Letter from President & Board Chair

Caitlin Pusateri President

Dan Ross Board Chairman

I love the mission of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce because when our mission is fulfilled, businesses are more prosperous, communities are more vibrant, employees are valued, big issues are conquered. It seems so simple — Lead Business Growth — but in reality, it is complex, important and life-changing.

Chambers of commerce can be tricky beasts, often misunderstood in the communities and members they serve. They can seem stodgy and disconnected; exclusive and traditional. With such a long-standing history, we are well established — which is both good and limiting.

The beauty of our mission is that, regardless of the changes to the world around us (and there have been a LOT of changes), our mission demands that we meet them. Pandemics? We still need to Lead Business Growth. Workforce challenges? We still need to lead. Unsettled world and political divides? Growth still needs to happen.

The challenge of our mission is to some how look both down the river and up the river at the same time. To understand what our members need before they do. To research, learn, advocate, demand change where our members need it.

As a Chamber, the core of who we are is to grow your business. We need to remove obstacles and barriers to your success. We need to be one step ahead of what you need – as a business owner, manager, leader, employee. We need to be nimble and forward-thinking; innovative and resourceful. 2021 demanded a new way of doing things. 2022 demands the same… And 2023 will likely do so as well. But, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce is here for your business. Our work demands a lot — and you, as our members, deserve it. I am excited for the path forward and look forward to seeing how your business succeeds and how we can continue to make sure that happens in 2022, 2023, 2030, 2050, and beyond.

Thank you for your membership and the opportunity to serve you. We humbly and gratefully accept the challenge and look forward to the adventure ahead.