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PAGE 3 November 2022 | Volume 35 | No. 11
of the rockford business community
Navigating retail Building a better customer experience By Andrew Wright Director of Strategic Initiatives, Rockford Chamber of Commerce When the seasons change and the holiday decorations come out, it’s easy to see that retail businesses have been working all year behind the scenes to prepare for the influx of shoppers. But the past two years have been anything but predictable. Many businesses have weathered uncertain supply chains as they attempt to restock their stores to match pre-pandemic demands. However, rising interest rates, higher costs for utilities and gas, and other economic factors could make shoppers more cautious this holiday season. Here’s how four Rockford business are building a better customer experience.
Benson Stone Company Last year was a record year for Benson Stone Company, a brick, stone and masonry supplier and retailer of quality home furnishings. “There was a huge amount of pentup demand, as everyone was sitting at home thinking on ways to improve their space,” said Andrew Benson, president of Benson Stone Company. “We’ve grown our staff since pre-pandemic. And we’re seeing supply chains getting better; costs and freight charges coming down.” According to Benson, 2022 has been a good year as well. “We’re well over 2019 and 2018, but I think the home
improvement sector is lightening up a bit. However, we’re seeing gift items and café traffic improve [as the holidays near].” Creating an inviting customer experience is evident at Benson Stone’s showroom in the restored the historic Rockford Standard Furniture factory in midtown—from the fresh-baked scents of the Hearth Rock Café to the giant stone fireplace that’s always lit during business hours. But it’s not all retail glitz. They offer quality products for nearly any budget along with a low price guarantee. Other local retailers also are stepping up to improve the customer experience. (continued on page 10)
Women in leadership Paying it forward to the next generation By Andrew Wright Director of Strategic Initiatives, Rockford Chamber of Commerce
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Women have made lasting and significant professional contributions to our city, from the women who worked in the manufacturing shops of the 1940s during World War II to the boardrooms of many of today’s largest professional institutions. And we can’t forget the history-making Rockford Peaches. “I can say right now that I feel like there’s been an emergence of women leaders in our community,” said Martesha Brown, Northwest Illinois regional community development relationship manager for Midland States Bank in Rockford and a commissioner for the Rockford Park District. “We’re doing the work behind the scenes to make sure we’ve earned a seat at the table.” A graduate of Auburn High School, Brown returned to Rockford after getting her bachelor’s at Southern Illinois University in mass communication. She pursued her MBA at Rockford University while working for the Rockford Park District.
Brown says she was fortunate to have several women in her life who set an example for her. “My mom is one of my best mentors. She brought me up to be bold and confident and to be able to overcome barriers, whether it’s being a woman or minority in the community,” she said. “What she taught me growing up was essential to me in my grown life.” “There are two other women that I think about that, as a young girl, inspires and embodies what you want to be. Mrs. Dimke was the principle at Macintosh Elementary School and I remember seeing her dressing professionally, carrying a briefcase, and I remember thinking that I wanted to be like her,” Brown continued. “And Mrs. Sams, my fourth grade teacher, was so caring, knowledgeable and beautiful. She carried herself with so much class, and that’s something that stuck with me my whole life. She’s now a retired entrepreneur, and I often think to myself, ‘Is this how Mrs. Sams would handle the situation?’ She’s that example for me.” Brown’s work at Midland States Bank (continued on page 6)
BARBER-COLMAN CAMPUS TAKES SHAPE In October 2021, the Rockford City Council approved the sale of the Barber-Colman Campus for $500,000 to J. Jeffers & Company. The parties are negotiating the terms of a redevelopment agreement, which is anticipated to be reached by December 1, 2022. The project was unanimously approved by the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals in October 2022. At that meeting, the public was able to see the vision for the new Colman Yards—an ambitious, multi-year venture to create 964 living units and roughly 130,000 square feet of commercial space. Milwaukee-based J. Jeffers & Company specializes in the adaptive reuse of historical properties and intends to preserve the heritage of the campus.
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R ! ROCKFORD CHAMBER
POW(H)ER CONFERENCE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | 8:15a - 4:30p Hoffman House & Holiday Inn | 7550 E. State St.
For more information, see page 23 PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 event schedule. Sponsorships are open to Chamber members and provide significant exposure to the business community and general public. With revamped programs and events, 2023 sponsorship opportunities truly provide something for all budgets. Special sponsorship opportunities for small businesses have been added to traditional offerings. For more information, visit www. rockfordchamber.com or email Caitlin Pusateri at cpusateri@ rockfordchamber.com.