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CHRIS KELLEY PAGE 7 January 2025 | Volume 38 | No. 1
THERESA KEGLEY PAGE 8
of the greater rockford business community
NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING GRANT
Our plan for Leading Business Growth
Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment (RAVE) launched the Community Programming Grant Request Program, aimed at providing financial assistance for community programming at the BMO Center, Coronado Theatre,
Honoring our mission and achieving our vision
and Davis Park. This initiative was created to enhance the cultural landscape by supporting a diverse range of events in these
By Angela Kay Larson, chief executive officer, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Six months ago, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) announced my appointment as CEO of the newly-formed organization, following the merger of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Economic Development Council, and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership. In the press release, I was quoted, “We have a lot of work to do in outlining and executing a strategic plan that honors our mission and the expectations of members and investors. In doing so, I’m looking forward to collaborating with
MOVEMENT FITNESS ROCKFORD
the staff, board, and other organizations engaged in supporting and growing our business community.” Since that time, I’ve met with the board, staff, committee chairs, elected officials, and other civic and business leaders to hear their perspectives on the chamber and share my ideas for the future of our organization. This fresh round of listening to members and stakeholders, combined with strategic thinking from the past several years of GRCC’s formation, has culminated in our five-year plan for Leading Business Growth. This phrase, Leading Business Growth, captures the spirt of our vision (keep reading!) in a truncated version of our Mission: Deliver benefit to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing services and
popular venues.
educational opportunities that help our members grow. Our mission is our purpose, or reason for existence. It is a foundational element that drives our decision making and keeps us grounded. Also at the foundation of our five-year plan are our Values. These statements represent how our staff and volunteers show up in representing GRCC. They too drive our decision making and day-to-day behaviors:
In 2025, the program will allocate $10,000 annually to help cover venue costs for local events. The funding structure is designed for efficiency, with grants deducted directly from venue costs, eliminating the need for check writing. Interested applicants must complete the Application for Community Events, which includes providing proposed event information, licensing
We work as a team. We are connectors, conveners, and collaborators We make business personal. We are forward thinking. We strive for operational excellence. We are energized by good work, good laughter, and good coffee.
organization details, and references. For more information about the Community Programming Grant Request Program, including application guidelines, please contact Kelly Frye at 815-8476380 or kfrye@asmrockford.com.
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Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors welcomes new members
ILLINOIS CONSIDERS FLAG REDESIGN
New executive committee takes the reins in 2025
of nearly 5,000 submissions. In
The Illinois Flag Commission is seeking input from the public about redesigning the Illinois state flag. The commission has selected 10 design finalists out January, the public will be able to vote for one of the new or former
THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY
Join the Chamber on Social Media
The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com
The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) announced its 2025 board of directors, welcoming new board members Gina Caronna (ex officio) of The Workforce Connection, and David Anspaugh of Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association. “Gina and David bring with them a wealth of business acumen, life experience, and a deep commitment to supporting the growth of our community,” said Lesly Couper, board chair. Mick Gronewold of Fehr Graham resigned his position on the board at the end of 2024. “We so appreciate Mick’s time and energy to move GRCC forward. His
participation for and with our board and our community has been incredibly impactful and has helped set our direction on the right course,” Couper said. The new board members will play a pivotal role in shaping the GRCC’s strategic initiatives, strengthening partnerships across the region, and promoting community development. The board’s 2025 executive committee comprises Lesly Couper, chair; Conor Brown, vice chair; Nate Jordan, treasurer; Terry Voskuil, past chair; and Angela Kay Larson, GRCC CEO. See the list of all board members on page 10.
flag designs. The commission will report the result of the vote by April 1. Lawmakers will then vote on adopting a new Illinois flag, returning to a previous version of the state flag or retaining the current state flag. The 10 designs can be viewed at the ilsos.gov website. The original flag was designed by Lucy Derwent, a Rockfordnative, in 1915. That design has only changed slightly in the subsequent years, such as adding the word “Illinois” below the seal in 1969.