JULY 2026 | Vol.39 | No.6
THE VOICE OF THE GREATER ROCKFORD BUSINESS COMMUNITY
GREAT AMERICAN INNOVATORS Celebrating 250 years of ideas and advancements By Christine Hand, managing editor American progress has its foundation in the pioneering spirit—the force that drives those who dream, explore, and take a gamble on themselves. Even the term revolutionary means ground-breaking or innovative. So it’s not surprising that a country birthed through revolution would spawn generations of inventors and creators. History teaches us that pioneering isn’t for the timid or faint of heart. It requires faith, tenacity, and a willingness to work hard and risk nearly everything. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we want to acknowledge some of the Americans whose creativity, daring, and determination set new standards and improved everyday life around the world. Benjamin Franklin • Lightning Rod, Bifocals, Integrated Media Empire One of America’s most famous early inventors, Franklin conducted his kite experiment more than 20 years before America declared independence. His lightning rod invention protects buildings worldwide to this day. He also pioneered the
integrated media model by writing, printing, publishing, and distributing Poor Richard’s Almanack and the Pennsylvania Gazette. Alexander Hamilton • U.S. Financial System Known as the founding father of America’s financial system, Hamilton also founded The New York Post and the bank that is now BNY Mellon. William T.G. Morton • Anesthesia The use of ether to anesthetize patients revolutionized surgery, allowing for longer, more complex procedures and a deeper understanding of human anatomy. Alexander Graham Bell • Telephone, Phonograph, Movie Camera The telephone, with its instantaneous voice transmission over long distances, revolutionized communication, replacing letters and telegrams with real-time conversations. The phonograph was the first device to record and replay sound. It laid the foundation for the recording industry and had a profound impact on music and entertainment, paving the way
for the movie camera. Bell also invented commercially viable electric lighting, based on the incandescent light bulb, illuminating entire cities and increasing business hours for many commercial entities. Miller Hutchison • Hearing Aid The first portable hearing aid used a carbon transmitter (consisting of a microphone, amplifier, headphones, and a battery) to amplify sound with electricity. Ransom Olds • Assembly Line The assembly line revolutionized manufacturing by increasing production while reducing costs. Levi Strauss • Blue Jeans Is there anything more quintessentially American than blue jeans? We think not. William Kouwenhoven • Defibrillator Though large and cumbersome, the first defibrillator changed how doctors treated heart attacks.
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THE VITAL CONNECTION
When students succeed, business succeeds By Larry Huff, EdD, Rockford Public Schools District 205 On July 1, I officially began serving as superintendent of Rockford Public Schools District 205. Before accepting this position, I spent time learning about Rockford, its schools, and the partnerships that have helped move this city forward. I saw a city that understands strong schools matter far beyond the classroom. Sometimes we underestimate just how important the connection between education
and economic growth is. When people think about economic development, they often think about attracting businesses, expanding housing, supporting entrepreneurs, or creating jobs. Those investments are important. But lasting economic growth also depends on whether a community is preparing its future workforce. Every employer in Rockford has a future employee sitting in one of our
classrooms today. Those students will become the people who run businesses, care for patients, build homes, teach children, and lead this community. The quality of their preparation will influence the strength of our workforce, the vitality of our economy, and the opportunities available to future generations. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
IN THIS ISSUE THE INVISIBLE WEIGHT OF LEADERSHIP Mandolen Mull, MullMentum Consulting Page 6
WOMEN’S BASEBALL WORLD CUP John Groh, GoRockford
MISSION-CENTERED LEADERSHIP
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Xavier Whitford, Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation Page 10
CLARITY
Darlyne Keller, Rock Valley Credit Union Page 11
THE VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY THE GREATER ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOLLOW US:
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