of high school and graduate with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Students currently enrolled in an RPS 205 high school at any grade level are eligible for the program without the four-year attendance requirement.

“This fantastic announcement and partnership from Mayor McNamara, Rockford Promise, NIU, Rockford Public Schools and the City of Rockford provides the opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and career choices without the concern of starting adult life with piles of student loan debt,” said Mike Paterson, outgoing RAEDC board chair.

“Over the recent years, in many different forms with many unique partners, and as a community, we’re demonstrating our commitment to creating customized education-toworkforce pipelines to ensure our local businesses have a skilled workforce that they can count on to deliver a return to our community. This latest addition

is another example of how we can all work together as leaders for the greater good and keep adding clubs to our golf bag as we work to grow our region.”

The RAEDC has long supported the work of the community’s development of customized education to workforce pipelines, and this partnership is the latest example of our region making a commitment to our future workforce, businesses located here, and businesses that are considering our region for expansion or relocation.

“Our region’s dedication to consistently create opportunities for a stronger, diverse and more skilled workforce is the reason we are your opportunity region,” said Eric Cunningham, incoming RAEDC board chair. “The collaboration between education, employers and municipalities will continue to pave the way for growth, innovation and a great place for businesses and people. The RAEDC looks forward to supporting this initiative and others as our region continues to demonstrate a commitment to developing our workforce.”

Creating connections is the daily work of economic development and is what will make the difference in achieving Top 25 status as a community. We will continue to cultivate opportunities to attract and retain primary jobs that are good today, tomorrow and the future to increase the economic well-being of our region.

Rockford included in ‘best places to live’

City ranks #134 out of 150 in U.S. News annual list U.S. News & World Report included Rockford as one of the Best Places to Live in its annual list.

For the first time, the list has expanded to include 150 of the best places to live in the United States.

To make the list, a place has to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.

Great activities, location in relation to large cities such as Chicago and Madison, Wis., and quality of life are some reasons Rockford made the list.

Jerry Sagona, VP of business development, noted, “The aspects that help us make the list is also what makes us attractive to companies looking to relocate into the area. They want a skilled workforce and a good quality of life for their employees.”

With a ranking of 7.3 for value, 5.7 for quality of life, and a 5.8 overall ranking, the Rockford Region is making progress on being a Top 25 community.

Read the full list at realestate. usnews.com/places/illinois/rockford.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

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United States remains most generous country worldwide Overall, the most generous country in the world over the last decade, according to the Charities Aid Foundation World Giving Index, is the United States of America. The index surveyed global trends in generosity based on three giving measures: Helped a stranger, or someone you didn’t know who needed help. Donated money to a charity. Volunteered time to an organization.

Indonesia is the only country in the top 10 to have improved its one-year scores over recent years, with the others

on a downwards trajectory.

New Zealand is the only country to feature in the top 10 on all three giving measures.

China is the only country to feature in the bottom 10 on all three measures and is, in fact, in last place of all the countries included on its overall World Giving Index score.

Helping a stranger is the most commonly performed giving behavior across the world with 48.3 percent having done so across the 10 years of the World Giving Index.

Most Charitable Countries Over 10 Years 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

United States of America Myanmar New Zealand Australia Ireland Canada United Kingdom Netherlands Sri Lanka Indonesia

58% 58% 57% 56% 56% 55% 54% 53% 51% 50%

The AARP Foundation hosts a service project on 9/11 Day of Service on the National Mall, packing more than 1 million meals to fight senior poverty. Its 2018 Volunteering in America report found that 30.3 percent of adults volunteered through an organization last year -- nearly 6.9 billion hours, worth an estimated $167 billion in economic value. Source: AmeriCorps.

Expanded plan to address growing homelessness The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness released a new strategic plan, “Expanding the Toolbox: The Whole-of-Government Response to Homelessness,” to address the growing problem of homelessness.

The number of unsheltered homeless people in the United States rose 20.5 percent between 2014 and 2019 (numbers do not reflect the pandemic). This is despite the fact that federal spending on

homeless assistance doubled in the past decade. Funding in the past has centered on a “housing first” approach of simply providing government subsidized housing vouchers. The new plan addresses eight focus areas. Affordable housing is one, but not given priority over everything else.

“Housing alone is not the answer,” said Sherry Pitney, CEO of the Rockford Rescue Mission. “If you simply drop someone into housing

without also giving them life skills, job skills and spiritual help, you’ve only given false hope. It simply becomes a revolving door.”

Eight Focus Areas 1. The Importance and Power of the Dignity of Work 2. Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care Are Critical 3. Affordable Construction Leads to Affordable Housing

4. Prevention Will Save Money While Reducing Trauma 5. The Need for Population Specific Programming 6. Renewed Focus on Racial Disparities 7. Promote Alternatives to Criminalizing People Experiencing Homelessness 8. Importance of National Emergency Readiness

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Serola Biomechanics, Inc., received the President’s “E” Award for Exports, the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive. It exports to 30 foreign markets and has strategic plans for continued expansion.

City First Church hosted its ninth major food distribution on Oct. 27 and its 10th on Nov. 19, feeding 2,000 households each. During the pandemic, it has given away more than 1 million pounds of dairy, protein and produce to the community, thanks to a partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded grants to nine colleges and universities from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, including $456,286 to Northern Illinois University, for fiscal year 2021. Funds support student degree completion by closing digital equity gaps, providing academic and social/emotional support through peer mentoring, equipment checkout, enhanced financial and career literacy programs, intensive language instruction, childcare assistance, increased campus food pantry supplies, and telehealth.

Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville is offering a new medical device for patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. The permanent heart implant reduces the risk of stroke — without the risk of bleeding that can come with long-term use of warfarin. Procedure physicians are Dr. Imdad Ahmed and Dr. Gene Gulliver.

A 15-foot mosaic tower commemorating the 100th year anniversary of women achieving the right to vote was unveiled on Oct. 31 on the Rock River adjacent to the Log Lodge at the YMCA of Rock River Valley. It was made possible by a subcommittee of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial 2020 group led

by Elaine Hirschenberger, Womanspace. Lead artist, Susan Burton, guided the project. High school students from the Rockford Area Arts Council’s SPARK! program helped build it.

V2 Marketing & Management re-imagined and produced a virtual dance workshop for client Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. The event livestreamed 633 dance teachers and dance students with master teachers from California to New York City.

RAMP received a $1,668 grant from the Freeport Community Foundation for its youth education and advocacy services for students with disabilities who require information, referrals, self-advocacy training or peer support to receive a fair and

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

equitable education to achieve their full potential and transition to adult life.

ceremony on Nov. 5 into the National Honor Society. They joined 38 students inducted last spring.

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau was chosen by sports tourism colleagues for two national Sports Events & Tourism Association awards; the 2020 SportsETA Event Marketing Campaign of the Year and 2020 SportsETA Locally Created Event of the Year. It was honored for hosting Rockford’s first-ever Olympic Trials as well as creating and producing a three-part community event in honor of the city’s first homegrown National Basketball Association champion.

WATT Global Media released The World’s Top Companies edition of its WATT Poultry International magazine with more than 337 companies achieving top company status in 2020 as producers and processors in the poultry and egg industries.

Chartwell Agency earned two Pinnacle awards from the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations: the Award of Merit for the Rock River Valley Blood Center “Give” campaign and an Honorable Mention for the Northern Illinois Vein Clinic/ Gilvydis Vein Clinic “Less Down Time” campaign.

Savant Wealth Management ranked No. 4 by number of advisors, according to business information company Financial Planning, with 79 advisors managing $6.69 billion in assets at the time of the ranking.

KMK Media Group developed enrollment and marketing materials for Boylan Catholic High School: a Viewbook highlighting academic, extracurricular and athletic offerings; a profile piece with current school statistics; a promotional campaign announcing enrollment-related information; an annual report, and a “virtual open house” for prospective families.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois received a $120,000 AmeriCorps federal grant towards the Project Opportunity youth development and education program. GSNI will provide a substantial program match with private and in-kind funds. This is the fifth year it received the grant.

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory will host school groups for “escape to the tropics” field trips for 2020/2021. Group programs of 30 or 45 minutes can be scheduled as virtual, virtual-plushands-on kits or in-person events.

Topics include Great Greenhouses, Predatory and A Plant’s Life.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House was chosen as one of eight public sites featured on opening night of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy’s virtual annual meeting on Nov. 11. Others included the Marin County Civic Center, Guggenheim Museum and his home in Phoenix.

Boylan Catholic High School inducted 16 students in a virtual

Chartwell Agency earned six MarCom awards: Studio GWA website and Beloit Health System Annual Report (platinum); Chicago Rockford International Airport social media campaign, Rock River Valley Blood Center integrated campaign and Rockford Christian Schools recruitment viewbook (gold), and CAMPUS USA Credit Union (honorable mention).

Digital Hive Mind was hired by Doc’s Enterprises to redesign its Sports Journal for the 2020 football season.

V2 Marketing Communications launched two new client websites in November for Barbara Olson Center of Hope and for the University Club of Rockford.

Peterson Meadows’ 31 resident veterans were honored for their service and dedication to our country as a part of its Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11.

Rockford Systems announced its Combustion System Safety training workshops are now available for immediate enrollment at its Rockford location. It will satisfy mandatory annual training requirements for NFPA 54, 85 and 86.

RBG Janitorial earned a Platinum Medallion Award from the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Medallion Program (HIRE Vets). It surpassed the requirement of at least 10 percent of its new hires being veterans, as veterans accounted for more than 16 percent of its new hires.

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is accepting applications through Jan. 5 for the first of two In Youth We Trust grant program cycles for proposals written by nonprofit organizations.

Organizations must provide COVID-

19-related items, services or programming to youth in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson or Winnebago counties as well as before- or after-school programming.

Maximum of $5,000. Visit cfnil.org/ grants/iywtadult.

YWCA Northwestern Illinois is accepting applications for the Bright Future Scholarship and La Voz Latina Scholarship through Jan. 15.

Winners will be announced March 1.

Applications at www.ywcanwil.org/ scholarships/.

Blackhawk Bank raised $14,485 and 2,616 non-perishable items in its annual ‘Grateful Giving’ Thanksgiving Food Drive. Seneca Foods, Janesville, also donated 170 cases of canned corn and green beans. Recipients: The Salvation Army of Beloit, St. Vincent DePaul of Beloit, Caritas, Old Stone Church of Northern Winnebago County, Victory Outreach of Rockford, Rock River Valley Food Pantry of Rockford, YWCA of Janesville, Empower Boone, FISH of McHenry and Wauconda Island Lake Food Pantry.

The Home Depot of Machesney Park donated $1,000 to Lifescape Community Services towards its programs and services.

Mercyhealth’s insurance arm, MercyCare Health Plans, now offers individual and family health insurance options for Boone and Winnebago county residents, effective Jan. 1, 2021. It’s the only plan in the Affordable Care Act marketplace offering access to Mercyhealth physicians and hospitals.

Grants were given to 43 Illinois museums through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program.

Discovery Center Museum of Rockford Inc., received $369,900 for phase 4 of its Capital Expansion and Improvement Project.

Winnebago County received $192,000 towards access and accessibility improvements. Midway Village & Museum Center received $112,600 towards HVAC improvements. Harry and Della Burpee Museum Association received $665,500 towards an HVAC project.

Are you a Member with 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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in October 2020 A. W. Anderson Agency, Inc.

Solutions

Absolute Fire Protection, Inc.

Holiday Inn of Rockford

A-1 Dry Cleaners & Laundry Ad Vice Marketing

Aetna Plywood, Inc.

American Red Cross, Northwest Illinois Chapter Behr Iron & Metal, An Alter Company

BelRock Asphalt Paving Inc. Center for Sight & Hearing

Chastain & Associates LLC CherryVale Mall

City of Rockford - Human Services Department Cloisters of Forest Hills CMM & Associates

Colorwave Graphics, LLC

Crimson Ridge Estate Condos North

Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary Cross Creek Condominium Association

Crusader Community Health On West State Street, Woodward Campus for Community Health Care Crusader Community Health Auburn Campus Crusader Community Health Loves Park Crusader Community Health Belvidere

Crusader Community Health on Broadway, Uram Building

Healthcare Plus HomeStart

Independence Village at Rockford

Napleton Honda

Natural Land Institute

Panino’s Restaurant - Main Street Pathfinder Wealth Management, Inc.

Paul Lundeen Merchant Services, Inc. Phelps Industries, Inc.

Piping Industry Council of the Rockford Area Remedies Renewing Lives Richards Building Supply

River Valley Kitchens & Baths, Inc. S. J. Carlson Fire Protection

Saint Anthony College of Nursing

SPXFLOW Hydraulic Technologies Tebala Event Center

Thayer Lighting, Inc. The Alliance Trekk, Inc.

Vixen Productions

Z Resource

Zion Development Corporation Belter Machinery Co., Inc.

Fehr Graham

GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford

GrahamSpencer Brand + Content

Brian Thomas Photography, Inc.

Winnebago County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)

DECEMBER MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Thank you to our members celebrating their anniversaries with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce

100-YEAR MEMBER

20-YEAR MEMBER

40-YEAR MEMBER

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Collins Aerospace

Mrs. Fisher’s, Inc.

30-YEAR MEMBERS

Lincoln Rent-All & Sales, Inc. RAC Adjustment Company Ringland-Johnson, Inc.

25-YEAR MEMBERS

Campos Construction, Inc. Savant Wealth Management YWCA Northwestern Illinois

SANCTUARY HOSPICE Hospice provider 7025 Rote Road, 61107 Alicia Pearce 815-977-4903 www.sanctuaryHospiceil.com

WEICHERT REALTORS TOVAR PROPERTIES Real estate services 5812 East Dr. Loves Park, IL 61111 Rion Tovar-South 815-877-8500 www.WeichertTovar.com

Retail, window replacement (commercial & residential) shower doors, mirrors, auto glass 5401 E. State St., 61108 Chris Miller 815-226-0560 www.rockfordglass.com

Powmet, Inc.

Winnebago County Housing Authority

Faith Center

LADIWORKZ

ROCKFORD AUTO GLASS

MX3 Business Solutions

Decker 24 Hour Truck and Trailer, Inc. Entre Computer Solutions

Condominium associations Joanne Johnson 815-222-9278

Panino’s Restaurant - State Street

Louis Bageanis

Upper Iowa University - Rockford Center

Dodge Lanes, Inc.

CRIMSON RIDGE ESTATES CONDOMINIUM - SOUTH

Northern Illinois Food Bank Rockford Branch

Keith Country Day School

Crystal Precision Drilling, Inc. D & S Marine Inc.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

Promoting small business growth awareness by taking our business knowledge and giving back to the community.

815 N. Church St., Ste. 103, 61103 Brandi Morris 815-742-4754 www.LADIWORKZ1.com

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

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Stanley Steemer of Rockford

Barron Metal Finishing, LLC Cyrs Wealth Advisors, LLC Erboe & Associates, CPA’s

5-YEAR MEMBERS

Exclusive Condominum Management

aMBaSSaDOR DOR SPOTLIGHT Mike Booth, Bluebird Network I work for Bluebird Network — a fiber internet provider. We provide high speed dedicated fiber internet for medium- to large-size businesses.

Still new to the role as an ambassador, I am looking forward to getting involved with more business owners from the area and helping them leverage everything the chamber has to offer.

My family loves going downtown Rockford to the City Market, checking out all the unique vendors and hitting up the restaurants, bars and shops in the area. I also love playing golf at the Rockford Park District courses as well as the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County.

The Rockford Chamber has a lot of great programs and resources available if you want to use them. I would recommend becoming an ambassador to help the business community of Rockford grow and thrive!

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

December 2020

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Dr. Hana Hinkle

2. Joseph R. Altenhoff

3. Patrick Bachrodt

4. Thomas Giovingo

5. Father Johnson Lopez

6. Aaron Holverson

7. Ashley Sarver

8. Pamela Timmons

9. Sedrick Robinson

10. Josh Morgan

11. Verna Neal

12. Dr. James Tobin

13. Sydney Turner

14. Janel Mott

15. Pamela Osborne

16. Jean Lopez

BOARD APPOINTMENTS Alpine Kiwanis Club installed new officers/board of directors: Bill Osborne, president; Jody Schumacher, president elect; Patrick Yarbrough, vice president; Pat Kasmar, club secretary; Kathy Vigna, membership secretary; Jim Coffey, treasurer, and Bruce Erickson, immediate past president.

New board members: Bob Forss, Jean Herro, Conni Schlupp and John Spitzer.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden welcomed new board members: Terri Hill, St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center; Mark Reichardt, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Jeff Wagner, TRI Group.

Hana Hinkle (1), Ph.D., University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, was appointed as the National Rural Health Association liaison representative to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee.

Bishop David Malloy appointed new members of Boylan Central Catholic High School’s board of consultors: Joseph R. Altenhoff (2), P.E.; Patrick Bachrodt (3); Thomas Giovingo (4), and Father Johnson Lopez (5).

responsibilities as center director at Upper Iowa University – Rockford Center.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Sedrick Robinson (9) was named scout executive/CEO of the Boy Scouts of America, Blackhawk Area Council, serving three counties in southern Wisconsin and nine in northwest Illinois.

mother/baby unit at

Janel Mott, (14) BSN, RNC-CLC, SwedishAmerican, was named the 2020 Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award winner. She championed the

Eat, Sleep, Console initiative to help infants exposed to opioids during

Former news director and current station manager Josh Morgan (10) was promoted to vice president/ general manager at 13 WREX.

pregnancy.

Verna Neal (11) joined First National Bank and Trust as a loan services manager and officer.

Fast Track training program.

University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford named Kara Oprian Fess, M.D., director of the Rural Medical Education Program.

She also is a clinical assistant professor in the department of family and community medicine.

Mercyhealth welcomed James Tobin (12), M.D., internal medicine, to Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside, and Javon Bea Hospital–Rockton.

Sydney Turner (13) was promoted to director of regional planning at Region 1 Planning Council.

Lynn Belles, Weichert, Realtors® Tovar Properties, completed the

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Pamela Osborne (15), celebrated three years as executive director,

and Jean Lopez (16) one year as events & communications

coordinator with Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful.

Phil Huber (17), chief investment

officer and financial advisor, Savant

Wealth Management, was selected

by Investopedia as one of its Top 100 Most Influential Financial Advisors for 2020.

Entré Computer Solutions named Joseph Bertolino (18), managed

server team, and Ryan Sword (19), sales representative, as Employees of the Quarter.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS Margaret Bowen joined the Loves Park office of Weichert, Realtors® - Tovar Properties.

17. Phil Huber

18. Joseph Bertolino

19. Ryan Sword

20. Brianna Robles

Studio GWA announced two new partners: Aaron Holverson (6), senior project architect, and Ashley Sarver (7), senior urban planner.

Pamela Timmons (8) added center director at UIU Blackhawk Tech to her

21. Zaveis Hudson

22. Dr. James Frakes

23. Gail Kelce

24. Antonio Evans

Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc., announced that Brianna Robles (20) and Zaveis Hudson (21) received their high school diplomas through Penn Foster. Hudson was named the October Trainee of the Month.

James Frakes (22), MD, MS, MASGE, MACG, clinical professor emeritus, University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, was awarded the distinction of Master of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Lisa Olson, property manager for Rockford Housing Authority’s Scattered Sites developments and Bridge Rockford units, was named the Directors Spotlight winner.

Gail Kelce (23), founder of Kelce & Company, celebrates 40 years in business.

Rockford University named Antonio Evans (24) as the first recipient of the Charles E. Box Scholarship. He can pursue a business degree, without cost, at Puri School of Business.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Michael Beert, principal cello and Rachel Handlin, assistant concertmaster and violinist, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, performed during polling at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in Rockford on Nov. 3. More than 15 different election-day performances organized by Arts Alliance Illinois took place across Chicago, Rockford, Springfield, Evanston and Carbondale.

25. Kimberly Buchanan

Kimberly Buchanan (25), international bestselling author, speaker and transformation coach, wrote an article appearing in Forbes, “How to Successfully Prepare and Deliver from A Virtual Stage.”

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

community

ADVERTISERS INDEX

COMMUNITY EVENTS & WEBINARS Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

DECEMBER 2020 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 Rockford Park District hosts its annual All Aglow lights exhibit at dusk, running through Jan. 10 at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford. The Sinnissippi Station Model Garden Railroad Exhibit also returns through Jan. 30. Visit www. nicholasconservatory.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 University of Illinois Extension presents Decorating with Fresh Evergreens, 6 p.m., with Candice Hart, state master gardener specialist, on Zoom. Registration required at extension.illinois.edu/jsw or 815-235-4125. Cost is $5.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 Dale Carnegie Training of Greater IL hosts Leadership Sessions: Live Online, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on three Thursdays beginning Dec. 3 on Webex. Session 1: Leadership Engagement; Session 2: Building Acceptance to Change; Session 3: Giving Supportive and Directive Feedback. Cost is 175 per session or $500 all three sessions.

Contact Rebecca Bledsoe, 309224-8082 or Rebecca.bledsoe@ dalecarnegie.com.

The Workforce Connection presents an Employer Discussion Webinar: Emotional Intelligence: What is it and how does it apply in the workplace? 10 a.m., with Dennis Osterloo, Goodwill Industries Northern Illinois. Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_OCz-sED9RnCgXIm9QEd19w.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 Rockford City Market presents a Holiday Vintage Wonderland Pop Up, 4 to 8 p.m., at 116 N. Madison St. Follow the event on facebook.

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December 2020

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Northern Illinois Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Association have teamed to offer a free, three-part webinar series, Caregiving for Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Part one is “Caregiving During COVID-19.” The second and third part will focus on late-stage Alzheimer’s, when to call hospice and grief during the late stage.

Register at 800-272-3900 or northernillinoishospice.org/events.

Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Natural Land Institute . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Brian Thomas Photography. . . . . . . .17

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Children’s Home & Aid . . . . . . . . . . .15

OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Comcast Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Providence Community Development Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Community Foundation of Northern Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Edward Jones – Erna Colborn. . . . . . .6 Illinois Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) . . . . . .11

Mercyhealth hosts a Holiday Give a Gift Drive for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, 8 to 11 a.m., at the Women’s and Children’s circular drive entrance of Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital– Riverside, 8201 E. Riverside Blvd.

Donors who bring a gift card or monetary donation will receive a holiday cookie making kit. Includes a special visit from Santa. Visit mercyhealthwishlist.org. Monetary donation at mercyhealthgiveagift. org. Questions at 815-971-4143 or jjohns@mhemail.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 Jim Brickman performs a live virtual event, Comfort & Joy at Home 2020 to benefit the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Tickets at www.JimBrickman.com.

JANUARY 2021 MONDAY, JANUARY 18 Upper Iowa University-Rockford Center starts spring classes towards associate’s and bachelor’s degrees — face to face or online.

Master’s degrees online only.

Sessions are eight weeks long.

Students can take one or two at a time. Visit www.uiu.edu or email timmonsp12@uiu.edu.

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

Rock House Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity .14 Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Morgan Stanley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 ..........................................Direct Line Jeff Bailey, Membership Development Executive ..................................815-316-4336 Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO .......................................... 815-987-8100 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer .................................... 815-316-4312 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep..........815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology ................... 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment .................... 815-316-4317 Carmen Kellerman, Program & Event Coordinator .............................815-316-4302 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations...................................................815-316-4315 Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development ....................815-316-4337 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller ............................... 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator ......................... 815-316-4320 Edward Caceres, Executive Director, Small Business Development Center ...................................................815-987-8100

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

Chair of the Board Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Chair Elect Dan Ross Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

Brent Bernardi Alpha Controls & Services LLC Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP LaVonne Brown Savant Wealth Management Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Vice Chair Jean Crosby Samuel J. Castree Berkshire Hathaway Staff Management, HomeServices Crosby Inc. Starck Real Estate Doug Curry Treasurer Stenstrom Amy Ott Companies Boylan Catholic Don Daniels High School SwedishAmerican, A Immediate Division of UW Health Past Chair Richard Zumwalt Z Resource

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Are you a Member with News to Share?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 10, 13, 19, 21

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

VOICE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Terry Voskuil Woodward

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Denise Sasse RSM US LLP John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO, Rockford Chamber of Commerce John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Nathan Bryant Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Teresa Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

JANUARY VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS Business On The Go

(Remote Workers, Working on the Road — Benefits & Risks of Mobility)

Cybersecurity

(Keeping Your Data & Systems Safe, New Cyber Threats & Trends)

Marketing & Communication Trends for 2021 (Digital and Beyond)

DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF THE MONTH PRECEDING PUBLICATION

For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100