the April 2025 | Volume 38 | No. 4
MITIGATING TARIFF RISK
MADE FOR ROCKFORD
CARRIE ZETHMAYR
WHITNEY MARTIN
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of the greater rockford business community
NOMINATE AN UNDER 40 We’re looking for all kinds of leaders from different professions and walks of life for our 40 under 40 recognition. Nominate a friend or coworker (or yourself) who has made a big impression in their profession while also giving back to the community.
Local roots and a global reach Aqua-Aerobic Systems leads water treatment innovation around the world
Nominees must be 39 years old or younger as of December 31, 2025, and must live or work in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, or Stephenson counties. Nomination forms at rockfordchamber.com/ recognize-a-leader. Deadline is March 30, 2025. A reception for honorees will be held Sept. 16.
By GRCC Economic Development Team
Many businesses in our area quietly contribute to global industries, while maintaining strong local roots. One such company, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, has not only thrived in Rockford for five decades but is also playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing water treatment technology—locally, nationally, and internationally. As the company undergoes a major expansion, it’s clear that its impact extends far beyond its Loves Park headquarters.
Protecting the world’s water Since its founding in 1969, AquaAerobic Systems has remained committed to one essential mission: To protect the world’s water. While that might seem like an ambitious goal, James Horton, president of Aqua-Aerobic Systems, believes it’s not just possible but necessary. “We’ve been creating technologies that protect water for over 50 years,” Horton said. “Our mission is to ensure safe, clean water through advanced treatment solutions—whether it’s for wastewater, drinking water, or even tackling the challenge of ‘forever chemicals.’”
As environmental challenges continue to grow and become more complex, Aqua-Aerobic Systems is at the forefront of developing solutions to tackle water purification. Among their many innovations, they pioneered ceramic membrane technology for drinking water treatment and created world-leading wastewater purification systems. More recently, Aqua-Aerobic has been instrumental in addressing the contamination of water supplies by perfluorinated chemicals, specifically perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Both (continued on page 3)
Government Affairs Committee update Facilitating engagement between business and government By Jean Crosby, chair, GRCC Government Affairs Committee
COMMUNITY GUIDE & MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is partnering with Town Square Publications to produce our 2025 Community Guide & Membership Directory. This publication is an affordable advertising tool for marketing your product or service to area business owners, residents, and visitors. Additionally, a digital version of the Community Guide & Membership Directory will be available at rockfordchamber.com and Town Square’s National Profile Network, further extending your advertising exposure. Town Square Publishing will be reaching out to GRCC members soon. To secure prime advertising space, please email marketing@tspubs.com or call 815-600-7707.
COMING SOON Here are the editorial themes for upcoming issues of the VOICE: May – Built environments and infrastructure June – Health and wellness
THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY
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The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com
The newly formed Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) Government Affairs Committee is tasked with helping Chamber members get to know their local government and helping local officials—and the voting public—better understand the needs of the business community. Any individual or business concerned about promoting a pro-business economic environment in the greater Rockford area needs to know about the issues facing our community. Political education is essential to increase voter awareness of how legislation, policies, regulation, and government resources can promote or impede economic growth in our region.
The Government Affairs Committee is currently laying the ground work necessary to implement our key initiatives.
Build stronger relationships Central to the work of the Government Affairs Committee is building stronger relationships with members of our local city councils and county boards. Our goal is to make connections that foster trust, support decision-making, enhance credibility, share expertise, and promote collaboration for effective, long-term legislative and political success. A strong partnership between the public and private sectors is an avenue to sustaining the future of the Rockford Region. (continued on page 6)
July – The business of sports Aug – Celebrating the 815 Members can submit up to two articles a year for publication in the VOICE. Articles should be topical and not a fact sheet or profile about your company. Think of it as participating in an expert panel—it’s your chance to share real-world experiences (good and bad), give advice, highlight best practices, and offer business insights that your fellow Chamber members would find beneficial. See our article guidelines and tips for authors at rockfordchamber. com/the-voice. Deadline for articles is the 5th of the month prior to publication.