August Voice 2019

the

AXBERG IS THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM

SEROLA WINS EXPORTING AWARD

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PAGE 4 August 2019 | Volume 32 | No. 8

of the rockford business community

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Rockford Casino: THE PROCESS OUTLINED The information provided in this article is intended to help inform the business community on the City of Rockford’s process in receiving proposals for a casino to be based in Rockford, and the associated criteria including selection criteria for the City to make its recommendations and then send on to the Illinois Gaming Board for final approval. For a complete set of information and a full copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) go to: https://rockfordil.gov/casino/

In general, and due to the specifics in the legislation, the process will move quickly and deliberately with deadlines for action that already are approaching rapidly. Mayor Tom McNamara and the City Council have committed to an open and transparent process that will allow for community input. The City has hired Attorney Bobbie Holzwarth, an experienced partner from HolmstromKennedyPC in Rockford, to serve as Counsel to the City team in this process. Regular communication updates will be part of that process.

The Basics On June 5, 2019, the Illinois Senate passed new gaming legislation. The bill provides for a single license for a casino within the City of Rockford. The license will awarded by the Illinois Gaming Board, using an open and competitive bid process. By law, all application(s) for the Rockford license must be filed with

the Gaming Board within 120 days of the Bill’s signing.

Important Dates June 28: Official Signing of Casino Bill July 1: Local News Conference on Gaming Bill July 3: City issues Request for Proposals (RFP) July 25: Last day for interested Proposers to submit written questions August 1: Response to questions distributed via addendum and on the City’s website August 16: RFP Responses Due by 2 p.m.

August 19 - September 13: City follow-up questions to Proposers, evaluation September 16: Evaluation Team Submits Recommendations to City Council

Continued on page 2

Rockford airport gets federal funds for runways

By Barbara Connors

The airport reported a record increase in cargo volumes the first 10

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Chicago Rockford International Airport soon will be getting an infusion of almost $12 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to rehabilitate its runways and taxiways.

U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) announced the grant funding in July.

“Thanks to continued federal investment, the ongoing improvements at Chicago Rockford International Airport will create jobs and ensure we can keep up with increased air cargo demands,” said Einar Forsman, president & CEO of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

“The leadership at RFD should be commended for their aggressive and consistent growth with cargo activities.”

months of 2018; heightened last year

by UPS Inc., which increased daily cargo flights to Rockford from 34 to more than 40. ABX Air, Air Transport International, an affiliate of ABX, and Atlas Air also began ferrying cargo through Rockford for online retail giant Amazon.com.

Last November, the airport began a $10 million, 120,000-sq.-ft. expansion of its cargo warehouse.

Chicago

Rockford

International

Airport learned in July that the Federal Aviation Administration ranked it the 19th largest cargo airport in the nation, based on growth of almost 55 percent year-over-year. v Barbara Connors is editor of The VOICE.

Assisting Persons with Disabilities Thanks to funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services, RAMP is hosting the Personal Assistant Recruitment & Training Program (PART-P), which prepares people to provide assistance to persons with disabilities. Training takes place at least monthly at the Belvidere, DeKalb, Freeport, and Rockford offices. Visit IllinoisPAs.com or rampcil.org/become-a-personalassistant.

Paramedic Classes SwedishAmerican’s Hospital EMS System Paramedic Program offers two paramedic classes in August: one in Rockford and one in Sterling, to high school graduates who hold a current EMT-Basic license from Illinois Department of Public Health. It became the second accredited program in Illinois in 2012 and 92 percent of students find employment as paramedics following graduation.

Freeport Workforce Connection The Workforce Connection Career One-Stop Center in Freeport moved back downtown, 307 W. Main St., on July 1. It shares space with HomeStart.

State Police Recruitment In order to increase the number of troopers, the Illinois State Police has reinstituted its Fast Track program, with an anticipated launch in spring of 2020. Current certified police officers can participate in the accelerated 13week training program. (Classes for new cadets typically take 26 weeks.)

Applicants must graduate from an accredited law enforcement academy and have at least two years of experience while employed full-time. Visit www. illinoistrooper.com/onlineapplication.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

EDUCATION OUTLOOK LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12 • GIOVANNI’S For more info, see page 23 SPONSORED BY

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August 2019

ROCKFORD CASINO

Continued from front page September 23: Public Hearing No sooner than 7 days after hearing: City Council certifies proposer(s) No later than 120 days after Public Act 101-0031 enacted: Application(s) filed with Illinois Gaming Board

Tax Revenue According to the bill, various taxes and fees generated from the casino will be split: ■■ 70 percent to the City of Rockford ■■ 20 percent to Winnebago County ■■ 5 percent to the City of Loves Park and, ■■ 5 percent to the Village of Machesney Park.

Application For an application to be considered by the Gaming Board, the City Council must adopt a resolution memorializing the details of the proposal and certifying: ■■ The applicant has negotiated in good faith.

■■ The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon a temporary location.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

■■ The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon a permanent location.

■■ The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon the percentage of revenues that will be shared.

■■ The City and the applicant have mutually agreed upon zoning, licensing, public health, and other issues within the City’s jurisdiction.

■■ The City Council has adopted a resolution or ordinance in support of the casino.

RFP Process The City’s process will be run much like its standard Request for Proposals (RFP) process. On July 1, the City issued an RFP outlining requirements and specifications for a casino. City staff will review responses and make recommendations to the Council of which proposal(s) they think should be certified. A public hearing will be conducted on the factors to be certified by the City, before the Council votes.

The legislation allows the City to certify more than one applicant to the Gaming Board. Before the Gaming Board issues a license for the Rockford casino, an impact study must be completed to determine what location in the City will provide the greater impact to the region, including the creation of jobs and the generation of tax revenue.

Preferred responses will propose a casino project which: (i) makes a significant and lasting contribution to the City, increasing sustainable economic benefits from tourism and conventions; (ii) is a catalyst for additional economic development in the City; (iii) maximizes the economic impact of the Project by including hotel(s) and additional site development; (iv) creates good paying jobs and new employment opportunities for City residents; (v) supports utilization and participation of local and small business suppliers and vendors, including minority, women, persons with a disability, and veterans business enterprises; (vi) adds to and supports existing City entertainment venues; (vii) mitigates any adverse impacts of the Project on the City and surrounding communities; (viii) provides revenue to non-profit entities or foundations in Rockford that provide services, scholarships or grants that benefit Rockford residents; and (ix) provides additional revenues for the City beyond the admission taxes and fees defined in Section 12 of the Act, 230 ILCS 10/12, and the privilege taxes defined in Section 13 of the Act, 230 ILCS 230 ILCS 10/13.

Selection Criteria Each proposal submitted in response to the RFP will be evaluated by the City and its consultants based upon the quality of the Proposer’s response to the following criteria (such criteria are not necessarily listed in order of importance) with respect to the Project the Proposer offers to develop: ■■ Background, character, reputation, and expertise of the Proposer in designing, developing and operating casino complexes and resorts similar to the Project proposed to be located in the City; ■■ Financial strength of the Proposer and the Proposer’s ability to provide or obtain financing commitments sufficient to construct and operate the Project in the City; ■■ Fiscal and other benefits to be provided by the Proposer to the City including the types of, and the duration of, such benefits; ■■ Degree to which the Proposer’s proposed permanent location will provide a positive impact to the region, including the creation of jobs and the generation of tax revenue.

■■ Extent to which ownership of the Proposer reflects the diversity of the City by including minority persons, women, persons with disability, and military veterans.

Continued on page 3

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

ROCKFORD CASINO

Continued from page two

■■ Ability of the Proposer to meet or exceed the criteria and objectives for obtaining a license from the Illinois Gaming Board; ■■ Location, concept, and design of, and construction budget for, the Project; ■■ Estimates of revenues, expenses, and income from the operation of the Project; ■■ Economic development expected from the Proposer’s Project including, without limitation, direct and indirect benefits to the City in the areas of employment, use of union labor,

August 2019 3

tourism, and other areas;

industry

■■ Opportunities for local minority, women, persons with disabilities and veteran-owned businesses;

singularly focused on the global gaming

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce ­ elcomes and encourages member w submissions for The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community.

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding p ­ ublication date. Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to:

■■ Proposer’s plans for mitigating social issues associated with gaming such as compulsive gaming behavior;

■■ Job training and apprenticeship programs to be provided by the Proposer;

■■ Proposer’s plans for promoting the City, local entertainment venues, and other attractions in the City.

■■ Proposer’s plans for mitigating adverse impacts of the Project on the

Consultants

THE VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101 For information about advertising contact

Customer Service at 815-987-8100.

The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101.

Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

that

are

industry with a portfolio of diverse City, its citizenry and on the City’s infrastructure and services including, without limitation, plans for mitigating traffic, increased demands on the City’s water system and demands on the City’s police, fire and public works services;

■■ Proposer’s affirmative action plan (to recruit, train and upgrade minorities, women, persons with a disability and veterans in all employment classifications);

LET YOUR Voice BE HEARD

professionals

With the gaming expansion bill mandating a quick 120-day turnaround for approved cities, including Rockford, to seek, score, negotiate and approve proposals, the City of Rockford hired two additional consulting firms to help navigate staff and council through the process.

Union Gaming Analytics, LLC – Union Gaming will provide market analysis and support services related to the expansion of gaming and the upcoming casino request for proposals. They will also assist the City as it evaluates casino proposals and negotiates with applicants. Union Gaming is made up of well-seasoned

work, including engagements related to the expansion of gaming. They have represented hundreds of private and public sector clients around the globe and in the United States, including in Illinois and its neighboring states over the last ten years. Union Gaming is knowledgeable of the unique dynamics present in the region and are ready to share its views on how gaming expansion impacts the marketplace.

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP – Taft will assist the City in analyzing responses to the RFP and negotiating a host community agreement. Taft has substantial experience offering innovative, comprehensive legal services to a wide range of clients involved in all aspects of the casino and routebased gaming industry throughout North America and worldwide. For more than 25 years, Taft attorneys have represented constituents in the gaming industry, including municipalities. Taft has completed similar representations in several other gaming jurisdictions (Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York and the City of Chicago). v Source: City of Rockford Website: https:// rockfordil.gov/casino/

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August 2019

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

Serola Biomechanics, Inc., founder Dr. Rick Serola accepts the 2019 Governor’s Export Award.

His company is one of 12 Illinois companies recognized for export sales, jobs created and retained by exports, international marketing strategies, multi-lingual and cultural efforts, and number of suppliers based in Illinois.

Serola Biomechanics, Inc., wins top exporting award Chiropractor develops devices that now are distributed throughout the world Serola Biomechanics, Inc., a Loves Park manufacturer of orthopedic medical devices celebrating 30 years, received the state’s highest recognition in export achievement.

Dr. Rick Serola, Serola’s founder & co-CEO, accepted the 2019 Governor’s Export Award on June 26 from Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and Erin Guthrie, acting director of the department of commerce and economic opportunity. “It was truly an honor to receive this award that acknowledges our ongoing initiative of providing affordable pain management solutions worldwide,” Dr. Serola said.

From an Idea to an International Company In 1988, chiropractor Dr. Serola observed that muscle strength increased throughout the body after sacroiliac stabilization (the joint where the lower back and pelvis come together). Seeing a gap of products in the marketplace and after researching the underlying biomechanics, he developed the Serola Sacroiliac Belt and Serola Gel Arc Elbow Brace.

His company, Serola Biomechanics, Inc., was born, and his devices now provide pain relief and help prevent injury to people all over the world.

In the mid-90s, Serola began exporting to his first international distributor, based in the United Kingdom, and has since grown his company to 59 international distributors in more than 40 countries.

He holds more than 50 domestic and international patents.

This year, with the support of Illinois’ State Trade and Export Promotion program, Serola has focused on expanding into the southeast Asian market and has established relationships with two distributors in South Korea, another in Japan and is in negotiations with more prospective partners in Japan and Malaysia.

The company will exhibit at an international trade show, Medical Fair

Thailand, later this year with the intent of gaining several more distributors.

“Exporting has been invaluable to the growth of the Serola brand and the overall sustainability of the company,” said Thomas Person, president of Serola Biomechanics, Inc. “We are a small company that likes to do big things, and this award is one more step in that direction.”

Illinois Trade Facts “Thanks to the hard work of our exporters and the organizations that support them, Illinois is one of the top exporters in the entire country,” said Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton at the 2019 Governor’s Export Award event on June 26.

■■ Illinois ranks the sixth largest state exporter of goods in 2018.

■■ In 2018, Illinois exported $65.4 billion worldwide.

■■ Goods exports accounted for 7.9 percent of Illinois GDP in 2017.

■■ Small and medium-sized firms generated 25.3 percent of Illinois’ total exports of goods in 2016.

■■ The state’s largest export markets in 2018: Canada ($17.6 billion), Mexico ($10.2 billion), China ($3.4 billion), Germany ($3.3 billion) and Australia ($3.2 billion).

■■ Illinois is the country’s third largest agricultural exporting state. Top agricultural exports: soybeans, corn, feeds and other feed grains, soybean meal and grain products, processed.

■■ Top Illinois cities for exports in 2017: Chicago ($46.1 billion), St. Louis region ($9.7 billion), Peoria ($9.4 billion), Davenport area ($5.4 billion), Rockford ($2.5 billion).

Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative Compiled by Barbara Connors, editor, The VOICE

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019 5

GUEST COLUMNIST

Successful business succession planning JULIE ENLOE Illinois Bank & Trust

Consider this part of your annual review

It is often said that business owners should start planning for their exit from the business at the time of startup. While sound, this is difficult to put into practice.

Many successful business owners started small. The focus was getting the product/ service right, cost containment and getting in front of customers. As the business grows, other things become important: personal liability protection, product innovation, dealing with employment-related issues, tax and accounting systems, industry regulations, expansion plans and getting that next customer in the door.

By the time many business owners are ready to start thinking about exit plans, they may find their options limited.

Add a new topic to the annual review of business results: business succession. It can be dealt with simply or with complex legal strategies, individually or with the rest of the management team. Regardless, begin sooner rather than later.

Succession planning is not about death. It is about transitions.

“Have I considered how my family might be affected if I could no longer work? What if my spouse were disabled?”

Disability planning is one area that many business owners (and their advisors) fail to consider. While life insurance policies are often used in succession planning, it is generally assumed that the business owner will continue to work for a certain number of years. Lost wages are not the only impact of a business owner disability event; you may also face increased medical and other expenses.

If you have a family, you will also need to consider the impact to you, your family and the business if your spouse were to become disabled. Some businesses thrive because a working spouse permits the owner to reinvest the profits into the business. This may no longer be an option if a spouse is disabled. For others, a spouse is the primary caregiver for the children. To replace the contributions of such a spouse, you may need to hire a nanny and a housekeeper or spend less time at the business.

What is my business worth?

If I sold it today, what might I receive after taxes?

More than 60 percent of business owners have $100,000 or less saved for retirement, according to a nationwide study conducted by Manta in 2017.

Similar studies paint a clear picture -many business owners rely on the sale of their business to fund their retirement

years. This is one way to plan for retirement, but it doesn’t mean much if you don’t know what your asset is worth.

What would happen to my company, customers and employees if I was no longer able to work?

Do I have a natural successor to take over?

Have I spoken with him/ her about my plans?

These are classic leadership succession questions every business owner must deal with at some point. Failure to address them can prove disastrous for your company and your family. Answers vary widely. A large business may have the means to hire new leadership, while a small business may rely on in-house expertise. However, your plan will not be carried out unless you communicate it. Make sure your leadership team and advisors know what you want and someone you trust is empowered to carry it through. To ensure your plan is legally enforceable, make sure it is properly documented in writing.

What could happen if I don’t plan?

Things WILL happen, whether you plan for them or not. As a business owner, you need to occasionally step back from your focus on running the business and examine what is around you. Who would be affected if something happened to you?

How would they be affected? Perhaps there’s no financial repercussions, but something else. I’m reminded of one such instance where a gentleman I knew spent his years as a tax preparer. He was wonderfully gifted with a great sense of humor, and his clients loved him. When he passed, there was no one to take over his tax practice, and his clients were not informed. Later, many clients wondered where their tax information might be; had it been shredded or might it still be available for their new tax advisor? If he had properly planned for his exit, he could have saved his clients a great deal of anxiety.

Julie Enloe, attorney and CPA, is a WAS wealth advisor with Illinois Bank & Trust.

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

Products offered through Wealth Advisory Services are not FDIC Insured, are not bank guaranteed and may lose value.

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August 2019

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

GUEST COLUMNIST

There are reasons you might want to consider a trust RAY C. SCHENK SVA Financial Group

Making informed decisions on your property during your lifetime

By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help manage and preserve assets while you’re alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after death in accordance with your goals and objectives. But what estate planning means to you specifically depends on who you are.

Your age, health, wealth, lifestyle, life stage, goals and other factors determine your particular estate planning needs.

A trust may be the right choice for you.

A trust may provide a means of protection against the many issues related to disability and incompetency sometimes experienced as one gets older.

■■ A trust may provide a means of

What is a Trust?

protection against the dire consequences

A trust is a legal relationship in which legal ownership of the property is separate and distinct from the beneficial ownership of the property. The trustee holds the assets or property (also called the trust corpus or trust principal) for the benefit of another person or group of persons (the beneficiary or beneficiaries).

Since the trust is for the benefit of the beneficiaries and not the trustee, the trustee has a legal obligation to act for the benefit of the beneficiaries in following the language of the trust document. The trustee is a fiduciary, and this is a fiduciary obligation.

business, etc.

Who Creates a Trust?

The trust is created by a person or persons who transfer property or assets of some type to the trustee. The trust document usually contains the following components.

■■ Management of assets during life ■■ Name of trustee and successor trustee ■■ Disposal of assets at death

of a failed marriage, an insolvent ■■ A

trust,

properly

drafted

and

utilized, may reduce income tax and may reduce estate taxes.

■■ A trust is a means to provide for children and successive generations until they are old enough and mature enough to handle these assets and responsibilities on their own.

■■ A trust may provide professional investment management for the assets held in the trust.

■■ A trust may be the means by which the grantor specifically details how certain assets are to be held and used to promote a certain legacy or certain charitable intent.

Regardless of the specific goal of the grantor, there is usually an array of reasons for which one may set up a trust. These range from wanting to be able to control one’s property during one’s lifetime and ensuring that assets are available to take care of oneself and

■■ Powers and instructions to trustee

one’s family (especially in the event of

Why Create a Trust?

illness or disability) to wanting to benefit

In its simplest form, a trust is a means to distribute your assets to the individuals and entities to whom you wish. It differs from a will (which is also a mechanism to transfer assets at death) in that a trust can be established to hold and manage assets as well as to provide for the care of the grantor and his or her family during life.

Trusts, depending on if revocable or irrevocable, may provide an excellent solution to many problems one faces or may face. A trust may provide a means of protection against the many issues related to disability and incompetency sometimes experienced as one gets older.

Here are some things a trust may achieve.

certain individuals and/or institutions in a particular way or to further a particular cause all while assuring that these goals are attained with minimal professional fees and court costs.

Think of these suggestions as simply a point in the right direction, and then seek professional advice to implement the right plan for you.

Ray C. Schenk, CFP, CTFA, ChFC, CLU, is a wealth manager and trust officer at SVA Financial Group. SVAfinancial.com. schenkr@svafinancial.com.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019 7

 Destination

ILLINOIS, USA

ADDING WEALTH TO THE REGION’S ECONOMY BY GROWING TOURISM

JOHN GROH Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Davis Park gets a makeover

Introducing ‘Summer at Davis Park,’ with plans as a year-round destination

Drumroll, please. It’s time to take a look at the refreshed and renewed Davis Park.

If you’ve not seen the park since the Rockford Sharefest makeover of this 5½-acre riverfront space in downtown Rockford, now’s the time. You’ll be impressed.

As usual, volunteers for Sharefest, based out of Heartland Community Church, took on a monumental task and achieved phenomenal results.

What volunteers and Sharefest leaders really did, I believe, was envision the park for what it can and will become.

By doing so, they tipped the next domino that needed to fall to achieve synergy with the adjacent Embassy Suites project that is transforming the old Amerock Building.

They got Davis Park ready for company, so to speak. The next domino that needs to fall is creation of activities and attractions to make the space a daily and year-round destination for residents and visitors. Leading the way to make that happen is the job of the Davis Park Task Force, which was created last year by Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. He believes, and I agree, that this space is key to the longterm growth and success of downtown.

In 2018, McNamara appointed me to lead the Task Force, and since then, we’ve been exploring ways to realize a visionary master plan (created during Mayor Larry Morrissey’s tenure) that will make Davis Park a beloved and well-used landmark destination along Rockford’s downtown riverfront. The master plan contains elements such as a climbing wall, an ice rink, water features in the summer, a sculpture walk, gathering spaces, food vendors and much more. You’ll be hearing more about the Task Force’s progress in the coming months.

For years, Davis Park and the dilapidated Amerock building mirrored mutual neglect. The dilapidated 13-story structure cast a negative shadow over the park’s potential, and the underused, poorly maintained acreage along the riverfront did nothing to inspire action on the abandoned factory.

Now, with construction underway on the hotel and conference center, it was time for renewed attention to the adjacent park. Enter Sharefest.

Over about a week in June, scores of volunteers removed unnecessarily restrictive fencing, painted benches, light poles and railings and landscaped

numerous large areas, which involved putting in 4,555 plants and cleaning up weedy, overgrown spaces. They spruced up the gazebo, which is close to the new skate park, and mulched around all the trees. Thanks to the City of Rockford for sending its forestry staff to trim and tend the trees. The results are fantastic.

New Event Series This Summer Now, the park needs to be used. A free series of events called “Summer at Davis Park” will make that happen. Our goal is to reintroduce local residents to Davis Park and bring energy and excitement to the space. Here’s what we’re planning: Workout Wednesdays, featuring high-energy music and exercise led by fitness instructors from the YMCA of Rock River Valley, will occur on six consecutive Wednesdays beginning July 24. Workout instruction will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m., each Wednesday on RACVB’s mobile airstream stage. A kids zone, with activities for children 5 to 12, is being planned by the Rockford Park District’s Youth Sports Department.

Music at Davis Park, featuring a selection of diverse music, live bands and performers, is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m., every Thursday in August. Concerts are free and open to the community. Food and beverage trucks, along with local vendors, will be on site.

Make a note to celebrate Rockford Day at Davis Park on Aug. 15. Los Arenales & DJ Cachorro headline the Thursday concert that day, and RACVB staff will be there with some special activities.

For more information about scheduled events, go to gorockford.com/ summeratdavispark. And, special thanks to the River District Association and Project First Rate for their sponsorship support of Summer at Davis Park.

Davis Park is poised for the future.

This is only the beginning.

John Groh is president/CEO of Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and also serves as chair of the Davis Park Taskforce. www. gorockford.com The views expressed are Groh’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

VICKY RHINE IGNITE

Making the case for solo adventure at any age

In April, I embarked on a 2,000-mile solo road trip to run a half marathon, camp in northern Georgia, and explore Asheville, N.C. The trip provided me with new experience and perspective, but the responses of friends and family before I left were echoes of things I had heard before: “You’re going alone? Just you?” and “I could never do a trip alone like that!”

Solo travel isn’t always the easiest option, but there are many fantastic benefits to consider. Here are some insights I’ve developed from my experiences that will hopefully make you feel encouraged and inspired to plan your own solo trip:

1. Be prepared.

This is my obvious and serious tip.

Do thorough research before going.

Mark important locations in your phone.

Invest in a reliable portable phone charger. Bring printed directions. Get a car check-up. Test camping equipment in advance. Make reservations but keep options open for spontaneity. Give your itinerary to someone who will check in on you. And yes, prepare a fake story about how you will meet up with a friend later and provide it to people you meet as needed.

2. Travel for a concert or event.

My first solo trip was to Louisville to see one of my favorite bands. Events like this can serve as anchors to your plans, or even help you decide where to go.

Does your favorite obscure band avoid Chicago or Madison? Well, meet them where they’re at.

3. Understand that solo travel can be awkward.

You will survive.

That Louisville trip I mentioned? I went late to sneak into the pit section only to find out the whole amphitheater was general seating -- like movie theatres pre-2014. And guess what? I can’t recall the people I passed trying to find one of the last seats available, but I do recall how much I loved the show and how happy it made me.

4. Here are my tips if you can’t handle awkward.

Pack a pocket-sized book, one that you can easily bring to a park or restaurant for a quick read (bonus points if it actually fits in your pocket Jess Mariano style). For dining alone, find restaurants with bars so you can sit at the counter and chat up the bartender. Especially in

a highly populated city, bartenders talk to solo travelers all the time and will enjoy hearing your story.

5. Talk to the locals — they are wise.

Ask your bartender for recommendations.

Sign up for events, like walking tours and fitness classes, where you’ll meet locals. If comfortable, book an Airbnb and ask for recommendations in advance. Many hosts now provide their own guidebooks or gather local tourism guides for guests.

6. Scare yourself -- safely.

It’s one thing to sign up for a thrilling, fear-facing adventure with the company of friends -- it’s another thing to do it all on your own. Whether your fear is very contextual, like heights, or general, such as being alone, solo travel is a great time to address them.

7. DON’T do it for the gram.

This is not to say don’t take pictures.

Snap those scrumptious food photos! But don’t rely on others’ likes and responses to inform you of what your trip meant to you. Even more, use solo travel as a method of self-reflection. Create time to work out issues that have been plaguing you. What’s been making you anxious or burnt out lately? Every trip can have space for these questions. On a similar note; solo travel allows you to do travel at your own pace. Explore the world in your own wonderfully unique way and without worrying about accommodating others’ interests.

8. Start small.

Find adventures in your community if you don’t feel ready for solo travel.

Read a book at Rockford Roasting, get happy hour at the bar of the Norwegian, visit the Rockford Art Museum’s newest exhibit, make a regular bar into a bar “where everyone knows your name” or anything else that intrigues you.

Best of luck on your first/next solo adventure! If you’d like more advice, or to hear more entertaining stories about my solo travels (I ran over a ladder once!), let’s get tea or coffee sometime.

Vicky Rhine, MPH, is assistant director of external and pipeline projects of The National Center for Rural Health Professions, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, and a member of IGNITE Rockford.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019 9

GUEST COLUMNISTS

CHARO CHANEY Keith Country Day School

ASHLEIGH VAN THIEL Keith Country Day School

Teaching students to make learning a lifelong priority

Preparing for those unknown careers of the future As we close in on the start of another school year, parents – especially those with students in high school – are hyperfocused on their child’s success after graduation. While the ACT and SAT scores are obviously important for those students continuing their education, there are additional just-as-critical key success indicators that parents and students should be focused on for longterm employability and happiness.

According to the Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum, just five years from now, more than one-third of the skills we believe are essential for today’s workforce will have changed. That statistic makes it hard to imagine what our elementary school students today may have as career options in 15 years.

How do today’s educators and families deal with that statistic firmly in mind?

The answer is to help our youth adopt a commitment to lifelong learning.

Beyond College Prep To prepare tomorrow’s leaders, we need to think differently about education, both in what we teach and how we teach. We learn a lot during our school years, but as we all know, much of our learning comes later when we enter the workforce. Thinking beyond college prep teaches students the importance of continuous learning at all stages of life, making them adaptable to a changing work environment.

At Keith Country Day School, we help our students, as early as our 3-yearolds, to develop a love of learning and that appreciation continues through our high school seniors. We provide our students with hands-on experiential learning opportunities that take place both inside and outside the traditional classroom, and we encourage – no we insist – that they be curious and ask questions along the way.

Earlier this year, Keith rolled out Beyond College Prep, a continuous learning approach and that will begin when we open our doors in a few weeks.

We will enhance our already highly successful academic approach with two, one-week Intersessions (one in the fall and one in the spring) which augment our traditional classroom time by connecting students with community businesses, government agencies and

non-profits, and immersing them in the region’s many cultural treasures. We will offer programmed activities and experiences appropriate for students at each grade level, with a focus on career exploration.

These exploratory opportunities allow curious minds to grow and gain insight to continue to learn. Our littlest Cougars may spend a week learning about farming, which will tie into their science and reading curriculum.

Elementary school students may be participating in a program specifically designed by the Rockford Park District and middle schoolers may be immersed into Medieval Times and Stronghold as they team up their in-class curriculum on history. In partnership with local businesses, intersessions for our high school students offer in-depth career exploration, highlighting the many career options available right here in our region. Students will have the opportunity to engage with local businesses through site visits, job shadows, mock-interviewing and volunteering. They will walk away from each experience learning what it takes day-to-day to perform and succeed in that job.

Encouraging active learning with a lifelong mindset teaches our youth – early in life – that if we’re not learning, we’re not growing. And, by arming students with as much career and workplace knowledge as possible before they go to college and choose a major is one of the many ways we can help prepare them for a changing workforce.

Exploration encourages curiosity, which in turn encourages an appreciation for learning. It is through this commitment to helping our students develop a lifelong love of learning, that they will be more prepared to embrace the changes that lie ahead. What more could we ask of our schools to help prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s unknown careers?

Charo Chaney and Ashleigh Van Thiel are coheads of school at Keith Country Day School.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

GUEST COLUMNIST

MAUREEN MALL Center for Sight & Hearing

Seeing a world of possibilities Tools, technology and skills training for full lives

Imagine going blind. For people with limited or no vision, navigating the world can be scary. Moving around safely at home is a serious issue. Driving is out of the question. And using public transportation to go to work, the grocery store or meet with friends and family can be daunting. The resulting social isolation and loss of independence can often lead to other issues, including anxiety and depression.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 12 million people aged 40 and over in the United States are visually impaired, including 1 million people who are blind. Nearly 3 percent of children ages 18 or younger are blind or have low vision.

In the Center for Sight & Hearing’s service area (northern Illinois outside of Chicago and southern Wisconsin) an estimated 78,000 people suffer severe low vision or blindness. Sadly, the number of people afflicted is expected to continue to rise as the baby boomer generation ages.

The Good News Regular eye exams are key. A whopping 90 percent of blindness caused by diabetes is preventable with regular eye exams. Recognizing the early warning signs of common vision issues leads to early detection and better outcomes.

Macular Degeneration is a degenerative condition affecting the central part of the retina and results in distortion or loss of central vision, including wavy or blurred vision, dark or blurry spots in the middle of your vision, a need for more light and trouble recognizing faces.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by damage to the blood vessels leading to the retina. Symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, impaired color vision and vision loss.

Glaucoma is increased pressure within the eyeball. Symptoms of glaucoma include loss of peripheral vision, seeing halos around lights, eye

Electronic smart glasses are technology game-changers for the visually impaired.

redness, eye pain, tunnel vision and vision loss.

text, and its facial recognition feature

The Future Looks Bright

its field of vision.

Low vision specialists offer a wide variety of tools, technology and skills training to make it possible to live independently and enjoy full lives.

Tools range from information (exams and diagnoses), skills (low vision occupational therapy and orientation & mobility training) and technology (magnifiers, lights and other assistive devices), to support (counseling and support groups).

A new day in low vision care is also dawning thanks to incredible advances in technology. Low vision specialists provide instruction on a variety of ways to use smartphone features to make life easier, including audible readers, portable digital magnifiers, increasing text size and utilizing reverse contrast.

Electronic smart glasses are technology game-changers for the visually-impaired, too. With a simple push of a button, the device will read

lets the wearer know who has entered “In 25 years as a low vision optometrist,

advancements

in

technology are making a big difference in blind people’s lives,” said Dr. Jon Russell, the Center for Sight & Hearing’s leading low vision optometrist. “It has been a pleasure to see patients’ joy when they are given instruction on the best practices to navigate their homes and public spaces. And I’ve witnessed patients’ confidence soar when they figure out how to use smart phone apps, magnifiers and special lighting to make their daily routines easier.”

Maureen Mall, MSL, is president of the Center for Sight & Hearing in Rockford.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019

profile

MEMBER PROFILE

AXBERG: COMMITTED TO ROCKFORD FOR 62 YEARS

‘We’re there when you need us’

By Paul Anthony Arco Rick Sperando knows a good thing when he sees it.

When the owner of Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical in Crystal Lake learned that Axberg, a longtime Rockford heating and cooling business, was up for sale, Sperando jumped at the chance to add to his stable of businesses.

“I tend to keep my finger on the pulse of the industry,” he said. “I look for companies who don’t have a succession program in place. I talked to some people and discovered that Axberg was looking to get out of the business. Rockford was a market I was interested in. One of the reasons I was attracted to Axberg is because of its strong name in the community.”

It took 11 months to put the deal together.

Axberg got its start during the postwar Rockford housing boom, when Elmer Axberg started an HVAC business in 1957. Elmer was a one-man operation, installing air conditioners and furnaces for one contractor. His only help came from wife Juanita, who managed the company’s books. Eventually, Axberg’s business grew in both customers and employees. In 1999, Elmer’s daughter, Julie, along with business partner Steven Wagner, took over the family business until they sold to Sperando in 2014.

Sperando had spent 12 years managing a sewage drain company in the Chicago area, until he left in 1999 to start Black Diamond with his wife, Patty, and business partner Scott Underwood.

Sperando was 45 at the time. “We started by knocking on doors,” he said. “I only had a $300 credit card, but fortunately I knew a lot of people who trusted me.

And I’ve been learning in this business since the day I started.” Besides Axberg, Black Diamond acquired Ron’s Heating in 2011 and Air Conditioning, Gilberts, Ill., and Progressive Heating in Wauconda a year later.

The Growth Continues Axberg provides HVAC to residential and commercial customers in the northern Illinois region. Under the Black Diamond name, Axberg has expanded its services to include plumbing, electrical, sewer and duct cleaning. “It was a great fit on all fronts,” Sperando said. “We wanted a plumbing and sewer company that would offer electrical and HVAC services as well.” Following the sale, Axberg moved into an 11,000 sq.-ft. facility on 35th Street in Rockford.

Black Diamond has 135 employees, including 20 HVAC specialists, licensed electricians and plumbers at Axberg.

“We have a different attitude at

Since being acquired by Black Diamond five years ago, Axberg has expanded its services to include plumbing, electrical, sewer and duct cleaning. It prides itself on being 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Axberg,”

said

Sperando.

“We

are

available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Our onsite call center is manned by a minimum of four people. Our motto is we’re there when you need us.”

Sperando has handed over the dayto-day operations to his daughter, Jackie Szynczak, along with support from Scott Underwood and son-in-law, Dave Growney. These days, Sperando spends a majority of his time working on more acquisitions. “We like to diversify our offerings,” he said. “We’re always looking for new opportunities.”

In five years, Axberg has worked to support the local community, including the Rockford IceHogs and various nonprofit organizations. Sperando calls Rockford an untapped market and plans to increase marketing to “let people know what we do.”

The company also works with trade schools and participates in the Rockford Public Schools Academy Expo, in search of future employees. “Like many contractors, we’re always looking for tradesmen,” he said. “They make good money, and we’ve never had a layoff in 20 years.”

“Axberg is one of the best acquisitions I’ve ever made,” Sperando added. “The first year was rough; people looked at us as outsiders. But now people are accepting.

I embrace this community. The sky’s the limit for us in the Rockford market.”

AXBERG HEATING Owner: Rick Sperando 3548 35th St. www.axbergtoday.com 815-873-6772

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019

GUEST COLUMNIST

Mentor a service member: Gain a great employee LAURIE S. MILLER 2HB Solutions

Finding quality workers who served in our armed forces

Looking for great employees?

Consider turning your college summer intern program into a mentoring/ intern program for service members.

Companies and organizations benefit in five ways from hiring and/or mentoring service members.

Practical Problem Solving When a summer storm downed powerlines and took out the electricity to our electronic keyfob system, I stood in the rain while our millennial receptionist hopelessly pushed the dead door buzzer to let me in. “The power’s out,” she mouthed through the windows. She was helpless without electronics.

Facing a drenching, I was relieved when our service member intern made the practical decision to march to the front door, physically turn the handle and let me in.

This practical approach and “can do attitude” benefits any office culture.

Mature, fearless and persistent when tackling any problem, our service member intern takes challenges head on.

Leadership Our service member intern displays outstanding leadership skills and works hard to maintain a fun, positive office environment. His strong work ethic and character create a great example for other employees.

Professionalism/ First Class Image Used to wearing a uniform regularly, our service member intern wears our 2HB branded gear proudly. Even without asking, he dresses in 2HB blue when we visit clients. We’ve had many clients mention the fact that they appreciate the professional look, and it enhances the 2HB brand.

Responsibility “On time, all the time” is our service members mantra. He has proven 100 percent reliable and dependable.

Calm Under Pressure In human resources and benefits there are many times when the people we are dealing with are facing crisis. If you can keep your cool under fire, it’s pretty safe to say, you can keep your cool when someone’s angry because their drug card isn’t working.

Where Do You Find These Quality Workers?

The U.S. Army has a Partnership for Youth Success program (PaYS) program with a goal to provide pre-screened job

applicants to interested local businesses.

In addition, Army Reserve Ambassadors connect industry with Army Reserve units in their own states.

The National Guard’s program, NGESP, helps unemployed/ underemployed service members and veterans in Illinois find gainful employment and make sure they are ready for the civilian workforce.

NGESP supports National Guard Service members in finding meaningful careers and job opportunities as they face the challenges of military life, whether mobilized or in a steady state posture.

This army-and-air partnership and coordination enhances communication and helps resolve issues with employers.

Want to Start a Mentorship/ Internship Program?

Many companies have formal internship programs. If you are looking to develop your own program, start with intern job descriptions and defined expectations.

We recommend three key things.

1. Have a stated length of time for the internship.

2. Have a specific list of duties for the intern. Interns find it boring when they show up, and no one will give up work to them.

3. Meet regularly. Some of our younger interns were not adept at communicating face to face and need “touchpoints” to make sure they remain on track.

Hiring Your Service Member Intern The training and education our service member intern received in the military helped “open the door” to his new career in human resources and benefits.

In fact, we were so impressed, he was offered full-time employment. With his practical problem-solving skills, leadership ability, can-do attitude, professional image and responsibility, it was a no-brainer to welcome him to the 2HB team.

Learn more about programs to help you find qualified service members or veterans for internships or employment at the 2HB Solutions Fall HR & Benefits seminar, 8 a.m. to noon, on Sept. 10, at the Radisson Hotel in Rockford.

Laurie S. Miller, MBA, is president of 2HB Human Resources & Benefits Solutions.

Contact her at lmiller@2hbsolutions.com.

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

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

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Small Business Enterprise A great method for writing

Growth Wheel:

a plan in an easier and

Your link to effective business planning

Growth Wheel.

effective way is the use of the

MIKE MASTROIANNI SBDC

Once people make the determination that they are ready to start a business, they often ask what the first step should be. As advisors, we recommend the writing of a good business plan, but often, people are reluctant to sit down and type out a plan.

A great method for writing a plan in an easier and effective way is the use of the Growth Wheel.

The Growth Wheel is a relationship and business writing tool for clients that is available through the Illinois SBDC. Advisors explain how it works. The client clicks on drop down menus and answers a series of questions. Documents can be loaded into the program as well.

Once finished, the client hits a download button, and the plan is automatically written for them.

Whether using Growth Wheel or

typing a plan, here are some of the elements that are usually included: ■■ Questions on what the product or service will be.

■■ Details on the product or service.

■■ History of the business, if there is one.

■■ Values and organization.

mission

of

the

■■ Short- and long-range goals for growth.

■■ Where your market is, and realistically, how many people would typically buy your product or service and why.

■■ How you will find clients or customers.

■■ What makes your business unique over other potential businesses a person can use.

■■ Financial projections and/or history.

■■ Customer testimonials, if any.

■■ Legal documents.

Knowing what your product or service hopes to do, what your mission and values are, and your goals for growth are important. It helps to figure out the most effective methods for finding clients and retaining them as well. Doing good research into costs to deliver your product or service and what you hope to net after expenses is critical for planning, especially before visiting a bank or lending organization.

The Growth Wheel also helps in decision making, with 20 different areas clustered under business concept, customer relations, organization and operations that help a client get more information on areas that are not their strengths. Information is provided, and

even worksheets if needed, to help the client focus and make effective decisions in his or her venture.

At times, a client will work with the advisor on any areas of the Growth Wheel where they need help, and ultimately, the business plan can be a communication tool to talk about ideas and avenues for success.

Even companies that are already in business and looking for help, or are in the process of a merger, acquisition or change in leadership, can use the Growth Wheel to see areas where improvement can be made, especially as the culture changes, the company grows or new management is leading the organization.

Mike Mastroianni is SBDC director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019 15

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CENTER FOR

C H A M B E R

The opportunity to build great teams based on strengths

When I was 6 or so, my mom asked me if I wanted to sign up to play T-Ball.

Before committing, I apparently had three questions for her: 1. Who else is going to be there? 2. What kind of outfits do we wear? and lastly 3. How do you play that game? Clearly, I had a strong set of priorities in a very intentional order – social, fashion, sports.

To no one’s surprise (except my own) I was terrible at T-ball. I have vision issues (and not an athletic bone in my body) so any and all sports were especially difficult for me. But, I signed up so I was going to play. How hard could it be? TWENTYTHREE swings later, I finally hit the ball from the tee. The crowd went wild, which I ate up like chocolate, and I ran to the base, more than likely waving to everyone on my way. Once I finished the game, I asked for ice cream and complained to my aunt that you had to basically just run right back to where you started. Needless to say, my t-ball career was short lived.

C O M M E R C E

Leadership Development

Twenty-three Swings CAITLIN PUSATERI Rockford Chamber

O F

But, let me tell you about another side of my childhood experience. I loved to sing and do theatre. I frequently played the leading role in shows for both my community and high school theatre programs. I sang solos at church. I made it to the equivalent of “down state” for singing. I excelled on the Speech Team and placed 10th at State. I flourished in the performing arts and went on to sing on scholarship at the collegiate level.

In both instances, I was the prime candidate for a serious trainer or coach.

I was hard working, trainable, and had a good attitude. However, my ability to grow in the performing arts arena offered far better return on investment than any amount of time I put into athletics. I had natural talent and a love of the craft – neither of which I had for sports. With those ingredients in mind, a good coach who recognized where I had talent and opportunity (and where I didn’t) was all I needed to make large gains quickly.

I can’t imagine where I would be without those mentors — essentially managers who knew how to develop based on strengths rather than weakness.

In this example, it’s easy to spot the area in which I should focus my energy. It isn’t hard to identify a kid who isn’t going to ever hit a ball out of the park (I mean, she may never even hit the ball) and clearly has a knack for the dramatic but for some reason, in the corporate world, we see talent and growth opportunity from a fuzzier lens. Supervisors aren’t trained to identify learning curves and determine where employees have opportunity for growth let alone how to harness that potential and put it to use to benefit both the employee and the organization.

This year’s Rockford Leadership Alliance focuses on just that – developing outstanding teams by playing to employees’ strengths and leading them up the learning curve. Our keynote speaker, Whitney Johnson, is a CEO adviser and a previous award-winning Wall Street analyst. Our programming is prime for supervisors, top level

executives, and those with high potential in an organization. We will dive deep into how to build a cohesive team through a series of workshops facilitated by The Anser Group.

Rockford Leadership Alliance is your

organization’s

opportunity

to

intentionally develop a team that will determine the future of your company.

With talent being a top asset for organizations and workforce a current need, this programming will have immediate return on investment.

I hung up my T-Ball bat years ago. But at 33, I’m still utilizing lessons coaches from my high school days taught me in the performing arts world. I can’t imagine where I would be without those mentors — essentially managers who knew how to develop based on strengths rather than weakness. I’m excited for your organization to be able to do the same.

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THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

ALIGNMENT ROCKFORD

ANISHA GRIMMETT Alignment Rockford

Strengths, vulnerabilities of our children

If you haven’t heard about the Ready to Learn initiative that’s sweeping Rockford, now is the time to start paying attention. Last year we announced our partnership with Erikson Institute, Rockford Public Schools and Transform Rockford at a press conference.

Since then we’ve been silent, but not stagnant. Our team has been working hard to implement the EDI or Early Development Instrument. This tool is provided by Erikson Institute, a graduate school focusing on early childhood education and development. The EDI creates a holistic snapshot of strengths and vulnerabilities in five developmental domains: 1.

Language & Cognitive Development. Is the child interested in reading and writing? Can the child count and recognize numbers? Is the child able to read simple sentences?

2. Communication Skills. Can the child tell a story? Can the child communicate with adults and children?

Can the child take part in imaginative play?

3. Emotional Maturity. Does the child comfort a child who is crying and upset? Does the child help clean up a mess?

4. Physical Health & Well-being.

Can the child hold a pencil? Is the child able to manipulate objects? Is the child on time for school?

This data will tell us something – that children need something, that children have something worth sharing in their own neighborhoods. residents, ask questions and get answers to better understand the correlations.

Our residents see firsthand what’s going on and will better be able to provide insight on why things are happening the way they are, and why students are stronger in one domain over another.

That process is underway now, we are talking with our neighbors and

organizations

that

support

neighborhoods. In the fall, we will compile that information develop key themes. We will then release the data to the public in the form of interactive maps.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. This data will tell us something – that children need something, that children have something worth sharing in their own neighborhoods. With this information, we can look at organizations’ strategic

5. Social Competence. Is the child eager to read a new book?

plans to confirm or reassess strategies in

Our kindergarten children were assessed by their teachers in 34 public, private and parochial schools in the Rockford area. Those results are then aggregated on heat maps of where the children live. This technique helps us see the correlation between children’s strong points and assets in their surrounding neighborhoods, divided by census tract.

The Ready to Learn Team has been helping to move this process forward by identifying neighborhoods, customizing questions, choosing assets and data overlays, and much more.

other supporting assets.

Taking it to the Neighborhoods This Ready to Learn initiative provides much-needed data on strengths and vulnerabilities in kindergarten children in our neighborhoods. But before we give the data to the public, we need to take these results back to the neighborhoods to gain some context.

Our job is not to interpret the data, but to be able to walk through the data with

government, transportation, clinics and While we won’t reveal all the data now, we can say that this data breaks some assumptions about our children and neighborhoods around socio-economic factors. Our children are resilient, but if we can help children and families fulfill basic needs, by strengthening neighborhood support, then they can come to school ready to learn and on track. Because of this, we will see an increase in academic achievement.

The EDI is implemented every three years, to continue to look at kindergarten children and families’ holistic health in the area.

Anisha Grimmett is executive director of Alignment Rockford.

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

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

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manufacturing news Success in continuous improvement SIMONE ERSKINE IMEC

5S / Workplace organization, implementation and training

Situation Chemtool is an industry leader in manufacturing and formulating greases and functional fluids. Through continuous investments in infrastructure and product development, they’ve earned the reputation for meeting quality performance standards and exceeding customer expectations.

Prior to working with IMEC, Chemtool operated on an old school system and had no knowledge of lean principles. They ran everything by slapping equipment in place and going with however things flowed.

The disorganization and often crowded storage areas led to poor production efficiency and higher safety risk than they would’ve liked. To create and maintain a well-oiled machine (operation), Chemtool adopted the 5S Workplace Organization methodology as a good place to start by getting equipment and supplies in a spot that was useful to improve production efficiencies and continue meeting the gold standard for customers.

Solution The company originally worked with IMEC at the end of December 2018. The initial training included the 5S concepts of Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize and Sustain.

This training was well attended with a cross-functional group of employees in the class, and they went through one of the easier areas to see how well they handled it internally. After a few months and seeing the benefits of the first training on the test area, they engaged IMEC a second time in March 2019 to conduct a program focusing on “train the trainer”.

To support the initial training, they applied 5S to a more complicated area to make sure they were really grasping the principles. This time around, the IMEC expert conducted oversite training and through observation, supported Rich Roehrig, Continuous Improvement Coordinator at Chemtool, as he led the

“There is nothing better than watching the people doing the work every day take ownership of the process and do it with enthusiasm. The training we received from IMEC got us started down that path, and it’s the best path we could possibly be on.” — Rich Roehrig, Continuous Improvement Coordinator – Chemtool training. Since then, Chemtool has been successfully implementing the techniques learned from the 5S training.

This being the first lean project for Chemtool, they wanted to address a few key issues such as workplace safety, inefficiencies, unorganized zones, and time spent searching for equipment that they could not remember where they last placed them. They wanted to be more focused on problem solving, point of use, and workflows and for these reasons, focusing on workplace organization through 5S, made sense.

With a goal to be fully implemented through the facility by the end of 2019, they are already 42 percent there - thanks to how they’ve broken out the areas – and they are keeping on track with results to improve safety, quality, production efficiency, and waste reduction.

The response from employees regarding the changes has been outstanding. Roehrig shared that “Management likes seeing improvement in the numbers as we go through this transition. Visitors love seeing a cleaner, more organized, and colorful plant.

This training really ties in with the accountability culture we are developing here. All the ideas for the improvements and everything, including where this is all going, comes from the floor - it’s all ground up. Management, Supervisors, and I are here to provide the tools necessary to institute the improvements the employees need. So, the ownership of it, along with the enthusiasm from the

employees doing the work every day, is really high and exciting to see.”

Results Upon conclusion of the 5S training, the employees want to contribute and work more, which leads to an overall better environment. It is safe to say that Chemtool has experienced a culture shift more than anything. Of course with this, comes the improvement in production numbers and efficiencies.

5S is the foundation for all of the continuous improvement efforts at Chemtool. This sets the groundwork for their future problem solving initiative, and then they’ll act on implementing more lean concepts. Getting everyone involved from ground up is key for Chemtool; this includes every single employee completing the workshop training. Roehrig notes that, “It just opens up the thought process in the

day to day activities and continuously improves every aspect of business today.”

The 5S implementation at the Rockton plant aligns with several other ongoing projects. There is a big 2019 cost saving initiative and a full lean implementation (not just 5S) for a visual factory, and this training is proving to be a significant contributor to all of their goals and objectives for this year.

The company is already seeing notable improvements from those initiatives.

Roehrig added: “The little bit of 5S we plug into place makes Chemtool a safer and better place to work, which obviously adds to our cost savings. This enables everyone to focus on improvements rather than on failure, to be more proactive rather than reactive.”

For more information about successes in the Rockford area and throughout Illinois, please visit www.imec.org/client-successes Simone Erskine is marketing coordinator for IMEC. The views expressed are those of Erskine’s and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

About IMEC: IMEC is a non-profit economic development organization focused on fostering long-term economic and workforce competitiveness across the state of Illinois. Committed to driving organizational improvement and enterprise excellence, IMEC provides a range of hands-on, goal oriented solutions in continuous improvement, strategy, workforce, technology and top line growth to lead organizations to their competitive future.

IMEC is funded in part by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership and through fees paid by Illinois businesses for IMEC’s services. IMEC has seven offices statewide and 45 full-time industry improvement specialists. For more information, visit: www.imec.org.

Manufacturing news brought to you by IMEC

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economic development Small- and medium-sized business owners wear multiple hats, directly leading

Connecting the dots NATHAN BRYANT RAEDC

The work of economic development is often misunderstood. How can an organization that doesn’t own real estate, construct buildings, lend money, approve projects, provide education or directly provide financial incentives drive effective change? The answer – by connecting the dots.

Company growth is stressful for business owners, and with each step new challenges are presented. This leaves companies wrestling with the combination of cash-flow constraints, growing capital demands and personnel challenges on top of what is already a rapidly changing business environment.

This becomes particularly challenging when company growth forces decisions about machinery, equipment, facility constraints, operations, site location, and the like.

Small- and medium-sized companies face drastically different challenges compared to large corporations. Smalland medium-sized business owners wear multiple hats, directly leading sales, marketing, finance, payroll, human resources, quality assurance, and simply being the chief executive. This is particularly difficult because business owners can’t be experts in each of these areas and become spread too thin over time.

Larger companies have a completely different dynamic. Often there are executives leading teams of personnel in specific areas of the corporation.

Departments such as marketing, payroll and human resources function as separate small units within a larger corporation that have a reporting structure back to the chief executive officer.

This scenario is further complicated when large companies have multiple locations spread throughout the country or even the world. A promotion for an individual executive often entails relocation to a different facility or jumping from one department to another. Decision making can be cumbersome as approvals flow through departments, executives, and ultimately the chief executive officer.

50 Years Professional Experience In all cases, small, medium and large companies benefit when experts assist in making critical connections at the right time. Enter the economic development experts from the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC).

Did you know that the experts at the RAEDC have more than 50 years of combined professional experience assisting companies of all sizes? The RAEDC has expertise with local, state and federal incentives, paired together with extensive real estate, construction, development, engineering and municipal permitting packaged in a comprehensive analysis. Additionally, the experts at the

sales, marketing, finance, payroll, human resources, quality assurance, and simply being the chief executive.

RAEDC understand the complexities and delicate nuances associated with negotiating public-private partnerships to a successful outcome.

Area Testimonials The RAEDC worked extensively with Spider Company to find the optimal building location to suit the expanding operations of this exceptional aerospace company within the region. After an exhaustive regional search, the RAEDC assisted Spider Company in acquiring the former Menards facility on IL Route 173 in Machesney Park, which had been sitting vacant for more than 10 years.

According to Tom Diehl, owner of Spider Company, “The RAEDC team provided excellent service for Spider Company, assisting with the evaluation of our building, understanding how and if certain incentives could apply, and providing exceptional market intel at the right moment. Together with the Village of Machesney Park, the RAEDC helped my company expand in the region.”

The RAEDC’s work is often not in the spotlight, but the results are clear.

The RAEDC cohesively connects the dots between regional municipal partners, constructing win/win solutions that benefit all involved.

Tim Savage, village manager for Machesney Park explained, “Much of the RAEDC’s involvement is behind the scenes connecting the dots. Their work expedites the process for companies,

especially when critical decisions are made. The region has an exceptional partner in the RAEDC for the growth of Winnebago County.”

“Companies that are entertaining expansion or relocation, utilize the help provided by the RAEDC to make sense of all the variables associated with these types of projects, which then maximizes the desired impact of their project,” said Patrick Morrow, senior vice president for Rockford Bank & Trust.

The RAEDC excels with complexity, while offering speed to market solutions across multiple disciplines. When juggling unexpected challenges during the consolidation of multiple business locations Danny Pearse, president and owner of Quantum Design knew exactly who to turn to for help. He said, “The RAEDC helped guide our business decision with great insight into real estate, incentives, financial analysis, construction and municipal coordination.”

The RAEDC is key to succeeding in Your Opportunity Region. Let our experts use their combined 50 years of experience for your benefit.

Please contact us at 815-987-8118 to see how the RAEDC can expedite your investment within the region.

Nathan Bryant is president & chief executive officer of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019 19

business

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Rockford Rescue Mission received $3,525 from the Rockford East/Cherry Valley Rotary Club towards items for its women’s and children’s programs: shelving units for children’s clothes, high chairs, children’s musical instruments, puppets with puppet stage, dress-up costumes and tricycles.

In cooperation with the Illinois Department of Human Services, RAMP now offers its Community Reintegration Program to help relocate individuals with disabilities of all ages who no longer need a long-term care facility but face challenges such as affordable housing, accessible housing or lack of support systems.

Per Mar Security Services ranked 22nd in SDM’s 2019 Top 100 list for consumer dollars gained by security companies in the United States.

Mercyhealth received a three-year term of accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Echocardiography in adult transthoracic.

V2 Marketing Communications recently organized, promoted and facilitated an eight-day workshop and banquet event for Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. CNADM’s 107th Summer Dance Workshop featured five dance tracks for teachers and students with over 500 participants.

Rockford Park District hosts new drop-in Golf Family Fun Days every Sunday after 3 p.m., through Oct. 27 at Ingersoll and Sinnissippi golf courses. No pre-registration is needed. Visit www.golfrockford.org or call 815-987-8800.

Rockford Park District and Fleet Feet Sports Rockford unveiled a new sign over the Rock River Recreation Path walkway just south of the Symbol sculpture.

Fleet Feet has contributed more than $50,000 in cash and in-kind donations to district facilities and events over the years.

Rosecrance received a grant by the Christie Foundation in June to support its recent expansion in central Illinois. Donors have contributed more than $553,000; 55 percent of the campaign goal for Rosecrance on Moreland.

Rockford Park District opened its fourth skatepark, The Landing, a 5,000-sq.-ft. area for skateboards and inline skates at the south end of Davis Park in downtown Rockford. Construction cost was roughly $10,000 and funded entirely by a $30,000 donation from the Smith Charitable Trust.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

Chartwell Agency created the 2018 annual report for Beloit Health System, centered on the health system’s 50th anniversary.

Plant a Row for the Hungry. It is open every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon, through Oct. 9, during Edgebrook’s farmer’s market.

SwedishAmerican Foundation raised more than $106,000 at the 34th annual Ryan Jury Memorial Golf Outing on June 19 at Aldeen Golf Club. Funds raised go in part towards the expansion of the four-story Women’s and Children’s Tower with a level III neonatal intensive care unit scheduled to open in 2021.

Chartwell Agency developed a marketing strategy and content development for Rockford Gastroenterology Associates to enhance its online presence and growth.

KMK Media Group developed new marketing collateral for the Meridian School District in Stillman Valley, geared towards families looking to relocate to the district.

Cor Cantiamo, Northern Illinois University Ensemble in Residence, received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Acclaimed composer Libby Larsen is commissioned to create a 15-minute work, Verdad, on the experiences of Central American immigrants entering the United States, which will premiere on Nov. 3 in a year-long celebration of the ensemble’s 10th anniversary season.

Pierce Distribution Services Company sponsored the Rockford ProAM tour for the 21st year, becoming one of the event’s longest-time sponsors.

SupplyCore Inc., donated $30,860 raised 50-50 between employees and company match to local non-profit organizations. Youth Services Network, RAMP, Walter Lawson’s Children’s Home and the Veterans’ Drop-In Center in Rockford each received $7,715.

Rockford Promise, a non-profit that provides access to postsecondary education for Rockford Public School graduates, received a $2,500 grant for its permanent endowment fund by The MILL Foundation.

Thinker Ventures completed a door-to-door koozie and direct mail campaign for visibility and lead generation, for Fitzgerald Equipment; and advertising and marketing strategy for Forest City Gear; and a new website for Diablo Furnaces at diablofurnaces.com.

Trekk’s Burpee Museum App received a Platinum Hermes Creative Award for its augmented reality app development capabilities in the interactive media category for mobile apps by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

Edgebrook is a donation drop-off site for University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County’s

On July 10, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Napleton’s Subaru presented blankets and messages of hope to patients undergoing cancer treatment at the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

The Rockford IceHogs announced its home opener game on Saturday, Oct. 12 against the Grand Rapids Griffins at BMO Harris Bank Center. The full 2019-20 schedule and season tickets are available now. Visit IceHogs.com.

Rockford Systems expanded its RS360™ workplace safety portfolio with a new Remote Safeguarding Assessment service designed for customers with less complex machine safeguarding requirements that need to be evaluated for CFR OSHA 1910, ANSI B11 series standards and NFPA 79/70E compliance.

Mercyhealth Advanced Primary Stroke Center received the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus achievement award and qualified as a recipient of the AHA/ ASA’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award.

Students in the Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital School of Radiography program had a 100% pass rate in the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam prior to their June graduation, an achievement they’ve accomplished since 2009.

Mercyhealth partnered with Monarch Medical Technologies to provide patients with diabetes or stress-induced hyperglycemia with the FDA-cleared insulin dosing software, EndoTool®, for managing their hyperglycemia and avoiding hypoglycemia.

Zethmayr LLC, a site selection and incentive negotiation services firm headquartered in Rockford, now can offer real estate brokerage services through its affiliation with Cawley Chicago.

Rock House Kids received a donation through the Mill Foundation to update and renovate its kitchen; making the meal-time process easier and more efficient.

More than 250 inner-city kids in Rockford get hot meals, take-home food bags and daily essentials four evenings a week; supported entirely through local donations.

Ignition completed a comprehensive brand discovery project for MPOWR, a Rockfordbased software company and home to Envision technology, intended to redefine how organizations put their strategic plans into action.

GiGi’s Playhouse Rockford raised more than $90,000, setting a record for its “i have a Voice” gala at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Convention Center in May. Beefaroo received the 2019 Community Partner Award, in part for employing Playhouse participants. Hononegah Leo Club received its 2019 Youth Award for successful holiday activities for Playhouse participants.

On July 15, Curran Contracting opened its third asphalt plant in northern Illinois, servicing the Rockford area at 1050 Ecs Way, Belvidere.

Center for Sight & Hearing expanded its Vision Clinic at 8038 MacIntosh Lane in Rockford from 340 to 2,200 square feet. It includes three vision exam rooms (one for glaucoma), new state-ofthe-art ophthalmic equipment and vision services consolidated into one wing for patient convenience.

The clinic has experienced an average 20 percent growth in patient visits each of the past four years.

Are you a Member with News to Share?

Send news releases and other items of interest to the business community to: The VOICE Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding ­publication

August 2019

20

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

community COMMUNITY EVENTS

AUGUST 2019

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 Winnebago County CASA hosts a First Friday Wine Tasting, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Artale & Co., 6876 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford. Visit www.artaleandco.com.

Discovery Center Museum presents Splish Splash Splat, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Call 815-963-6769 or visit www. discoverycentermuseum.org.

Rockford Park District invites you to a First Friday Workday, 8 a.m. to noon, at Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Rd.. For a volunteer application, visit naturalareas.rpd.volunteerhub.com or call 815-987-8847.

MONDAY, AUGUST 5 The annual Stateline Youth for Christ Golf Outing takes place, noon to 5:30 p.m., at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Rd., Rockford.

Contact info@statelineyfc.org or visit statelineyfc.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 University of Illinois Extension presents Animal Mortality Composting Workshops, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Aug. 6 at Jordon Township Building, Sterling, and Aug. 13 at Rend Lake College, Ina. Register at go.illinois.edu/ amcw at least a week before each event.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 First Northern Credit Union presents Teens & Money, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 104 N. Show Place Dr., Rockford. Register at www.fncu.org/seminars.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 Discovery Center Museum presents Maker Mania, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 711 N. Main St., Rockford. Call 815963-6769 or visit www. discoverycentermuseum.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 Back-to-School: Uniform Drive takes place, noon to 3 p.m., at Washington Park Community Center, Rockford Park District.

Contact Daybreon30@outlook.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 The Women of Today’s Manufacturing presents a workshop: It’s About Time!

Increasing Your Manufacturing Competitive Advantage, 9 a.m., at Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Features Professor Rajan Suri, U. of Wisconsin-Madison. Facility tour of Hennig, Inc. Register at www.wotmrockford.com/events/event-registration.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 Rockford Cosmopolitan Club and the Bryan & Amanda Bickell Foundation host a Charity Dinner, 6 to 9 p.m., at Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford. Special guests former Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Blackhawks Bryan Bickell and wife Amanda. Tickets at www.birdeasepro. com/rfdcosmo.

Curran Contracting hosts a Community Cook Out, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for the opening of Belvidere Asphalt at 1050 Ecs Way. Visit www. belvidereasphalt.com.

Wesley Willows presents The Time is Now Event, 2 to 4 p.m., in Willows Arbor. Call Cahlee Denny, 815-316-6001, for questions.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 The Rockford Cosmopolitan Club Golf Classic takes place at Aldeen Golf Club, 1902 Reid Farm Rd., and Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Rd..

Registration, 11 a.m.; shotgun start, noon; cocktails at Aldeen Golf Club, 5 p.m.; hors d’oeurves buffet, 5:30 p.m.

Register at www.rfdcosmo.org.

MONDAY, AUGUST 19 Rockford Park District hosts Couples Night Out at Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Centre, 1902 Reid Farm Rd..

Golf game for all skill levels at 5:30 p.m.; dinner by Graystone Grill at 7:30 p.m.

Register with Duncan Geddes, duncangeddes@rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815-987-1673.

Rockford Area SHRM hosts a free August Networking Event, 5 to 7 p.m., Carlyle Brewing Co., 215 E. State St. Appetizers and a drink on us. Visit rockford.shrm.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 Wesley Willows presents its Senior Golf Classic, Aug. 20 and 21. Call Cahlee Denny, 815-316-6001, for questions.

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 SwedishAmerican presents Senior Follies, “A Musical Variety Show,” 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., at the Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford.

Emceed by Paul Logli. Contact 815389-2214 for more information. Benefits the Nordlof Center’s lobby lift.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 The YWCA La Voz Latina Annual Recognition Banquet takes place at 5:30 p.m., at Cliffbreakers, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Tickets at www.ywcanwil.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 The 6th-annual RAMP River Run River Run takes place at City Market Pavilion at Water and Market St.s in downtown Rockford. Half-Marathon, 7:30 a.m.; 5K Run, 7:45 a.m.; 3K Walk/Wheel-A-Thon, 8:35 a.m., and free Kids’ Zone. Visit www.rampcil.org or call 815-968-7467.

SEPTEMBER 2019 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Rockford Park District presents The Learn to Skate and Jr. IceHogs/Learn to Play Hockey programs for people of all ages and abilities once a week at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Rd., Loves Park. Visit www.rockfordparkdistrict. org/ skating or call 815-969-4069.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 The Advantage Club Originals host Super TP Bowl 2019 5 - 7 p.m., at Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford. Admission is a store-package of toilet paper! Enjoy food and beverages provided by Hoffman House.

Donations benefit local charities. Call 815-312-4360 or cdemarre@ intandemfinancial.com for more info.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 2HB Human Resources and Benefit Solutions Group presents a Seminar, 8 a.m. to noon, at Radisson Convention Center, 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford. Features keynote speakers include Donna Morales and Frederick Jones, U.S. Army Recruiting Command; Beth Mead, CEANCI; Kelly Dinsmore, and Laurie S. Miller, 2HB. RSVP by Sept.

6 to William Duval, 815-977-3496, ext.

211, or wduval@2HBSolutions.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Rockford Area SHRM presents a Half-Day Conference, 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at NIU Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Topics: “Identify Theft,” “Turn This Squish Thing Called ‘Culture’ into Results,” and “Active Shooter.” Register at rockford.shrm.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 First Northern Credit Union presents Digital Financial Services, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 104 N. Show Place Dr., Rockford. Register at www.fncu.org/ seminars.

Center for Sight & Hearing hosts a Vision Clinic Grand Opening for patients, donors, volunteers and the public, 2:30 to 6 p.m., at 8038 MacIntosh Lane, Rockford; celebrating its expansion. Visit www.cshni.org or call 815-332-6800.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Rockford Art Museum’s 71st Greenwich Village Art Fair takes place Sept. 14 and 15 in the parking lot, 711 N. Main St. Call 815-968-2787 or visit www.rockfordartmuseum.org.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Rockford Park District hosts Couples Night Out at Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Centre, 1902 Reid Farm Rd.. Golf game for all skill levels at 5:30 p.m.; dinner by Graystone Grill at 7:30 p.m. Register with Duncan Geddes, duncangeddes@ rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815-9871673.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Northern Illinois University Career Services’ hosts the IT/STEM Fair campus recruiting event, 4 to 6 p.m.

Email careerservices@niu.edu or visit www.niu.edu/CareerServices.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Rock House Kids presents its Streets and Sweets fundraiser, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Rd., Rockford.

Hors d’oeuvres and desserts, silent auction and performances of Mime, Praise Dance and Puppets by Rock House Kids. Visit rockhousekids.org.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019 21

in the news MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Rockford Chamber members appear bolded.

Thank you for your support of your fellow Chamber members.

1. Dr. Yone Amuka

2. Dr. Sonya Ephraim

3. Dr. Moamen Al Zoubi

4. Joe Konetski

5. Erin Rich

6. Seth Gronewold

7. Tanja Jackson

8. Eric Meier

9. George Pleshkewych

10. Michael Montgomery

11. James Nash

12. Julia ScottValdez

13. Kyle York

14. Bill Pratt

15. Dr. Tom Wright

16. Meghan Cook

17. Emily Hartzog

18. Dr. Michael Roh

19. Dr. Christopher Sliva

20. Ken Koldan

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS

KMK Media Group hired Tanja Jackson (7) as a graphic designer.

Mercyhealth welcomed Dr. Yone Amuka (1) as director of simulation education for its graduate medical education; Tim Moyer as director of environmental services; Michael S. Gorham, BA, CHFM, CHC, as director, facilities management and engineering services for Winnebago County; Benjamin Danielson, MDiv, as manager of chaplaincy services; Dr. Sonya Ephraim (2) to the Mercyhealth Women’s Center in Rockford, and Dr. Moamen Al Zoubi (3) to the infectious disease and immunology staff of Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital and Physician Clinic-Riverside and Rockton.

Brenda Keller was promoted to manager of decision support.

Savant Capital Management appointed Eric Meier (8) as chief financial officer.

Forest City Gear added Joe Konetski (4) as process engineer to its ‘Cut Teeth Only’ operations team.

Fehr Graham hired Erin Rich (5) as an engineering technician and promoted Seth Gronewold (6) to professional engineer.

SwedishAmerican welcomed Mary Bohne Hintzsche, DNP, to UW Health Surgery at SwedishAmerican; Dr. Sumaira Iqbal to the Valley Clinic; Dakota Felckowski, APN, to the Stateline Clinic and Elizabeth Zook, APN, to the Heart Institute.

First Community Credit Union welcomed George Pleshkewych (9) to its mortgage team.

First National Bank and Trust hired Michael Montgomery (10) as information technology supervisor and officer.

Fehr Graham hired James Nash (11) as an engineering technician.

Rock River Water Reclamation District hired Julia Scott-Valdez (12) as chief human resource officer.

Mercyhealth awarded $16,500 to eight students pursuing careers in health care at the RMH Auxiliary Scholarship Presentation Reception in May: Jennifer Aldama, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Naraa Bravo, Rockford University; Arely Ceniceros, Rock Valley College; Destinee Maynard, Rock Valley College; Morgan Miller, St. Ambrose University; Jennifer Quintas, Rockford University; Mackenzie Smith; University of Iowa, and Vanessa Tellez, Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITY RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS SwedishAmerican gave long-time public relations specialist Jan Hagenlocher, retired, this year’s Dr. Bill Gorski Mission Award.

Kyle York (13), vice president and banking center manager, Illinois Bank & Trust, completed the Coaching for Engagement & Performance through the Human Capital Institute.

Bill Pratt (14) celebrated 20 years at Wesley Willows as president and CEO.

OF GENERAL INTEREST Dr. Tom Wright (15), senior vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer, and Meghan Cook (16), access coordinator, Rosecrance, presented the webinar, “Working with LGBTQ+ Teens in Residential Care.”

Emily Hartzog (17), vice president, Chartwell Agency, presented “Developing Your Marketing Team – Considerations for Hiring or Working with An Agency to Deliver Results” at the Hospital Marketing National Southeast Conference in Atlanta in June.

Dr. Michael Roh (18), Rockford Spine Center, spoke with physicians at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine on his work with a medication to help patients better manage post-operative pain. Dr. Christopher Sliva (19) trained in Seattle on a minimally invasive surgical technique to help people suffering from lower back issues.

President and Founder Ken Koldan (20) recently moved his business Koldan and Associates to the area from Texas.

August 2019

22

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS AED ESSENTIALS, INC.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Sales and CPR/First Aid Training. Advanced ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) Classes.

6775 Fincham Dr., Ste. 3, 61108 Chad Callison 815-874-3514 www.aedessentials.com

COSTCO WHOLESALE #1353

Costco’s mission is to continually provide our members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

5000 Stadium Dr. Loves Park, IL 61111 Nathan Gentry www.costco.com

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROCKFORD, INC.

An organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community.

4118 Pinecrest Road, 61107 Kristin Hamblock 815-399-4518 www.jlrockford.org

KRAUSE DONOVAN ESTATE LAW PARTNERS, LLC

Focusing solely on estate planning, elder law, and estate administration.

6801 Spring Creek Road, #209, 61114 Danielle Burza-Smith 815-333-2002 www.estatelawpartners.com

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

M3 INSURANCE

Offering insight, advice and strategies to help clients manage risk, purchase insurance and provide employee benefits.

4320 Spring Creek Road Rockford, IL 61107 Richard Twietmeyer 608-288-2769 www.m3ins.com

PIERCE PRODUCTS, LLC

Manufacture and sell the Pierce Patcher, which repairs and maintains our roads.

1250 Candlewick Dr., NW Poplar Grove, IL 61065 Fran Pierce 815-222-7786

SKILLS ON POINT, LLC

Professional-grade medical and procedural skills center for all healthcare professionals to gain training and procedural skills for practice.

6775 Fincham Dr., Ste. 3, 61107 Dr. John Russell 309-370-7582 www.skillsonpoint.com

THE GOOD LAW GROUP Attorney at Law 308 W. State St., Ste. 460, 61101 Shawn Good 815-965-9797 www.thegoodlawgroup.com/

TOWER LOAN OF ILLINOIS, LLC

Tower Loan is a financial company specializing in personal loans from $500 to $10,000.

304 N. Alpine Road Rockford, IL 61107 Jennifer Pickens 815-397-9036 www.towerloan.com

Thank you to members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in June, 2019 11th Street Express Printing, Inc. Airgas ARCO Machinery Movers LLC AT&T Axberg, a Division of Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, Van Evera, LLP Bourn & Koch, Inc. Brian Thomas Photography, Inc. Cellusuede Products, Inc. Cicero, France & Alexander, P.C. Cleo Express Employment Professionals Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center Faust Landmark Feldco Windows, Siding & Doors First Midwest Group Fleet Feet Sports Rockford Gleason Cutting Tools Corporation Greater Rockford Italian American Association/Festa Italiana Hayes Beer of Rockford Heritage Woods of Rockford Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Holiday Inn Express - Rochelle HR Capital Management Consultants J & M Plating, Inc. Kinovate Heating, Cooling & Indoor Air Quality L/J Fabricators, Inc. Laurent House Foundation, Inc. Lawn Care by Walter, Inc. LM Sheet Metal & Service, Inc. Lonnie’s Stonecrafters, Inc.

Lucas Group CPA’s + Advisors, LLC Marco Meg’s Daily Grind Necchi-New Home Sewing Center, Inc. North Park Rental Service, Inc. Parker Hannifin Corporation Per Mar Security Raymond James & Associates Ring Container Technologies Rock River Service Company Rock Road Companies, Inc. Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center Rockford Consulting & Brokerage Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc. Rockford Local Development Corporation Rockford Regional Health Council Rockford United Labor Rocknel Fastener, Inc. Safelite Auto Glass Shelter Insurance Companies Spectrum Insurance Agency, Inc. Staff Management, Inc. Summit CPA Group, P.C. Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties The Brian Boyer Group State Farm Two Men and a Truck United States Postal Service Winnebago Motor Homes Weldstar Co. Womanspace, Inc. WPS Health Insurance

ROCKFOR D CHAM B ER

MEMBERSHIP SALES POSITION

AUGUST MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, credible individual to complete our membership development/sales team.

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

The ideal candidate must be sales-oriented, willing to follow proven success methods and enjoy talking to business leaders.

105-YEAR MEMBER

10-YEAR MEMBERS

Greenlee

Johnny Pamcakes Rockford Charter School Organization/Jackson Charter School

30-YEAR MEMBER RK Dixon

25-YEAR MEMBERS Forest City Gear Co. RBC Wealth Management Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (K & K Foods Inc.)

5-YEAR MEMBERS Bachrodt on State Mary’s Market The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties Auto Clinic of Rockford, Inc.

This position is for someone who is: ■■ Works independently

investment revenues. Responsible for achieving membership recruitment goals on a monthly basis.

■■ Values integrity

EXPERIENCE:

■■ Wants to work in a position that supports business

■■ Proven track record of achievement

■■ Goal-oriented

■■ Seeking a career rather than a job ■■ Understands the issues facing business

PURPOSE & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Primary responsibility is to ensure the growth of the Chamber’s membership by creating, developing, sustaining and recruiting new members in a manner that will ensure a net gain in members and an enhancement of the Chamber’s

■■ Proven success in a professional sales environment ■■ Possess superior telephone skills ■■ Previous success in a fast-paced environment ■■ Ability to communicate with use of imagery, a must ■■ Must be able to laugh at yourself and with others

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree preferred

Send resume and personalized cover letter including day-time phone number to: ljacques@rockfordchamber.com.

THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com

August 2019 23

chamber

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

AUGUST, 2019

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 Lunch with a Leader with Anisha Grimmett, Alignment Rockford, noon to 1 p.m., at Rockford UniversityPURI School of Business, 5050 E. State St., room 124. Sponsored by Wintrust.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 Business Women’s Council, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford. Mike St John, Associated Bank, presents “Latest Trends in Retirement and Other Employee Benefits.” Sponsored by Associated Bank.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 August Ambassador Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Blue Line Sports Pub, 211 Elm St., Rockford.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., at Rockford University-PURI School of Business, 5050 E. State St., room 124. Edward Griffin and Adam Viederis, Gatehouse Media/ ThriveHive, present “Trends in Digital Advertising.” Sponsored by RSM US LLP.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 Curran Contracting hosts a ribbon cutting and open house cook out at Belvidere Asphalt, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at 1050 Ecs Way, Belvidere.

Ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 Casey’s General Store hosts a ribbon cutting, 11 a.m. to Noon, at 5965 Columbia Pkwy, Rockford.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 Family Counseling Services of Northern Illinois hosts a ribbon cutting and open house, 4 to 6 p.m., at 631 N. Longwood St., Ste. 103, Rockford.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 Xfinity Store by Comcast hosts a ribbon cutting and open house at 4 to 6 p.m., 6244 Mulford Village Dr., Rockford (mall next to Menswear).

Ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 SwedishAmerican Creekside Medical Center hosts a ribbon cutting, 10 to 11 a.m., at 3505 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28

Advantage Club Originals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Northern Public Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

R.R. Floody Company, Inc., hosts a ribbon cutting and open house, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 5065 27th Ave., Rockford. Ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care. . . . . . . . . 9

OrthoIllinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Blackhawk Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Rockford Bank & Trust Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

BMO Harris Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Rockford Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 12-13, 15, 24

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29 EBISS USA, hosts a ribbon cutting 10 to 11 a.m., at 7918 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park.

SEPTEMBER, 2019 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Lunch with a Leader with Dr. Eric Fulcomer, Rockford University, noon to 1 p.m., at Rockford University-PURI School of Business, 5050 E. State St., room 124. Sponsored by Wintrust.

Brian Thomas Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Construction Business Development Center (CBDC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Global Leadership Summit. . . . . . . . . 12 The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC). . . . . . . . . . . 14

Advantage Club Originals Super TP Bowl 2019, 5 to 7 p.m., at Hoffman House, 7550 E. State St., Rockford.

Tailgate fun! Food and beverages, games and prizes. Stay for the game and cheer your team on to victory.

Admission price is a package of toilet paper. Benefits: Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care, Carpenter’s Place, Gigi’s Playhouse, The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford, Remedies Renewing Lives and Rockford Rescue Mission.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 to 9 a.m., at Rockford University-PURI School of Business, 5050 E. State St., room 124.

Sarah Ramsden, Meridian, presents Trade Show Dos and Don’ts – Impact & Increase ROI. Sponsored by RSM US LLP.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Education Outlook Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Giovanni’s, Inc., 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford.

Sponsored by BMO Harris Bank (presenting), Rockford University (gold) and Comcast Business (silver).

Center for Sight & Hearing hosts a ribbon cutting, 2:30 p.m., at 8038 MacIntosh Lane, Rockford.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Government Affairs Council, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St., Rockford.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 The Exposition, 1 to 5 p.m., at Cliffbreakers Event & Conference Center, 700 W. Riverside Blvd., Rockford. Sponsored by Thayer Lighting, Inc. (silver).

Schmeling Construction Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Stillman Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Thayer Lighting, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mercyhealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Midland States Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Northern Illinois University. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Winnebago County – 815 Outside. . . . . . . 8

the

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100................................................................Direct Line Carmen Brenz, Program & Event Coordinator ...................................................... 815-316-4302

Einar K. Forsman, President & CEO......................................................... 815-316-4304 Heidi M. Garner, Chief Operating Officer.................................................. 815-316-4312 Olivia Guzman, Administrative Assistant/Customer Service Rep............................ 815-987-8100 Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology................................. 815-316-4338 Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment.................................... 815-316-4317 Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations........................................................................ 815-316-4315 Caitlin Pusateri, Vice President, Leadership Development........................................ 815-316-4337 Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller............................................. 815-316-4316 Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator........................................ 815-316-4320 Mike Mastroianni, Executive Director, Small Business Development Center.............................................................................. 815-987-8100

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Michele Petrie Wintrust Commercial Banking & Mortgage Chair-Elect Dan Ross Gallagher Vice Chair Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate Treasurer Amy Ott Boylan Catholic High School

DIRECTORS Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc. Kimberly Blascoe Wipfli LLP Jan Bowman TLC Construction LaVonne Brown Savant Capital Management Paula Carynski OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc.

Immediate Past Chair Richard Zumwalt Z Resource

Doug Curry Stenstrom Companies Don Daniels SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Business After Hours Byron Forest Preserve District – 7993 N. River Road, Byron, 5-7 p.m.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing. . . . . . . . 5

IMEC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

VOICE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Rockford University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

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

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Karl Swanson Rockford Bank & Trust Co

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois Mike Paterson Mid-West Family Broadcasting Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale Denise Sasse RSM US LLP Sue Schrieber Mercyhealth John Schuster Rosecrance Health Network Teri Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

Jon Thompson Butitta Brothers Automotive Terry Voskuil Woodward

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

SEPTEMBER VOICE SPECIAL SECTIONS Backing Budding Businesses (Financing Startups, Entrepreneurial Success)

Seamless Experiences (Integrated Marketing Strategies)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 Costco Wholesale hosts a ribbon cutting, 7:45 a.m., at 5000 Stadium Dr., Loves Park.

For information on advertising, call 815

987-8100