2019
rockfordchamber.com - ROCKFORD CHAMBER
308 West State Street, Suite 190 Rockford, Illinois 61101 815.987.8100 815.987.8122 fax info@rockfordchamber.com rockfordchamber.com Writers/Editors Melissa Westphal Caitlin Pusateri Einar Forsman Lynette Jacques Layout/Design/Production Doug Hessong Advertising Sales Lynette Jacques Database Manager Joan Sundvall Photography Brian Thomas Photography and the Rockford Chamber Staff
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Table of Contents
A Letter to Chamber Members . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Business Growth
Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Caught On Digital! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Community Priority Luncheon Series . . . . . . . . . 12
2019 By the Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Business Advocacy
Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Leadership
Rockford Leadership Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Leadership Rockford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lead 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
40 Under Forty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
IGNITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20
Professional Development
2019 Events & Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-26
What We Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Looking to 2020
The 2020 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
Rockford Chamber Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Advertising Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertiser's Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
31-40
ABOUT THIS BOOK - The 2019 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Yearbook 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, Vice President, Member Investment at 815-316-4317.
Š Copyright 2020 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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Dear Valued Chamber Members, This is the time of year we reflect on our many achievements in 2019 and anticipate the challenges and milestones to come in 2020. Looking back on last year, we can say with certainty that our region progressed with economic development, business expansion, community partnerships and improvements, and took many more big steps forward. Thank you for your membership and your dedication to our business community. You help create a positive outlook for our region as we enter a new decade. Please enjoy the highlights included in this yearbook as a reminder of where we have been and a glimpse of where we are headed. RAEDC/Chamber Unification - In 2019, the Rockford Chamber and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) took formal steps to explore a unification process. The Rockford Chamber and the RAEDC believe coming together under one umbrella organization will lead to greater success. It will help the organizations work together on common goals like business attraction, business retention and workforce development, and it will allow for stronger advocacy on issues favorable to business. The two organizations will remain separate but unified, sharing the workload and resources and sharing accountability for moving our business community forward. The process is expected to be completed in first quarter of 2020. Leadership Development - The Rockford Chamber has gone “all in” to honor great leaders in this region and develop and host programs that continue to build and promote future leaders. We recognize community needs will only intensify during the next decade, so it’s up to us to be a change instigator rather than just a resource to help people cope with change. To better align these goals, we established the Center for Leadership Development to create new programs and strategically organize existing, successful programs to maximize their impact. Pro-Business Development - Commitment to public policy and political action that is good for business continues to rank among our top priorities. The Rockford Chamber is 1,200 members strong, representing a workforce of 60,000 individuals. Our government affairs activities link the needs of businesses directly to our public policy-makers. In 2019, we were pleased to see eight taxing bodies join together to keep their property tax levies flat for 2020, lessening the burden for our citizens and businesses. Small Business Development - Small businesses are the core of a strong local economy, and business growth is a key reason why we have a Chamber. The Chamber is celebrating nearly three successful years since the launch of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in 2017. The SBDC is a busy hub of activity and has exceeded all its annual goals of helping many businesses start up, advance or grow. Former Rock Valley College President Mike Mastrioanni joined us in April 2019 as the center’s new director. Workforce Development - Enhancing the local workforce is a critical cog in the wheel of economic growth. The Rockford Chamber has collaborated with partner agencies to develop a stronger talent pipeline addressing core workforce weaknesses (soft skills) and demands of leading, specific local industries (engineering, aerospace, machining and health care). In 2019, we unveiled our online Job Bank, a self-service tool our members can use to fill vacancies and search for jobs.
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
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In 2020, we are pleased to once again offer a robust calendar of events, educational programs, publications, and services centered on our members’ priorities to advance business and professional development, advocate for a pro-business environment, and cultivate connections. As a Chamber, we look forward to continuing to serve you – our members – and our community. Find us at rockfordchamber.com or 815-987-8100 for questions or to get involved in any of these key initiatives. Follow us on social media and check out more news in The Voice each month.
Sincerely,
Michele Petrie Board Chairman
Einar K. Forsman President & CEO
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Crime and Safety - Our local leaders remain focused on a public safety strategy that is moving us in a positive direction. Violent crime is down 30% in the city of Rockford, and the homicide clearance rate has increased dramatically – from 19% in 2015 to 80% in 2019. We encourage businesses and residents to participate in the Community Camera Network, which aims to link private surveillance cameras with local law enforcement to improve understanding of how crimes occur and identify and apprehend suspects.
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Partnerships The Rockford Chamber participated in the confluence concept, collaborating with organizations across the community
Small Business Development Center
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce offers services free of charge to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners – chamber members and nonmembers – in the Rockford area. As a partnership between the Chamber, the Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the center operates out of the NIU EIGERlab, 8500 E. State. St., and maintains an office at the Chamber’s downtown location. For questions, call 815-987-8100.
Manufacturing DaySM, Oct. 10
Held on Oct. 10, Manufacturing Day helped students learn about manufacturing careers with hands-on activities at local manufacturing companies. Students toured facilities and then convened at the Radisson for lunch and a roundtable dialogue with manufacturing representatives. In all, 18 manufacturers opened their doors to more than 450 students from 15 regional high schools. Thanks to Career Education Associates of North Central Illinois (CEANCI) for their continued partnership on this event.
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business growth
Caught on Digital!
Always a celebration, ribbon cuttings and ground breakings represented grand openings and expansions for member businesses in 2019
Riverwest Clinic held a ribbon cutting on Jan. 10, 2019 at 815 Marchesano Dr., Rockford.
Center for Sight & Hearing hosted a wall breaking ceremony on Feb. 1, 2019 for the 2,200- sq.-ft. expansion of its vision clinic.
Cherryvale Place, Senior Living held a ribbon cutting and Business After Hours on Feb. 7, 2019 at 1545 Temple Lane, Rockford.
First National Bank and First Insurance Group held ribbon cuttings on Feb. 28, 2019 at 839 N. Perryville Road, Suite 101, Rockford.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria held a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 6240 Mulford Village Dr., Rockford.
Upper Cervical Care Center held a ribbon cutting and open house on April 9, 2019, celebrating its new location at 4350 Morsay Dr., Rockford.
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Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum held a ribbon cutting on May 7, 2019 at 411 Kent St., Rockford.
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois held a ribbon cutting on May 7, 2019 at 1886 Daimler Road, Rockford.
Sunbelt Energy held a ribbon cutting on May 23, 2019 at 4649 26th Ave., Rockford.
Aqua Aerobic Systems celebrated its 50th anniversary with employees and the community on May 30, 2019.
The Joint Chiropractic held a ribbon cutting on May 31, 2019 at 6139 E. State St., Rockford.
Cream City Scale LLC held a ribbon cutting on June 7, 2019 for its new location at 4300 N. Bell School Road, Loves Park.
Two Men and a Truck held a ribbon cutting on June 18, 2019 for its new storage facility at 6201 Material Ave., #1, Loves Park.
Woodman’s celebrated 100 years on June 25, 2019 with free food and drinks for customers, employees and vendors in its parking lot at 3155 McFarland Road, Rockford.
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Rockford Ball Screw held a ribbon cutting and open house on June 27, 2019 at 940 Southrock Dr.; celebrating its 30,000-sq.-ft. expansion and creation of 25 more jobs.
Tower Loan of Illinois, LLC, held a ribbon cutting on July 11, 2019 at 304 N. Alpine Road, Rockford.
Northern Illinois Hospice held a ribbon cutting on July 16, 2019 at 4751 Harrison Ave., Rockford.
Skills On Point, LLC and AED Essentials, Inc., held a ribbon cutting and open house on July 25, 2019 at 6775 Fincham Dr., Ste. 3, Rockford.
Rockford Mass Transit District held a ribbon cutting and open house on Aug. 21, 2019 at the newly renovated downtown terminal at 501 W. State St., Rockford.
EBISS held a ribbon cutting on Aug. 29, 2019 at 7918 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park.
Center for Sight & Hearing held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 12, 2019 at 8038 MacIntosh Lane, Rockford, for its vision clinic expansion.
Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful - Recycling Center held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 18, 2019 at 4665 Hydraulic Road, Rockford.
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Mercyhealth dedicated the Pediatric Healing Garden at Javon Bea Hospital and Physician Clinic-Riverside on Sept. 18, 2019.
PCI held a ribbon cutting and open house tours on Sept. 19, 2019 for its clinical services site expansion at 4545 Assembly Dr., Rockford.
Forest City Float/Namaste Studios held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 2, 2019 at 223 E. State St., Ste. 202, Rockford.
Rockford Park District’s Indoor Sports Center held a ribbon cutting and open house on Oct. 4, 2019 at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park.
RAMP held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 10, 2019 for its second Project SEARCH site at Northwestern Medicine at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb.
SwedishAmerican held a beam-raising on Oct. 15, 2019 for the new Women and Children’s Tower on the main hospital campus at 1401 E. State St, Rockford.
Restore Counseling & Recovery held a ribbon cutting and open house on Oct. 16, 2019 at 7210 E. State St., Ste. 206, Rockford.
Carz R’ Us, General Automotive & Tire held a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Oct. 24, 2019 at 10208 Smythe Ave., Machesney Park.
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business growth
KFACT Inc., held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 25, 2019 at 318 N. Church St., Rockford, for its new Girls Space.
Rockford University held a groundbreaking celebration on Nov. 6, 2019 for a 3,800-sq.ft. addition to the Seaver Physical Education Center at 5050 E. State St.
SwedishAmerican, A Division of UWHealth held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Nov. 7, 2019 for its expanded special procedures catheterization laboratory at 1401 E. State St., Rockford.
Decker 24 Hour Truck & Trailer Inc., held a groundbreaking on Nov. 15, 2019 at 1010 ECS Way, Belvidere, for its 10,500-sq.-ft. expansion.
Rockford Christian Schools held a dedication on Dec. 4, 2019 celebrating the final phase of the expansion of Puri Residence Hall at 7701 Christian Way.
SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health and Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes held a grand opening on Dec. 10, 2019.
First Northern Credit Union held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 10, 2019 at 6832 Stalter Dr., Rockford.
Associated Bank held a ribbon cutting and open house on Dec. 12, 2019 at 612 N. Main St., Rockford.
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Community Priority Luncheon Series
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Presented by BMO Harris Bank, the Community Priority Luncheons series spotlighted the Chamber’s commitment to build leaders, workforce, community, networks and business. The events provided our members with a unique look at different facets of our local community that are critical to business development, growth and success.
State of the County Our State of the County Luncheon kicked off the Community Priority Luncheons series on April 25 at the Tebala Event Center. Winnebago County Chairman Frank Haney delivered his third address with breaking news that he would not seek reelection when his terms ends in December 2020. More than 400 people attended the event, where Haney also suggested the community put a referendum on the ballot to make the chairman position permanent. Haney also planned to prioritize efforts to eliminate blight and explore an emergency management partnership to help reduce the county’s budget deficit.
Education Outlook Luncheon Rockford Public Schools 205 Superintendent Ehren Jarrett highlighted individual school score cards, the multi-classroom leader program, the STEAM Academy at Haskell, college and career readiness, and educational pathways at the Sept. 12 Education Outlook Luncheon at Giovanni’s. The Chamber supports the notion that a strong educational community builds a strong workforce, engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders. This luncheon connects the business community to the classroom, which houses individuals who represent the future of our community. Educational performance, workforce development, skills-building and graduation rates are all top priorities for area employers.
Heartbeat of Healthcare For nearly 50 years, Crusader Community Health has humbly served our community. Retiring CEO Gordon Eggers, Jr. and incoming CEO Sam Miller shared their perspectives Oct. 17 at the Radisson on the community health center model of health care. During the prior year, Crusader cared for more than 58,000 individuals (1 in 5 area residents), while providing 248,000 patient visits. Complementing Crusader’s medical program is a dental service focused on children and chronically ill adults. Crusader also has provided clinical care and a helping hand to homeless clients since 1988 and the Living with HIV Program since 1991.
Mayor’s Business Address Economic development, neighborhoods and public safety remain top priorities for Mayor Tom McNamara two years into his time in office. He offered updates on these issues Nov. 21 at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center to chamber members, noting that violent and property crimes are down; prominent properties that decrease property values are being removed; and businesses large and small are growing and expanding. McNamara also encouraged audience members to get engaged in community initiatives, such as the Community Camera Network.
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2019 By the Numbers
32
97
New Members
Board Members
12
2,827 Likes On Our Facebook Page
Chamber Staff
55
Jobs Listed in Our Job Bank
900+ IGNITE Members
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Ribbon Cuttings
1,898
Leadership Rockford Alumni
The Chamber is comprised of 1,200+ Members representing 60,000 Employees
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Advocacy The Rockford Chamber supports issues that contribute to strengthening the overall business climate
Government Affairs Council
The Government Affairs Council met monthly at Stockholm Inn in 2019 to discuss public policy issues to present a collective and powerful business perspective to elected officials. Our Government Affairs Council remained central to advocating for a strong and healthy business environment through influencing legislative, economic and social policy. Some highlights included:
• Educating our members about the city of Rockford’s economic development efforts, including the Rock Valley College Advanced Technology Center and the recapitalization of the Northern Illinois Community Development Corporation.
• Learning more about the Great Neighborhoods initiative and Fordam Forward. The first is intended to establish an overarching neighborhood strategy with clear objectives and goals to encourage and promote residential choices that promote economic strength and interconnected neighborhoods. Fordam Forward is a Rockford sub-region south of downtown that includes neighborhoods on the east and west side of the river, along with the Barber Colman site and local businesses. Its common anchor is the Morgan Street Bridge.
• Addressing new gaming legislation that allowed for a casino license within the city of Rockford. The project will bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to the region.
• Helping our members navigate workplace issues under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Legalization of marijuana in Illinois may have been welcomed by many, but it is expected to create new challenges for employers and businesses.
• Encouraging our members to share security camera surveillance data so the Rockford Police Department and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department can speed up police response to incidents, obtain a more accurate timeframe for when a crime happened, narrow down suspects and gather additional evidence.
Government Affairs Council Chairs past and present: (left to right) Ryan Brauns – Rockford Brokerage and Consulting; Andy Benson – Benson Stone; and Don Daniels – SwedishAmerican – A Division of UW Health.
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Rockford Leadership Alliance
Our 2019/2020 Rockford Leadership Alliance class kicked off Oct. 10 at the Tebala Event Center. Keynote Speaker Whitney Johnson set the tone with her “Build an ‘A’ Team” message, focused on attracting and retaining highly-skilled talent by fostering an engaging workforce. Johnson is one of the 50 leading business thinkers in the world and an expert on disruptive innovation and personal disruption. We have trained more than 600 people in crucial leadership skills – trust, organizational health and accountability – since RLA’s inception in 2016. For the current cohort, workshops are scheduled through April 2020.
Find out where you are on the S curve at whitneyjohnson.com/diagnostic
Rockford Leadership Alliance Investors Thank you to our 2019/2020 investors who made this program possible:
Facilitated by:
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Leadership Rockford
Celebration of Leadership Breakfast
We have graduated 1,857 individuals from this signature program, which aims to build leadership skills and enhance awareness of business, government and civic issues through interaction and direct involvement with business and community leaders. Our Celebration of Leadership Breakfast on May 2 at the Tebala Event Center celebrated the 47 members of the 65th Leadership Rockford class. The event featured Keynote Speaker Rich Harwood, president and founder of The Harwood Institute, a national nonprofit that coaches and teaches communities to work together. Our 2018/2019 Leadership Rockford moderators were: Alli Bernandi, Alpha Controls & Services LLC; Audrey Moon, WREX; Butch Rosecke, Mr. Goodwater; and Rebecca White Newgren, SecondFirst Church.
2018/2019 Leadership Rockford Class: Drew Anderson, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors; Haddon Anderson, Stateline Youth for Christ; Ashley Barba, Campos Construction; Christine Beaderstadt, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP; Mercedes Brain, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors; Susan Diehl, City of Rockford; Tasha Ferguson , Midland States Bank; Jessie Fletcher, LaMonica Beverages; Estelle Foster, Thermo Fisher Scientific ; Matt Gabel, Associated Bank; Tom Graceffa, CoyleKiley Insurance Agency Inc.; Drake Grindle, Savant Capital Management; Jessica Grunzke, Savant Capital Management; Brecken Haak, Associated Bank; Andrew Hendrickson, RSM US LLP; Ramona Hoel, Rock River Valley Blood Center; Kayann Johansson, Specialty Screw Corporation; Trisha Kamis, Rasmussen College; Theresa Kegley, Movement Fitness; Ariel Krueger, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Jeff Lewis, Savant Capital Management; Tyler Luedke, Stifel Financial ; Renee Luthe, NW HomeStart; Breane Lyga, 13 WREX; Jessica Marquez, SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health; Jeff Marrs, Boylan Catholic High School; Mary Ann Matus, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois; Gina Morrison, Illinois Bank & Trust; Brittany Nelson, Reno & Zahm LLP; Stephen Nelson, Larson & Darby Group; Christina Peacock, City of Rockford; Kelli Peterson, Savant Capital Management; Beverly Peterson, The Salvation Army; Kristina Pinney, Northwest Bank of Rockford; Justin Rosecke, Mr. Goodwater; Amber Sanders, Illinois Bank & Trust; Andrew Smith, United Technologies Advanced Projects; Shari Snyder, Midland States Bank; Lindsay Swift, US Bank; Victor Tellez, Rockford Area Realtors ÂŽ; Phil Voigt, Alpha Controls & Services LLC; Lori Wallace, KMK Media Group; Wendi Werren, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP; Jennifer Williams, Quantum Mortgage; Julie Williams, Larson & Darby Group; Lauren Zerey, SupplyCore Class Moderators: Alli Bernardi, Alpha Controls & Services LLC; Audrey Moon, WREX; Butch Rosecke, Mr. Goodwater; Rebecca White Newgren, SecondFirst Church
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Lead 360
Lead 360 Members include: Debra Adkins, Wesley Willows; Jennifer Anderson, Anderson Environmental Co.; Pam Appino, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.; Michele Beeman, Collins Aerospace; Kim Blascoe, Wipfli CPAs and Consultants; Jan Bowman, TLC Construction; Amy Brewer, Illinois Bank & Trust; Kimberly Bruce, Larson & Darby Group; Jedediah Cantrell, SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health; Paula Carynski, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center; Jean Crosby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate; Kelly Davit, Quartz ; Anna Derocher, Fehr Graham – Engineering & Environmental; Lori Diaz, Illinois Bank & Trust; Michele Diedrichs, Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital; Carol Friesen, OSF HealthCare; Courtney Geiger, Goodwill of Northern Illinois; Marika Goellner-Mertz, Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME); Mary Jo Hare, SERVPRO of Rockford ; Sherry Harlan, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Barb Held, Taylor Company - United Technologies; Bobbie Holzwarth, HolmstromKennedy PC; Shurice Hunter, City of Rockford; Lynette Jacques, Rockford Chamber of Commerce; Saba Jaffery, Collins Aerospace; Lisa Johnson, OSF Healthcare System-Northern Region; Tina Lake, Collins Aerospace; Penelope (Penny) Lechtenberg, J.D., Lechtenberg & Associates LLC; Kris Machajewski, YWCA Northwestern Illinois; Tonya Markert, Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital; Melissa McCormick, MX3 Business Solutions; Jodi Miller, Lowe’s Regional Distribution Center 1440; Laurie Miller, 2HB Human Resources Solutions Group; Joy Moriarty, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International; Marcia Mueller, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Diane Navickis, Custom Training Resources; Kathy Olson, Crusader Community Health; Amy Ott, Boylan Catholic High School; Michele Petrie, Wintrust Bank; Betsy Pierson, Midland Wealth Management; Caitlin Pusateri, Rockford Chamber of Commerce; Denise Sasse, RSM US LLP; Kathy Schier, Specialty Screw Corp; Sue Schrieber, Mercyhealth; Martina Schumaker, J & M Plating, Inc.; Carol Schuster, UIC College of Medicine Rockford; Teri Sharp, American Precision Supply, Inc.; Sandie Soldwisch, Saint Anthony College of Nursing; Maribeth Speckman, RSM US LLP; Lynn Stainbrook, Rockford Public Library; Samantha Stovall, Collins Aerospace; Patti Thayer, Thayer Lighting, Inc.; Judy Thompson, Ultrasonic Power Corporation; Kathy Velasco, V2 Marketing Communication; Janis Waddell, Rosecrance Health Network; Peg Wartowski, Illinois Bank & Trust; Jennifer Whiteford, The Anser Group; Kika Young, Forest City Gear; Julia Zimmerman, SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health; Tammy Zurfluh, Blackhawk Bank
Lead 360 brought 67 top executive-level chamber member women together throughout the year. These C-Suite, presidents, vice presidents, business owners and general decision makers in their organizations worked towards expanding the impact and influence of woman business leaders in the Rockford Region.
This year, participants heard from four speakers. In March, Sofia Pereria (SheShouldRun.org) spoke on “250,000 Women Running for Elected Office by 2030.” June brought Sandra Walston Ford to speak on “Women United in Courage.” In October, Catherine Malloy Cummings spoke on “Igniting Team Performance.” The year closed with Mary LoVerde speaking on “I Used to Have a Handle On Life But It Broke.” Programming was well diversified and met the unique needs of executive level women. Participation in Lead 360 is open to executive-level women who meet the outlined criteria found at rockfordchamber.com
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40 Under Forty
You could feel the energy in the room at this year’s 40 Leaders Under Forty reception, held Nov. 7 at the Tebala Event Center. Each year, our honorees raise the bar on their commitments to their respective fields, as engaged citizens, and as leaders volunteering their time and talents to community groups and causes. The 2019 class again spanned multiple industries, including business, education, engineering, nonprofits, manufacturing and health care. Many honorees had already established deep connections and friendships, and the opportunities to partner to further change the future of our community were seemingly endless.
Danielle Angileri
Executive Director, NAMI Northern Illinois
Andre Balka
HR Manager, SupplyCore Inc.
Jake Castanza
Executive Director, Project First Rate
Matthew Dalstrom, PHD, MPH Professor, Saint Anthony College of Nursing
Kira Devin
Assistant Vice President, Business Banking, Blackhawk Bank
Amy McIntyre
Operational Systems Manager, Rockford Park District
Ryan G. Monette
Financial Advisor, Savant Capital Management
Dr. Zakera Nanabawa
Attorney, Prairie State Legal Services
OB/GYN MD, Crusader Community Health
Kelly J. Epperson
Rebecca Nunes
Vice President and General Counsel, Rosecrance Health Network
Justin Djuane Francis CEO, Soar Radio
Antwon George
Marketing Coordinator, Stenstrom Construction Group
Zack Oakley
Operations Manager, Chicago Rockford International Airport
Supervisor, Winnebago County Health Department
Thomas Person
Emily Hardy
Danial Petrie
Staff Attorney, Prairie State Legal Services
Daniel Huntley
Attorney, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP
Theresa Kegley
Owner, Movement Fitness
Jaclyn Kolodziej
General Manager, Transatlantic Connection Inc.
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Greg Lundquist
President, Serola Biomechanics, Inc. Director of Sales, President/Founder The Fatherhood Encourgement Project, Townsquare Media
Ashley Sarver
Urban Planner, Gary W. Anderson Architects
Peter Schmeling
Project Manager & Estimator, Schmeling Construction Co.
Dr. Kyle Shick
Regional Pharmacy Director, OSF Healthcare
Colin Simpson
President, Imperien
Andrew Smith
Program Manager, P804 Electric Powertrain, Collins Aerospace
Jennifer Smith
Engagement Director, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Brooke Spencer
Director Compensation and Benefits, Mercyhealth
Meredith MacKay Stoll
Planned Giving Specialist, Crusader Community Health Foundation
Sumeet K. Tewani MD
Bill Rose
Alderman, City of Rockford
Physician (Gastroenterologist/Advanced Endoscopist),Rockford Gastroenterology Associates
Ryan Rydell
Nicole Ticknor
President, RyCom Creative
Amber Sanders
AVP Controller, Blackhawk Bank
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Project Manager, Domestic Violence Coordinated Courts, 17th Judicial Court
Gabrielle Torina
Constituent Advocate & Field Representative Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, U.S. House of Representatives
Trisha Tousant
Chief Operating Officer, YMCA of Rock River Valley
Sydney Turner
Metro Program Manager, Region 1 Planning Council
Ashleigh Van Thiel
Co-Head of School, Keith Country Day School
Robert Young
President & CEO, Midwest Packaging and Container
Kika Young
Director of Corporate Management, Forest City Gear
Lauren Zerey
Manager of Strategic Support, SupplyCore Inc.
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IGNITE
IGNITE hosts events and opportunities to attract, engage and retain young professionals to the Rockford Region
IGNITE Cup
IGNITE Cup’s sixth anniversary took place in 2019 and was comprised of 10 teams of ten young professionals competing in a series of summer events. The packed kick-off in May at Greenfire lead to a fun night of bowling at Don Carter Lanes and an intense spelling bee at The Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club. In June, an Inner Tube Water Polo battle at the Northeast Branch YMCA was followed by a competitive game of Foot Golf at Elliott Golf Course. In July, the teams battled against each other and time in the Downtown Scavenger Hunt. At the end of July, Forest Hills Country Club hosted us for a fun-filled trivia night. Returning from its premiere in 2017, was Penny Wars. IGNITE’s INVOLVE board has pushed this initiative to add a charitable aspect to our summer fun. Each team was allowed to pick a non-profit chamber member of its choice to represent and fight for in the 2019 competition. In Penny Wars, positive points are earned by the team putting coins in their own jar and negative
points are given to a team when a different team puts bills in their jar. The top two teams with positive points saw all of the money collected distributed to their charities! IGNITE Cup teams raised just over $1,400 this year! The first place winner for Penny Wars, Team Dirty Thirties, were able to donate $1,000 to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), followed by Team MC Clap Yo Hands with a Z donating $400 to Remedies Renewing Lives!
To bring the summer to an end, our closing ceremonies took place on the docks at Prairie Street Brewing Co. where our winners were announced on stage!
2019 IGNITE Cup Winners
MC Clap Yo Hands with a Z - 1st Place A Team Has No Name - 2nd Place Peachy Keen - 3rd Place Special thanks to IGNITE Cup sponsors: Blackhawk Bank (Presenting Sponsor), as well as Crusader Community Health (Silver Sponsor) and RACVB (Downtown Scavenger Hunt Sponsor).
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INVOLVE, REACH, EDUCATE
IGNITE’s three boards work together to create the best opportunities for our members in the areas of personal and professional development, service, and connection to the community.
INVOLVE (volunteer) Our INVOLVE team focuses on creating awareness of local service opportunities for our members and hosts drives at our After 5s every other month. In 2019, our drives helped give back to six unique organizations - including KFACT, Rockford Rescue Mission, and Rockford Public Schools.
REACH (social) REACH consistently offers our members personal networking opportunities through our monthly After 5s. Our After 5s also allow our members to visit different restaurants in the community. In 2019, some of these venues included: Tavern on Clark, Olympic Tavern, and Greenfire! Some of our other fun events included a trivia night for our Holiday Party and a Happy Hour event hosted by Smokey Bones.
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Rockford Chamber of Commerce
EDUCATE (professional development) Our EDUCATE team has always organized our popular monthly Lunch with a Leader event! Inviting local CEO’s and leaders to come sit down for a casual lunch allows for an intimate setting where connections are created and personalized questions can be asked! A few of our leaders who shared their own leadership journey with us were Michele Petrie, Mayor Tom McNamara, Judge Gwyn Gulley and Judge Lisa Fabiano! A special thanks to our 2019 Leadership Team: President- Greg Lundquist; Vice President- Emily Hardy; Coordinator- Carmen Brenz; Marketing Director- Kira Devin; INVOLVE Co-Chairs- Hannah Schoenberg and Zakera Nanabawa; REACH Co-Chairs- Jeffery Jacobson and Kim Theilbar; EDUCATE Co-Chairs- Matthew Brandt and Bobby Reitsch.
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Each year, the Rockford Chamber provides a robust calendar of opportunities and events for members to build networks, grow business and engage in the community. 2019 was no exception as members took advantage of all the Chamber had to offer.
Annual Dinner Longtime business owner and community advocate LoRayne Logan took home the 2019 Citizen of the Year honor at the Annual Dinner, presented by OSF HealthCare. Logan, who founded the staffing and executive search firm workplace more than 30 years ago, has been a tireless advocate for the city and its people through her work for organizations such as Transform Rockford, the Rockford Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. The Citizen of the Year Award was sponsored by Woodward. More than 800 people attended the sold-out event Jan. 24 at Giovanni’s, providing an energy boost for the New Year. Keynote speaker and author Curt Steinhorst spoke about ways to overcome distractions and create intentional space to remain focused on the job. In lieu of giveaways, OSF graciously made donations to the Family Justice Center and Milestone Inc.
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Celebration of Manufacturing Expo and Dinner Keynote speaker John Cruickshank, Consul General of Canada in Chicago, presented “Freeing Trade: Canada and Illinois” at the 2019 Celebration of Manufacturing Expo and Dinner, sponsored by QPS Employment Group, April 11 at Cliffbreakers. He detailed this dynamic relationship, new trade agreements and the challenges to our mutual prosperity. Millions of jobs depend on trade and investment with Canada, and Canada buys more goods from the U.S. than China, Japan and the United Kingdom combined. Illinois exported to Canada to the tune of $17.7 million, as of 2017. The night also included a well-attended Expo and presentation of our two major manufacturing honors. JC Milling Co. was the 2019 Manufacturer of the Year. The 40-year-old company makes parts for many industries, including gas and oil, medical aerospace, and automotive and military applications. Eric Wilson of WTVO/WQRF was named the Individual Business Catalyst. Wilson is a well-known media personality who has been active in the Stateline Quiz Bowl, Rockford Region Manufacturing Day and Made it the Stateline. Nearly 400 area manufacturing leaders and other business representatives attended the event.
Golf Classic Chamber members hit the links once again for the Golf Classic on May 20 at Forest Hills Country Club. The landmark networking event was a great way for Chamber members – and their friends, clients and other foursome partners – to enjoy time at a beautiful course. Thanks to Savant for being the Presenting Sponsor. Congrats to the foursome of Dave Beto, Chris Beto, Jeff Beto and Ned Gillette for taking first place in the event with a score of 53. Presenting Sponsor:
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Women-in-Business Expo and Luncheon A dynamic panel of young professional female leaders was one of many highlights at the Women in Business Expo & Luncheon, sponsored by Mercyhealth, June 20 at Giovanni’s. The panel was moderated by WREX Anchor Kristin Crowley and featured: Alli Bernandi, Alpha Controls & Services, LLC; Martesha Brown, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; Katy Haun, Rockford Public Schools 205; and Carly LaMonica, LaMonica Beverages. All the participants graduated from the Leadership Rockford program. A highlight of this yearly event is the presentation of several awards honoring female business leaders. Laura Bennett of Trekk Inc. received the Woman Business Owner of the Year award; Carrie Zethmayr of Zethmayr LLC was named Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow; and Lori Diaz of Rockford Bank & Trust was honored as the Woman Manager of the Year.
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Sponsored by The Morrissey Family Businesses, The Exposition drew attendees to network and learn more about chamber members Sept. 26 at Cliffbreakers. About 40 businesses participated. The Chamber’s booth included a concierge service to assist with introductions, and our Solutions Circles created intimate opportunities to discuss relevant business topics with experts in selected fields. Internationally known speaker, trainer and author Art Sobczak lead a fast-paced workshop on “How to Successfully Prospect for New Business – Without ‘Cold’ Calling or ‘Rejection’” that was the perfect opener to the event. The keynote was sponsored by Comcast Business.
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What We Do GROWTH Connections, Networking, Business Referrals and Illinois Small Business Development Council (SBDC)
LEADERSHIP
EDUCATION Resources and Tools to Strengthen Your Business through Workshops, Forums and Seminars
Develop Skills that Foster Leadership through Our Center for Leadership Development
ACCESS Connects You to Elected Officials and Community Leaders
WHAT WE DO VALUE Access to Member-Only Discounts Saves You Money
Increased Exposure through Our Publications, Websites, Social Media, and Sponsorships
VISIBILITY
Unified Political Voice to Advance Business Priorities to Local, State and National Legislators Consumers are 80% More Likely to Patronize a Business They Believe is a Chamber Member
ADVOCACY
(The Shapiro Group Study)
CREDIBILITY
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The 2020 Board of Directors
looking to 2020
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Michele Petrie
Chair Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Dan Ross
Chair Elect Fehr Graham
Jean Crosby
Vice Chair Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate
Amy Ott
Treasurer Boylan Catholic High School
Richard Zumwalt Immediate Past Chair Z Resource
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Brent Bernardi Alpha Controls & Services LLC
Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP
LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management
looking to 2020
The 2020 Board of Directors
Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc.
Doug Curry Stenstrom Companies
Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health
Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency
Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University
Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace
Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory
Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust
Michael Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois
Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.
Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Denise Sasse RSM US LLP
Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth
John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network
Teri Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.
Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green Unv. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford
Karl Swanson Illinois Bank & Trust
Terry Voskuil Woodward, Inc.
Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container
Einar Forsman Ex-Officio Rockford Chamber of Commerce
John Groh Ex-Officio Rockford Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Nathan Bryant Ex-Officio Rockford Area Economic Development Council
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The Rockford
Chamber Staff Staff contact information
Einar K. Forsman President & CEO
Heidi Garner Chief Operating Officer
Jeff Bailey Membership Development Executive
Olivia Guzman Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep.
Carmen Brenz Program & Event Coordinator
Doug Hessong Director of Publications & Technology
Einar K. Forsman eforsman@rockfordchamber.com
815-987-8100
Jeff Bailey jbailey@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4336
Carmen Brenz cbrenz@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4302
Heidi Garner hgarner@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4312
Olivia Guzman oguzman@rockfordchamber.com
815-987-8100
Doug Hessong dhessong@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4338
Lynette Jacques ljacques@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4317
Mike Mastroianni SBDC@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4301
Kristin Muehlfelder 815-316-4315 kmuehlfelder@rockfordchamber.com
Lynette Jacques Vice President, Member Investment
Mike Mastroianni SBDC Director
Kristin Muehlfelder Member Relations
Caitlin Pusateri cpusateri@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4337
Doug Rand drand@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4316
Joan Sundvall jsundvall@rockfordchamber.com
815-316-4320
Rockford Chamber of Commerce Direct Line 815-987-8100 Caitlin Pusateri Vice President, Leadership Development
Doug Rand Accounting Manager/Controller
Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Joan Sundvall Membership Contact Coordinator
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Advertisers Index The Rockford Chamber would like to thank it's advertisers for supporting this publication. Associated Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Collins Aerospace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Construction Business Development Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 First Northern Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Forest City Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 FurstStaffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Getz Fire Equipment Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Interstate Graphics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Knopp Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Leading Lawyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover, 1 MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Meridian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Northern Illinois University Conference Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 OSF HealthCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Quartz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rosecrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SwedishAmerican, A Div. of UW Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 SWITS, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Wipfli LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Woodward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
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