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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
