the March 2024 | Volume 37 | No. 3
of the greater rockford business community
MENTAL HEALTH IS HEALTH
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
AMANDA M. LANTOW
MICK GRONEWOLD
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LIFE DECISIONS WANTS YOUR OLD SHOES
Emerging trends in aerospace and engineering
Rockford region remains competitive By Caitlin Pusateri, president, GRCC Life Decisions is holding a shoe
The aerospace and engineering industries have always been at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology and human achievement. In a world where innovation moves at the speed of light, the landscape of both aerospace and engineering are undergoing a transformation that promises exciting opportunities and challenges. As a frontrunner in the industry, the Rockford region works to remain competitive and well-equipped to meet continually changing demands. Emerging trends will dictate how businesses, both within and outside the industry, can connect to aerospace and engineering.
drive to raise funds to continue and expand their work mentoring at-risk youth and helping them grow into healthy adults. Please help fund this meaningful work by searching your home for shoes you don’t wear anymore.
Sustainability takes flight One of the most significant trends in aerospace and engineering is the increasing emphasis on sustainability. Concerns about climate change and environmental impact have led to a growing demand for greener aviation solutions. As a result, aerospace companies are investing heavily in research and development to create more fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative propulsion technologies, such as electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Case in point: In October of 2023, Collins Aerospace, an RTX business and a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and
defense industry, celebrated the opening of The Grid—a $50 million advanced electric power systems lab here in Rockford. The new facility will be used to develop and test key components for hybrid-electric propulsion and more electric systems, a central pillar of the aviation industry’s drive to achieve netzero carbon emissions by 2050. Shifting gears to engineering, sustainability rises to the top of the trends as well. From a shift in fundamental thinking of how resources are used and managed to technological innovations, the need to address climate change and environmental degradation is paramount for the industry. (continued on page 10)
Rockford is the opportunity oasis
(This could be your chance to replace them.) All new or gently worn shoes are accepted—any style, any size. Donations will be collected until March 12. Drop off your donations outside the LIfe Decisions day home at 3107 East State St., Rockford or visit lifedecisions.net for a list of regional collection sites.
VOTER INFORMATION FOR THE MARCH 19 ILLINOIS PRIMARY The League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford invites the public to learn more about the candidates using their nonpartisan voter information guide. The league sent all local candidates a questionnaire. Answers are posted verbatim at www.IllinoisVoterGuide.org. Candidate meet and greets are also being hosted throughout the community, including two events in March: • March 5, 6 p.m., Pilgrim
BRYAN AMEZQUITA, Amez Enterprises
Baptist Church, 1703 S Central Ave, Rockford. • March 6, 6 p.m., Belvidere
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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com
As spring break arrives, vibrant coastal communities prepare for an influx of visitors. When we think of exotic, seaside travel destinations, Rockford, Illinois, doesn’t normally come to mind. However, a 2023 online meme about Rockford with this type of imagery made big waves. Like many others, my wife and I found it amusing to see our hometown with this type of scenery. We have traveled to places like the one in the photo, and it made us start to reflect on why we always love to come back to our region after our trips. Although it lacks ocean views, there is more to Rockford than meets the eye. We understand from experience why people want to relocate to Rockford or visit again and again.
Learning opportunities Our high school years were the starting point for why we chose to stay in the Rockford area. We recognized early on that there were a number of high-quality educational institutions in our own backyard. Being high school sweethearts, we had the opportunity to check out multiple places to continue our education after graduation. We realized we could get more for less by staying right where we were. After a little investigation, it was easy to see the shortand long-term benefits of staying local. In addition to enjoying the college life, we also started connecting with our future employers. This, in turn, (continued on page 4)
North High School, 9393 Beloit Road, Belvidere. All candidates were invited to attend, and each will have three minutes to speak. The audience will have time to meet one-on-one with the candidates. All attendees are encouraged to sign-in and are required to conduct themselves in a civil and business-like manner. Though some local elections are uncontested, it’s important to know where all the candidates stand on issues, which is why the league is offering voters the chance to hear from, talk to and read about the candidates.