the July 2025 | Volume 38 | No. 7
THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS BETTING
PIVOTING INTO SPORTS MEDICINE
STEVE PLATCOW
LYNN PRATT
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of the greater rockford business community
Rockford “showed up” for inaugural IRONMAN 70.3
GRCC’S ROCKIN’ 8-1-5 EVE Join us in celebrating business, bold moves, and regional pride. On August 14, the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) will host its annual
Volunteers and residents welcomed
dinner—reimagined this year as
thousands of athletes and visitors
GRCC’s Rockin’ 8-1-5 Eve. More
Article by John Groh, GoRockford
fundraising event kicks off 8-1-5
Photos by Kevin Haas, Rock River Current
Day and spotlights the momentum
“Somehow, even for this inaugural race, [Rockford] understood the assignment and showed up,” one IRONMAN athlete said on Facebook. “You could really feel the effort put forth. Well done, Rockford!” said another. Athletes, visitors, and residents praised Rockford and our region as we welcomed and supported nearly 2,700 competitors on Sunday, June 22, 2025,
community. for the Illinois premier of the globally recognized IRONMAN triathlon. The athletes and an estimated 10,000 visitors came from 45 U.S. states and 36 countries across six continents, some from as far as Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Our three-year partnership with the IRONMAN organization, the world’s largest operator of mass-participation sports, is expected to deliver more than $25 million in economic impact through 2027. As this year’s athletes and their family and friend support teams share their positive experiences and elevate awareness of our region as a tourism destination, we anticipate added boosts before and after the next two races. “It’s so beautiful and just so easy
than a party, this high-energy
of the Rockford Region’s business
to get around here,” our hospitality volunteers heard as they greeted people in hotel lobbies and stood at the ready to answer questions. In true GoRockford style, we “went the extra mile” to assemble a team of volunteers to serve as welcome ambassadors for the Friday and Saturday preceding the race. This was in addition to the 1,560 race-focused volunteers organized by GoRockford and IRONMAN. Our team has been in active conversations with the IRONMAN organization for nearly two years to plan this event, leveraging interagency collaborations at the municipal, state, and county levels to make sure everyone participating and spectating would be (continued on page 4)
Join the Chamber on Social Media
The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com
spectacular Hard Rock Live venue, the evening blends celebration with strategy. Expect the unexpected—red carpet entrances, champagne towers, high-impact storytelling, and a countdown that culminates in a toast to our region at precisely 8:15 p.m. A night of purpose and plenty of fun, GRCC’s Rockin’ 8-1-5 Eve is an opportunity to reflect on the year’s progress, recognize standout leaders, and look ahead with renewed purpose while supporting the mission of the GRCC. You’ll
The power of play
hear from local business icons,
Helping our local economy thrive
experience the kind of connection
enjoy special performances, and and energy that reminds us why
By Jay Sandine, Rockford Park District
THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY
Set inside the Hard Rock Casino’s
Every year, thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and fans travel to our region to participate in youth tournaments, amateur competitions, and regional sporting events. It’s not hard to tell when we have extra guests in town as there are longer lines at gas stations, restaurants are more crowded, hotels are packed, and traffic throughout Rockford and Loves Park is a bit more congested. Those are signs of the economic impact the park district creates for our region through sports. The Rockford Park District also serves as an economic development catalyst for private-sector investment. Our world-class recreational facilities—UW Health Sports Factory and Mercyhealth Sportscore One in Rockford along with Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park—draw millions of visitors
Rockford is on the rise.
each year, encouraging businesses to expand around these high-traffic areas. For example, the growth of hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and retail along Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park is a direct result of the activity generated by Mercyhealth Sportscore Two. That activity adds up. The economic impact for UW Health Sports Factory in downtown Rockford alone, from January through June 2025, is estimated to be $3,390,000. These major sports facilities are contributing to tourism, job creation, local business growth, and overall regional prosperity. Visitor spending stimulates secondary spending and increases tax revenues for municipalities and the county government through sales tax, hotel tax, and motor fuel tax. During the height of COVID, our (continued on page 7)
Whether you’re a long-standing member or new to the GRCC, this is your moment to show up, stand out, and celebrate the work we’re doing—together. Let’s raise a glass to Rockford and to the businesses building its future. Tickets and tables available now at rockfordchamber.com. Presented by: