Imagine running your company’s accounting on an abacus—rows of wooden beads sliding back and forth, every calculation done by hand, every number recorded manually. It sounds ridiculous in today’s business environment. But if your invoices are still typed in one at a time, your receipts pile up waiting to be coded, and your financial reports take weeks to assemble, your process may not be as modern as you think. Take a moment and look at how work actually moves through your accounting process. Are invoices still being entered by hand?
Are receipts sitting in folders waiting to be coded? Do financial reports arrive long after the decisions they should inform?
If so, the accounting function may be working far harder than it needs to.
Most businesses wouldn’t tolerate outdated tools anywhere else. Manufacturers upgrade equipment to improve productivity. Retailers modernize their point-of-sale systems. Service companies invest in technology that helps their teams operate more efficiently.
Yet in many organizations, accounting workflows have remained largely unchanged for decades. And when that happens, talented people spend their time recording transactions instead of interpreting them. One of the most important functions in a business becomes focused on recording the past rather than helping leadership navigate the future. Which raises an important question: Is your accounting function helping lead the business
DESIGN BY THE NUMBERS
How math makes graphic design work
By Corey Fraley, Heinzeroth Marketing Group
Many years ago, during my first week with Heinzeroth Marketing Group, the staff took me out to lunch. It was both a welcoming gesture and a get to know the new guy exercise. During the outing, I was given a questionnaire. This was nothing hard hitting, just a Q&A to learn a little something about me. One of the questions stood out, because it was funny and a little insulting: “What is your favorite book? Or do you not read, because you’re a graphic designer?”
In my case, this perceived stereotype was spot on. I don’t have a favorite book, and I’m not much of a reader. Of the foundational
forward, or is it still operating somewhere between a spreadsheet and an abacus?
Modern Tools Change the Workflow
When people think about modernizing accounting, they often focus first on software. But the real opportunity is usually not the software itself, it’s the workflow. Modern accounting platforms can automate many of the routine tasks that once consumed hours of staff time. Bank transactions can import automatically. Bills can be routed electronically for approval instead of circulating on paper. Expense receipts can be captured with a photo instead of stored in a shoebox or envelope. These may seem like small improvements, but collectively they remove a surprising amount of administrative friction from an
skills of education—reading, writing and arithmetic (often called the “three Rs”)— reading has always been of little interest to me. I’d like to believe that I can fake my way through a writing assignment (I might be doing that right now), but it certainly isn’t my strongest skill. And, technically, I’m no mathematician either. But as a graphic designer, I actually am in many ways. It’s understandable that one might be confused by that assertion. Math and art, or graphic design for this discussion, operate in two disconnected worlds, right? While graphic design is largely
IN THIS ISSUE
By Andria Sykaluk, R1 Page 7
BUILDING A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
By Sarene Alsharif, Tad More Tailoring Page 15 FORECASTING FLAVOR
By Michael Freeman, LaMonica Beverages Page 19
based in creativity, math does play an important role. In fact, math is fundamental to graphic design, acting as a support system for basic principles like balance, proportion, perspective, and symmetry. And it’s an ever-present guide for layout composition, grid systems, typography decisions, and logo development. Here are a few ways math influences design:
Layout Composition
The overall composition of a page layout is determined by a series of mathematical
MATH AS A CONSTRUCTION TOOL
By Paul Nolley, Project First Rate Page 22
More than one-third of American adults report having “nothing but negative feelings about math” (Gallup 2025). That means that if you are out to dinner with two friends, one of you is going to get anxious about calculating the tip and dividing the total by three. That same person may joke, “I don’t do math in public” or “I’m numerically challenged.”
My brain defaults to words and pictures before numbers. It’s easier for me to understand a concept that’s described in a paragraph or illustrated on a white board than demonstrated through a spreadsheet. (With that said, I often joke that Excel was invented for people who are bad at math.)
With a penchant for words and pictures, it’s no wonder my degree is in English with 19 hours of coursework in art. It’s no wonder that I was one of those college graduates who, in my final
BAD AT MATH
My brain defaults to words and pictures, but I can’t do my job without
numbers
By Angela Kay Larson, chief executive officer, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
semester, enrolled in “Applications of Mathematics” to secure the one math credit required for graduation with a liberal arts degree. While I enjoyed algebraic story problems (words) and geometry equations (pictures), I hated the quizzes in Applications of Mathematics. I remember a slight panic when I realized that the final exam would be the deciding factor in whether I passed the class and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. That’s why I decided to use my persuasion skills (honed by years of analyzing tomes of literature and writing extensive papers on obscure themes and symbolism) to convince the professor to consider another approach to our final grade. I argued that a bunch of seniors—who were mostly taking the class to meet a final requirement for graduation, who chose this most basic of basic courses for its ease and simplicity, and who were predominantly liberal arts majors notoriously bad at
math—were better equipped to write a paper than to prove that we could solve a bunch of equations that we may or may not use in the real world. He agreed and assigned us a paper on any topic related to math and it had to be at least one page, double-spaced. No references, footnotes, or MLA formatting required. We got off easy. I wrote about renowned Oxford mathematician Charles L. Dodgson, aka Lewis Carol, aka author of Alice in Wonderland. Carol’s writing is filled with logic, riddles, and puzzles. He was a man who thought
in words, pictures, and numbers. While my brain defaults to words and pictures, I can’t do my job without numbers. I use math every day. From reviewing financial statements, to creating budgets, calculating returns on investments, and designing sales compensation models. Math is critical to business, and while I may have convinced my college professor otherwise, I am indeed using equations in the real world. And yes, I’ll say it proudly, “I’m not bad at math!”
Angela Kay Larson, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce CEO, does not count herself among the one third of Americans to “have nothing but negative feelings about math.” She’s an advocate for math proficiency in schools and Excel proficiency in business. Not only that, but her favorite homophonic pun is, “Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine.”
ABOUT THIS ISSUE …
“What in the world do you mean by a math issue of the VOICE?” If only I had a dollar (four quarters, 10 dimes, 20 nickels, or 100 pennies) for every time I’ve heard that recently. And, honestly, I had the same reaction when the idea was proposed to me. (I won’t bore you with my failed attempts to redirect.)
Despite my initial misgivings, I have to admit that our guest contributors have done an outstanding job of bringing math out of the realm of the theoretical and into the real world. Intellectually, most of us would admit that math is important, but making the argument for why it’s important can be more challenging. That’s why this issue of the VOICE matters.
As a word nerd, I have precious little math expertise to share. I seriously doubt policing the number of words in a VOICE article counts (pardon the pun). And one of my most common typos is writing “ad” when I mean to write “add,” because I deal more with advertising than arithmetic. However, I’m happy to share a little numbers-related knowledge from my comfort zone:
Analysis vs. Analytics: Analysis involves examining historical data to understand why something happened. Analytics uses historical and current data to predict future outcomes and guide strategic decisions.
Appraise vs. Apprise: To appraise is to assess or value something. To apprise is to teach or inform.
Disburse vs. Disperse: Disburse means to give out, especially money. Disperse means to scatter.
Economic vs. Economical: Economic means having to do with the economy. Economical means to be financially prudent or to be sparing in your use of something, such as time, language, or resources.
And, if you take away nothing else from this publication, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE remember:
Less vs. Fewer: Fewer is for things that can be counted individually, e.g. fewer cookies. Less is for things that are measured and cannot be counted individually, e.g. less milk.
The sky will fall if you say you have less cookies, so don’t do that.
— Christine Hand,
managing editor
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
organization. The goal isn’t simply to “do accounting faster.” It’s to give business owners and finance teams more time to focus on understanding the numbers and making informed decisions.
The Fix Might be Simpler Than Expected
In many cases, improving an accounting workflow doesn’t require a major overhaul.
In our experience working with organizations across the region, we’ve seen situations where a simple process change dramatically reduced manual work.
In one case, a company had staff spending hours each week entering and routing vendor invoices by hand. During a short working session (less than two hours), we helped the team implement an automated approval workflow that allowed invoices to be captured digitally and routed to managers for approval electronically.
The result wasn’t just faster processing. It eliminated repetitive data entry and freed the team to focus on reviewing expenses and understanding what the numbers were telling them.
Sometimes the biggest improvements don’t come from more effort but from redesigning how the work flows through the system.
When the Work Starts to Pile Up
Of course, improving an accounting process can feel overwhelming, especially if your team is already buried in the manual work of the current environment.
During a digital strategy think tank hosted by Future Point of View, I heard a perspective that stuck with me. While waiting for a session to begin, the firm’s founding partner, Scott Klososky, described the challenge this way: “Sometimes we’re so busy squeegeeing the floor that we don’t notice the spigot is still running.”
If we simply turned off the spigot, we wouldn’t need to keep squeegeeing. In many organizations, that “spigot” is the process itself: manual data entry, disconnected systems, or workflows that generate unnecessary work every day. Instead of constantly cleaning up the results, the real opportunity is to fix the workflow at the source. And if your team is already stretched thin, the solution may be straightforward: Bring in help. You can outsource the help to keep squeegeeing the floor for a while, or outsource the help to turn off the spigot.
In?
So Where Does AI Fit
Artificial intelligence (AI) is getting a lot of attention right now, and understandably so. Headlines often make it sound like a revolutionary shift happening overnight. In practice, AI’s most useful applications in accounting are often far simpler and far more practical. Many AI-powered tools are designed to reduce the repetitive work that has traditionally consumed hours of accounting time. They can summarize reports, help draft communications, assist with research, or flag transactions that may deserve a closer look.
Some accounting platforms are already using AI to suggest expense categorizations, identify unusual patterns, or highlight trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In most cases, AI isn’t replacing accountants or finance professionals. Instead, it helps remove the manual tasks that prevent them from focusing on what matters most: applying judgment, interpreting financial results, and helping leaders make better decisions.
Technology may help handle the mechanics, but leadership still depends on human insight.
Turning Financials into Insight
At its best, accounting isn’t just about compliance or recordkeeping. It’s a tool that helps leaders understand how their organization is performing and where it should go next.
Businesses across the Rockford Region, from manufacturers to nonprofits to growing service companies, are increasingly recognizing
that better financial information leads to better decisions.
Modern accounting tools and automation make those insights more accessible than ever before. The tools to modernize accounting are no longer reserved for large corporations. They’re available to businesses of every size.
The real question for many organizations isn’t whether these tools exist. It’s whether their accounting processes have kept up with the rest of the business. If the systems and workflows haven’t evolved, the accounting function may still be operating somewhere between an abacus and a spreadsheet, when it could be helping leadership see what’s coming next.
As a business leader, you need more than records of the past; you need financial insight that helps you shape the future.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Alex Campbell, VP & CFO of Morrissey Family Businesses, is a finance executive and fractional CFO working with organizations across manufacturing, nonprofit, and privately-held businesses in the Rockford Region. He works with leadership teams on financial strategy, operational insights, and technology-driven improvements to accounting and financial reporting processes.
MATH POWERS ECONOMIES
Putting numbers to work in Rockford’s top industries
By Gina Carona, EdD, The Workforce Connection
Math competency is far from an abstract classroom exercise; it is the quiet engine that powers economies. Stronger numeracy skills help Rockford residents move into stable, higher-paying jobs while giving local employers the workforce they need to compete. Estimates based on national adult skills assessments suggest that roughly onethird of working-age adults lack the math skills required for many middle-skill jobs. Applied to Rockford, this means that approximately 30% to 40% of the workforce may struggle with the applied numeracy needed to be successful in the workforce, contributing to ongoing skills gaps reported by regional employers.
Practical Applications
Across three of Rockford’s biggest industries— health care, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and logistics—the ability to reason with numbers directly translates into better outcomes for patients, production lines, and supply chains.
In health care, numbers are literal matters of life and death. Nurses routinely convert dosages, calculate IV flow rates, and adjust medication based on patient weight. Laboratory technologists translate sample dilutions and concentrations into accurate test results, and administrators turn utilization data into staffing decisions.
In Rockford, health care employers account for roughly 18,000 to 24,000 jobs across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, and demand is expected to grow steadily as the population ages and care delivery becomes more complex. Strong math skills shorten training time, reduce critical errors, and open pathways from entry roles to specialized clinical careers.
On the floor of an advanced manufacturing shop, math is the language of precision. Machinists program CNC machines, engineers model tolerances, and technicians use statistical process control to guard quality. A machinist calculating cutting speed from RPM and tool diameter is doing applied trigonometry. An engineer tuning a simulation is invoking calculus and linear algebra.
Rockford’s legacy as a manufacturing hub endures, with roughly 12,000 to 18,000 workers in precision and
metalworking roles. And as factories adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, the premium for employees who combine shop-floor savvy with data literacy only rises. Workers with practical math skills can move into higher-skilled technician roles, lead teams, and help their employers deploy digital tools that boost throughput and cut waste.
Transportation and logistics turn mathematics into movement. Route planners balance delivery windows, vehicle capacities, and weight distribution while minimizing miles driven. Warehouse supervisors use basic statistics to forecast inventory and prevent costly stockouts.
In our region, strategically located on key interstates and rail corridors, an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 people work in transportation, warehousing, and distribution. As e-commerce growth continues to reshape demand, firms will seek employees who can optimize loads, interpret telemetry, and use spreadsheets and routing algorithms to drive efficiency. Beyond sector benefits, math competency fuels career mobility and community resilience. Numeracy reduces on-the-job mistakes, increases productivity, and enables workers to master technology that collects and analyzes real-time data. When employers and educators teach math in context—linking algebra to dosing calculations in health care, geometry to CNC programming in manufacturing, or arithmetic to load planning in logistics— learners see immediate relevance and are more likely to persist.
Rockford’s workforce system can turn this need into opportunity by aligning community colleges, apprenticeships, and employer training with the real numerical challenges of these industries. Strengthening applied math skills not only improves safety and productivity but also builds career ladders that lift families and strengthen the regional economy. When Rockford invests in numeracy, it invests in healthier patients, smarter factories, and smoother supply chains—and in a future where more people can turn numbers into livelihoods.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Gina Caronna, EdD, is the president and CEO of The Workforce Connection (TWC), an organization committed to providing a workforce that meets the needs of the business community. Her experience connecting trained and skilled workers with high-quality jobs includes working with educational institutions, training centers, and many employers.
and design principles. The scale of different elements helps in establishing a hierarchy of information. This creates emphasis, informing the user how to navigate a page and signals which of those elements are of greatest importance. Repetition can be used to tie those elements together, and ideal proportions throughout the layout provide balance and symmetry. Having a solid grasp of such principles leads to a more aesthetically pleasing design.
Grid Systems
Most widely used in modern web design, grid systems give structure to a page, transforming content into clear, compelling visual experiences. Rooted in mathematics, these systems help designers maintain consistent spacing, precise alignment, and a strong visual hierarchy. When used effectively, grid systems bring cohesion and order to a layout—making designs more intuitive, visually appealing, and easier to read.
Typography Decisions
From letter spacing and line height to paragraph flow, every detail of typography is guided by mathematical precision. It’s far more than just choosing a font. By calculating optimal spacing, designers present text that not only fits the page properly but is also easier to read and more visually refined. These typographical decisions can turn a collection of words and phrases into a more engaging, and clearer, form of communication.
Logo Development
When it comes to logo development, proportion, spacing, symmetry, and geometry each play an important role. These principles create visual harmony, making logos more appealing and easier to remember. By harnessing geometric precision, logos can be crafted in ways that feel more intentional, making them easily understood and visually balanced—all with the goal of positively connecting with viewers and leaving a lasting impact. When businesses learn to appreciate the connection between math and design, they can better evaluate the quality of design they receive. This understanding allows them to communicate more effectively with their designers and often leads to an increased level of trust within that working relationship. Ultimately, math helps ensure that branding materials are not only attractive, but strategically effective across marketing channels.
since 1993. From marketing strategy to creative execution, they deliver solutions that make their clients’ products and services the easy choice for customers at every stage of the buying journey.
As a full-service marketing agency specializing in DIY consumer and building product brands, Heinzeroth Marketing Group has helped businesses grow
Corey Fraley, art director at Heinzeroth Marketing Group, has 25 years of experience in graphic design. He works closely with the agency’s team and their clients to provide comprehensive marketing strategies, clear visual communications, and thorough production oversight.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
REAL-WORLD CONNECTIONS TO THE CLASSROOM
Industry-specific math studies at RPS 205
By Bridget French, RPS 205
Some people fear it. Some avoid it. Some try to ignore it. But we all have to face it. It’s math, and it’s everywhere. I’m sure someone has asked you (or you’ve asked yourself) at one time or another: Why do I need to know this? What purpose will it actually serve in my future?
At Rockford Public Schools, we focus on four-course sequences that start in ninth grade with a freshman seminar course called College & Career Readiness. This class immerses students in career exploration, giving them an idea of which courses they’ll take during the remainder of high school. In 10th grade, they’ll start an introductory course to a career-focused sequence. As 11th and 12th grade students, they’ll continue to deepen their learning around that particular industry.
We work with Rock Valley College, Rockford University, and Blackhawk Technical College to offer college credit to students in high school. We partner with employers to offer industry certifications that will hold value when students enter the workforce. We recruit teachers from industry to provide students with deep, relevant, curricular experiences. Our team works with the community to provide each student with a series of work-based learning experiences throughout their high school career. We do all this because we want students to be college and career ready as RPS graduates. In addition to industry-aligned content, our career and technical educators teach math and reading in the context of what students are learning. Often this is the best way to reach students—by providing real-world connections to the classroom.
Here are some of the ways we teach math in our pathways:
• Business and entrepreneurship classes teach profit margins vs. markup, break-even analysis, budget forecasting, return on investment, and reading financial statements. Graphic design teaches aspect ratios, scaling images proportionately, print bleed and margin measurements, color percentages, and pricing design services.
• Media production teaches frame rates, timeline calculations, budgeting
productions, cost per minute of content, analytics (engagement, conversion rates), audio levels, and storage calculations.
Information technology teaches binary and hexadecimal systems, IP addressing and subnet math, storage conversions, bandwidth calculations, algorithm logic and problem solving, spreadsheet formulas and data modeling, and cybersecurity risk calculations.
Construction teaches area and volume, Pythagorean Theorem (squaring foundations), roof pitch and slope calculations, blueprint scale interpretation, material takeoffs, cost estimations, and waste percentages.
Engineering teaches algebraic modeling, geometry (angles, force vectors), trigonometry (structural design), unit conversions, stress and load calculations, tolerance measurement, and prototypic dimensions.
• Welding teaches amperage settings based on material thickness, material shrinkage estimation, joint angle measurement, gas flow rate calculations, and heat input calculations.
Transportation teaches gear ratios, torque and horsepower calculations, electrical diagnostics, and brake force calculations.
• Nursing teaches dosage calculations, IV drip rate math, vital sign interpretation, and medication conversion.
Public safety teaches speed and distance calculations, crime statistics analysis, emergency response time modeling, ballistics math, and incident report data analysis.
I could go on, but the big takeaway here is that math is not abstract.
Math serves a purpose. It is used to build, heal, design, program, weld, diagnose, protect, and lead.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
As the executive director of College and Career Readiness for Rockford Public Schools, Bridget French is responsible for the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of programs that increase student access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities, specifically through College and Career Academies and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOP MATH
Why numbers matter in the workshop
By Mark Javurek, Forest City Gear
When most people think of mathematics, they picture a classroom, textbooks, chalkboards, and abstract equations. But some of the most practical and consequential math happens not in a school but on the shop floor. Whether you’re a machinist, carpenter, welder, plumber, or automotive technician, shop math is the foundation upon which quality craftsmanship is built.
At Forest City Gear, shop math is part of everyday work. Our team manufactures precision gears used in aerospace, robotics, medical equipment, and other demanding industries where accuracy is critical. The calculations our machinists and inspectors use directly determine whether a component functions properly in a real-world system. Get the numbers right, and everything fits perfectly.
What is Shop Math?
Shop math refers to the mathematical skills used every day in skilled trades and manufacturing environments. These include: Arithmetic – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Fractions and decimals – converting between measurement formats. Geometry – calculating angles, locations, and relationships between features.
Algebra – solving for unknown dimensions.
Trigonometry – understanding angles and tool paths in machining.
• Measurement and tolerances –interpreting prints and verifying dimensions.
Unlike theoretical math problems, shop math has immediate, real-world consequences. Every calculation affects a physical part. Get them wrong, and you risk wasted material, rework, or a part that simply will not perform as intended.
Why Shop Math Matters
Accuracy and precision. In precision manufacturing, extremely small measurements matter. Many of the components produced at Forest City Gear are measured in thousandths or even millionths of an inch. A machinist must understand tolerances and calculate dimensions carefully to ensure parts meet exact specifications. Even a small error can affect how gears mesh, rotate, and transmit power in the final assembly.
Geometry and feature location. Geometry is used to determine the exact location of features on a part. Hole locations, gear teeth positions, angles, and radii must all be precisely calculated and verified to ensure the finished component performs as designed. Without a strong understanding of geometry, it would be impossible to manufacture complex mechanical components accurately.
Understanding tolerances and GD&T. Modern manufacturing relies heavily on geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to help define how parts relate to each other and ensure assemblies function correctly. Shop math allows workers to calculate whether a part will still meet requirements once all tolerances are considered. Efficiency and cost control. Accurate calculations help prevent scrap and rework. If a machinist miscalculates a dimension or fails to account for tolerance limits, the entire part may need to be remade. In industries where materials are expensive and lead times are tight, strong math skills help keep production efficient. Professional confidence. Tradespeople who are comfortable with math work faster, make fewer mistakes, and better understand the parts they are producing. This confidence allows them to troubleshoot problems, verify measurements, and improve processes.
Building
Shop Math Skills
Many trade schools offer dedicated shop math training, and reference materials like Machinery’s Handbook provide formulas and tables used throughout the machining industry.
At companies like Forest City Gear, shop math isn’t optional for skilled tradespeople; it’s essential. Arithmetic, geometry, tolerances, and GD&T are part of daily work.
Across all trades—whether machining precision gears, framing a building, welding structural steel, or plumbing a water system—strong math skills are the foundation of quality craftsmanship. The micrometer, the calculator, and the skilled hand all belong in the same toolbox.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Mark Javurek has been with Forest City Gear for five years, first as a manufacturing engineer and now as the manufacturing operations manager for Plant 2. His technical aptitude, manufacturing experience, and fair, consistent leadership make him a trusted resource for both employees and customers.
THE IMPACT OF CONTEXT ON ANALYTICS
There’s no such thing as ‘simple figures’ when analyzing survey results
By Andria Sykaluk, Region 1 Planning Council
In business and economic development, numbers help guide decisions. But they do not speak for themselves. Without context and disciplined analysis, even simple figures can be misunderstood.
Each quarter, I analyze the Greater Rockford Chamber Business Sentiment Survey, a practical tool for tracking local business conditions. Business leaders must anticipate future economic conditions and make decisions based on those expectations. The survey captures that forward-looking perspective, including anticipated revenue, hiring plans, and investment intentions. Because expectations often shape decisions before they appear in employment or spending data, shifts in sentiment can provide an early directional signal for the region.
The survey’s design establishes the parameters of interpretation. Question
construction, response type selection, and respondent classification determine what is measured and how confidently results can be evaluated and compared across quarters. With sound design in place, organizing results around a clear framework helps ensure interpretation remains disciplined and proportionate to the evidence. Three questions organize that evaluation.
What happened?
I examine the distribution of responses and compare results to prior quarters. Many sentiment questions use a Likert scale. Because it is ordinal, averages can be calculated but should not be interpreted in isolation, as they may obscure meaningful variation. An “about average” response may suggest stability, or it may indicate polarization within the business community. The
distribution shows where sentiment is concentrated, and changes in that distribution across quarters help determine whether movement reflects routine fluctuation or a meaningful shift.
Why did it happen?
If movement appears, I assess whether it is widespread or concentrated within certain sectors, firm sizes, or geographies. Crosstabulation is especially useful here. For example, businesses planning to reduce investment can be examined alongside their sectors, revenue expectations, or level of comfort with cash flow. That relationship provides context a single question cannot. It’s also important to consider the respondent mix and broad economic conditions. Not every shift signals structural change, and conclusions should reflect the data’s limits.
What happens next?
The results are not meant to sit in a report. The analysis should clarify
whether the findings are substantive and warrant attention. They provide structured input to inform discussion among business leaders and regional partners. Survey data does not prescribe action, but it strengthens the foundation on which decisions are made.
Because participation is voluntary, the mix of respondents influences the insight generated. Responsible interpretation includes recognizing who is represented, where responses are concentrated, and where limitations exist. Consistent participation over time improves the reliability of observed trends.
The value of the survey ultimately rests on disciplined interpretation. Careful measurement, proportionate conclusions, and attention to sustained movement are what turn individual responses into meaningful regional insight.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Andria Sykaluk is a senior economic analyst at Region 1 Planning Council. A Rockford native, she is passionate about supporting economic development in her home region. Andria takes a tactical approach to research and data analysis and believes data is most valuable when it sparks meaningful conversations.
OUTLOOK POSITIVE DESPITE PRESSURES
Featured results from GRCC’s Q1 2026 Business Sentiment Survey
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
In our Q1 2026 survey, businesses in the Rockford Region maintained a generally positive outlook on the business landscape. Most reported being in good or average condition and having steady cash flow. However, this stability faces ongoing pressures from rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory challenges, which significantly influence decision-making. While businesses are less certain about the broader economy, the data shows they plan to retain or increase investments, whether out of necessity or confidence in their ability to adapt to current conditions.
In Q1, availability of qualified candidates was clearly the leading influencer of staffing decisions, more than doubling from Q4 2025. Budget constraints ranked a distant second. (See graph 1.)
• Revenue growth and customer retention were the most important factors influencing perceptions of overall business health locally, with market demand and workforce stability playing a smaller but still notable role.
• More than 75% of local businesses reported being somewhat or very comfortable with their cash flow, with a slight uptick in those expressing uncertainty.
Most local businesses expected revenue to increase or stay the same, with relatively few anticipating declines. This reflects a generally positive outlook for the year ahead. (See graph 2.)
• A majority of businesses expected no significant change in staffing levels due to AI, though some anticipate slight decreases or remain uncertain. This suggests AI is being adopted cautiously, without major workforce shifts yet. (See graph 3.)
• Businesses most frequently pointed to property taxes, overregulation, and the cost of goods as having negative effects on their operations. (See graph 4.)
1 2 3
Q1 2026
NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
This section of the report compares results from the Q1 GRCC Business Sentiment Survey with responses from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index survey. Compared to national trends, businesses in the Rockford Region appear more confident in their own performance and local conditions. While national uncertainty is an ever-present factor, local businesses continue to operate from a position of relative stability, supporting steady but measured growth.
• Local respondents were more optimistic about the national economy, with higher shares rating it as somewhat good or average, while national responses are more evenly distributed. (See graph 5.)
• Nationally, businesses showed a more consistent intent to increase investment, while local responses were more mixed.
Local businesses showed a greater tendency to increase staff, while national responses lean more toward maintaining current staffing levels. (See graph 6.)
• Both local and national businesses expect revenue growth, though local businesses showed slightly more optimism.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
Each quarter, the GRCC conducts a survey of business professionals in the Rockford Region to gauge business perspectives and economic outlook. The Q1 2026 survey was open Feb. 16 to March 10, with a sample size yielding an 80% confidence level. The full report is available for free at rockfordchamber.com.
Our program topics, professional development offerings, and government advocacy strategies are based on these survey results and other member feedback (formal and informal). We use this information to determine what local businesses need and how effective we are at delivering on those priorities. That’s why your participation with these quarterly surveys is so critical.
Special thanks to everyone who participated in the Q1 2026 survey and to Region 1 Planning Council for administering the survey and compiling the results. If you wish to participate in future surveys and receive the full report, please email info@rockfordchamber.com.
THE LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS
Why math matters more than ever
By Aynoor Khan, Institute of Languages, Mathematics, and Sciences (ILMS)
“You’re either a numbers person, or you’re not.” For many professionals, this myth circulates in boardrooms and breakrooms alike, characterizing math as something left behind after high school. In the business world, however, math is more than a subject; it’s a language that shapes even the smallest decisions.
Drive through downtown Rockford on a weekday morning and you’ll see more than storefronts opening for the day. You see risk in motion: payroll obligations, inventory orders, loan payments, and more—all governed by math. Revenue growth is a percentage. Profit margins are ratios. Customer acquisition costs and churn rates are equations that signal a company’s future. If the numbers don’t work, neither does the idea.
Math shows up everywhere in business, from pricing at neighborhood restaurants to cash-flow projections at manufacturing firms across the region. Consider this: A product priced at $20 instead of $18 may seem insignificant. But across 50,000 units, that $2 shift represents $100,000 in revenue. What looks like a small pricing decision can determine whether a business earns a profit or absorbs a
loss. Behind every “Open” sign is a set of calculations (and recalculations) shaping whether that business grows, stalls, or closes its doors.
Math trains professionals to recognize patterns and understand the relationship between success and the numbers behind it. It encourages us to break problems into smaller parts, test assumptions, follow evidence, and practice logical reasoning in a world flooded with data dashboards and analytics tools. Business professionals who interpret and understand the numbers, rather than simply generate them, gain a significant competitive advantage. Beyond operations, math builds credibility. When business owners seek financing from local banks or pitch to investors, projections must be grounded in realistic assumptions, not just an optimistic attitude. Before opening the Institute of Languages, Mathematics, and Sciences (ILMS) in Rockford, cofounders Faten Abdallah and Maliha Khan analyzed demographics, market size, and local competition to evaluate demand for a tutoring center in the region. The ability to explain why a business is necessary—and how unexpected
factors may affect projections—signals competence and builds trust with stakeholders and clients alike.
Math in business is also creative. Entrepreneurs constantly model scenarios: What if we pivot to subscription pricing? What if we bundle our services? These imaginative questions require quantitative thinking, which will only become more important as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics shape modern business. Understanding probability and risk will better equip professionals to interpret the data these tools produce and make responsible decisions.
This doesn’t mean that every executive must become a mathematician—only that every professional benefits from comfort with numbers. People who understand basic calculations ask better questions, interpret trends accurately, and challenge assumptions embedded in spreadsheets. These habits are especially important in regional economies like Rockford’s, where small businesses often operate on tighter margins and rely heavily on community loyalty. When these businesses thrive, the benefits ripple outward: supporting
local employment, strengthening neighborhoods, and contributing to the economic life of the region.
In business, numbers are not cold abstractions but thermal representations of people hired, products distributed, risks taken, and communities served. Math transforms instinct into strategy, showing us where a company has been and where it can go next. The businesses that endure are not just creative or passionate; they are numerate, embracing math as a source of clarity and following where the numbers lead.
The Institute of Languages, Mathematics, and Sciences (ILMS) is a customized tutoring center based in Rockford. Founded by two passionate educators—Maliha Khan and Faten Abdallah—who saw a need in their community, ILMS is dedicated to making success achievable for every student through expert instruction, teamwork, and passion for learning.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
As the digital content specialist for the Institute of Languages, Mathematics, and Sciences (ILMS), Aynoor Khan is responsible for creating online marketing materials to increase client engagement and brand awareness across the ILMS website, blog, social media, and email campaigns.
QUICK MATH TIPS FROM ILMS TUTORING CENTER
YOU DON’T NEED ADVANCED FORMULAS TO USE MATH EFFECTIVELY IN THE WORKPLACE. A FEW SIMPLE SHORTCUTS CAN HELP PROFESSIONALS MAKE FASTER, SMARTER DECISIONS:
⌝ The 10% Rule: Move the decimal one place to the left to calculate 10%.
» Example: 10% of $850 is $85. From there, estimate other percentages—divide in half for 5% ($42.50), or add 10% plus 5% for 15% ($127.50).
⌝ Estimate Before You Calculate: Round numbers to identify whether totals make sense.
» Example: If a supplier quotes you $3.95 per unit for 2,000 items, round up to $4 and estimate a cost of about $8,000.
⌝ The “Rule of 72”: Divide 72 by a growth rate to estimate how long it will take for money to double.
» Example: At 6% annual growth, revenue doubles in about 12 years (72 ÷ 6 = 12).
⌝ Know Your Break-Even Point: “Fixed costs” divided by “profit per unit” = break-even units.
» Example: If monthly costs are $12,000 and profit per item is $30, a business must sell 400 items to break even ($12,000 ÷ $30 = 400 units).
THE ARITHMETIC OF RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
How math is at the center of every smart decision
By Shawn Pritchard, Real Property Management On Track
Owning rental property in Rockford is a numbers game. In a market shaped by rising demand, competitive pricing, and shifting operating costs, the investors who thrive are the ones who treat their portfolio like a business, not a hobby. And at the center of every smart decision is one thing: math.
Rockford’s rental market continues to attract investors because of its strong yields, accessible price points, and steady tenant demand. But those advantages only translate into real returns when owners understand the financial mechanics behind their properties. Whether it’s a single family home on the east side or a small multifamily near downtown, the math behind the investment determines whether it performs or underperforms. For many owners, partnering with a professional property management company is the key to getting that math right.
Cash flow is often the first and most important financial concept to master. It’s not enough to know the monthly rent; owners must calculate the true income after accounting for mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance reserves, vacancy, management fees, and any owner-paid utilities. In a city where older housing stock is common, underestimating maintenance is one of the most frequent—and costly—mistakes. A property that looks profitable on paper can quickly turn negative if repairs aren’t budgeted realistically. Property management companies bring discipline and accuracy to this process by tracking real maintenance trends, forecasting expenses, and providing transparent monthly financial statements that help owners maintain predictable, sustainable cash flow. Beyond cash flow, investors rely on metrics like cap rate and return on investment to make informed decisions. Rockford’s affordability is a major draw, but purchase price alone doesn’t determine whether a property is a good deal. Cap rate—net operating income divided by purchase price—allows investors to compare opportunities objectively. ROI goes further, incorporating financing, appreciation, and principal paydown
to evaluate long-term performance.
Property managers routinely analyze these metrics for their clients, using local rent data, vendor pricing, and historical performance trends to help owners evaluate acquisitions, assess portfolio health, and make decisions rooted in real numbers rather than guesswork.
Another advantage of the Rockford market is its favorable price to rent ratio, which compares the cost of buying a property to the income it can generate. Lower ratios typically indicate stronger cash flow potential, and Rockford consistently stands out in this category.
A knowledgeable property manager helps owners interpret this ratio in the context of neighborhood trends, tenant demand, and rental competition—insight that is especially valuable for out-of-state investors who rely on local expertise to understand the nuances of the market.
Math also plays a central role in managing risk. Setting competitive but sustainable rental rates, determining appropriate security deposit levels, forecasting long-term capital expenditures, and evaluating the financial impact of tenant turnover all require careful analysis. Property management companies handle much of this work automatically. From market-based pricing tools to maintenance cost tracking to compliance-driven lease structures, a PM partner helps owners avoid costly missteps and protect their investment.
When rental properties are financially healthy, the benefits extend beyond the owner. Well maintained homes attract stable tenants, reduce blight, and support Rockford’s broader economic development goals.
Real Property Management On Track delivers authentic, relationship-driven service powered by efficient, data-based analysis. We handle the math behind rental performance—cash flow, pricing, and forecasting—so owners gain clarity, confidence, and a trusted partner dedicated to protecting assets and keeping every property running smoothly.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Shawn Pritchard brings over 25 years of rail and manufacturing leadership to property management, pairing engineering discipline with people-first service. A devoted husband and father, Shawn leads with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to building a trusted, relationship-driven management brand rooted in transparency and growth.
SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
A fancy way to say it’s time to celebrate our history, culture, and community spirit
By John Groh, GoRockford
As we master the tongue-twister “semiquincentennial,” cities and towns across the country are gearing up in 2026 for America’s 250th birthday celebration. Nationally and locally, these efforts are part of America 250, a nonpartisan program established by Congress a decade ago. This sweeping salute to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 is the first legislated nationwide observance of America’s founding since the 1976 Bicentennial.
Here in the Rockford Region, GoRockford is helping lead local planning efforts in coordination with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli.
With the generous financial support of 20 community partners, Rockford and Winnebago County will mark America’s 250th with events, experiences, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Local committees are planning activities that bring national and local history to life for residents and visitors of all ages. I encourage you to visit RockfordRegion250.com to explore events that interest you and invite friends and family to experience them with you.
Here are a few of the experiences planned:
Midway Village Museum kicks off the commemorations April 11–12 with World War I Days. This immersive, living-history event recreates life on the Western Front and the home front. Walk through recreated trenches and meet reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians.
On May 8, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) presents its annual Youth Concert Student Matinee (for grades 3-12) at Rockford’s Coronado Theatre. On May 9, the RSO fills the Coronado Theatre with American music ranging from Aaron Copland to Jessie Montgomery, including the season finale featuring Jeff Midkiff’s bluegrass-inspired mandolin concerto.
Starting May 21, Rockford Public Library’s beloved historian Jean Lythgoe will return from retirement for Coffee with Jean, a monthly gathering of hometown stories and conversation.
On May 23, Midway Village will host Rockford Peaches Playdate, a vintagestyle exhibition game with costumed reenactors paying tribute to the legendary local stars of the All-American
Girls Professional Baseball League.
History continues June 27 at Veterans Memorial Hall with Dinner with the Founders, an evening of spirited conversations with reenactors portraying members of the Continental Congress. Feel that same wit and drama set to music on July 2 at Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre in a concert performance of 1776
And on the Fourth of July, following a parade through downtown, Rockford’s beloved community-powered fireworks tradition will be on display over the Rock River with thrilling bursts of red, white, and blue.
Students across Winnebago County will have an opportunity to participate in the America 250 Art & Essay Competition, open to elementary, middle, and high school students. Centered on the theme “Community and Country,” the contest invites students to reflect creatively on what America’s 250th anniversary means to them, with one winner selected per grade level. Interested students should check with their teachers or school administrators for details before the May 1 deadline.
America 250 also encourages service through the America Gives initiative, which aims to make 2026 the largest year of volunteer service in U.S. history. Local events include:
April 22 – A communitywide cleanup throughout the city to tidy neighborhoods.
• May 9 – Planting day at Veterans Memorial Circle. Every spring, volunteers plant over 15,000 flowers at the Main and Auburn roundabout.
This year, the circular bed display under the flag will spell out 250.
July 10 – A Rockford City Market will honor hometown heroes and host a donation drive of blessing bags for people experiencing homelessness.
If you have an idea for a community event or service project focused on commemoration, community pride, service, education, or local history, please submit it for review. This is the year to celebrate the culture, history, and community spirit that define our region.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
As president CEO of GoRockford and its charitable foundation, John Groh leads integrated marketing, sales, and destination development strategy for Illinois’ second-largest metropolitan region. His work focuses on aligning brand positioning, cross-sector collaboration, and disciplined performance management to drive sustained growth in visitation and long-term economic impact.
SUPPORTING A REGION ON THE RISE
Joining the GRCC feels like a full circle moment
By Audrey Moon, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
When I moved to the Rockford Region more than a decade ago for a job at 13 WREX, I assumed it would be a short stop in my career before moving on to a larger news market. That’s the path for many young journalists who get their start here.
Then I fell in love—with my husband, yes, after a blind date at an IceHogs game—but also with this community.
I was drawn in by the arts and music scene, the incredible food, the people who quickly became family, and the energy of a region that works hard and shows up for one another. I spent years telling the stories of that hustle and heart, and somewhere along the way, Rockford became home.
Fast forward 12 years: I’m out of news, raising two kids with a born and raised Rockfordian, and I’ve spent the past several years in marketing and communications with a focus on economic development and manufacturing. That experience has given me a deep understanding of the Chamber’s audience and the opportunities ahead.
Joining the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) as director of communications feels like a full circle moment. I get to champion the very people and places that made me stay.
The timing is right. The GRCC has undergone major structural improvements, strengthened membership offerings, expanded its events calendar, and is poised to elevate its economic development work. My role is to help amplify that momentum. Here’s what I’ll be focusing on in my first six months:
Strategic Communication Alignment
The GRCC team is everywhere supporting businesses, meeting with manufacturers, advocating for the region. My priority is to align our messaging so members clearly understand what we’re doing, how it benefits them, and where they can plug in. I’ll be evaluating all communication channels to ensure our messaging is consistent, intentional, and reflects our mission.
Marketing and Brand Visibility
With so much happening across the organization, we have an opportunity
to sharpen our brand presence (with our new identity). I’ll be developing a cohesive marketing strategy that elevates our work, strengthens our identity, and ensures the GRCC is recognized as a leading voice for business and economic growth in the region.
Event Promotion and Engagement
Our events are designed to support businesses of all sizes, and in a postCOVID world, people are craving meaningful, in-person connection. I’ll be focused on making sure members know what’s happening, why it matters, and how these gatherings can help them build relationships and grow. If you haven’t joined us recently, a Coffee & Connections networking event is a great place to start.
Economic Development Messaging
The Rockford Region is on the cusp of significant opportunity in manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, healthcare, innovation, and housing. Years of planning and investment have positioned us well. My role is to help tell that story clearly and compellingly, in partnership with GoRockford, the City of Rockford, and surrounding municipalities. We want investors, site selectors, and residents to understand why this region is primed for growth.
I moved here 12 years ago and chose to build a life here. This next chapter at the GRCC has me just as energized as day one and more invested than ever. If you have a story worth sharing, I’d love to hear it. You can reach me at amoon@rockfordchamber.com.
Let’s keep telling the story of a region on the rise.
Audrey Moon has more than a decade of journalism experience and a background in marketing and communications for economic development and manufacturing. She joined the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in February 2026, calling it her dream job. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
BUILDING A RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
What becoming a B Corp taught me
By Sarene Alsharif, Tad More Tailoring
In February 2026, Tad More Tailoring became the first Certified B Corporation in Rockford. The announcement was exciting, but the real story is not the certification itself. The real story is what the process revealed about how businesses operate and how communities can grow stronger when companies choose accountability.
Many people hear the phrase B Corporation and assume it is a sustainability badge. But it’s more than that. Certified B Corporations™ are evaluated on how they treat their workers, serve their customers, contribute to their communities, protect the environment, and govern their organizations. The certification process requires a detailed assessment across these areas and includes verification that policies and practices truly align with the claimed values.
The process forced us to examine every part of our operations. We looked closely at how we support our team, how we measure environmental impact, how we engage with our community, and how transparent we are in decision making. It required documentation, reflection, and, sometimes, uncomfortable questions. The experience demonstrated how intention and accountability shape responsible business leadership.
What stands out most is how many Rockford businesses already align their work with these principles. Companies across our region invest in their employees, support nonprofit initiatives, mentor young professionals, and contribute to economic growth in ways that often go unrecognized. The B Corp framework simply provides a structured way to measure and strengthen those efforts.
For business leaders curious about B Corporations, the first takeaway is that the certification is not limited to companies with a sustainability mission. It applies to manufacturers, retailers, service providers, and professional firms. What matters is a commitment to responsible practices and a willingness to measure impact meaningfully.
The second takeaway is that B Corporations thrive through collaboration. Many B Corps
prioritize working with vendors and partners who share similar values around transparency, ethics, and long-term thinking. This doesn’t mean companies must be certified themselves. It means that strong relationships are built with businesses that demonstrate integrity and a commitment to responsible operations.
For example, businesses can engage with B Corps by prioritizing quality over short-term cost savings, supporting local supply chains, and partnering on initiatives that benefit the community. These partnerships often lead to stronger networks, more resilient operations, and deeper trust among customers and stakeholders.
The third lesson is that accountability strengthens business strategy. When companies measure their impact on people, communities, and the environment, they gain clarity about what truly drives long-term success. That clarity often leads to better decision making, stronger teams, and a more resilient organization.
For Rockford, this conversation is especially important. Our city has a long history of innovation, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. As business expectations evolve, our region has an opportunity to lead by demonstrating that economic growth and responsible leadership can move forward together.
Becoming a B Corporation does not mean our company has all the answers. It reflects a commitment to asking better questions, holding ourselves accountable to the answers, and continually choosing to do a tad more. Ultimately, that may be the most valuable lesson of all.
Tad More Tailoring is a Rockfordbased tailoring and alterations company, and the city’s first Certified B Corporation. The company focuses on extending the life of clothing through repair and alterations while advancing workforce development, sustainability, and community education through the Tad More Sustainability Institute.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Sarene Alsharif is the founder and CEO of Tad More Tailoring in Rockford. Through her leadership, she advances sustainable fashion, workforce development, and responsible business practices, while building community partnerships and supporting education through the Tad More Sustainability Institute.
ILLINOIS TOPS LIST FOR CORPORATE EXPANSION Creates opportunity for the Rockford Region
By Everett Butzine, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Illinois was recently recognized by Site Selection magazine as the No. 2 state in the nation for corporate expansion and relocation projects. For communities across the state, including the Rockford Region, this continued recognition reflects a broader shift in perception and performance that’s beginning to reshape how businesses view Illinois as a place to invest and grow.
The ranking came from the annual Governor’s Cup rankings by Site Selection, which is a preeminent standard in the economic development world. This year marked the fourth consecutive year Illinois ranked near the top nationally, placing second both in total projects and projects per capita. The designation reflects a sustained wave of corporate expansions, relocations, and new investments across the state. In 2025 alone, Illinois recorded 680 qualifying projects, a 23% increase since 2023.
In a separate Site Selection magazine ranking from earlier this year, Illinois placed No. 3 nationally and No. 1 regionally for workforce development. The rankings were based in part on a workforce’s credentials, certificates, and degrees, as well as technical skills and productivity.
Illinois’ continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems has strengthened its competitive position with prospective site selectors. These factors, combined with the state’s central location, strong logistics network, and diverse industrial base, have made Illinois an increasingly attractive destination for companies looking to expand operations.
For the Rockford Region, this statewide success creates even more opportunity. Economic development rarely happens in isolation. When a state gains national recognition for growth, it elevates the visibility of its regions and communities. Companies exploring expansion opportunities often begin with state-level indicators before narrowing their focus to specific markets.
With one of the most significant aerospace manufacturing clusters in the Midwest, a globally connected cargo airport, and a long-standing tradition of advanced manufacturing excellence, the region already possesses many of the attributes companies seek when evaluating new locations.
Recent local expansions illustrate this strength. Companies such as J.L.
Clark, Aqua-Aerobics Systems, and PCI Pharma have made multimillion dollar investments in the region, demonstrating that Rockford continues to be a place where businesses can scale operations and compete globally.
So what comes next, and how is the GRCC leading, advocating, and building on this momentum?
National site selectors and corporate leaders prioritize regions that offer a combination of industrial capability, workforce readiness, and quality of life. Rockford’s position within the Chicago megaregion, proximity to major interstate corridors, and skilled manufacturing workforce make it an ideal environment for companies looking to grow efficiently while maintaining access to global markets.
Equally important is the region’s collaborative approach to economic development, bringing together local governments, industry leaders, workforce organizations, and educational institutions. The Rockford Region has demonstrated that this model works by aligning resources to support business expansion while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
Looking forward, the next phase of growth will require a continued focus on key priorities: site readiness, workforce development, and targeted industry recruitment. Prepared industrial sites and modern infrastructure will be essential as companies seek locations capable of accommodating large-scale projects.
Workforce alignment with highdemand industries, particularly aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and emerging technologies, will ensure companies can access the talent needed to sustain long-term operations. And proactive regional marketing will allow Rockford to stand out from other communities.
Economic development is ultimately about creating opportunity for businesses, for workers, and for the communities we call home. As Illinois continues to attract national attention for corporate investment, regions like Rockford have a chance to demonstrate how local strengths can contribute to the state’s broader success story.
The momentum is real. The foundation is strong. And for the Rockford Region, the path forward is filled with possibility.
Everett Butzine is the vice president of business expansion and attraction for GRCC. He is responsible for driving GRCC’s economic development roadmap (released in October 2025) and assisting local businesses with growth opportunities through business retention and expansion (BRE) visits.
THE PROGRESS PARADIGM
Rockford doesn’t chase the future; it engineers it.
By Deepshikha Shukla, Rockford University
Across the country, cities chase innovation districts, recruit talent, and market themselves as the next version of somewhere else. But in Rockford, progress isn’t something to chase, it’s something to build. For more than a century, this region has designed, machined, assembled, and refined the physical systems that power the modern economy, reflecting a business community where solutions are engineered.
In my current role, I have the privilege of visiting many local businesses and organizations, and I hear stories that reinforce this. One local manufacturer, for example, was recommended to NASA for their ability to produce highly-specialized precision gears. Another company was recommended for their expertise in advanced welding techniques. These are not isolated successes. They are the result of a regional mindset that looks to the future. Call it the Progress Paradigm
Progress as a Regional System Communities typically view economic development as a series of isolated wins—a new company, a new investment, a new program. But durable growth
rarely emerges from individual victories; it comes from alignment across institutions. A functioning regional progress ecosystem requires several interconnected elements:
Intentional talent development.
Intergenerational leadership.
• Sustainable industries.
• A clear economic identity rooted in place.
When these elements interact and collaborate, growth compounds. If they operate in isolation, momentum stalls.
Young Leaders as Infrastructure
Much of the national conversation about talent focuses on attraction— how cities recruit the next generation of workers. The Progress Paradigm reframes the question. What if young professionals are not simply talent to retain but partners in designing the region’s future? Students and early-career professionals should be encouraged to participate in the systems that shape regional growth.
A Workforce Ecosystem
Rockford’s economy has long depended on technical skills and the
ability to translate ideas into functioning systems. One of the cornerstones of that capability is quantitative literacy. Math powers much of the modern economy from manufacturing to datadriven decision making. When regional institutions align around quantitative reasoning and applied problem solving, the region builds a durable workforce. Institutions like Rockford University recognize that these skills are indispensable in talent development. Quantitative literacy is one of the university’s core learning outcomes.
Why Rockford and Why Now?
Much of the national narrative about economic growth focuses on technology hubs or rapidly expanding metros. But mid-sized regions like Rockford possess industrial depth, maintain manageable scale, and, perhaps most importantly, inspire institutional collaboration. Disruption is one of the most overused words in business. But in regional economies, the most powerful disruptor is often something far simpler: collaboration. Collaboration reduces friction, accelerates decision-making, and creates opportunities that no single organization could generate alone. When civic, educational, and business leaders remain closely connected,
collaboration becomes a structural advantage for accelerated progress compared to a fragmented economy.
A Region That Engineers
Rockford’s identity has always been rooted in creating things: machines, components, businesses, and communities. The Progress Paradigm simply extends that tradition forward. Progress is not a slogan, it is the outcome of systems that are intentionally designed, collaboratively maintained, and continuously improved. Which is why Rockford’s defining principle may be its simplest one: Rockford does not chase progress; we engineer it.
Rockford University (rockford.edu/ about/quickfacts/) is a private, fouryear institution founded in 1847 and located in Rockford, Illinois. With a 150-acre campus and approximately 1,100 students, the university offers more than 80 majors and graduate programs grounded in liberal arts education and professional preparation for careers, leadership, and civic engagement.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Deepshikha Shukla, a theoretical nuclear physicist by training and systems strategist by practice, serves as associate vice president of Business Innovation and dean at Rockford University. She advances partnerships among academia, employers, and civic leaders to align education with workforce needs and position the university as an accountable partner in forging regional solutions.
FORECASTING FLAVOR
Using data to navigate today’s beverage industry
By Michael Freeman, LaMonica Beverages
Over the past two decades, the beverage industry has transformed into a complex network of international suppliers, regional wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and neighborhood establishments supported by loyal local communities. For distributors, understanding how products move through this ecosystem requires more than experience and intuition. Today, technology, reporting systems, and analytics allow wholesalers like LaMonica Beverages to measure sales trends, forecast demand, and better understand consumer preferences right here in Rockford.
At its core, modern beverage distribution is increasingly driven by data, forecasting, and a deeper understanding of how local consumer preferences evolve throughout the year.
Modern sales strategy goes beyond reviewing historical volume. It requires close attention to category, supplier, brand, and even individual item, or SKU, performance. These insights are paired with portfolio management to support the growth of established mega brands while ensuring new products are effectively introduced and developed in the market.
Routine data collection is an essential first step in making sure we order the right quantities and direct our team to promote appropriate products to the right businesses. Through our digital sales system, we leverage data for every order, invoice, and item leaving our warehouse, including who sold it, where it was sold, and how purchasing habits change monthly and seasonally.
This long-term collection of sales data enables forecasting models that identify gaps and opportunities for effective placements and promotions. Using granular historical data from the past eight to 10 years, these models develop expected sales ranges and compare realtime results against predictions. They also account for seasonal patterns, holidays, and local events such as Friday night City Market in downtown Rockford, Old Settlers Days in Rockton, and ByronFest. These seasonal influences are visible in beer consumption patterns throughout the year. Regarding seasonality, activity increases during warmer months, particularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many recognize this stretch as the prime beer-drinking months, when warm weather and holidays like
the Fourth of July bring community and family gatherings. Economy beers, particularly macro-American lagers and pilsners, remain extremely popular nationwide due to competitive pricing, strong brand recognition, and broad availability across both on-premise and off-premise establishments.
As summer ends, celebrations like Oktoberfest spur interest in seasonal craft offerings, particularly German styles like Marzens and Maibocks. The major Q4 holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s—bring stouts, porters, and unique flavors like pumpkin to the spotlight.
Though national brands command much of the spotlight, supporting local and regional breweries remains incredibly important. In Rockford, LaMonica partners with Prairie Street Brewing to ensure their year-round and seasonal offerings reach restaurants and retailers across the region.
While beer remains the foundation of the industry, several national trends are visible in our market, especially in the rapidly growing ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail category. Brands such as Cutwater, Surfside, and Good Boy Vodka have flourished in the past year. Their success has been driven by
investments from parent companies and the growing influence of social media on consumer awareness and interest. These factors have encouraged new brand entrants, increasing the category’s value, saturation, and competition.
LaMonica continues to monitor these trends and positions its portfolio to participate in this expanding segment.
Navigating the modern beverage industry presents unique challenges for suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and bars alike. The once simple practice of managing a small portfolio from only a few suppliers has been replaced by massive product catalogs, evolving consumer preferences, and the need to adapt to changing market conditions.
LaMonica Beverages is a locally-owned, family-operated beverage distributor proudly serving the region for nearly 40 years. With a team of 70 employees, the company delivers a full portfolio of beer, wine, spirits, water, energy drinks, sodas, and milk. LaMonica serves five counties across northern Illinois.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
As the sales analyst for LaMonica Beverages, Michael Freeman enables sales execution, compliance, and portfolio management. He has a background in various industries, including digital sales, marketing, and logistics. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in data analytics from the University of WisconsinMadison.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROBLEM SOLVERS
Helping students connect math to future careers
By Jacob Hubert, Harlem School District 122
The success of any regional economy is tied directly to the skill level of its emerging talent pool. At Harlem School District 122, we view our mathematics curriculum as a critical component in building the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators for our community. This is a strategic investment validated by data. Taking Algebra I in eighth grade is associated with a 14% increase in graduates earning a postsecondary degree and a 9% increase in earning a supporting wage within six years after high school (Good Reason Houston, January 28, 2025. The secret to future success? It starts in middle school math). We understand that foundational math is the starting point for developing vital reasoning skills. The challenge we face—and one that directly impacts the future talent pipeline—is that many students disengage from math as early as third grade.
reasoning and problem-solving skills that apply to real-world situations.
By eighth grade, students commit to a potential career path, ensuring their subsequent high school education is both relevant and targeted. The system is built with proactive support and adaptability, allowing students to change their path in high school if they determine a better fit is necessary. They are given hands-on, real-world experiences to explore the different pathways that will be offered to them in high school.
Our commitment culminates at Harlem High School, where our diverse course selection offers adaptability and rigor to meet a wide range of industry needs. The math course offerings at Harlem High School ensure students are prepared for any post-high school path, with many guaranteeing college credit placement at Rock Valley College.
Our approach begins with a researchbased curriculum in grades kindergarten through eighth grade that is designed to foster conceptual understanding and math discourse. Our elementary schools have made math fact fluency a dedicated strategic investment. By dedicating time to practicing the recall of basic facts, we free up what researchers call cognitive bandwidth. This is the mental capacity that allows students to shift their focus from simple calculations to analyzing and solving complex, multistep problems, a core efficiency skill in any professional environment. The initial elementary school to implement this focus saw significant gains on the state math assessment, prompting a district-wide adoption this school year.
At Harlem Middle School, our curriculum is structured to solidify a mathematical foundation. Algebra I, which acts as the key gateway to advanced math and STEM career pathways, is where students move from concrete arithmetic to the vital
Through robust partnerships with area employers, our students see how the math skills they’re learning in the classroom apply to the real world. For example, students in the pharmaceutical tech program with UW Health are required to use dimensional analysis to determine appropriate amounts of drug and diluent.
At PBCLinear, students learn how specific algebra, geometry, and trigonometry concepts are used in every role from design engineering to machining.
The educational approach at Harlem School District 122 builds foundational efficiency in elementary school, provides strategic career guidance in middle school, and ensures both deep skill and workforce adaptability in high school. We are committed to developing a pipeline of mathematically proficient graduates ready to meet the challenges and opportunities in the professional community.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Jacob Hubert is a district administrator at the Harlem School District 122 who provides curriculum and instruction support to grades six through 12. He collaborates with staff to provide professional development and integrate real-world skills into the curriculum to provide students with an equitable education.
THE MATH BEHIND HEALING
The precision of upper cervical chiropractic care
By Kierra Ridder, Spine and Body Renewal
Numbers. Calculations. Angles. When you think about chiropractic do you think about math, as well? These concepts don’t exactly scream “healing” or “health” to people. For most people, math makes their head hurt. But what if math played an integral role in healing the body?
Chiropractic is typically thought of as a few pops and cracks that help relieve back pain. However, not all chiropractors use a thrusting motion to adjust the spine. There are different types of chiropractic just like there are different types of other health care providers. Some chiropractic procedures use numbers and calculations to help deliver a gentle, low force adjustment to the body. For this type of chiropractic, numbers are where the magic of healing begins.
There are 206 bones in your body and 33 of those are called vertebrae which make up the spine. Each level of the spine has nerves which have traveled from the brain through the spinal cord to every organ, muscle, and tissue. The segment located at the top of the spine is called the atlas (C1), and it can have an effect on just about any part of the body when misaligned. Located at the level of the brainstem, the atlas can misalign in a multitude of ways leading to interference in the signals being sent throughout your entire body.
The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) focuses on the complexity of the junction at the top of your spine which includes the skull, the atlas (C1), and the axis (C2). This region has the most mobility in your entire spine, and there are about 10,000 different ways that it can misalign leading to what is called the Atlas Subluxation complex.
All the nerves that tell your body how to function properly start in the
brain and must pass through the upper cervical spine on its way to its target location. The disconnect that this misalignment creates can contribute to a variety of symptoms including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, balance issues, fatigue, gastrointestinal trouble, and other organ dysfunction. By correcting misalignments at the top of the spine with mathematical precision, the body is given the opportunity to reestablish clear communication and begin healing from the inside out.
The NUCCA procedure focuses on achieving the correct position of the upper cervical spine by first taking specific imaging with detailed analysis. NUCCA is an orthogonal chiropractic technique meaning it evaluates the relationship between the head, neck, and spine using perpendicular measurements that compare the body to true vertical and horizontal axes. The analysis process determines the exact correction needed. By using biomechanical rationale and physics, only about one to two pounds of pressure is required to correct the misalignment.
Ensuring proper alignment of the upper cervical spine is important to promote healing and help facilitate proper function. Because the weight of a dime is enough to disrupt nerve flow, even the smallest shift in that top spinal segment can send a ripple effect throughout the body. Maybe it’s time to look at the foundation and have your atlas checked. The right angles might be the missing piece to your health journey. Sometimes restoring health is simply solving the correct equation.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
After finding relief from scoliosis, chronic pain, and stomach issues through NUCCA care, Kierra Ridder, DC, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, was inspired to help others experience the same. She now provides NUCCA care at Spine and Body Renewal in Rockford and is advancing her expertise through NUCCA’s rigorous certification program.
MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
Why you can’t afford to ignore
fiber internet
By Todd Kiehn, Stratus Networks
When businesses talk about infrastructure, the conversation usually turns to buildings, equipment, or transportation. But in 2026, there’s another form of infrastructure quietly reshaping what businesses can accomplish, and it runs underground, through fiber-optic cables no thicker than a human hair.
Fiber internet, the technology that transmits data as pulses of light through glass or plastic strands, has moved from a luxury to a business necessity. For companies in the Rockford region and across northern Illinois, understanding what fiber offers is increasingly the difference between competing effectively and falling behind.
Speed That Works Both Ways
Most businesses grew up on cable or DSL internet, which offers fast download speeds but painfully slow uploads. That asymmetry made sense when we mostly consumed content online. Today, businesses constantly push data outward—video calls, cloud backups, file sharing, customer-facing applications. Fiber delivers symmetrical speeds, meaning uploads are just as fast as downloads. A manufacturer uploading large CAD files to a partner, or a healthcare provider transmitting patient records, feels that difference immediately.
Cloud and Hybrid—the New Normal
The shift to cloud-based software and hybrid work arrangements didn’t reverse after the pandemic—it accelerated. Businesses now run payroll, communication, project management, and customer relationship tools entirely through the cloud. When your internet connection is a bottleneck, every employee feels it. Fiber handles the load that modern cloud environments demand, supporting dozens or hundreds of simultaneous users without the lag spikes common on older infrastructure.
A Note for Smaller Businesses
Fiber isn’t just for large enterprises. Small and midsize businesses often benefit most, because proportionally, slow or unreliable internet costs them more in lost productivity, employee frustration, and missed opportunities. As fiber availability continues expanding throughout the Rockford metro area and surrounding communities, smaller operators now have realistic access to plans that were cost-prohibitive just a few years ago.
What to Ask Before You Switch
Not all fiber offerings are equal. When evaluating providers, ask about service-level agreements: What uptime do they guarantee, and what happens when that threshold isn’t met? Ask whether the fiber runs all the way to your building or whether it converts to copper in your local area. And ask about scalability: Can the plan grow as your bandwidth needs grow without a full infrastructure overhaul?
Investing in fiber for your business isn’t glamorous. It won’t show up in a marketing campaign or a ribbon cutting. But for businesses that depend on reliable, fast connectivity, which is nearly every business today, it may be the most quietly beneficial infrastructure decision you make this year.
For more than 25 years, Stratus Networks has been serving businesses across Illinois by building and operating fiber optic networks and business communications services. Specializing in internet, data, voice, and cloud solutions, Stratus ensures the right technology solutions matched with award-winning customer experience. For more information, please visit stratusnet.com.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Todd Kiehn is vice president of marketing and product solutions at Stratus Networks, where he oversees all pre-sales and go-to-market support functions. Prior to Stratus, Todd held senior leadership roles at GTT Communications and Level 3 Communications, among others.
BEYOND THE SPEC SHEET
How data-driven validation creates a competitive edge
By Jeannie Zeng, Danfoss Drives
In the world of business, major investments are governed by a fundamental equation: performance versus cost. Companies rely on specification sheets—collections of theoretical numbers—to predict how a piece of equipment will perform. But what if you could move beyond theory and base your decisions on proven, mathematical certainty?
At Danfoss, we’re seeing first-hand how advanced, new testing capabilities are redefining our industry by enabling businesses to verify performance, calculate risk, and ensure a return on investment prior to purchase.
From Theoretical Claims to Quantifiable Proof
A key metric in industrial technology is “power density,” a simple mathematical ratio of power output to physical size. A higher power density means more performance in a smaller footprint, which can translate into significant savings in facility space and operational costs. While many products claim high power density, companies should be able to validate this critical number with empirical data. Look for a partner that can provide rigorous, real-world simulations that test, and prove, the load performance of their industrial drives. This will give you a verified dataset and trusted input for your own financial and operational models. By employing a data-driven approach, you can quantify the exact value of the technology before making a purchase.
The Calculus of Reliability
For any business, unplanned downtime is a critical variable that can have an immense financial impact. Proving a system’s reliability, especially under stress, is essential. When evaluating the reliability of a new system, customers often have to rely on specification sheets and theoretical performance data. However, to truly understand a product’s longterm durability, it’s crucial to look for evidence of rigorous stress testing that mimics real-world, and even worst-case, operational challenges.
One common mistake we’ve seen
companies make is underestimating the impact of extreme thermal stress on their equipment. In demanding applications, systems can be pushed to their limits, and without proper testing, overheating can become a critical failure point, leading to unexpected downtime and costly interruptions.
To address this directly, Danfoss Loves Park Application Development Center (ADC) recently installed a new 10-ton chiller. This allows us to test Danfoss’s liquid-cooled systems at higher load profiles for extended durations, providing mathematical proof of the system’s robustness under pressure. By stress-testing our equipment beyond normal parameters, we can provide customers with the data needed to more accurately calculate uptime, predict maintenance cycles, and ultimately, minimize the financial risk associated with operational interruptions.
A Future Built on Data
“This shift toward empirical data is giving buyers a decisive advantage. And companies that offer their customers undeniable, data-backed proof of performance consistently outperform their peers,” said Larry Pairitz, director of the Danfoss North America Competence Center. “Instead of relying solely on theoretical models or marketing claims, we give plant managers validated test data that shows how a drive will perform under conditions specific to their operation. That up-front transparency empowers smarter procurement decisions and transforms the relationship from a simple transaction to a true partnership.”
By prioritizing data-driven validation, companies can make more confident investment decisions rooted in verifiable performance and tangible proof.
This is the power of real-world test data applied to real-world business risk—and it’s quickly becoming the benchmark for competitive advantage.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
MATH AS A CONSTRUCTION TOOL
Physical labor is only part of the equation in skilled trades
By Paul Nolley, Project First Rate
I’ve been executive director of Project First Rate for nearly six years now. In that time, I’ve seen a real shift in how educators, parents, and young people across our region perceive the building and construction trades. People are beginning to see them as careers to aspire to, making them highly competitive and sought-after. As a result, these high-paying, blue-collar careers are more limited than they were decades ago, and students with a solid foundation in math improve their chances of landing one of these coveted careers.
We currently administer 17 regional building trade apprenticeship programs, each with 10 to 30 first-year seats. You might be surprised to learn that many of these programs receive hundreds of applications each year for those 10 to 30 positions. The programs with the highest application numbers are often those in the mechanical, electrical, and pipe trades. These tradespeople earn some of the highest wage and benefit packages of any blue-collar worker in the region. Although these trades require a considerable amount of physical labor, they also require a solid foundation in thermodynamics, hydraulics, trigonometry, algebra, and geometry. A mind/body balance is necessary to learn, perform, and master the techniques of these trades.
To even be considered for these apprenticeships, an applicant usually needs a “C” or better in high school algebra and a competitive score on an aptitude test. If a student doesn’t meet the grade threshold in high school, they can take a course at a local community college to make up for it.
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t have the ability to become brain surgeons or rocket scientists. But if a student is willing to work hard, there’s a good chance they can have a successful career in the building trades. While an electrician is no less important to society than a rocket scientist (and, in fact, affects our daily lives much more directly), they simply have different barriers to entry. In our industry, that barrier sometimes means applying through two, three, or even more cycles before being accepted. It may also mean doing extra math prep before the next round of testing. Many of the people currently running these programs faced that same uphill climb before they got in, so students shouldn’t be discouraged by a rejection letter (or two or three for that matter).
When I’m in front of a group of students, I don’t sugarcoat it. Yes, they can make an excellent living and build a meaningful career mastering a craft they love. But it’s tough work. They are often exposed to the elements, working under tight deadlines, and, yes, using a port-a-potty on a daily basis. Yet, people in these careers take pride in their expertise and the contributions they’ve made to communities across our region. We owe it to young people to be real about both the challenges and the rewards—and that starts with explaining that in this industry, a solid grasp of shop math is a critical tool in one’s toolbelt.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Jeannie Zeng is a communications and public affairs advisor at Danfoss Drives. As an entrepreneurial, passionate, and highly skilled communications and public affairs professional, her strategic and executional mindset delivers high-value communications results that drive business objectives on the global stage.
Paul Nolley is the executive director of Project First Rate, a partnership between union contractors and union tradespeople promoting quality craftsmanship in northern Illinois. Members of Project First Rate understand the importance of giving our community safe, sustainable places to live, work, and play.
GRCC TO HOST FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO PRESIDENT FOR ECONOMIC INSIGHT DISCUSSION
Business
Goolsbee, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, visits Rockford on May 12 for a high-level luncheon hosted by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC).
Goolsbee, who has led the Chicago Fed since 2023, will participate in a moderated Q&A focused on the forces shaping the U.S. economy in 2026. The discussion will address top-of-mind issues for employers, including inflation, interest rate policy, labor market trends, manufacturing strength, supply chain stability, and global economic uncertainty.
Organizers say the conversation is particularly timely. Decisions made by the Federal Reserve influence borrowing costs, hiring strategies, capital investments and long-term growth planning—factors that directly affect businesses throughout the Rockford
RESTAURANT WEEK IN NUMBERS
The facts—and tastebuds—don’t lie
In its sixth year, Rockford Restaurant Week reached new heights, inspiring both residents and visitors to explore new dining spots while supporting established favorites. The event saw a record number of participating establishments and strong community engagement, highlighted by sold-out specials and millions of social media views. Recording its most successful year yet, Rockford Restaurant Week continues to grow and have a positive impact on the area’s culinary scene.
GOROCKFORD DISTRIBUTES
FINAL ROUND OF RESTAURANT RELIEF GRANTS
An additional $427,631.17 in state funding was awarded to area restaurants in the fifth and final round of GoRockford’s Restaurant Relief Grant Program. A total of 34 businesses received grant funding in February, bringing the total to 53 restaurants that received a share of $1.4 million across five grant cycles.
The Restaurant Relief Grant Program was created to address the lasting financial impact of state-mandated shutdowns on the local restaurant industry during the pandemic. Restaurants experienced significant increases in unemployment insurance costs that persisted long after they were allowed to reopen.
Region. With local companies navigating workforce shortages, shifting supply networks, and evolving trade policies, the event aims to connect national economic leadership with regional priorities.
During the session, Goolsbee is expected to outline how the Federal Open Market Committee is approaching inflation and rate decisions amid mixed signals in consumer spending and job growth. He’ll also discuss the trajectory of the labor market and what indicators Federal Reserve economists are monitoring as the Midwest continues to experience strong demand in advanced manufacturing.
Additional topics will include the future of regional supply chains, the status of U.S. trade relations, and the potential economic impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Goolsbee will also share what economic leaders are watching most closely as the nation prepares for the second half of 2026. Tickets for the event are $75 and include lunch. To register, visit rockfordchamber.com/event-calendar.
2026 RESTAURANT WEEK HIGHLIGHTS:
82 = Record number of participating businesses, up from 65 in 2025.
25% to 50% = Reported sales increases compared to previous years.
87,724 = Views of the 2026 Rockford Restaurant Week web page.
3.5 million = Social media views, up from one million views in 2025.
1.5 million = Impressions generated by social media advertising and regional billboard placements.
17 = Restaurant giveaways promoted on GoRockford social media channels.
473 = Number of times Restaurant Week was mentioned in local and regional media, up from 274 in 2025.
30+ = Area restaurants featured in local media broadcasts, radio, and articles.
45,000+ = Partner referrals from the GoRockford website to restaurant websites.
Nearly 2,000 = Votes cast in each award category.
6 = Years since Restaurant Week began.
2027 = When Restaurant Week returns (January 28 to February 7).
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 ROCKFORD RESTAURANT WEEK “BEST OF” WINNERS
Best Experience: 27 Aluna
Best Main Course: Harvey Wallbangers
Best Dessert (Tie): Hidden Creek Estates and Plume
Best Deal: Cheezy’s Grilled Cheeses
Best Cocktail or Brew: Crave Kitchen & Cocktails
Legacy Award: Franchesco’s Ristorante
leaders from across the region will gain direct insight into national economic policy when Austan
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
OSF HealthCare welcomed Christopher Sparrow (1), MD, to the OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, 444 Roxbury Road, Rockford.
First Mid Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of First Mid Bank & Trust, honored six employees with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence:
• Wende Aites (2), manager of loan administrators, Clayton, Missouri.
• John Collins (3), senior project manager, remote.
• Sara Cutter-Behn (4), card solutions officer, Elsberry, Missouri.
• Jeff Dulle (5), St. Louis regional deposit manager, St. Peters, Missouri.
• Caleb Keller (6), business services manager, Peoria, Illinois.
• Amie Shaffer (7), business application specialist, Charleston, Illinois.
First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) recognized its top mortgage producers in its Northern Region for 2025.
• Warren Swanberg (8) originated more than $28 million in Rockford.
• Jared Fewell (9) originated more than $21 million in Machesney Park.
• Kristi Amenda (10) originated more than $19 million in Roscoe.
Mercyhealth welcomed Shilpa Mehta (11), MD, board certified family medicine doctor, to the staff at Mercyhealth Alpine, 7702 N. Alpine Rd., Loves Park.
Anthony “AJ” Lombardo (12) of Colorwave Graphics earned his 3M Preferred Installer designation.
Lori Wallace (13) celebrated 20 years with KMK Media Group
Mercyhealth welcomed Maureen Lucas (14), MD, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and Muhammad Ali (15), MD, board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine doctor, to the staff at Mercyhealth Belvidere, 1747 Henry Luckow Ln., Belvidere.
Rockford Promise named Julisa Gutierrez to its board of directors.
Trekk welcomed Jess Koltz (16) to its client services team as an account manager.
Larson & Darby Group welcomed architectural designer, Dylan Rivera (17). James P. Devine (18), Marc C. Gravino (19), and Troy E. Haggestad (20), partners with WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, were selected by their peers to the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.
Paige Summins (21), manager, claims casualty and litigation, celebrated five years with Rockford Mutual Insurance Company.
Fehr Graham promoted Sarah Sherman (22) to project administrator.
YWCA Northwestern Illinois recognized six award recipients and five scholarship winners at its 2026 Leader Luncheon XLVI.
YWCA 2026 Women of Achievement Awards
• Business Award: Litesa Wallace (23), founder of LITE Strategies.
• Community Leadership Award: Patricia Chavez (24), financial analyst, president of La Onda and Rockford School Board member.
• Professions Award: Lafakeria Reuter (26), chief of the Civil Bureau for the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office.
• Promise Award: Claudia Consuelos (27), director of workforce development at Comprehensive Community Solutions.
• Racial Justice Award: Mary Maguire McNamara (28), provost and chief academic officer for Saint Anthony College of Nursing.
• Emma Carver, Hononegah High School
• Katherine Hardwick, Hononegah High School
• Anna McLevige, Pecatonica High School
La Voz Latina scholarships (30)
• Violet Doyle, Galena High School
• Fatima Martinez, Belvidere High School
Danielle Sheridan-Bell (31) joined the Rockford Art Museum (RAM) Board of Trustees.
Waldom appointed Jeanine Fadness (32) as director of human resources and organizational development.
RAMP Disability Resources & Services welcomed Tez Lockhart (33), Renee Perry (34), and Elisabeth Patterson (35) as youth services specialists. Amanda Fair (36) transitioned to development associate, and Heather Foulker (37), independent living services director, celebrated 25 years with RAMP.
Forest City Gear promoted Emmajean Schreiner (38) to floor inspection/ first piece inspector for the ID/OD and Secondary Departments.
Fehr Graham promoted Naomi Mullen (39) to staff hydrogeologist and Tyler Nelson (40) to branch manager in Rockford.
8. Warren Swanberg
6. Caleb Keller
1. Christopher Sparrow
2. Wende Aites
9. Jared Fewell
3. John Collins
10. Kristi Amenda
4. Sara Cutter-Behn
11. Shilpa Mehta
7. Amie Shaffer
5. Jeff Dulle
12. Anthony “AJ” Lombardo
13. Lori Wallace 14. Maureen Lucas
15. Muhammad Ali
22. Sarah Sherman
25. Marcia Mueller
20. Troy E. Haggestad
23. Litesa Wallace
16. Jess Koltz
26. Lafakeria Reuter
17. Dylan Rivera
27. Claudia Consuelos
18. James P. Devine
28. Mary Maguire McNamara
21. Paige Summins
24. Patricia Chavez
19. Marc C. Gravino
2026 Bright Future scholarships (29)
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
KMK Media Group hired Ryan Sartori (41) as communications specialist.
Ipsen USA promoted Matt Clinite (42) to vice president of sales. The company also promoted Lydia Nieuwenhuis (43) to director of human resources and named her to the company’s executive leadership team.
The Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association, the Stateline’s chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association, appointed Anthony Busse (44) of Rockford Toolcraft as director of membership engagement, representing the third generation of his family to serve on the RRVTMA Board. The Winnebago County State’s Attorney Office welcomed three new attorneys: Madelyn Montana-Edwards (45), sworn in by the Honorable Judge White on March 9; and Ted Smith and Steve Gregorowicz
Mercyhealth’s Javon
(46), sworn in by the Honorable Judge White on March 17.
Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital School of Diagnostic Sonography (47) was awarded continuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in Abdomen (Extended) and Obstetrics and Gynecology, along with initial accreditation in Vascular Sonography.
Keith Country Day School’s high school quiz bowl team (48) won the IHSA Scholastic Bowl State competition at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford donated $2,000 to Toys for Tots (49).
Weldments Inc. (50) and Mosaic (51) are the newest partners in Rock Valley Credit Union’s (RVCU) Partnership+ Program.
Chartwell Agency was honored with a Gold Award from the Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA) for excellence in service-industry marketing and design.
Tad More Tailoring is now a Certified B Corporation™ in Rockford, reflecting years of commitment to purpose-driven business, sustainability, and community impact.
Region 1 Planning Council welcomed Nurzhan Amanov, economic analyst, Ava Divizio planning intern, Nammratha Pali, GIS associate, and Anushka Chipade, planner.
WATT Global Media will host the Chicken Marketing Summit, July 27-29, at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Womanspace is accepting vendor applications for BloomFest to be held Saturday, May 9. Visit womanspacerockford.org/event-6479164 for more information.
Nicor Illinois Community Investment celebrated five years serving the community.
GoRockford and the Rockford Park District welcomed back the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Progressive Volleyball Events for AAU Grand Prix Club Volleyball Rockin’ Rockford tournament. More than 340 teams competed, bringing more than 10,000 visitors to the Rockford Region. The event was held at both UW Health Sports Factory and Mercyhealth Sportscore Two. Forest City Gear purchased two new ZEISS CONTURA coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), a strategic investment that significantly expands the company’s gear inspection capacity.
Platt Hill Nursery celebrated the grand opening of its newest garden center at 6101 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford.
41. Ryan Sartori
48. Keith Country Day School’s high school quiz bowl team
32. Jeanine Fadness
46. Ted Smith and Steve Gregorowicz
39. Naomi Mullen
42. Matt Clinite 43. Lydia Nieuwenhuis
36. Amanda Fair
44. Anthony Busse
37. Heather Foulker
33. Tez Lockhart
47.
Bea Hospital School of Diagnostic Sonography
40. Tyler Nelson
31. Danielle Sheridan-Bell
45. Madelyn Montana-Edwards
38. Emmajean Schreiner
34. Renee Perry 35. Elisabeth Patterson
49. Hard Rock Casino Rockford Toys for Tots
50. Rock Valley Credit Union (RVCU), Weldments Inc.
51. Rock Valley Credit Union (RVCU), Mosaic
29. 2026 Bright Future scholarships
30. La Voz Latina scholarships
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Nine community-based organizations have been awarded funding from the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB) through its new Grassroots Funding initiative:
• Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation.
• Rockford Area Arts Council.
• Northwest Community Center.
• St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
• Zion West Enterprise/State of the Mind Institute.
• Comprehensive Community Solutions.
• St. Vincent de Paul Society.
• Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church.
• Live4Lali.
WATT Global Media is accepting nominations for the 2026 Chicken Marketer of the Year award until May 1, 2026, at wattglobalmedia.com. The award will be presented during the 2026 Chicken Marketing Summit in July.
Saint Anthony College of Nursing received a 2025 #2 ranking in the state of Illinois for its RN program by Nursing Explorer.
Artale and Co. launched a new wine club. Members receive monthly wine selections, exclusive on-premise discounts, and first access to events.
United Way Rock River Valley launched Books for Brighter Futures, a community book drive for National Reading Month. Donations of new and gently used books for pre-K through third grade readers will be accepted through April 10. For drop-off locations, visit unitedwayrrv.org/news/ books-for-brighter-futures-book-drive
RAMP Disability Resources & Services is now an official Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) selection center. Illinois residents who are deaf, hard-ofhearing, or have a speech disability may qualify for free amplified phones, iPhones, or iPads through the ITAC program, and RAMP can help them apply for and choose the equipment that best fits their needs. Contact RAMP at 815-968-7467 to learn more.
OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford recently received approval to use Pluvicto, a specific type of theranostics for cancer paitents. Pluvicto will be available at the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center later this year.
Savant Wealth Management celebrated 40 years of offering comprehensive wealth management.
RAMP is also offering online training for local governments and businesses wishing to comply with updated ADA Title II regulations requiring web content and social media posts to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. Learn more at onrampcurriculumandtraining.thinkific.com
Mercyhealth MD-1 Emergency Response Program vehicles will soon have the capacity to carry blood products, enabling EMS clinicians to provide life-saving blood transfusions directly at the scene of an accident or trauma.
GoRockford and the Rockford Public Schools District 205 and Guilford High School are pleased to announce that Rockford has been selected to host the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys Soccer State Finals for the next three years. The three-year agreement is estimated to generate $297,000 in annual visitor spending and economic impact, totaling nearly $900,000 for the Rockford Region over the term of the agreement. The selection further places Rockford in a select group of communities trusted to host IHSA championships.
Trekk won a Davey Awards for Outstanding Podcast Series for Sidetrekked. The firm also won awards for groundbreaking creativity in four client campaigns: The Dots+Pixel Mini Magazine (for Canon), DYK Magazine (for Sylvamo), a 360° video showroom experience (for Fuji America), and an integrated launch campaign for The Pocket Pal (for Sylvamo).
Edward Jones reclaimed the No. 1 spot among 23 advice-based firms in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Investor Satisfaction Study.
The Rockford Park District Therapeutic Recreation Summer 2026 Program Guide is available now online and in limited paper quantities at Park District customer service locations: UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford, and Carlson Ice Arena, Loves Park. The guide covers offerings from June through August 2026.
The Natural Land Institute Legacy Tree Program’s March Tree of the Month was an uncommon Rock Elm at Hononegah Forest Preserve in Rockton.
Thank you to our members who renewed their investment with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in February 2026.
Advantage Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Willwood Burial Park
Catholic Diocese of Rockford
Coleman CPA & Consulting, Inc.
Embassy Suites - The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Rockford Conference Center
What we do: Heyl Royster provides premier legal services and transactional experience across the Midwest, practicing in complex commercial litigation, professional liability, workers’ compensation, corporate formation, real estate, contract negotiation, and mergers and acquisitions.
Our customers/ideal referrals: We serve local, regional, and national businesses, healthcare organizations,
governmental entities, and insurance carriers seeking strong defense in casualty or workers’ compensation, alongside individuals needing comprehensive integrated business legal services.
ROCKFORD DAYCARE AND ACADEMY
Location(s): 2323 S. 6th Street
Rockford, IL
Online at: Rockford-Daycare.com
What we do: Quality, year-round, full-time pre-school academy for toddlers to six-year-olds. Focused on kindergarten readiness and social/ emotional well-being. Two indoor gyms, library, art room and more. Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Our customers/ideal referrals: Families in need of childcare that want the best for their students. More than just a school, we are a valuable community resource that is helping to shape the future.
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
100 Years
Behr Iron & Metal, An Alter Company
85 Years RSM US LLP
75 Years
Integra Business Systems, Inc. Mercyhealth
70 Years
Manpower
OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center
60 Years
Midwest Scale Company, Inc.
55 Years
Guler Appliance Company Kelso-Burnett Co.
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated Rockford Career College
Rally Appraisal, LLC
Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity Inc.
Stepping Stones of Rockford, Inc.
The Workforce Connection
Transform Rockford
Van Matre Encompass Health
Rehabilitation Institute
YMCA - Camp Winnebago YMCA
YMCA - Children’s Learning Center
YMCA - Northeast Family YMCA
YMCA - Puri Family YMCA
YMCA - SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
YMCA of Rock River Valley
50 Years PNC Bank
45 Years Pepper Creek/Fourth Street Greenhouse
40 Years
Carpenter’s Local 792
Northwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council
20 Years
Phantom Regiment
10 Years
Lechtenberg & Associates LLC
Rockford City Market
5 Years
Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC Crandall Stats and Sensors, Inc. Curran Contracting - Royer
Asphalt Paving, Inc.
Distinctive Roofing, Inc. Hidden Creek Estates
NAACP
Trajectory Energy Partners LLC
The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes member submissions for the VOICE. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication date. Send news releases and people announcements to editor@rockfordchamber.com. For information about advertising contact customer service at 815-987-8100. The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 350, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Greater Rockford Business Community, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.
The following companies are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce in April 2026:
GRCC EVENTS ADVERTISERS INDEX
APRIL 16: ROCKFORD MAYOR’S STATE OF THE CITY
8:30 a.m., RPL Nordlof Center, 118 N Main St., Rockford Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara will present his annual State of the City address at an event hosted by the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce to highlight the vital role employers, entrepreneurs, and investors play in fostering economic growth and shaping Rockford’s future. The mayor will discuss recent accomplishments and outline his priorities for the year ahead in public safety, economic development, and neighborhoods. The full presentation will be available to the public online following the event. Registration closes April 9.
APRIL 28: SPRING MEMBER MIXER
4 p.m., The Standard, 214 E. State St., Rockford
Shake off the winter blues and mix it up with fellow Chamber members at the Spring Member Mixer, where fresh connections are in full bloom. Enjoy appetizers, a cash bar, and a lively atmosphere perfect for networking and catching up with old friends. Member Mixers bring professionals together in a relaxed, social setting to build relationships that lead to new customers, collaborations, and referrals. Whether you’re reconnecting with long-time contacts or meeting someone new, you’ll grow your network and stay top-of-mind in the business community. It’s a fun, high-ROI way to invest in your business. Let’s spring into the season together. Registration closes April 20.
APRIL 30: RETHINKING ABILITY IN THE WORKPLACE
1:30 p.m., GRCC Office, 308 W State St, Suite 190, Rockford Presented by RAMP Disability Resources & Services
This workshop is designed to help HR and business professionals increase their awareness of how unconscious bias, stereotypes, and ableism can influence workplace decisions related to hiring, supervision, promotion, and accommodations. Participants will learn to distinguish between assumptions about disability and an individual’s actual skills and potential, strengthening their ability to make objective, equitable, and legally defensible employment decisions. The workshop reinforces ADA principles and equips employers to reduce risk while fostering a more inclusive, high-performing workplace. Registration closes April 24.
MAY 12: ECONOMIC INSIGHT - A CONVERSATION WITH AUSTAN GOOLSBEE
11:30 a.m., Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd, Rockford
The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce will host Austan Goolsbee, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, for a high-level luncheon conversation on the forces shaping the U.S. economy. Interest rates. Inflation. Labor markets. Manufacturing. Tariffs. Global uncertainty. These are not abstract headlines. They shape hiring decisions, capital investments, expansion plans, and long-term strategy across the Rockford region. In this moderated Q&A session, Goolsbee will offer insight into:
• The Federal Reserve’s views on inflation and interest rate policy.
The strength and trajectory of the labor market.
The outlook for Midwest manufacturing and supply chains.
The impact of global events and trade policy.
What economic leaders are watching closely in 2026. Registration closes May 7.
MAY 14:
THE POWER OF STYLE
11 a.m., GRCC Office, 308 W. State St., Suite 190, Rockford
Look the part, lead with purpose, and step into your next opportunity—confidently. Join us for a one-hour, inperson style workshop designed for professionals ready to sharpen their image, build confidence, and elevate their personal brand—one outfit at a time. You’ll learn:
Why your image is a silent tool of leadership and influence.
How to identify wardrobe gaps that could be blocking your next career move. Simple style strategies to immediately elevate your everyday presence. What your outfit says about you before you even speak. This session is your sneak peek into the transformational journey offered in the Power of Style online course. Walk away with practical tips and a mini style audit.
Whether you’re aiming for a hole-in-one, making new connections, or just enjoying a beautiful day on the course, this is your chance to mix business with a little friendly competition. Come for the golf, stay for the laughs, and leave with new relationships that could last a lifetime. Registration closes May 8 or earlier if sold out.
GRCC STAFF
CHAMBER OFFICE 815-987-8100
Angela Kay Larson, Chief Executive Officer
Caitlin Pusateri, Chief Operating Officer
Melissa Adams, Operations Manager
Everett Butzine, VP Business Expansion and Attraction
Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology
