2011 Rockford Chamber Yearbook

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rockfordchamber.com - ROCKFORD CHAMBER

Table of Contents

Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 West State Street, Suite 190 Rockford, Illinois 61101 815.987.8100 815.987.8122 fax info@rockfordchamber.com rockfordchamber.com Writer/Managing Editor Barbara Connors Layout/Design/Production Doug Hessong Database Manager Joan Sundvall Advertising Sales Lynette Jacques Photography Brian Thomas Photography and the Rockford Chamber Staff

A Letter to Chamber Members . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Rockford Chamber Mission-Vision . . . . . . . . . 4

New in 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2011 Regional Business Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2011 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2011 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Leadership Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

IGNITE, Young Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Partners in 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Executive Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Public Policy Initatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Chamber Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Advertising Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

2012 Event Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

ABOUT THIS BOOK - The 2011 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Yearbook and Annual Report is published by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions which may occur.

FOR MORE INFORMATION - Contact the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101, 815-987-8100, fax 815-987-8122, or e-mail at info@ rockfordchamber.com. For advertising information call Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive at 815-316-4317. Š Copyright 2011 Rockford Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the Rockford Chamber.

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ROCKFORD CHAMBER - rockfordchamber.com

Dear Valued Chamber Members, The Rockford Chamber of Commerce has built on its strong foundation by offering new and innovative ways to help you grow your business.

It has taken a leadership role in building a strong and vibrant community. Here is an overview of what has happened in 2011 and what to look forward to in 2012.

An Overview of 2011 Results and “Firsts” • The Rockford Chamber Board of Directors endorsed the extension of the one percent City of Rockford sales tax, as well as the proposed Illinois Tollway Congestion Relief and Capital Improvement Plan. The board supported legislative policy positions in Springfield that addressed pensions and collective bargaining/arbitration rules.

• The Chamber channeled the power of its membership base to offer savings to member businesses including reduced electricity rates with the co-op Powershare, discounts for shipping with UPS, and reduced business insurance costs with Auto-Owners Insurance. New in 2012, members can join the YMCA of Rock River Valley for reduced rates.

• Connections were made at the fourth-annual Regional Expo in September with more than 3,000 in attendance in the former Sears Essentials/Kmart in Loves Park. Activities included speed networking, an expo with more than 120 regional businesses, educational breakout sessions, and a luncheon keynote on social media with Wayne Breitbarth. New in 2011 was a Green Business Expo.

• The Chamber honored its first group of 21 People You Should Know -- Rockford’s most prominent and influential, business leaders at an evening reception in October. Their stories appeared with the launch of the Chamber’s first magazine, “One.” • The Rockford Chamber celebrated the graduation of its 56th Leadership Rockford class in May. The class of 26 area professionals participated in community service projects that benefitted five area non-profits.

• The Voice online got a whole new look with easily flippable and expandable pages on the digital publishing platform issuuTM. Advertisers got added value with click throughs on their electronic advertisements to their company Web sites.

• The Multicultural Business Council launched its new Lunch & Learn series and an online resource center at www.rockfordMBC.com.

• IGNITE, more than 250 young professionals strong, celebrated its second anniversary and launched its new education series Breakfast & Business: Entrepreuneur Edition, and C-Suite Meet & Greet speed networking.

• For the fourth year, the Chamber partnered with the Rockford Area Economic Development Council to present the Go Global IV conference in April, which focused on helping area SMEs grow in the international marketplace.

• The Chamber, along with dozens of organizations in the region, offered free financial literacy classes to the community with the 2011 MoneySmart Week in April.

• For the fourth year, the Chamber co-hosted along with the Rockford Area Economic Development Council the Tri State Alliance Transportation Summit in May with its partners in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

• The Chamber, in partnership with ATHENA International and PNC Bank, chose a woman entrepreneur for the third year as recipient of ATHENAPowerLink®. The program takes a Winnebago County woman business owner through 12 months of mentoring with a panel of experts to accomplish her business goals at no charge.

• A partnership with EigerLab and Rock Valley College’s fifth-annual Stateline FastPitch Competition in June resulted in funding for area businesses who pitched their winning entrepreneurial ideas.

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Networking, Education, Information - The Chamber’s noon and evening events featured local and national speakers, drew thousands of Chamber business professionals, and explored key education, healthcare and economic growth issues. National speakers came to Rockford, including business community growth expert Steven S. Little, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Charles Evans, strategic planner Mark Rittmanic, Springboard 2000 Enterprises’ Amy Millman, Brooking Institution’s Henry Aaron, and Harlem Children Zone’s Geoffrey Canada. Over the course of 2011, Chamber events put 10,000 people in front of each other.

Hundreds of members networked, learned and shared leads at the monthly Breakfast Buzz, Business Women’s Council, and Government Affairs Council meetings, the Good Morning Rockford! and Business After Hours, the Chamber 101 Member Orientations, the ribbon cuttings, and the Advantage Club and Ambassadors meetings.

A Look Ahead - The Chamber will continue to meet the goal that its founding officers and members set -- to be “a forceful working unit for the good of Rockford.” We remain committed in 2012 and beyond, in executing our three-pronged strategy of Leading Business Growth in the Rockford area. Over the past 100 years, the Rockford Chamber and its members have witnessed challenging economic times, but together has always come out ahead.

Regardless of size, your business is important to the Rockford Chamber. Be sure to take advantage of the many benefits of membership -professional development, networking and lead generation, public policy initiatives, value-added programs designed to save you money and information to keep you on top of industry trends and best practices.

We look forward to working with you, and serving you, in the year ahead.

Sincerely,

Mike Broski Board Chairman

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO

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Rockford Chamber

Mission-Vision The Chamber

■■is the leading advocate for business in our region; actively engages members and the community to drive growth in our regional economy; ■■is an innovative and indispensable resource and finds solutions to help members grow; and ■■is a leader in fostering regional collaboration and planning.

Overview of 3-Point Strategic Vision Leading.

■■We lead in addressing community and member needs ■■We are the region’s leading business association advocating for our members and the growth of our economy ■■Serve as the Voice of Business through public policy advocacy ■■Advocate for regional planning, dialogue and collaboration ■■Develop the next generation of community leaders

Business.

■■We provide resources and implement initiatives that help members grow their business ■■Advocate for the continued health and expansion of manufacturing ■■Advocate for innovation and opportunities for entrepreneurship ■■Our events provide value in three areas: Information, Networking, Professional Education ■■Add value by offering services that save members money

Growth.

■■We focus attention on issues that have long-term impact and create a climate that fosters economic growth ■■Provide leadership in advancing the region’s education system ■■Advocate for investment in our region’s infrastructure ■■Provide leadership to ensure the continued development of minority-owned businesses 4

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New in 2011 The Rockford Chamber launched innovative new programs in 2011, aimed at honoring business leaders and helping business grow. Here are some highlights.

Congratulations: First Class of “21 People You Should Know” New Chamber Magazine Launched The Rockford area is filled with people in business who “get it done.” To highlight them, the Rockford Chamber launched in 2011 its augural “20 People You Should Know.”

These can-do business leaders were introduced to a crowd of 250 at a special evening inaugural reception on Oct. 20 at the Rock Valley College Karl J. Jacobs Science & Math Center. Their stories appeared in a new Chamber magazine, “One Voice for the Rockford Area Business Community.”

Eighty-five applications were submitted and 21 chosen from a variety of career paths, including financial, education, legal and medical. Passion was their common thread.

Many of the 2011 honorees already have started thinking of ways to work together.

“This means that this community has a core group of people who invest in their work, life and volunteer efforts. I’m honored to be a part of this outstanding group.”

– recipient Dan Loescher, Loescher & Associates, Ltc.

“In the last 10 to 15 years, we’ve lost many Fortune 500 companies here in Rockford. Not only do you lose those companies, but you lose a wealth of talent. What we need to do as a community is seek out other people in smaller companies to fill those leadership roles. You have to start somewhere, and this event is a great first step.”

– Rich Walsh, SwedishAmerican Health System and Rockford Chamber Board chairman elect

Multicultural Business Council Launches Lunch & Learns, Online Resource Center The Multicultural Business Council, chaired by Associate Judge Gwyn Gulley, launched its new Lunch & Learn series with a panel of minority small business owners, who shared their experiences in “Survivorship: Getting From Year One” on May 25 at the Rock Valley Learning Opportunity Center at Stewart Square in downtown Rockford.

The council also launched its Online Resource Center, www.rockfordMBC.com, which serves as a networking focal point for minority-owned businesses and minority business professionals. Created by XL Academics, the resource center encourages professional development, and shares business and career opportunities and a calendar of events of interest to minority businesses and nonprofits. Web site use is exclusive to Chamber members.

Thank You Web Site Sponsors!

Winnebago County Hamilton Sundstrand Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Council Rockford Park District

“A group of us talked, and we need to take this to another level. Some of us don’t know each other. We need to get together and learn from one another.”

-- recipient KathyWeber, BMO Harris Bank

The Voice Online Now on issuu™ The Voice Online got a whole new look in 2011 with easily flippable, easily expandable pages hosted on the digital publishing platform issuu™. Favorite articles now appear in full screen mode in the size readers want, and are easily printable and send-able to friends with the click of a button. Advertisers get added value, as readers can click on advertisements that interest them and go directly to the company Web sites to learn more. Visit www.rockfordchamber.com.

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Congratulations to the 21 People You Should Know!

Dr. Jack Becherer, president, Rock Valley College Brent Brodeski, CEO, principal, financial advisor, Savant Capital Management Gary Caruana, UPS security manager, United Parcel Service Jeff Fahrenwald, director of MBA and Community Training, Rockford College Lori Gummow, executive director, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Roberta “Bobbie” Holzwarth, attorney, Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C. James “Jim” W. Keeling, partner, Hinshaw & Culbertson Kathleen M. Kelly, M.D., F.A.C.P., chief medical officer/ chief quality officer, SwedishAmerican Health System Dana Kiley, vice president, Coyle Varland Insurance Agency, Inc. David Klintworth, managing director, wealth management, McGladrey 6

Rebecca (Kopf) Epperson, president & owner, PR Etc. Dan Loescher, principal, Loescher & Associates, Ltc. LoRayne Logan, owner, The WorkPlace John Phelps, president, Rockford Local Development Corporation Dr. Michael Roh, spine surgeon, Rockford Spine Center Bill Roop, president & CEO, Alpine Bank Andreas Schell, president, Hamilton Sundstrand Electric Systems, and Rockford Site Executive Samuel Schmitz, president, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois David Stern, M.D., CEO, Practice Velocity Robert Trojan, president, Rockford Linear Actuation Kathy Weber, managing director, Harris Bank Thank You Event Sponsors! Reno & Zahm LLP (presenting) and McGladrey (supporting)

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Regional Business Expo, 2011 More than 3,000 people attended the fourth-annual Regional Business Expo on Sept. 22 in the former Sears Essentials/Kmart location in Loves Park, and organized by eight chambers of commerce – Belvidere, Byron, DeKalb, Freeport, Greater Beloit, Oregon, the Parks and Rockford.

The event featured more than 120 regional businesses, as well as the ever-popular speed networking event and educational breakout sessions on topics like social media in the workplace and 401(k) for small businesses. Wayne Breitbarth, author of the book The Power Formula for LinkedIn, Success: Kick Start Your Business, Brand and Job Search, offered advice as the luncheon keynote speaker on growing business using LinkedIn, based on his experiences growing his Milwaukee office furniture company using the social media site.

The evening offered more opportunities to network with the Regional Taste and Business After Hours. As a new twist and nod to the sustainability movement, the event featured a green expo; a corridor showcasing businesses centered on green practices and products.

“It’s [the Expo] an opportunity to talk to many different businesses all under one roof. I have found companies willing to tell me what they do and ways they might be able to help my company, as well as listen to what I can bring to the table for them. You can’t beat that.”

-- Vickie Fogel, VLFogel Consulting

“Our partnership with the Chamber has been very fruitful, and we’re happy to support such an important event for the business community.”

-- Jon Ollman, TDS Thank You Event Sponsors!

TDS (presenting) Humana (gold) Veolia Environmental Services (bronze) Giovanni’s, Inc. (Business After Hours) The Morrissey Family Businesses (Business After Hours) 2011 Yearbook and Annual Report

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2011 Events The Rockford Chamber offered many opportunities to develop connections, hear from community leaders and enhance skills through its regular events. Here are some highlights.

Annual Dinner

Economic Forecast Luncheon

5Business community growth expert Steven S. Little gives the key-

5Charles Evans, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, summarizes the

note address at the Annual Dinner.

economic environment at the Economic Forecast Luncheon.

A crowd of more than 700 attended the Annual Dinner on Jan. 19 at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center. Steven S. Little, a business community growth expert, was the guest speaker for the evening. A highlight was the introduction of the Chamber’s new board president, Mike Broski, Entré Computer Solutions.

Charles Evans, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, was the featured speaker for the 300 who attended Economic Forecast Luncheon on Feb. 17 at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort. “With unemployment too high and inflation too low – and both forecasted to stay that way over the next two years – we have missed on both of our

“I thought the message from our [Annual Dinner] speaker was great. In spite of challenges, there seems to be enthusiasm in Rockford for carrying on, and that came through in everything that was said tonight.”

-- Wray Howard, YMCA of Rock River Valley.

Thank You - To BMO Harris Bank for their Presenting Sponsorship of the 2011 Rockford Chamber Business Lunche on Series.

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“Charles Evans did a wonderful job summarizing the current economic environment and forecasting likely economic trends. His comments on inflation were comforting for the average consumer, but tended to minimize the actual inflation most businesses are experiencing when purchasing raw materials and other required commodities.”

-- Patrick Shaw, McGladrey.

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rockfordchamber.com - ROCKFORD CHAMBER policy objectives,” Evans said. “There is currently no policy conflict between improving the employment and inflation outcomes. This leads me to conclude that accommodative monetary policy continues to be beneficial for achieving each of these goals.”

State of the County

Manufacturing Expo & Dinner

5Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen gives the status of projects like the Rock 39 Industrial Park at the State of the County address.

5Strategic planner Mark Rittmanic calls world class the “new normal” at the Manufacturing Expo & Dinner.

The Manufacturing Expo & Dinner drew 525 for an expo and dinner at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort on March 24, and to hear featured speaker Mark Rittmanic, founder and CEO of strategic planner ForteOne, in Chicago. “In my opinion, many companies in Rockford and in the U.S. that went out of business really got caught flat-footed,” Rittmanic said.

“They didn’t need to go out of business if they had embraced the kind of changes you need to be a world-class company.

World class is the new normal.” Students from 10 area high schools took part in the event and had a chance to learn about well paying jobs that manufacturers are looking to fill.

“We’re really encouraged by the positive direction happening in the manufacturing community right now. Since 2009, when the employment markets for manufacturing bottomed out, we made an almost 10-point improvement in jobs in that area.”

-- Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber

Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen presented an optimistic view of the future to the 400 people who attended the State of the County address at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort on April 21. He highlighted ongoing major projects, such as the development of the Rock 39 Industrial Park, with a potential to create 5,000 jobs. He also touched on projects like roadwork, siren warning systems, green technology efforts at Freedom Field, alternative to incarceration programs and flood mitigation programs.

“It’s a credit to the Chairman and the County that they have been able to maintain the level of services while spending less. There were some good examples of how the County has saved money by consolidating some facilities and negotiating the purchase of goods and services.”

- Dan O’Boyle, Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency

Golf Classic

Members took a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the Rockford Chamber Golf Classic on May 23 on the fairways of Rockford Country Club. Prizes went to the best 2011 Yearbook and Annual Report

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5Rockford Chamber Golf Classic awards prizes for top tee box spon-

5Amy Millman, Springboard 2000 Enterprises, encourages Expo

sor themes, including Rock Valley College’s “Tim Conway - Dorf on Golf.”

participants to talk about their accomplishments.

crazy Hollywood outfits, top three foursomes, longest drivers, longest putters, and more. Prizes also went to the top tee box sponsor themes: Rock Valley College with Tim ConwayDorf on Golf, Simple Elegance with a Ratatouille theme, and Universal Restoration Services with a movie theater theme.

The top foursome was Dick Francis, Stan Banas, Jamie Hogan and John Lanpher.

participant named in Rockford’s ATHENAPowerLink® mentoring program, which pairs a woman business owner with a panel of business experts to help grow her company.

Mayor’s Business Luncheon

Women in Business Expo and Luncheon

More than 400 participants turned out for the 16th annual Women in Business Expo and Luncheon on June 23 at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, featuring 55 women-owned businesses. Keynote speaker was Amy Millman, co-founder of the non-profit Springboard 2000 Enterprises, who encouraged participants to be willing to talk about their accomplishments and claim their expertise – “Not just think it, not just believe it, but claim it. People will take you seriously and will want to know more about you.”

Three women business owners were honored for contributions to the business world and the community, and the 2011

“I love to see what each business has to offer, and it’s an excellent networking event. Women need to support women-owned businesses.”

-- Cheryl Zweep, Lexxon Networks 10

5Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey touches on challenges and successes at the Mayor’s Business Luncheon.

A crowd of 430 turned out for Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey’s annual address to Rockford Chamber members

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rockfordchamber.com - ROCKFORD CHAMBER “It makes a lot of sense to have intergovernmental collaboration. If you get a number of agencies going in the same direction, it will result in good things for the city and the region.”

-- Gary Love, The Love Johnson Group/Robert W. Baird & Co. on Aug. 10 at the Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center. Morrissey talked about challenges facing the city, with a government at its lowest level of staffing per resident since 1980. On the bright side, he complimented the work done by the RAVE board and SMG, the growth of City Market and the new direction for the Rockford Public Schools.

He boldly predicted the U.S. Supreme Court will sustain the individual insurance mandate by a large margin when it rules on the legality of reform law.

Education Outlook Luncheon: United for Our Children

The Rockford Chamber and its partners, the United Way of Rock River Valley, Alignment Rockford, Zion Develop-

Healthcare Industry Update

Industry expert Henry “Hank” Aaron, senior fellow for Brookings Institution, painted a less-than-rosy picture of

5Geoffrey Canada, Harlem Children’s Zone, Inc., talks about bringing positive change to an urban school system at the Education Outlook Luncheon.

5Henry “Hank” Aaron, Brookings Institution, talks about driving forces behind healthcare spending at the Healthcare Lunch. healthcare to a crowd of 300 at the fourth-annual Healthcare Industry Update luncheon on Nov. 16 at Giovanni’s.

“Healthcare policy in the United States is a mess,” he said.

“Everyone agrees, but they don’t agree what to do about it.”

He added that over the past several decades, the most powerful force driving up healthcare spending has been medical research. “Advances in research typically boost total spending, even as they reduce price.” Aaron said Congress is mulling a proposal of between $1.2 and $5 trillion in deficit cuts over the next decade, with automatic cuts falling on part of Medicare.

ment Corporation and the City of Rockford, presented Education Outlook Luncheon: United for Our Children on Dec. 8 at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort. The event featured Geoffrey Canada, Harlem Children’s Zone, Inc., who highlighted the successes his organization has experienced in bringing about positive change in a highly urban school system.

“We’re facing a huge dilemma, and we have to make some tough choices. We can’t sustain the current level of services we’re providing with the revenue sources that are there. The choices are either cut services, enhance revenues or some combination of both.”

-- Dr. Martin Lipsky, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford

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2011 Awards

The Rockford Chamber honored individuals and businesses for outstanding successes in business and the community. Chamber-member committees chose honorees based on careful review.

Annual Dinner

Manufacturing

5“I know people in this community who give away everything they have, every day. If we applaud each other, we build momentum and strength. It gives credibility to the work being done and that’s the most important thing.” – Jim Keeling, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

5“I’ve always believed in manufacturing. It’s so nice to have those

Citizen of the Year

Manzullo Individual Business Catalyst

Rockford philanthropist Jim Keeling was named the 2011 Citizen of the Year at the Annual Dinner on Jan. 19. Keeling, along with his wife Pam, was instrumental in raising local money to help author and international philanthropist Greg Mortenson build schools in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Pennies for Peace campaign. Along with Sunil Puri, he developed the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza, a 2.5-acre park and international peace plaza at Perryville Road. Keeling is chair of the Perryville Path Project, a member of the Board of Trustees of Rockford College, and president of the Rockford Park District Foundation.

Rick Bastian, president and CEO of Blackhawk Bank, accepted the Manzullo Individual Business Catalyst award at the Manufacturing Expo & Dinner on March 24. Bastian received the award for his support of many manufacturing industry organizations and causes, including Women of Today’s Manufacturing, the Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association, Manufacturers Alliance of the Rock River Valley (MARVV) and the Chamber’s Manufacturers Council.

Previous Recipients: ■■ Barb Berman (2010) ■■ Robert Funderburg (2009) ■■ Jon Lundin (2008, awarded posthumously) ■■ Mike Dunn (2007) 12

manufacturers believe in me. Manufacturing is healthy in the Rock River Valley. It’s here to stay and I’m glad to be a part of it.” – Rick Bastian, Blackhawk Bank

Previous Recipients: ■■ Mike Molander, Austin-Western LLC (2010) ■■ Robert Schafer, B/E Aerospace (2009) ■■ Keith Irons, Rockford Area Ventures/EIGERlab (2008) ■■ Bob Trojan, Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc. (2007)

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5“This is a validation of all the hard work that our employees

5“It’s an honor to be recognized among such a fantastic group of

have put in. It’s been a real tough economy, but we had a record year last year. It reflects on all the work they put in to keep us competitive in the marketplace.” -- Phil Baerenwald, J.L. Clark

women, many of whom have been trailblazers in the community.” – Heather Kelley, Argyle Marketing

Manufacturer of the Year Phil Baerenwald, president, accepted the Manufacturer of the Year award on behalf of J.L. Clark at the Manufacturing Expo & Dinner on March 24. The 107-year manufacturing company was recognized for its commitment to employee development, facility upgrades and environmental sustainability, and is a founding member of the Rockford Chamber. It has remained competitive for over a century using the latest techniques, machinery and methods to manufacture products in the niche metal and plastic packaging industry.

■■ Joy Baldwin, Alpine Bank (2008) ■■ Amanda Haymaker, Girl Scouts-Rock River Valley Council (2007) ■■ Holly Swanson, TLN TV51 (2006)

Woman Manager of the Year

Previous Recipients: ■■Energy Dynamics, Inc. (2010) ■■Rockford Toolcraft, Inc. (2009) ■■Eclipse, Inc. (2007) ■■Aqua-Aerobic Systems Inc. (2006)

Women in Business Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow Heather Kelley, co-owner of Argyle Marketing, was named Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow at the Women in Business Expo and Luncheon on June 23. She is involved in many organizations, and is president of the Harlem School Board.

Previous Recipients: ■■ Veronica Blake, Hamilton Sundstrand (2010) ■■ Mary Cacioppi, Ignite, Next Rockford (2009)

5“It’s very rewarding to be recognized for the work that you do, even though you don’t do it for an award. You do it because it’s something you love, and you’re surrounded by people you love.” – Kris Kieper, YWCA of Rockford Kris Kieper, CEO of the YWCA of Rockford, was named Woman Manager of the Year at the Women in Business Expo and Luncheon on June 23 for positive changes to the organization since 2006.

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ROCKFORD CHAMBER - rockfordchamber.com Previous Recipients: ■■ Lori Gummow, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (2010) ■■ Julie Bosma, RAMP (2009) ■■ Linda Grist Cunningham, Rockford Register Star (2008) ■■ Lori Berkes-Nelson, Golden Apple Foundation (2007) ■■ Janyce Fadden, Rockford Area Economic Development Council (2006)

Woman Business Owner of the Year Rebecca Kopf, president of PR Etc., was named Woman Business Owner of the Year at the Women in Business Expo and Luncheon on June 23. Kopf moved to Rockford in 2001 and opened her own successful communications firm a year later.

Previous Recipients: ■■ Mary JoHare, ServPro of Rockford (2010) ■■ Bonnie Smith, Accurate Accounting and Payroll Services, LLC (2009) ■■ MaryAnn Norwood, Pathways Employee Assistance Program (2008) ■■ Jean Vitale, Beef-A-Roo (2007) ■■ Judy Johnson, River District Catering (2006)

5“It means the hard work pays off. I came from understanding how to do public relations and marketing, but not how to run a business. I’ve learned through hardships how to do it. It takes a lot of perseverance and surrounding yourself with the right people.” – Rebecca Kopf, PR Etc.

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6Some of the 21 People You Should Know winners at the reception at the Rock Valley College Karl J. Jacobs Science & Math Center October 20, 2011.

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Leadership Rockford Congratulations! Leadership Rockford, 2010-2011 The Rockford Chamber celebrated the graduation of its 56th Leadership Rockford class of 26 area professionals with a luncheon on May 12 at Franchesco’s Ristorante. Jeff Kaney, founder and CEO of Kaney Group, LLC, shared his vision of leadership and the importance of service, volunteerism and community involvement as keynote speaker.

In an effort to share their talents and give back, the class during the year participated in community service projects for area non-profits: • Harlem Community Center • Kids in the Kitchen (Discovery Center Museum) • Rockford Rescue Mission • Womanspace • Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild Rockford

Moderators for the program were: Martesha Brown, Rockford Park District; Mary Grimborg, Ispen USA, and Ben Hunter, Woodward. Moderators for the 2011-2012 program are: Patricia Diduch, Village of Machesney Park; Lisa Johnson, OSF Healthcare, and Jeff Tilly, Rockford Register Star.

Thank you to the Leadership Rockford program and event sponsors!

SwedishAmerican Health System (presenting) ComEd, An Exelon Company (supporting) Reno & Zahm LLP (supporting) Thermo Fisher Scientific (supporting) PNC Bank (2011-2012 program sponsor)

2010/11 Leadership Rockford Graduates Lisa Breitsprecker, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Janet Cowan, Provena Patricia Diduch, Village of Machesney Park Tasha Dozier, Workshop America Greg Gann, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Bryan Gatlin, Alpine Bank Michael Iasparro, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Tom Jeske, McGladrey Lisa Johnson, OSF Healthcare Nichole Johnson, Reno & Zahm, LLP Debby Jones, Rockford Health System Roger Kienast, ComEd, An Exelon Company Jennifer Kuroda, SwedishAmerican Health System

Dawn Larson, SwedishAmerican Health System Adam Lied, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Caitlin Ludwig, IGNITE Mary Martin, Woodward Marie Nlend, Thermo Fisher Scientific Zackary Oakley, Greater Rockford Airport Authority Thomas Okite, Artisan Consulting Engineers, LLC Sean O’Sullivan, Thermo Fisher Scientific Anthony Phelps, Reno & Zahm, LLP Nick Redieske, Cord Construction Company David Spencer, Rockford Park District Jeff Tilly, Rockford Register Star Serrita Woods, Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Thank you to the more than 1,600 graduates of the Chamber’s Leadership program who over the past 100 years have gone on to be leaders in the Rockford community.

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IGNITE Rockford’s Young Professionals Group IGNITE, with a mission to attract and retain talent in the region, had a strong base in 2011 of more than 250 young professional members, as well as corporate and founding partners. The organized hosted more than 50 events – all opportunities for personal and professional growth, leadership, networking and volunteering. Young professionals gained connections to local non-profit boards and a voice in the community. Visit www.igniterockford.com.

New in 2011

In 2011, IGNITE launched its new education series, Breakfast & Business: Entrepreneur Edition in March for entrepreneurs and sponsored by McGladrey. Its new event on Sept. 22, C-Suite Meet & Greet was a speed networking opportunity at the Hilton Garden Inn, which paired young professionals with local C-Suite executives (CEOs/CFOs/ COOs as well as executive directors and presidents).

Returning by Popular Demand

IGNITE marked its second anniversary with a celebration on May 20 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Rockford. The event included a cocktail hour, dinner and comedy show featuring Anne O’Keefe, Rockford Area Arts Council, and Kevin Haas, Rockford Register Star. The second-annual Roaring Rockford: Casino Royale on Oct. 7 at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort featured dinner, dancing and casino games as well as a silent auction and raffle.

Young Professionals GIVE Back

IGNITE’s young professionals gave back to the community, partnering with four worthy non-profit organizations in 2011. In 2012, IGNITE will work with six non-profits on a rolling admission basis. Applications are available on the Web site.

Thank You to the Founding Partners!

Coyle-Varland Insurance Co, Inc. GrahamSpencer Advertising Design Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C. KMK Media Group McGladrey Rock River Valley Blood Center Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Rockford Area Economic Development Council Rockford Area Realtors Rockford Chamber of Commerce Rockford Park District WilliamMcCarthy, LLP Williams-Manny, Inc.

Thank You to the Corporate Partners!

Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera, LLP Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort First Northern Credit Union Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Great Hang-Ups Hamilton Sundstrand Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Katie’s Cup MBA Program of Rockford College OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Rasmussen College Rock River Valley Blood Center Rockford Health System The North Central Group United Way of Rock River Valley WilliamMcCarthy, LLP Williams-Manny, Inc.

Non-Profit of the Quarter Partners, 2011 ■■Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center ■■Illinois Jets Track & Field ■■Mosaic ■■Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful

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Partners in 2011

The Rockford Chamber partnered with many other organizations in 2011 in community-wide initiatives and opportunities.

Go Global IV: Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council and its partners, including the Rockford Chamber, presented the fourth-annual Go Global IV conference, April 12 to 13 at the Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center. The conference was an opportunity to strengthen and grow small- and medium-sized enterprises in the international marketplace.

Top industry experts in global trade addressed partnering, business planning, global trade efficiencies, obtaining trade finance, managing risk, navigating through customs, marketing, cultures, and more.

Keynote speaker, Terri Morrison, best-selling co-author of Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands and president of Getting Through Customs, described ways to smooth over cultural barriers and form lasting client and professional relationships across the globe. Plenty of time was available to network with participants and exhibitors. Visit www.goglobalrockford.com.

Bernadette Rotello, a sixth grader from St. James Catholic School in Rockford, cut the ribbon as winners of the essay contest sponsored by the Federal Reserve on the importance of financial literacy.

Money SmartWeek was coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Many area businesses and nonprofit organizations participated by offering free classes and events to the public on various aspects of managing personal finances.

Tri State Alliance Regional Transportation Summit

The Rockford Chamber partnered in the fourth-annual Tri State Alliance Transportation Summit on May 9 at Radisson Hotel & Conference Center. Keynote speaker was U.S. Rep. John L. Mica, Florida, chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The Tri State Alliance is a collaboration of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin cities through its chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. Visit www.tristatealliance.com.

MoneySmart Week

Einar Forsman, Rockford Chamber, and Doug Tillett, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, were among those who attended the ribbon cutting kickoff of Rockford’s 2011 MoneySmart Week, April 2 to 9. Katelyn Sanders, a seventh grader from Belvidere Central Middle School, and

ATHENAPowerLink®

Kristan McNames was chosen in 2011 as recipient of ATHENAPowerLink® at the Women in Business Expo and Luncheon on June 23. The mentoring program pairs one woman entrepreneur with a panel of business experts at no charge for one year to grow her company. McNames

“I am so honored and excited to have been selected for this program. I’m hoping to bounce ideas off of the panel, and am open to whatever insight and direction they can provide.”

– Kristan McNames, Grace Funeral & Cremation Services 2011 Yearbook and Annual Report

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The Rockford program is a partnership between the Rockford Chamber and ATHENA International and co-hosted

by PNC Bank. The year-long professional consulting package is valued at $40,000.

FastPitch, 2011

Seventy entrepreneurs with a dream of connecting with experts to move their ideas, services or products to the next level, competed in EIGERlab’s fifth-annual Stateline FastPitch Competition on June 22 at NIU-Rockford. Hopefuls shared their business ideas in a three-minute pitch in front of a panel of judges and the public.

Winning Ideas:

5Kristan McNames, Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, was named the 2011 ATHENAPowerlink recipient.

Previous Recipients: ■■ Antoinette “Toni” Brown, Stepping Stones (2010) ■■ Jennifer Anderson, Anderson Environmental & Engineering Co. (2009)

■■ Position Tech, customizable replacement football cleats, first prize ($5,000) ■■ Wet Will-E Water Balloons, second prize ($1,000) ■■ MyidentiKEY, an inventive way to assure expensive keys are returned if lost, third prize ($500) ■■ University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students, Peer2Connect.com, a global academic assistance network, first prize, student division, ($1,000) ■■ Renwig Custom, a robotically-controlled tube amplifier for musicians (iPad), second place, student division

“We watch ABC’s Shark Tank all the time — this competition is fabulous!”

-- Orlando Saez, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and 2011 FastPitch keynote speaker

Did You Know?

The Rockford Chamber issues certificates of origin (COs) to local exporters? Chambers have played a role in delivering COs since the 1923 Geneva Convention. COs prove the origin of goods being exported in order to satisfy customs or trade requirements. For more information on obtaining a CO, contact Vee Jevremovic, Rockford Chamber, 815-316-4337 or vjevremovic@rockfordchamber.com.

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Ribbon Cuttings A highlight of the many ribbon cuttings by the Rockford Chamber for members in 2011.

Maverick Media, Studio 1 location, 218 E. State St., Rockford

Winnebago County Health Department facility, 555 N. Court St., Rockford

Rockford Data Management & IRent Real Estate Group, Inc., 1444 Myott Ave., #5 and #1., Rockford

Fit Me Wellness, 2595 N. Mulford Road, Rockford

Midland Financial Strategies, 6957 Olde Creek Road, Ste. 1400, Rockford

Vito’s Ristorante, Inc., 1620 N. Bell School Road, Rockford

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Complete Nutrition, 645 Highgrove Place, Rockford

Evian Rain Salon & Spa, 4001 N. Perryville Road, Unit B, Loves Park

Womanspace, Inc.-The Anjali Pavilion, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford

Red Mango, 6876 Spring Creek Road, #118, Rockford

Rockford Detective Agency, Inc., 521 Loves Park Dr., Loves Park

Royal Crown Events/Rue La Paris, 4001 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park

Parks Big & Tall, 314 N. Alpine Road, Rockford

Lakeshore Title Agency, 4053 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park

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Rock Valley College, Karl J. Jacobs Center for Science and Math, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford

MashUp Restaurant, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Ste. 212, Rockford

Ameriprise Financial, 6735 Vistagreen Way, Rockford

Pizza Hut - 11th Street, 3329 S. 11th St., Rockford

Step Into Weight Loss, A Division of Step Into Wellness, 5301 E. State St., Ste 206, Rockford

Flood Pros, 11137 Bertram Road, Machesney Park

Children’s Holiday Shoppe, The Market Place, 5846 E. State St., Rockford

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Jersey Mike’s, 6284 E. State St., Rockford

United for Youth (Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois & Boy Scouts Blackhawk Area Council, BSA), 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford

Field Fastener Supply Co., 9883 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park

Frontier Airlines, Chicago Rockford International Airport, Rockford

Kochi Japan, 7310 Walton St Unit A, Rockford

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 6845 E. State St., Rockford

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Meet the 2012

Executive Committee Mike Broski

Chairman Entré Computer Solutions

Rich Walsh

Chairman Elect SwedishAmerican Health System

Patti thayer

Vice Chairman Thayer Lighting, Inc.

Larry Bridgeland Treasurer Mid City Office Products

Pam Maher

Immediate Past Chairman KMK Media Group, Inc.

Why the Chamber? A Member Testimonial...

The City of Rockford is very well respected and the Chamber of Commerce is a significant reason for this.

That is why so many organizations, for-profit and not, seek to participate in what the Chamber does. That is why Judson University is one of those eager-beaver organizations.

A number of people analogize Chamber membership to voting. “What difference can my single vote make in the whole scheme of things?” You have heard or may even have used that line of reasoning at one time or another.

Well, when it comes to Chamber membership, there are loads of good reasons.

The following important ones naturally bubble to the top: 1. Representation. The Chamber promotes business interests at the local, state and federal levels, including legislation relative to free trade.

2. One Voice. The Chamber effectively represents its constituency in the promotion, preservation and growth of commerce.

3. Networking. There are few places where you can have better exposure to those stakeholders who mean something to you.

4. Events. The Chamber sponsors, participates in or is at least knowledgeable of most happenings that are vital to you. More often than not, notification of these occasions is accompanied by discounts to them.

5. Assistance. When you want to accomplish something, the Chamber is an ideal place to begin. If it does not have something specific to help you with, it can probably point you in the direction of someone who can assist you, if not actually provide a roadmap.

6. Information Updates. If you want to know who has done what, be it an organization or an individual, this is a one-stop shopping source. Since environmental scanning (i.e., understanding your business horizon) is critical, such intelligence will effectively differentiate you.

7. Competitive Analysis. Whether you are an innovator or an imitator, you must know what your rivals are doing. Information from the Chamber enables you to do so.

Dr. Tom Berliner is Judson University’s dean of the School of Leadership and Business. The university considers itself an important presence in the Rockford area with a focus on content, credentials and conscience.

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Meet the 2012

Board of Directors

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Romero Bennett Blue Sky Insurance Agency

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.

Walt Boothe BMO Harris Bank, N. A.

Ryan Brauns Rockford Consulting & Brokerage

Paul Callighan ComEd

Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc.

J Chapman Maverick Media

Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University

Janyce Fadden Ex-Officio Rkfd Area Economic Development Council

Einar Forsman Ex-Officio Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Darlene Furst Furst Staffing

John Groh Ex-Officio Rkfd Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Penny Lechtenberg Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Mike Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer of Rockford

Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank

Mark Peterson CBL Associates CherryVale

Peter Ricker Rockford Register Star

Tim Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy

Daniel Saavedra Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects

Henry Seybold Rockford Health System

Patrick Shaw McGladrey

Somchan Thatsanaphon K-I Machine Tool & Production Inc.

Tim White Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation

Jennifer Wood Sikich, LLP

Richard Zumwalt OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

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Public Policy Initiatives The Rockford Chamber Board of Directors voted to approve and support a number of public policies throughout 2011.

Yes to the Extension of the One Percent City Sales Tax The Board of Directors voted at its meeting on Feb. 22 to support the extension of the one percent City of Rockford sales tax for public infrastructure improvements. Board support was based in part on recommendations by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council, which heard a presentation by the City of Rockford and the citizen’s group, Citizens for Rebuilding Rockford.

Rockford citizenry voted “yes” on the proposed five-year extension during the April 5 election. Since its inception in 2007, the sales tax revenue has generated an average of $15 million per year in revenue for local roads, bridges and other infrastructure improvement projects.

Yes to the Illinois Tollway Plan During its meeting on Aug. 23, the Board of Directors voted to endorse the proposed Illinois Tollway Congestion Relief and Capital Improvement Plan and associated toll increases to finance the improvements. The vote followed the board’s review of the Government Affairs Council’s recommendation to endorse the proposal, after the Illinois Tollway’s Public Hearing at the Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center on Aug. 22.

Proposed improvements in the comprehensive 15-year capital plan include lane expansion from two to three lanes in each direction between Cherry Valley and Elgin. From Elgin to the Kennedy Expressway, the improvements include lane expansion to four lanes, with the fourth lane dedicated to mass transit. The project will be financed by a 35-cent increase in passenger rates starting in 2012 for I-Pass customers and increases in passenger rates for non-pass holders.

Rates for trucking/freight will not be impacted.

Pension Sustainability. The Chamber encouraged the General Assembly to approve HJRCA5 to require a threefifths vote for all legislation that increases a benefit under any pension or retirement system of the state or unit of local government.

Senate Bill 512 Pension Reform. The bill amends pension benefits for current and future employees. All benefits already earned by retirees and current employees would be protected. Current employees would be offered three choices going forward: their current plan with a higher employee contribution, the less-costly plan offered to new employees with a lower employee contribution, or a new 401-style plan with a lower employee contribution.

New employees would be offered the second two options offered to current employees.

Economic Consideration in Arbitration Decisions.

The Rockford Chamber urged Governor Quinn, members of the Illinois General Assembly, the Department of Labor, and the Illinois Public Labor Relations Board to reexamine the role that arbitrators play in the formulation of local obligations and to ensure that arbitrators consider the actual affordability and broader fiscal implications of their decisions and adjust those decisions accordingly.

Repeal of Public Act 95-490. The Rockford Chamber believes that the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor should repeal Public Act 95-490, which will re-establish the use of volunteer and part-time fire fighters as a mandatory topic of bargaining under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act.

Yes to Rockford Mayor’s Legislative Agenda The Board of Directors at its Oct. 25 board meeting confirmed the recommendations of the Government Affairs Council to adopt policy positions for legislative issues in Springfield that address pensions and collective bargaining/ arbitration rules. The GAC recommendation followed a presentation by Rockford Mayor Lawrence Morrissey at its Oct. 14 meeting.

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Meet the

Chamber Staff Staff contact information

Einar K. Forsman President & CEO

Lynette Jacques Advertising and Sponsorship Executive

Vee Jevremovic Manager of Education Programs and Events

Heidi Garner Executive Assistant to the President & CEO

Jazzminne Keyes Director, IGNITE Young Professionals

Joy Moriarty V.P. Finance

Doug Hessong Director of Publications & Technology

Cyndie Landis Financial Assistant

Einar K. Forsman eforsman@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4304

Heidi Garner hgarner@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4312

Doug Hessong dhessong@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4338

Lynette Jacques ljacques@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4317

Jazzminne Keyes jazz@igniterockford.com

815-316-4335

Cyndie Landis clandis@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4300

Vee Jevremovic vee@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4337

Joy Moriarty jmoriarty@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4316

Stacy Mullins smullins@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4302

Diane Navickis dnavikis@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4315

Joan Sundvall jsundvall@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4320

Valerie Tippitt vtippitt@rockfordchamber.com

815-316-4336

Stacy Mullins Director of Events

Rockford Chamber of Commerce Direct Line Call

815-987-8100

Diane Navickis Membership Development Manager

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Joan Sundvall Membership Contact Coordinator

Valerie Tippitt Membership Development Manager

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Courier-Meridian

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Advertisers Index The Rockford Chamber would like to thank its advertisers for supporting this publication.

Absolute Fire Protection, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Aramark Uniform Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Bickford House of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

2012 Rockford Chamber Event Preview Sponsored by:

Blackhawk Propane Co, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Bobcat of Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bug Lady Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Byron Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Courier Meridian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Crescent Electric Supply Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Dickerson & Nieman Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Foltz & Sons Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Furst Staffing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Giovanni’s, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Holcomb State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Humana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Interstate Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 JMB Business Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Leading Lawyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover MegaFab/W. A. Whitney Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Northern Illinois University Conference Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Olsson Roofing Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Rasmusssen College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Riverside Community Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Rockford Area Association of Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Rockford Bell Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Rock Valley College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 St. Angel Real Estate & Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Saint Anthony College of Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 TDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford . . . . . . . . . . 34 Upper Iowa University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Major Annual Events ■■ Annual Membership Dinner – January 19 ■■ Manufacturer’s Appreciation Dinner & Expo – March 21 ■■ Celebration of Leadership – May 10 ■■ Annual Golf Outing – May 21 ■■ Women in Business Luncheon & Expo – June 21 ■■ Regional Business Expo with Green Expo – September 20 ■■ People You Should Know – October 18

Luncheon Speaker Series Presented by BMO Harris Bank, N. A. ■■ Small Business Luncheon – February 16 ■■ State of the County Luncheon – April 25 ■■ Mayor’s Business Luncheon – August 16 ■■ Healthcare Industry Update Luncheon – November 15 ■■ Education Luncheon – December 6 ■■ Breakfast Buzz – Monthly ■■ Good Morning Rockford ■■ Business After Hours ■■ Leadership Rockford – 8 months, October - May ■■ Chamber 101 & Speed Networking – Quarterly ■■ Councils and Committees: Women, Multicultural, Manufacturing and Government Affairs

Veolia Environmental Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Vito’s Ristorante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Williams-Manny, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 WilliamsMcCarthy LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Winnebago County Schools Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Woodward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 36

To make a reservation for an event please contact: Stacy Mullins 815.316.4302 For sponsorship information please contact: Lynette Jacques 815.316.4317

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