By Barbara Connors

Various thought leaders have theorizedthat the presence of the trust economy iskey to the United States’ economic healthand power. You do business with thepeople you trust. Forbes.com writer TimHarford described in his column, “TheEconomics of Trust,” that “… above all,trust enables people to do business witheach other. Doing business is whatcreates wealth.”

Social media undoubtedly hasbroadened an individual’s capacity tobuild vast networks of trust and hasheightened an individual’s socialinfluence beyond what could be imaginedjust a few years ago.

Brian Solis, a globally recognizedthought leader in the new media, and aprincipal at research-based advisory firmAltimeter Group, said in his blog entry,“The Evolution of A New Trust Economy,”that “the curated micro networks we forgewithin each respective social network

serves as a trusted community. Those whocan participate or permeate these trustcommunities must first earn theprominence of what Chris Brogan andJulien Smith call Trust Agents – thoseindividuals who are deserving of your time

By Paul Anthony Arco

A South Main corridor lined withnew and expanding businesses. Avibrant downtown filled with an influxof college students living in the area.Aerospace and manufacturing com-munities strengthened by the nano-technology and micro-machining startedback at the turn of the century.

New companies focused onalternative energy solutions. An Amtrakconnection from Chicago throughRockford to Dubuque. A commutertrain connection through Rockford toChicago and O’Hare. A freight trainconnection sending Winnebago County

products to the world. An airport that isthe favorite of the western suburbs.

It’s all part of Winnebago CountyBoard Chairman Scott Christiansen’soptimistic view of the future, one heshared with 400 people during hisannual State of the County address atCliffbreakers Resort on April 21.

“Trying to be positive,” Christiansensaid after his speech. “We’ve had such aterrific campaign for Embry Riddle; ifwe can just keep ourselves in that mode,we can do anything.”

“I tried to be realistic, a littlechallenging maybe,” he added. “Theairport is there. It’s not outrageous tothink of 50 flights a day goingsomewhere. It’s not going to take muchmore infrastructure. The more andmore crowded Chicago is as it relates tofreight, that’s good for us. Again, I thinkthe rail is a key part of it, and that’sdoable. We’ve been talking about it andnow it’s time to get it done.”

Christiansen’s vision was well received

ROCKFORD PUBLICSCHOOLS PROGRAMRECEIVES ENVIRONMENTALHERO AWARD

FarmTown, a Rockford PublicSchools program designed to teachstudents about food from seed toconsumption, was recognized inApril as the recipient of a 2010Environmental Hero Award pre-sented by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.Students worked two-thirds of anacre of land, tilled by the RockfordPark District, and attended classesled by the University of IllinoisExtension Winnebago County,including summer field trips andlessons on nutrition, entrepreneur-ialism and farming. The project

yielded hundreds ofpounds of produce, amajority of which wasdonated to theNorthern IllinoisFood Bank.

more on page 3

May 2011 | Volume 24 | No. 5

Visit us online at:rockfordchamber.com� online registration� keynote speaker

video clips� event photos� list of Chamber events

Questions? 815-987-8100

Join the Chamber’sLinkedIn Groupwww.linkedin.com/e/gis/2544

The Voice is online at rockfordchamber.com

more on page 19

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Celebration ofLeadership

L U N C H E O NFranchesco’s Ristorante

Thursday, May 12

ROCKFORD AIRPORTPASSENGER TRAFFIC THIRDHIGHEST IN HISTORY

Chicago Rockford InternationalAirport (RFD) had its third-busiestmonth ever in passenger traffic to itsseven leisure destinations in March.For the month, 27,616 passengersflew in and out of the airport, a 22.1percent increase from March, 2010.The first quarter also finished strongwith a 21.5 percent increase over thefirst quarter of 2010.Passenger service was boosted

by Apple Vacations’ expandedservice to Cancun. Apple Vacationsprovided three flights a week fromRFD to Cancun through early April,and still has weekly Saturday flightsthrough June. The Cancun serviceextends later into the year this year,thanks to strong demand from withina three-hour radius of RFD.RFD also saw year-over-year

increases in flights from Allegiant Airand Direct Air, including Direct Air’snew West Palm Beach service. Onaverage, flights out of RFD were 93percent full in March. RFD has non-stop service to Orlando, Las Vegas,Phoenix, Tampa Bay, the Fort Myersarea, West Palm Beach and Cancun.

Expanding the circle oftrust with social media

County Chairman Christiansenshares his vision for a brighter future

Photos by Brian Thomas Photography

Winnebago County Chairman Scott Christiansen shares his optimistic vision for the region.

Since early 2009, Wayne Breitbarth hasmoonlighted as a LinkedIn trainer, teachingmore than 10,000 businesspeople in theMilwaukee area and beyond how to effectivelyuse the professional networking site, whilekeeping his “day job” as the owner of M&MOffice Interiors in Pewaukee, Wis.

2 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

The following are excerpts from an AnnenbergInstitute paper on community engagement ineducation reform. Prepared by Michelle Renee’and Sarah McAlister, January, 2011.

Community organizing for schoolreform offers an urgently neededalternative to traditional approaches toschool reform. While many currentreforms are innovative, they often fail tothrive due to lack of trust, understanding,or cultural relevance to the communitybeing targeted by the reform. The highturnover of reformers (superintendents,principal, or outside organizations) inhigh-need schools and districts is anothermajor cause of school reform failure.Finally, reforms also fail because they donot address extreme inequities inresources and empowerment betweenpoor communities and their moreprivileged counterparts. Communityorganizing, in contrast, has the potentialto situate education issues within largereconomic and social systems, directlyaddress issues of power, and builddemocratic capacity to sustain meaningfuleducation reforms over the long term.

Community organizing for schoolreform leverages the collective power ofparents, youth community residents,and/or institutions to alter longstandingpower relationships and policies thatproduce failing schools in under-servedcommunities. The goal is to create moreaccountable, equitable, high-qualityschools for all students by challengingthe patterns of inequality that are builtinto the rules and laws that guideschools; the individual beliefs of manyeducators and administrators about whois capable of learning; and therelationships between stakeholders thatdictate how a reform is adopted andimplemented. While some communityorganizing takes the form of directprotest, a large part is about buildingpowerful collaborations andpartnerships between organizers andother education stakeholders.

Several key strategies distinguishcommunity organizing for school reformfrom conventional reform strategies.

Addressing power relationships.Community organizing begins from theassumption that school reform is a

complex process that includes not only thepractical business of curriculum andteaching, but also many layers of power,politics, beliefs and culture. Along withaddressing the technical aspects of areform, community organizing also workstoward understanding the powerrelationship and ideas that can advance orimpede a reform.

Developing political will to advanceequity. Community organizing is uniquein taking an “inside/outside” approach toschool reform. Organizing develops abroad constituency for reform and ensuresthat proposed reforms reflect the needsand interests of those who will beimpacted. A recent study found thatcommunity organizations can create thepolitical will needed to implement andsustain a particular change throughnegotiations, public awareness, andpressure, at the same time increasing thesocial capital of under-served communitiesso those gains can be sustained.

Developing relevant, innovativesolutions. By engaging the people mostimpacted by inequality and poverty in thecreation, adoption, and implementation

of reforms, com-munity organiz-ing inserts unique, relevant ideas andsolutions into the process.

Looking beyond education tocomprehensive reform on multipleissues. Because many communityorganizations work on multiple issues arealike poverty, housing, transportation, orhealth care, their ideas and prioritiesembed school reform in a realistic andcomprehensive web of social andeconomic issues.

Building democratic capacity.Community organizing buildsdemocratic capacity and participation ofthe community. One study found thatengaging in school reforms to benefittheir children changed communityresidents’ perceptions about their lives“from one of deficit to empowerment,which led to the cultural changes in thefamily, the community, and in theirpersonal lives.”

The full text of this article can be found athttp://www.annenberginstitute.org/pdf/NMEF_Report.pdf

VIEWPOINTPresident’s Message

Community organizing as anEducation Reform Strategy Series

Einar K. ForsmanRockford Chamber

of Commerce

by the audience, many of whom aredirectly involved with the projects thechairman outlined.

“All of the things he talked about arealmost there,” said Sunil Puri, presidentof First Rockford Group. “It’s a matter ofhaving a collected vision and havingpeople who are going to collectively pushfor that vision.”

Christiansen highlighted some of theongoing major projects, like developmentof the Rock 39 Industrial Park, which hasthe potential to create 5,000 jobs. He alsodetailed several other projects, includingroad work, siren warning systems, greentechnology efforts at Freedom Field,alternative to incarceration programs andflood mitigation programs.

He said that the efforts of the county andits economic development partners havecreated more than 600 new jobs in the pastyear. Work is being done with 17 companiesto explore relocation or expansion with apotential of adding 800 more jobs, headded. “It’s all about jobs,” he said.

The County saved $330,000 last yearby consolidating programs andoutsourcing others. The budget for thisyear is $181 million, a decrease of $40million or a reduction of nearly 20percent, Christensen said.

“It’s a credit to the Chairman and theCounty that they have been able tomaintain the level of services whilespending less,” said Dan O’Boyle, CPA,CLCS, Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency.“There were some good examples of howthe County has saved money by

consolidating some facilities andnegotiating the purchase of goods andservices.”

Christiansen also thanked formerairport director Bob O’Brien and outgoingschool superintendent LaVonne Sheffieldfor their service to the Rockfordcommunity. “There is a lot of strongsentiment about the importance of theairport and the school district to ourfuture,” said Einar Forsman, president andCEO of the Rockford Chamber ofCommerce. “I’m glad he thanked them fortheir service, while recognizing that we haveto continue to move forward and buildfrom within our community strength.”

“The thing about the chairman is healways has a positive outlook, but it’s alsosteeped in the reality of the situation ofRockford,” said Anne O’Keefe, presidentand CEO of the Rockford Area ArtsCouncil. “He has a great vision for whatcould be, and he knows that it takes hardwork from an entire community, not justone municipality, not just one governingbody, but the entire city to work together.”

In the short term, Christiansen isworking on several projects, including astudy that will begin in May to provide siteassessments for tourism-related farms,businesses, historical sites and natureorganizations in rural Winnebago County;looking for partners to fund roadimprovements, and working on thePecatonica Path project, which is scheduledto be completed by 2012.

“In order for any region to succeed, itmust have basic fundamentals in place –good jobs, excellent educationalopportunities, enhanced public health andsafety, accessible transportation and adiverse quality of life,” he said. �

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 3

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce welcomes and encourages submissions forThe VOICE of the Rockford Business Community. Deadline is the 15th of the monthpreceding publication. Send news releases and other items of interest to the businesscommunity to:

The VOICERockford Chamber of Commerce308 W. State St., Ste. 190Rockford, IL 61101For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100.The VOICE of the Rockford Business Community (USPS 784-120). ISSN number 1086-0630, is published monthly by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St.,Ste. 190, Rockford, Illinois 61101. Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The VOICE of the Rockford BusinessCommunity, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190, Rockford, IL 61101.

Let your Voice be heard

Brighter futurecont from front page

Mike Broski, Tom Hawes and GaryMarzorati catch up at the State of theCounty Luncheon.

County Officials Marilyn Hite-Ross,Bill Crowley and Pearl Hawks.

Too many times I hear seniors say “I’mtoo old for that,” or “It’s too late to startnow.” It never is too late to better yourself!Staying active, physically as well as socially,and maintaining a balanced diet are easyways to start on the road to longevity. Usingthe following tools, you may be able toprevent and maintain diseases such asdiabetes and depression and live a happier,longer and healthy life!

Exercise, the Key to Living Longer

The secret to feeling better and livinglonger is staying active. You are able to stayon the road of longevity, even byparticipating in a simple chair exercise. Startsmall by taking the stairs to burn calories,and holding a chair to do standing squatsfor fall prevention. Stand behind the chair,holding it for balance, and squat as if youare sitting in a chair. Purchase a pedometerand work your way up to 10,000 steps a day!

Eating for Longevity

Diet is one of the most important factorswhen traveling the road to good health.Because of the average American’s poor diet,our average rate for heart disease is 83 per100,000 people, compared to the islanders ofSan Blas, off the coast of Panama, whose rateis 9 per 100,000. The diet of the San Blas’residents typically consists of vegetables andseafood. We can eat heart healthy, using theSan Blas example.

Most of us know what we should byeating, but the real question is why shouldwe be eating these super foods? Theantioxidants found in blueberries, walnuts,red wine, beans and many other heart-healthy foods, can help ward off age-relatedchanges, such as dementia, Alzheimer’sdisease, and even the dreaded “C word” —cancer. Coffee is another substance thatpotentially could decrease chances of Type

2 diabetes. Goahead, pour a second cup!

Yogurt is another super food that carriesmany benefits because it has probiotics tokeep a healthy balance of bacteria in yourgut and your digestive tract in good shape.And, in a study, men and women felt fullerafter having yogurt as a snack compared tomany other snacks. This may keep you fromeating another snack between meals. Withsmall changes to your diet you may quicklysee and feel the results.

Get Out and Socialize

Staying socially active with friends has agreat effect on longevity. Researchers fromWebMD say friends exert a healthyinfluence on mood, self esteem and copingduring difficult times. A study in TheLancet Neurology, found that seniors whospend time socializing may add a defenseagainst Alzheimer’s disease. It is easy to staysocially active within your own community.Rockford offers many ways for seniors to getout and be active. Grab your friends andhead out to the Ethnic Heritage Museum,join BINGO at the VFW or the senioraerobics classes at OSF Saint AnthonyMedical Center.

You don’t need to make all of thesechanges at once — take one step at a time.Start with a small change, like eatingbreakfast with an antioxidant-filled foodevery morning. Make the habit stick, thenwork on adding another healthy habit.Every time you break a bad habit and add aheart healthy one, you go further down theroad to longevity!

AllisonMcNutt is community outreach coordinatorat In Home Personal Services, Inc.

The views expressed are those of McNutt’s and donot necessarily reflect those of the RockfordChamber of Commerce.

4 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Allison McNuttIn Home Personal

Services, Inc.

It’s never too late to makepositive lifestyle changesAdd healthy habits, one step at a time

INSIGHTGuest Perspective

LAWNCARE/LANDSCAPINGADV Enterprises

Al’s Tree Planting

Executive Lawn Services

Forever Green, Inc.

G & O Landscaping Inc.

Image Pros

Instant Jungle, Inc.

J. Carlson Growers, Inc.

Lawn Care by Walter, Inc.

Maney’s Lawnscape Inc.

the groundUP s.s.i. (gUs, inc)

Tree Care Enterprises Inc.

TruGreen

CONTRACTORS,EQUIPMENT RENTALA.A.T Infrared, Inc.

American DrivewayMaintenance, Inc.

Area Erectors, Inc.

Ballard Companies, Inc.

Berg Industries, Inc.

Bestway Remodeling

Bobcat of Rockford

Bost Masonry

Brenda & Joe’s Hauling& Construction

Building Systems, Inc.

Campos Construction, Inc

Cord Construction Company

Cream City Scale LLC

Creative Crane & Rigging, Inc.

Cross Country Construction

Done Right Seal & Stripe, Inc.

Freed Plumbing, Inc.

Fridh Construction Services

Gauerke Electric Company

Gypsum Supply Company

H. C. Anderson Roofing Co. Inc.

Handyman Matters

Krup Electric Company

KTEL Construction Inc.

Lee ‘n Sons Plumbing, Inc.

Lincoln Rent-All & Sales, Inc.

Manrod Electric Inc.

Mechanical Inc.

Midland General Contractors, Inc.

Midwest Scale Company, Inc.

Miller Engineering Company

Mr. P’s Prep-n-Paint

North Park Rental Service, Inc.

Paul Davis Restoration(JRD Construction)

Pearson

Rabine Paving

Raintree Seamless Gutters/Siding

Reliable Rehab and Remodeling

Ringland-Johnson, Inc.

Rock Road Companies, Inc.

Rockford Rentals

Rockford StructuresConstruction Company

Rogers Drywall, Inc.

Roto-Rooter

Scandroli Construction Company

Schmeling Construction Co.

Singley Construction

Sjostrom & Sons, Inc.

Special Power, Inc.

Stenstrom Companies

Superior Drywall Company

The Rockwell Group Inc.

TLC Construction

Two J’s Painting

Vern E. Lundberg, Inc.

Wilson Electric Co.

MEMBERSHIPMember Category of the Month

The following is a listing of Rockford Chamber Membershighlighted in a specific industry.

EXECUTIVECOMMITTEEChairman of theBoardMike BroskiEntré ComputerSolutionsVice ChairmanRich WalshSwedishAmericanHealth SystemTreasurerLarry BridgelandMid-City OfficeProductsImmediate PastChairmanPam MaherKMK Media GroupDIRECTORSTeresaBeach-ShelowSuperior JoiningTechnologies, Inc.Romero BennettBlue SkyInsurance Agency

Andrew BensonBenson StoneCompany, Inc.

Walt BootheHarris Bank, N.A.

Ryan BraunsRockford Consulting& Brokerage

Paul CallighanComEd

Joe CastrogiovanniGiovanni's, Inc.

J. ChapmanMaverick Media

Rena CotsonesNorthern IllinoisUniversity

Darlene FurstFurst Staffing

Penny LechtenbergHinshaw &Culbertson

Mike MastroianniRock Valley College

Paul McCannStanley Steemer ofRockfordPatrick MorrowAlpine BankJohn OllerMark PetersonCBL AssociatesCherryValeDee PremoWhitehead, Inc.RealtorsPeter RickerRockford RegisterStarTim RollinsWilliamsMcCarthyLLPDan SaavedraSaavedra GehlhausenArchitectsHenry SeyboldRockford HealthSystemPatrick ShawRSM McGladrey, Inc.

Patti ThayerThayer Lighting, Inc.

Jennifer WoodSikich LLP

Richard ZumwaltOSF Saint AnthonyMedical Center

EX-OFFICIODIRECTORS

Janyce FaddenRockford AreaEconomicDevelopment Council

Einar K. ForsmanPresident & CEO,Rockford Chamberof Commerce

John GrohRockford AreaConvention& Visitors BureauPresident/CEO

Chamber Board of Directors & OfficersMember-to-member Loyalty CardCut out and write your company name on the card below.

Give it to the member you are doing business withto show your support of member-to-member business.

http://www.ourwisdomisteeth.com

By Sherry Pritz, EIGERlab

While employed at PG Architecture(PGA), Blake Hamilton, owner ofTerraPlants (TP), experienced theimpetus for developing his company. Hecreated the concept of TP when hediscovered a lack of interior landscapingsolution options. When PGA completeda project, its way of conveying thankswas to add greenery throughout thebuilding. Discovering that this was notan easy task to accomplish, TP wascreated. The name TP strongly conveyshis offerings — terra meaning“earth/plants”.

The TP concept is straightforward …“green plants and containers, madeeasy.” TP provides a complimentaryconsultation of the client’s space, usingthe theory that living plants in a

workplace, home or public placeenhance the living environment, andbenefit society both physically andmentally. For those areas withoutnatural light, TP offers silk plants.

Help from EIGERlab

After meeting with several of thebusiness development services offeredat the EIGERlab (EL), Hamiltonreceived direction in several key areas,including marketing and the creation ofhis business plan. TP now is an ELtenant and part of the incubatorworking alongside other startupcompanies. The intent is that fellow ELtenants potentially will assist in growinghis company more quickly. His ELadvisors included RVC’s Small BusinessDevelopment Center, SCORE and DanCataldi, executive director of EL.

Hamilton competed in the 2010Stateline FastPitch Competition (FP),which forced him to ramp up his effortsto equip himself with professionalmarketing materials. Through hismeetings at the EL, he was referred tohis marketing team, SchwalbachCreative, the firm that created hisprofessional marketing and brandingcampaign.

TP’s goal is provide a diverseselection of plants and a visuallyappealing selection of containers toenhance the client’s interior decoratingtheme. The company prides itself inassisting LEED-certified building needswith the greenery to complement abuilder’s architecturalaccomplishments. Call Blake Hamiltonat 815-988-1513.

Sherry Pritz is marketing coordinator atEIGERlab/Rock Valley College.

6 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

TerraPlants:Interior landscaping solutionsNew company gets help from area business incubator

Photo by Eigerlab

The company’s goal is to improve a client’s interior space through the presence of living plants.

The Illinois Small BusinessDevelopment Center InternationalTrade Center of the Rockford areaopened its doors on April 6, becomingthe tenth such trade center to open inIllinois.

The International Trade Center(ITC) helps local companies exportproducts and services overseas. It helpsforeign companies buy from Rockfordarea companies. “A diversified economyis a stronger economy,” said RockfordMayor Larry Morrissey. “Having a one-stop office will help local businesses.Sometimes it can be difficult to knowexactly how to begin or grow yourexport business, so this internationaltrade center can help bring directionand focus to area businesses.”

Winnebago County BoardChairman Scott Christiansen said, “Welook forward to partnering with theInternational Trade Center as itconducts outreach to area companiesand holds training seminars.”

The ITC is located at the RockfordArea Economic Development Council, 100Park Ave., and staffed by Carrie Zethmayr,RAEDC manager of internationalrelations and client solutions. “Globalcompanies are more profitable andsustainable. For the Rockford Region togrow, our international exports must alsogrow,” she said, explaining theinternational emphasis.

Future Wealth Tied to Exports

More than 12 percent of the region’swealth is due to exporting. This isgrowing at 22 percent annually, which

will result in $1.5 billion in potentialwealth by 2012. President BarackObama set a national goal to doubleexports over the next five years.

Eric Voyles, RAEDC vice president fornational business development, reinforcedthe premise that global companies aremore profitable and sustainable. “That’swhy the RAEDC places a high importanceon international growth. It is a strong andwilling horse that can pull our economyforward.”

To get in touch with the ITC, contact CarrieZethmayr at 815-969-4268 or czethmayr@rockfordil.com. You also can learn more atwww.rockfordil.com/international. TheIllinois ITC of the Rockford Area is funded inpart by the U.S. Small BusinessAdministration, in partnership with the IllinoisDepartment of Commerce and EconomicOpportunity and Rock Valley College.

Brent Johnson, president of Midwest AeroSupport, discusses the importance of exports inhis business’ growth, and how he envisionsworking with the International Trade Center.

International Trade Centeropens in Rockford

‘Grass is greener’—in business, tooBy Matthew Simpson, RAEDC

Spring time is upon us! Flowers areblooming; grass is changing from drabbeige back to the green we wereaccustomed to seeing in seasons past.From talks with business leaders, wecan draw off of the season’s symbolismin regards to business as well. Sales arestarting to pick up, orders are slowlycoming in again, and businesses arestarting to see a little more green thanduring The Great Recession.

Of course uncertainty still exists, butthese are encouraging signs. Althoughthis is true, access to capital increasinglywill be important in ensuring businessescontinue on this road to recovery.

Having a good relationship with yourpersonal bank is crucial, but whenconventional financing is hard to comeby, the Small Business Administration(SBA) 504 loan program and revolvingloan funds are viable alternatives tohelp businesses meet financial needs.

Help Through theSBA 504 Program

The SBA 504 loan program is along-term financing tool designed toencourage economic developmentwithin a community. The 504 programaccomplishes this by providingbusinesses with long-term, fixed-ratefinancing to acquire major fixed assetsfor expansion or modernization. The

Rockford Local DevelopmentCorporation (RLDC) can be contactedfor additional information.

Revolving loans also are practicalfunding sources. Commonly used for gapfinancing, a typical loan is $5,000 to$20,000; however, larger loans can beconsidered in some instances. RLDCmanages several revolving loan funds.The Village of Machesney Park andWinnebago County offer revolving loanprograms as well. For more informationon these opportunities feel free to contactme at msimpson@rockfordil.com or 815-969-4258.

Matthew Simpson is business developmentspecialist at the RAEDC.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 7

Manufacturing News is sponsored by IMEC

Helping small and mid-sizedmanufacturers develop strategies to winbusiness in fast-growing industries is thefocus of a one-day Supply Chain Growthconference on May 11 at the Universityof Illinois-Chicago. The event willfeature purchasing leaders fromcompanies in the aerospace & railtransportation, renewable energy, andmedical device sectors who will sharebackground on their companies andoffer information on how companies canbecome successful suppliers to theseindustries.

“Many Illinois companies have thecapabilities to provide components andservices to these growing sectors andmany others,” said Bob Weinstein,president emeritus of the IllinoisManufacturing Extension Center(IMEC), a co-organizer of the conference.“What they need most is to identify theopportunities that match with theirmanufacturing capabilities, to makeconnections with companies that arelooking to add to their supply base, andto learn what it takes to be successful inthese sectors. The Chicago Area SupplyChain Growth Conference will addressthese needs.”

Conference Highlights:

Aerospace & Rail TransportationTechnology - Purchasing representativesfrom Electro-Motive Diesels, Siemens andHamilton Sundstrand will discussexpectations for supplier performanceand needed capabilities for aerospace andrail transportation.

Medical Devices and Equipment -Rick Paddock, med tech director for theU.S. Department of Commerce, will talkabout industry trends and opportunitiesfor growth in this fast-growing sector.Purchasing reps from Chicago areamedical manufacturing companies areexpected to participate.

Renewable Energy - Representativesfrom Acciona Wind Energy and

B r o a d w i n dEnergy willprovide anoverview of therequirementsfor breakinginto the windenergy sector.Industry ex-perts fromIllinois State University’s Center forRenewable Energy will provide anoverview of the renewable energy industryincluding, in particular, wind power.

Good Time toExamine Business Model

Other topics will focus ondiversification and go-to-market strategies.Steve Barnhart, a business growth directorat IMEC, will map the diversificationprocess and discuss key operational issuesor industry requirements that must bemet. He also will highlight examples ofcompanies that have successfully sold tothe three targeted sectors.

“Many area manufacturers are stillrecovering from the recession,” saidDylan Tuttle, project manager for JaneAddams Resource Corporation, whichis partnering with IMEC to host theconference. “As business picks up, it’sthe right time for manufacturers toexamine their business models andlessen their exposure to futuredownturns. Diversifying and securingnew customers in new sectors is animportant part of that equation.”

The event is co-sponsored andsupported by many of the region’spremier business and trade organizations,local governments and educationalinstitutions. More information is availableat www.imec.org/supplychaingrowthconference. Register at www.regonline.com/supplychaingrowthconference.

Tucker Kennedy is VP marketingcommunication at IMEC.

Conference to focus on opportunitiesfor manufacturers to grow, diversifyMay 11 event to connect smallmanufacturers with buyersfrom growing sectors

Rockford-Lidköping expandagreement in first virtual signing

Rockford and Lidköping, Swedenupdated their Industrial PartnershipAgreement on March 31 in a virtualsigning via Skype, held in Rockford’sCity Hall and Lidköping’s town hall. Theagreement is geared towards creating jobgrowth and community wealth throughbusiness and educational collaborationsand increasing awareness of Lidköpingas an ideal entry point to the Swedishand European markets.

It contains seven action plans:� Advocate for greater

understanding between the twocities and countries.

� Encourage occupational andcitizen exchanges.

� Conduct more exchangeprograms.

� Assist with future InternationalBioenergy Days.

� Explore tourism opportunities.

� Develop international businessclimate.

� Explore retail possibilities.“As this is a three-year agreement, and

we have the talents of Linnea Bengtsson,Lidköping’s full-time internationalbusiness developer, we are confident wewill make great progress,” said RockfordMayor Morrissey. Bengtsson was the firstintern from Lidköping to work inRockford after the first IndustrialPartnership Agreement was signed in2006 during the first trade mission toSweden sponsored by the RAEDC.

“We have seen good results already,”Bengtsson said. She is stationed inRockford and will make trips back toLidköping. “During my six weeks there,I received several requests from people,organizations and companies who wantto explore collaborations with Rockfordand the Midwest.”

Illinois provides employerincentives to get residentsback to work

Illinois has expanded the tax breakfor Illinois small businesses participatingin the “Put Illinois to Work” programthrough June 30, 2011. The programencourages the hire of 2010 “Put Illinoisto Work” worker-trainees for jobs createdbetween July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.

For any-size business that hires aparticipant in 2010 “Put Illinois toWork” program, positions should behourly or full-time, pay no less than$10/hour or equivalent with a minimum$18,200 annually, and be sustained forat least one year. Partners andindependent contractors do not apply.Withholding tax goes to Illinois. Taxcredit certificates at six months and oneyear. For small businesses with 50 orfewer full-time employees (counting alllocations) many of the same rules apply,

but positions sustained for at least oneyear do not necessarily need to be heldby the same individual. Tax creditcertificate after one year.

Business owners can go online andregister for their tax credits, providesubstantiating data, and print out theircredit certificates, without ever having toleave their offices. Visit jobstaxcredit.illinois.gov.

Tucker KennedyIMEC

“This law gives employersa strong incentive tocontinue providing goodjobs for workers who needit most.”

— Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn

Batter up … year five! Believe it or not,it’s the fifth anniversary of the ever-popular, always unique, StatelineFastPitch Competition (FP). For those ofyou who have attended FP, you know it’sa one-of-a-kind event that resembles across between delivering your three-minute elevator pitch and a day at theballpark, complete with popcorn and ahot dog vendor.

But don’t let the ballpark theme foolyou — this is a serious competition thatbegins weeks before with a two-day “pitchtraining,” where potential contestantslearn about being precise when deliveringtheir pitch and meet their fellowcompetitors. After a brief history lessonand examples of previous winners, DanCataldi, director of the EIGERlab, andSherry Pritz, EIGERlab’s marketingcoordinator, go to work sharing theirbackground on the subject and howcontestants can perform at their best.

Giving EntrepreneursFinancial Backing

FP began in the fall of 2007 as acollaborative effort between the IllinoisBusiness and Investor Forum, NorthernIllinois University, Rock River ValleyEntrepreneurship Center, RockfordArea Economic Development Counciland the Stateline Angels. Five yearslater, some of the players and entitieshave changed slightly, but the same core

group of committee members still arecoordinating and collaborating to makethis unique event a success.

In 2010, Katrina Epperson, AzimuthDesigns, became the first female winner,taking first place with her innovative iceax. She designed the product and herfather Jim Epperson, in a collaborative

effort, completed the engineering andmanufacturing. While Epperson wasdoing the heavy lifting competing at FP,her father was climbing Mt. McKinleyin Alaska, using the product and sellingit to fellow ice climbers. As a collegestudent, Epperson appreciated beingable to meet, network with and receivevaluable feedback on her pitch and herproduct from investors, bankers andsuccessful entrepreneurs — a group ather age she otherwise would not havebeen able to meet. “I would definitelycompete in the future with a differentinvention!” Epperson said.

Developing a Focused Pitch

During pitch training, competitorslearn not only a better way to pitch theirproduct, but also about their competitors’ideas, products or services. Theexperience is intense and quite valuable,according to previous participants. Fortwo evenings, competitors pitch theirproduct, receive valuable feedback fromtheir peers and listen to their fellowcompetitors’ pitches.

Harold Winebaugh, UniversalManufacturing Group, with his uniqueDrum-lok product said, “The competitionhelped me to focus on getting to the point— sell the product, tell my story.”Winebaugh placed second at the 2007 FP,and like several other FP competitors,went on to place in the statewide InnovateIllinois Competition held in Chicago.When asked if he thinks FP is worthwhile,he replied, “Yes, definitely! Last year, Ienjoyed attending the event expo portionand connecting with the potentialentrepreneurs … sharing my experiences.”

Meeting Future Mentors, Backers

For those curious about what the evententails … it’s a competition that canintroduce you to mentors, bankers and

fellow competitors who may becomefuture allies, with the outcome ofdelivering your three-to-five minuteelevator pitch or business pitch in aconcise and to-the-point manner. 2011 FPbegins at 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, June22. Presenters who have been chosen tomove forward (post-training), will presentto successful entrepreneurs, bankers,angel investors, etc., who will judge themon business-related questions, such as:“What is your competitive advantage andyour target market? How do you expect tomake money?”

Competitors will have three minutesmaximum to present their pitch. Thepost-pitch session will include a briefopportunity for the judges to askquestions and provide valuable feedback.In addition to presenting, competitors willhave the opportunity to occupy a smallarea in NIU’s lobby, which is turned intoan entrepreneurial expo starting at 3:30p.m. Being an expo participant isoptional, but allows the opportunity tonetwork with FP visitors and judgesduring the break.

Round one of the competition lastsfrom about 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Finalists areannounced, and the final portion of thecompetition starts at 6 p.m. During thefinal round, competitors are given a bitmore time (seven minutes) to convey theiridea, product or service.

If you always have had a certain ideain your head or a sketch on a napkin,brush off those cobwebs and compete! Formore information, call 815-921-2054 orvisit www.eigerlab.org/events.html.

Stateline FastPitch competition celebrates fifth anniversaryBrush off your best idea and pitch it

8 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

PARTICIPATE IN THE 5THSTATELINE FASTPITCHCOMPETITION (FP)

FP training, June 8 to 9 evenings

FP competition, June 22

Call 815-921-2054 or visitwww.eigerlab.org/events.html

Photo by EIGERlab

FP competitors participate in an entrepreneurial expo in the NIU-Rockford lobby.

Photo by EIGERlab

Brad Harrison, with the FastPitch committee,accepts a $5,000 check as the winner of the2008 competition.During pitch training, competitors learn not only a better

way to pitch their product, but also about their competitors’ideas, products or services. The experience is intense andquite valuable, according to previous participants.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 9

John GrohRACVB

Investing intransformation,working toward changeCould Dubuque’s model work for us?

Dubuque, Iowa learned in 2009 thatIBM had selected it for its new technologyservices center. This created 1,300 newhigh-tech jobs by 2010 with the possibilityof more. Think of the economic and civicactivity these new employees aregenerating for Dubuque.

Among the happiest at the news werethe public-private partnership leaders whodeveloped a plan for communitytransformation, and worked together overa period of nearly 20 years to advance thecommunity. Key to their success was theirwork on the National Mississippi RiverMuseum & Aquarium and the America’sRiver at the Port of Dubuque, signatureprojects funded in part by Vision Iowagrants that helped transform Dubuque.

I wanted to write about Vision Iowa tolet you know about their uniquepartnership model that had much to dowith IBM’s decision, for Iowa’s ranking asthe second most livable state in the countryin 2009 according to the CongressionalQuarterly Press, and a dramatic resurgencein Iowa’s quality of life.

IBM cited these reasons for selectingDubuque:

� public-private partnerships� competitive business climate, and� talented workforce.

Dubuque’s Unique Partnerships

Why did IBM like their public-privatepartnerships so much? They were deepand long-term, with proven track records.These partnerships also are thefoundation for Vision Iowa’s success.

When Tom Vilsack was electedgovernor of Iowa in 1998, he made“quality of life” a priority. He proposedand the Iowa General Assemblyapproved the Vision Iowa Program in2000. This is a long-term program toassist communities to develop andcreate permanent cultural, recreational,entertainment and educationalattractions for the general public. Inturn, it was hoped that these attractionswould position communities to takeadvantage of economic developmentopportunities in tourism and strengthena community’s competitiveness as aplace to work and live.

Guess what? It worked because Vision

Iowa has requirements that assure success

and leave lasting benefits. For

communities to receive a grant, they must

have strong, local public-private

partnerships; leveraged financial resources

(private investment); and strong, local

leadership. A minimum of 50 percent of

project funding must come from local

sources; often more is required.

Sometimes the state supported only 10

to 20 percent because time was taken to

identify more local participation. So public

funds seed projects but leveraged finances

by the private sector assure local buy-in

and thus, success. This is in contrast to

some other public-private partnerships

where public funds can account for the

majority of a project or seed a project with

the hope that private investment will

follow.

Partnerships Benefited Iowa

Vision Iowa has awarded about $350

million in funding to 94 of its 99

counties, helping develop new libraries

in small towns and convention

complexes in larger cities.

One example of a Vision Iowa

investment is the National Mississippi

River Museum & Aquarium established

in Dubuque. It attracts more than 250,000

visitors annually. The area received a

second major award for the America’s

River at the Port of Dubuque for a

Mississippi River Discovery, the

Mississippi River National Education

Center and Conference Center, the River

Walk and amenities and the Riverfront

Hotel and Indoor Water Park.

Leaders in Dubuque trace their success

in attracting IBM to their public-private

partnerships and investing in

transformative initiatives like the Port of

Dubuque. It makes me wonder what

would happen if, like Dubuque, we had a

regional master plan that we supported

and worked to implement?

With our region’s brain power and

resources, the results would be impressive,

and transformative, for sure.

John Groh is president/CEO of the RockfordArea Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Photo by Mark Hirsch Photography

10 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

TAXESHB1672 Automatic IRAIll. Chamber Position: OpposeStatus: 2nd Reading

SB 21 Cigarette Tax IncreaseIll. Chamber Position: OpposeStatus: 3rd Reading

SB 43 Tax Disclosure ActIll. Chamber Position: SupportStatus: 3rd Reading

LABORSB1349 Workers’Compensation ReformIll. Chamber Position: Support,Chamber initiativeStatus: Failed on 3rd Reading

HB1552 EEOC’sDetermination Adoption byDept. of Human RightsIll. Chamber Position: Support,Chamber initiativeStatus: Passed House, SenateAssignments

SB 128 7 Days Paid Sick LeaveIll. Chamber Position: OpposeStatus: Re-referred to Assignments

HEALTHCAREHB223 Healthcare JusticeImplementation ActIll. Chamber Position: OpposeStatus: Failed on 3rd Reading

HB224 Health CarrierExternal ReviewIll. Chamber Position: OpposeStatus: Passed House, SenateAssignments

HB1530 Mental Health ParityIll. Chamber Position: OpposeStatus: Passed House, SenateAssignments

HB1577 Health BenefitsExchange ActIll. Chamber Position: SupportStatus: Passed House, SenateAssignments Committee

ENVIRONMENTHB1703/SB2169 RegulatoryModernization-Pipelines,Chamber initiativeIll. Chamber Position: SupportStatus: Passed House, SenateAssignments Committee/PassedSenateSource: Illinois Chamber of Commerce

LEGISLATIVEIssues to Watch

Information from the U.S. and Illinois Chambers and other sources on issues impacting the business community

News from the Illinois Chamber, State of Illinois

Movement, Non-Movement inCommittees, Floor Action

Committee deadline extensionsexpired for certain bills while otherbills managed to pass out of theiroriginal chamber.Three bills are back in

Assignments committee. SB127amends the Family and MedicalLeave Act to include in-laws,domestic partners and siblingswith a serious health condition andincreased the leave allowed to 16work weeks. SB128 would requireemployers to provide a minimumof seven days paid sick leave.SB1565 provides for fewerlimitations on the definition of“employee” and increases theminimum wage annual to restorethe wage to its historic level,thereafter increasing the wage inthe cost of living during thepreceding year.

Items Need Resolution byMay 31 Adjournment

The House returned from springbreak on April 26 and the Senatewill return on May 3 for the final

legislative push before scheduledadjournment on May 31.Budget:With the House moving

forward with its own budgetproposal and each chamber andGovernor Quinn all having differentbudget numbers; it’s going to takea lot of negotiation for the Big 3 tocome to agreement. It looks like theGeneral Assembly plans on beingmore involved this year.ComEd (HB14): ComEd hopes

to pass its smart grid modernizationlegislation this spring session.Enterprise Zone Extension:

SB1633, which extends the EZsfor 20 more years, has passed theSenate and been picked up byHouse Revenue committeechairman Rep. John Bradley.R&D/Temporary Storage:

SB1215 extends the alreadyexpired Research & DevelopmentTax Credit to Jan. 1, 2015, whileSB1768 extends the exemption forcentralized purchasing activitiesfrom June 30, 2011 to June 30,2016. Neither of these bills made itout of committee and both werere-referred to Assignments.

A CLOSER LOOK OTHER BILLS UNDER CONSIDERATION

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 11

Caitlin LudwigIGNITE

IGNITEYoung Professionals

Putting on our own pairof Superman pajamasStart believing you can fly

I am a bit envious of five year olds.Beyond the obvious perks like nap times,a lack of bills and a hilariously awesomefashion sense, at that age, you arecompletely unaware of limitations. Ratherthan think about all of the reasons youcan’t do something, you simply give ityour absolute best shot and see whathappens. You aren’t saddled down withthe words “can’t,” “never gonna happen,”

or “no way.” To a five year old, everythingis possible with the right wardrobe.

Never does it occur to a five year oldthat he can’t fly while wearing hisSuperman pajamas. Rather than questionthe science behind his ability to defygravity, he simply jumps on the couch andleaps into the air! And look at that!! He’sflying!! Granted, his flight lasts about .4seconds, but that does not discouragehim. With his Superman pajamas on,flying is flying – no matter how long theflight – and that, is a success.

Getting Beyond the ‘Can’ts’ of Life

Somewhere along the line, we growup and start to believe in the “nos” andthe “can’ts” of the world. At some point,our Superman pajamas are nothingmore than flannel with a zipper –Superman starts to fade, along with themagical flying abilities. Jumping off thecouch no longer gives the feeling ofsuccess (even if short-lived) but ratherlong-term failure. Rather than viewingthe trip off the couch as a flight of .4seconds, you view it as a failure sinceyou landed rather quickly. Life is lessfun, more daunting, and it’s a lot harderto get things done.

Rockford – we need to put on ourSuperman pajamas. We owe it to the fiveyear olds in ourselves as well as ouradult selves to give flight a chance. Putaside the “can’ts” and “never gonnahappens,” zip up your pjs and jump offthe couch. Who cares if you only fly for

.4 seconds? The fact of the matter is thatyou flew.

How many problems in ourcommunity could we tackle withSuperman pajamas? Rather than bogourselves down with all of the reasonssomething won’t work or an idea can’tbe done or naming the person whowould be offended if we changed statusquo, we need to start naming all of the

reasons it can be a success. Start listingthe people willing to help, the changesthe solution would bring, and thereasons why it has to be done.

Getting Out of Our OwnWay

So often, we are the ones standing inthe way of our own dreams. We are soafraid – afraid to step on toes, afraid tofail, afraid to take a chance – that we let allof the limitations we know cloud ourcreativity and our ability to find asolution. Sometimes, the best way to live,make decisions and be a true catalyst ofchange is to forget why something can’tbe done and start thinking about all of thereasons why it can. After all, I’m sure ifwe dug around in the attic long enough,we could find our very own pair ofSuperman pajamas – perhaps a pair witheven a few flights left in them.

Now, sadly, we can’t go back to beingfive. I’m sure there are plenty of dayswhen naps after lunch and bedtimes at7:30 p.m., are more than appealing. But,while we can’t turn back time, we canlearn something from our days of cookiesand milk. We can embrace the ideals ofour five-year-old selves. We can try to livelife with a little more laughter and a littleless knowledge of what could go wrong.After all, if we fall off the couch, what’sthe worst that can happen? Perhaps weneed a few days of Superman pajamasand .4 second successful flights.

Caitlin Ludwig is director of IGNITE.

“Put aside the ‘can’ts’ and ‘never gonna happens,’ zip upyour pjs and jump off the couch.Who cares if you only flyfor .4 seconds? The fact of the matter is that you flew.”

JOIN IN THE IGNITE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Please join IGNITE for a second anniversary celebration with a fewlaughs on May 20 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Rockford.Cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m. A comedy show featuringAnne O’Keefe, Rockford Area Arts Council, and Kevin Haas, RockfordRegister Star, is sure to tickle your funny bone and put you in a greatmood. Tickets, including dinner and the show, are $20 for IGNITEmembers/$30 for non members. Corporate tables of eight also can bepurchased for only $170. For more information or to purchase tickets, visitwww.igniterockford.com.

Multicultural Business Councillaunches its new Lunch & Learn seriesSurviving beyond business year one

By Terri Worman, AARP Illinois

Every person who has ever dreamedof starting his or her own business had avision – a vision that included hopes forgrowth, prosperity – and yes, evenlongevity. One of the biggest hurdlesalways is getting past that first year, thenthat fifth year, and beyond. But how doyou get there, especially in today’seconomy?

Panelists Share Experiences ofEntrepreneurial Success

The Multicultural Business Councilshowcases its new Lunch & Learn serieswith a panel of minority small businessowners, sharing their experiences inSurvivorship: Getting From Year One ToBeyond on Wednesday, May 25 from11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Rock ValleyLearning Opportunity Center, 308 W.

State St., in Rockford (Stewart Square --the same building as the RockfordChamber).

Three panelists will represent aspectrum of perspectives from “recentstart-up” (1 to 2 years), to “been aroundfor a while” (5 to 7 years), to “think wemight have made it” (15-plus years). Theevent is open to Chamber members for$15, and includes lunch, the paneldiscussion and time to network withother small business owners, like you.Bring your business cards and yourquestions and help the council kick off itsnew series. More events are beingplanned for August and November.

Please RSVP for the event by Friday,May 20 to Valerie Tippitt at the RockfordChamber at 815-316-4336.

Terri Worman is ASD - community organizingat AARP Illinois.

The 2001 Economic Growth and TaxRelief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA)produced far-reaching changes to the estate,gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST)taxes. These changes included significantincreases in the estate-tax exemptionthrough 2009, and the repeal of the estatetax (but not the gift tax) in 2010. On Jan. 1,2011, the changes implemented byEGTRRA were set to expire.

On Dec. 18, 2010, and before pre-EGTRRA provisions once again becameeffective, President Obama signed The TaxRelief, Unemployment Insurance Author-ization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (2010Tax Act), amending again the FederalEstate and Gift Tax Structure, but only forcalendar years 2011 and 2012. The changesmade by this law, as well as other state estatelaw changes recently made in Illinois, makeit a very good time for individuals to reviewand consider their current estate plans.

Changes in Federal Creditsfrom Estate, Gift, GST Tax

In order to appreciate the recentchanges to the Federal and State of IllinoisEstate and Gift Tax laws, it is necessary toreview not only where we are now, but how

we got here.The so-called “unified credit” is

available to shield the transfer of wealthfrom tax with respect to lifetime transfers(called gift tax) or transfers at death (calledestate tax). Under the 1997 Taxpayer ReliefAct, the unified credit gradually increasedto a fixed amount of $1 million in 2006 andevery year thereafter.

The 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act remainsthe baseline estate and gift tax law and willonce again become applicable unless

further action by Congress is taken beforeDec. 31, 2012.

Under EGTRRA, the effectiveexemption amount began increasing overtime and became applicable for both theestate tax and the GST tax. The gift taxexemption amount, however, remained levelat $1 million. See the table (Figure 1)articulating the federal exemptionequivalent from 2001 to 2011 based onEGTRRA and considering pre-2010 TaxAct Law.

The 2010 Tax Act resets the estate taxexemption at $5 million per decedent,effective Jan. 1, 2010, and maintains theexemption at this level for 2011 and 2012.The 2010 Tax Act also increases the gift taxexemption to $5 million to reunify it withthe estate tax exemption effective Jan. 1,2011. The exemption for GST Tax also isset at $5 million, effective Jan. 1, 2010.

All of the tax changes included in the2010 Tax Act expire on Jan. 1, 2013, whenabsent further action by Congress and thePresident, the estate, gift and GST tax ratesand exemptions applicable under theTaxpayer Relief Act of 1997 will return. The2010 Tax Act also instituted a new conceptfor the “portability” of unused estate andgift (but not GST) exemption equivalentbetween surviving spouses. This provisionprovides that a surviving spouse can use theunused portion of a deceased spouse’sapplicable estate tax credit.

Changes to Federal Ratesof Estate, Gift, GST Tax

Estate, Gift and GST Tax rates also havechanged greatly under the 2010 Tax Act.Prior to EGTRRA, transfers previouslywere taxed at rates beginning at 37 percent.The maximum tax rate for lifetimetransfers or transfers at death was 55percent, with a 5 percent “surtax” for giftsor estates valued between $10 million and$17,184,800. The generation-skippingtransfer tax rate was imposed at a flat rate of55 percent. Beginning in 2002, themaximum federal estate tax and gift taxrates were gradually reduced to 45 percent.The maximum GST tax rate was equal tothe maximum federal estate tax rate.

In 2010, the estate tax and GST tax wererepealed, and at such time, the maximumgift tax rate was equal to the highestindividual income tax rate, or 35 percent.The 2010 act sets a 35 percent tax rate onestates, gifts and generation-skippingtransfers above the new $5 millionexemption amounts.

Changes in Illinois Estate Tax

Illinois Estate Tax Law also has changedgreatly over the last 10 years, and also hadbeen altered by a new tax law earlier thisyear. In 2003, Illinois did not impose a statetax on estates of less than $1 million. In

2004 and 2005,Illinois did notimpose estate tax on estates of less than$1.5 million, and in 2006-2009, Illinoisdid not impose estate tax on estates lessthan $2 million. In 2010, when the federalestate tax was repealed, there was noIllinois Estate Tax.

In addition to raising the Illinois stateincome tax rate from 3 to 5 percent, theIllinois Taxpayer Accountability andBudget Stabilization Act reinstated inIllinois estate tax for those who die afterDec. 31, 2010 for estates larger than $2million. This threshold is set to continueindefinitely. Illinois’ new law does not allowportability between spouses like the newFederal 2010 Tax Act.

Reviewing Trust Fund Formulas

There are many things individualsshould be doing based on the recentchanges to Federal and State of IllinoisEstate Tax law. To begin, individuals shouldreview the effect of the changes to federaland state estate tax credits on trust fundingformulas to make sure the formulas operateas desired. This is particularly importantwhen considering the differential betweenthe Federal and State of Illinois Estate TaxCredits, and when considering thedifferential that exists between the variousstate Estate Tax Laws.

Individuals also should consider thatprior to Dec. 31, 2012, there exists anopportunity to make tax-free gifts tointended heirs which may not be availableon Jan. 1, 2013. Individuals who may besubject to estate tax based on the proposedestate tax exemptions after 2013 ($1 millionfor an individual, $2 million for a couple)may consider making tax-free gifts prior toyear-end 2012.

Individuals also should consider thedistribution of their estate based on the newtax law. Many individuals may find that thereduction in federal estate tax due undulyincreases intended distributions to residualbeneficiaries. Contingent charitableobjectives may be implemented to stabilizeestate distribution objectives depending oncurrent federal and state estate tax law.

Finally, although new estate taxlegislation in late 2012 or early 2013 seemslikely, it is impossible to predict the exactparameters of any future tax law.Individuals will want to pay close attentionto their estate plans in the coming years tobe assured that their plans work as designedand minimize any unnecessary impositionof federal and state estate tax.

Attorney Michael T. Cyrs is a partner atWilliamsMcCarthy LLP, Rockford office.

The views expressed are those of Cyrs’ and do notnecessarily reflect those of the Rockford Chamberof Commerce.

12 FOCUS ON BANKING, FINANCIAL SERVICES May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Michael T. CyrsWilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Estate, business succession planningTax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Authorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010

INSIGHTGuest Perspective

Figure 1

DecedentsDying In Exemption2001 $675,000

2002-2003 $1,000,000

2004-2005 $1,500,000

2006-2008 $2,000,000

2009 $3,500,000

2010 Estate Taxrepealed

Carry-over basisregime instated

2011– beyondwould have been $1,000,000

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 FOCUS ON BANKING, FINANCIAL SERVICES 13

Katelyn Sanders, a seventh graderfrom Belvidere Central Middle School,and Bernadette Rotello, a sixth graderfrom St. James Catholic School inRockford, cut the ribbon at the kick-offevent for 2011 Money Smart WeekRockford on April 1 at Rockford College.Among those in attendance (pictured)were Einar Forsman, president & CEO ofthe Rockford Chamber of Commerce,and Doug Tillett, VP of public affairs ofthe Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

The two students won the Rockfordessay contest sponsored by the Federal

Reserve with their views on theimportance of financial literacy. Sanders,the grand prize winner, received a $2,000savings bond from Harris Bank. Rotello,the runner up, received a $1,500 BrightStart Scholarship from the Illinois StateTreasurer’s Office.

The Rockford essay contest was one ofthe many activities held during MoneySmart Week, April 2 to 9. Coordinated bythe Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago,Money Smart Week offered free classesand events to give consumers knowledgeon managing their personal finances.

Student essay winners kick offMoney Smart Week Rockford

Rockford Public Schools and theAlignment Rockford K-8 Behavioral HealthCommittee seek proposals fromorganizations to provide two- to six-hourprofessional development workshops toRPS teachers and support staff during thesummer of 2011. All workshops should buildgreater understanding on behavioral healthtopics and their impact on teaching andlearning. Topics should address issues suchas self awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, social awarenessand self management.

Presentations will be given in late Junethrough mid-August, 2011. They should aimto create a positive school climate by

� increasing the understanding ofbehavioral health issues that impactteaching and learning,� teaching a common language and

terminology around behavioral healthissues,� developing tools and strategies toaddress specific challenges related tobehavioral health issues, and� creating awareness of thecommunity resources that exist tosupport the needs in the classroom.Proposals should be submitted by May

4 by completing a response form and faxingit to 815-637-7629 or emailing it todianepeters@alignmentrockford.com. Allproposals will be reviewed by the BehavioralHealth Committee on May 5, and yourparticipation will be confirmed by May 20.For questions, please contact Jon Malone atmalonej@rps205.com. For questions on theInvitation to Participate™ or the ITP™

process, please contact Laurie Preece atlauriepreece@hotmail.com.

Developing tools to address behavioralhealth issues in schools—call for proposals

Despite what you might have heard,banks are lending. In the first twomonths of 2011, nationwide SmallBusiness Administration (SBA) 7(a) loanoriginations grew by 1,441 as comparedto the same period in 2010. Not only didthe number of loans increase, the loanvolume also increased by $4,566,000.

SBA financing has become aresource for banks to use in assistingcustomers and new business owners inobtaining the financing required fortheir businesses. SBA loan optionsinclude 7(a), SBAExpress loans and 504term loans. SBA loans help banks limittheir risk while creating a viablefinancing structure for borrowers.

The SBA 7(a) program can be usedfor equipment, working capital and realestate financing. The maximum loanamount is $5,000,000. Longeramortizations without balloonpayments are one of the benefits of theprogram.

SBAExpress loans may be used forrevolving lines of credit (up to seven-year maturity) or for term loans with amaximum loan amount of up to$1,000,000. This limit will expire onSept. 26, 2011. Typically the maximumloan amount is up to $350,000. TheSBAExpress program offers the benefitsof a quicker turnaround time and alimited amount of documentation.SBAExpress loans are available onlythrough preferred SBA lenders.

Financing with Help from the RLDC

504 term loans are financed with the

assistance of a certified development

companies. In Rockford, the Rockford Local

Development Corporation (RLDC) works

with banks to provide financing for projects.

Loans are structured with 50 percent

financing from a bank and up to 40 percent

non-guaranteed financing from RLDC. The

benefits to the borrower are low down

payment, lower rates and a longer term.

The SBA has added the 504 Debt

Refinance program to assist banks and

business owners in refinancing existing 504

loans. This program currently is set to expire

on Dec. 31, 2012.

Bank underwriting principals and

procedures have not changed. Banks will ask

detailed questions to gain a better

understanding of the business, the strength

of management and the ability of the

company to repay the loan. The type and

amount of collateral available will determine

what SBA program can be utilized.

Additional insight on all of the SBA loanprograms and business planning can be

found on the SBA website at www.sba.gov.

LindaHeckert is senior vice president, director ofbusiness banking, at Northwest Bank.

The views expressed are those of Heckert’s and donot necessarily represent those of the RockfordChamber of Commerce.

14 FOCUS ON BANKING, FINANCIAL SERVICES May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

The first quarter of 2011 wasremarkable, not because the stock marketexperienced its best quarter in the pastdecade, but because it did so amidmassive global chaos. The Arab Springhas led to oil prices near $120 per barrel.Japan suffered two natural catastrophesfollowed by a nuclear nightmare and yet,the DOW is up.

We must be careful, however, not tolean too heavily on the strength of thestock market. For the past two years, theFederal Reserve has introduced morethan 2.3 trillion new dollars into theeconomy through its purchase of U.S.treasuries with newly printed money.Come June 30, that supply of money willstop when the Fed’s money printingprogram is scheduled to end.

After that comes to an end, the realtest of how 2011 and our recovery fromthe Great Recession will unfold. Whenthe Fed prints money, it ends up in banksas deposits, which overloads oureconomy with “cheap” dollars. This issupposed to make lending easy, andtherefore spur economic activity,particularly in areas that involve debt,like housing and durable goods.

But what do we have to show for that$2.3 trillion the Fed pumped in? Alightning run in stocks, a tepid recoveryin our economic growth, a very mildrecovery in employment with fallingwages, and a housing market that has yetto bottom. If this is what trillions of newlyprinted dollars will purchase, it will be

interesting to see what happens when theprinting presses stop.

Some Positive Signs

There were some positive signs in oureconomy, no doubt. We are not sheddingjobs as we were in 2008 and 2009.According to the Bureau of LaborStatistics, we are currently adding around200,000 jobs per month. This is nice, butsince our workforce is growing byroughly 100,000 per month, the extra100,000 jobs created won’t go far toalleviate the unemployment problem.Profits are strong, but that is forcorporations and often in specificindustries. As individuals, our incomeactually fell a small amount in the lastseveral months.

So while it might seem like the stockmarket can do no wrong right now, evenin the face of tremendous headwindsand difficult events overseas, it ispossible that much of that strength hascome through the efforts of the FederalReserve. Many predictions were madethat we would be on an economicupswing by mid-2011. It is in themonths ahead that we will find out justhow sustainable this recovery really is.

Bradley L. Gummow is senior vicepresident/investments, The Gummow WealthAdvisory Group, a division of Stifel, Nicolaus& Co., Inc. He’s helped manage investmentsfor more than 25 years and has taughtinvestment planning at Rock Valley College formore than 15 years. He is author of thefinancial book, Winning the Money GameMade Easy.

The views expressed are those of Gummow’sand do not necessarily reflect those of theRockford Chamber of Commerce.

Bradley GummowGummow WealthAdvisory Group

The economic glassis half full …and half emptyTime will tell in the second quarter

INSIGHTGuest Perspective

Linda HeckertNorthwest Bank

Banks are lendingSBA programs available for newbusiness financing

INSIGHTGuest Perspective

“It is in the months aheadthat we will find out justhow sustainable thisrecovery really is.”

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 FOCUS ON BANKING, FINANCIAL SERVICES 15

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Earnings, 2009

Industry Spotlight:

Finance &Insurance

Hourly Avg. Annual Avg.

Accountants and auditors $32.87 $68,370

Insurance sales agents $29.54 $61,450

Loan officers $30.21 $62,840

Securities, commodities, $43.80 $91,110financial services sales agents

Tellers $11.89 $24,730

Employment, 2009Numbers Employed

Accountants and auditors 99,960

Insurance sales agents 314,540

Loan officers 271, 130

Securities, commodities, 255,370financial services sales agents

Tellers 559,870

Do you own or rent commercialspace for your business? I suspect eachof you do and therefore you have anopportunity to “Gain your EnergyEdge” through your facility beginningtoday. There are many ways toaccomplish this edge, some obvious toall of us, some not so obvious.

Asking the Right Questions

Let’s start with Energy ConservationMeasures or ECMs. You will want toevaluate your facility for ECMopportunities. First you want to start bylooking at your lighting in your facility.What types of fixtures and lamps doyou have throughout your facility? Howmany lamps do you have per space? Isyour space properly lit for the taskbeing performed or the utilization ofthe specific space? Do you havescheduling and/or occupancy control ofthe lighting in your facility?

How is your HVAC (Heating,Ventilation, Air Conditioning)controlled and is it properly/efficientlyoperating? Is your HVAC systememploying time-of-day scheduling withtemperature setback? And lastly, youcan look at major structural items, likewindow R-Values, door seals andbuilding insulation levels. All of theabove items will have a direct impact onyour energy cost managementimmediately and every day to follow.

You Might Have toSpend Money to Save Money

As business professionals, you arelooking to make improvements andinvestments that have a direct return toyour bottom line. The above

implementations will require afinancial investment by your business,but they will deliver direct cost savingsto your bottom line. When looking atECMs for your facility, you will want tocreate a shortest to longest return oninvestment schedule.

Utility Incentive Programs CanProvide Quick Paybacks

To make the ECM payback modellook even better, the utility providers(Electric and Natural Gas) are offeringannual incentive programs where theydirectly pay for the implementation ofECMs. With receipt of pre-authorization of ECMs by the utilityyou are assured that you will receive thepredefined funding (real dollars) at thecompletion of the ECMimplementation. The financial incen-tives combined with the real energycost savings allow many ECMs todeliver paybacks of one, two or threeyears, with many falling in the one-yeartimeframe.

Look at Your Consumption

If you are serious about managingyour variable costs, then you need totake a serious look at how your energydollars are being consumed in yourfacility. Whether you are a facilityowner or a renter, your energy dollarsare real and there is savings to be hadfor all; and ECMs are your ticket tosavings. You will want to be looking ata five-year energy plan since you will belooking at ECMs that will providediffering financial returns, with manyof them offering significant positivecash flow results in a one- to five-yeartimeframe.

To get started, it is recommendedthat you contact a qualified companythat will provide you withrecommended ECMs, the financialpayback model and an Energy Policyfor your business.

Gain your energy edge today bymaking Energy Conservation Measuresin your facility a priority formanagement as well as your employees.

Brent S. Bernardi is president of AlphaControls & Services LLC.

The views expressed are those of Mr.Bernardi’s and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

16 FOCUS ON MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS SERVICES May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

By Paul Anthony Arco

When Mark Maffei became presidentof Androck Hardware, his first prioritywas to learn everything about thecompany. He spent nearly five months inthe shop, working side by side with long-time employees. “It shocked everyone,” hesaid. “I started cleaning floors and settingup machines. I learned everything I couldbefore I started working in the office.”

Maffei had a steep learning curve.Prior to buying the family business fromhis parents in 1997, Maffei worked as awildlife biologist, serving with the U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service and the NationalPark Service in Washington, D.C. He hadearned a B.A. in biology from theUniversity of Illinois, a M.S. in zoologyfrom Western Illinois University, and aPh.D. in zoology from Southern IllinoisUniversity at Carbondale.

Second-Generation Ownership

Androck Hardware is a manufacturer ofcustom and stock wire forms, bolts andhooks. The Rockford-based company hasbeen a local fixture since 1909. After thecompany closed in the mid-1970s, Maffei’sparents, Lorraine and Louis, who workedas Androck’s plant manager, bought thenaming rights and a portion of the productline in 1976. When they retired 20 yearslater, they sold the business to their son.

“The reason I thought I could do this isbecause it ran so well before,” said Maffei,who spent two years training under hisfather. “The staff had a lot of experienceand knew what they were doing.”

Androck has more than 600 customers– distributors, retailers, individuals – allover the world, including Canada, Mexicoand Europe. Its biggest client is Fastenal,an industrial supply company based inWinona, Minn. Androck has 16 employeeswho make parts at the rate of 4,000 piecesan hour and produce an average of 1.5million different parts a month.

The most common part Androckmakes is the eye bolt, a screw with a loopon one end and threads on the other end.Eye bolts are commonly used to attachcables to objects, for example, attaching astring to the back of a painting so it hangs

from a nail on a wall. The company is inthe process of making two million eyeboltsfor Christmas tree stands.

Androck is the only company toproduce a hinge hook, a die cast, brass-finished door hook that Maffei’s fatherpatented. Androck also makes u-bolts andj-bolts and s-hooks for hanging things suchas swings and clotheslines.

Award for CustomerResponsiveness

The company has seen plenty of changein its industry over the past few years. Theprice of steel, for example, has risendrastically, forcing many competitors toeither consolidate or close their doors. It’sbeen a struggle, Maffei said, but Androckcontinues to press on. “My motivation ismy employees,” he said. “As long as I canmake payroll and pay the bills, I’ll keep theplace open.”

Androck’s hard work has not goneunnoticed. Two years ago, the businessreceived Fastenal’s annual supplierrecognition award for outstandingperformance, an honor that holds specialmeaning for its owner. “We are responsiveto our customers,” Maffei said. “For acompany like Fastenal, we can providethem what they want, when they want, aswell as any other vendor that they have.Look at the size of our company versuscompanies we’re up against, that’s a prettygood achievement.”

Maffei also is a member of the NationalLand Institute’s corporate council, a non-profit organization whose mission is toconserve land. Environmental issuesremain close to Maffei’s heart. “We knowthat you can be a manufacturer and still bea good steward of the environment,” hesaid. “It’s cost effective to be careful of theresources, to reduce waste stream, and torecycle. We need to get the word out andshow people how it’s done. That’simportant to me.”

Second-generation businessserves customers worldwide

PROFILEMember Company Profile

ANDROCK HARDWARECORPORATIONOwner: Mark Maffei711 19th St., Rockford815-229-1144www.androckhardware.com

Brent S. BernardiAlpha Controls &Services LLC

Gaining an energy edgeby evaluating ECMsShining a light on savings

INSIGHTGuest Perspective

Photo provided by Androck Hardware

Androck employees accept Fastenal’s supplier recognition award for outstanding performance.

http://www.blackhawkbank.com

18 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Education in Rockford. It is safe tosay that just the mention of that phraseimmediately solicits reaction andopinion from virtually everyone wholives in the metropolitan area. Theentire Rockford region has beeninundated with reports and storiesabout the current state of oureducational structure; with impactranging from the very youngeststudents who need a strong foundationto succeed, to the adult learners whoneed to build their educationalfoundation to remain relevant in avolatile work environment.

My strong desire for the greaterRockford community is that weharness the energy created throughthe very public focus on the issueswithin Rockford Public School District205 as well as the initiative to bringEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University(ERAU) to Rockford, and broaden thefocus to the creation of an overalleducational strategy. Education shouldand must become the strategicimperative for economic, social andcultural vitality and development inthis region.

A Big Picture View of Education

Having a comprehensive strategyfor education requires a view ofeducation as a system: pre-schoolthrough graduate school. It requires acollaboration of policymakers,colleges, and business and civicleaders. Many locations throughoutthe country already have createdcollaborations. One example is fromthe League of Arizona Cities andTowns and is articulated in its strategicvision, “Getting Ahead: Access toHigher Education and Degrees.”

In Rockford’s case, there appears tobe several seemingly disjointed efforts inprocess which could, if coordinated,become the beginning of a congruentplanning process. District 205’s need tomake difficult decisions to balancebudgets is not unlike hundreds of schooldistricts throughout our nation. I haveconfidence that those who are engagedin work to support our local schooldistrict, like Alignment Rockford, willmake progress. After all, when it comesto the preparedness of our youth, failureis just not an option. We cannot affordto fail in the K-12 system any more thanwe can afford to neglect the needs oflocal businesses that require a highereducation system able to producequalified graduates from a diverse arrayof academic programs.

Rockford’s higher educationlandscape has changed in recent yearsand continues to do so. Several entitiesbased in other locations have establishedsatellite campuses in Rockford.Typically, these institutions havestrategies for enrolling adult students inhigh-demand professional or pre-professional academic programs.Adding to the challenge of adapting tochange within the higher educationindustry has been the dramaticdownturn in the economy and its rippleeffect on funding at both the state andfederal level. Many states, includingIllinois, have reduced funding foreducation at a time when institutionslike Rockford College are growing instudent enrollment.

Higher Institutions Make aPowerful Economic Impact

Another opportunity to impact thelocal higher education landscape restsin the community’s aggressive pursuitof Embry-Riddle. I believe a Rockford-based ERAU would have a verypositive impact on the entire region.ERAU will bring programs that areneeded to support aeronauticalenterprises and add to the educationalcapital so needed in our community.Its interest in locating here hassparked a renewed enthusiasm toconsider what higher educationofferings mean to our community’sfuture success.

If we look just at Rockford’sprimary higher education institutions,Rockford College, Rock Valley Collegeand the University of Illinois Collegeof Medicine, there are more than 311degrees and programs offered withmore than 9,200 students enrolled1.These three core institutions alonehave an estimated combined economicimpact of $114 million annually. Thisincorporates the combination offactors like employment wages,student spending and college widespending on goods and services. Forthe purposes of this article, I’veconcentrated primarily on the impactto the Rock River Valley, and have notincluded the broader impact ofanother core institution, NorthernIllinois University.

Rockford College is entering its

165th year and continues to find newand innovative ways to fulfill itsmission. We stand ready, along withthe members of the Higher EducationAlliance of the Rock River Valley(comprised of the four institutionsmentioned above) to provideleadership and value to an overallstrategic planning process.

If we truly want a game-changingresult, the process must change. Whatare now individual and disjointedinitiatives must be brought under anover-arching regional focus. If ERAUcomes to Rockford, that would be anice outcome. If not, this communitystill needs to move forward. In eitherevent, we need to harness the energyand enthusiasm that does exist into astrategic imperative to make educationa competitive advantage for thiscommunity. It is time for meaningfuldialog to construct an all-encompassing educational strategy forRockford, from preschool to graduateschool. In so doing, we will elevate thequality of life for all citizens.

Rockford College takes great pridein its long history of fostering access toexemplary education, and it willinglylooks forward to continuing its role asa valued resource and partner withthis community.

Robert L. Head, Ph.D., is Rockford College’s

17th president since June, 2008.

The views expressed are those of Dr. Head’s

and do not necessarily reflect those of the

Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

1Based on program, degree, and enrollment figures

posted on each institution’s website.

Our strategic imperativeRockford needs an educational strategy, from preschool to graduate school

PERSPECTIVERockford College

Dr. Robert L. HeadRockford College

“Education should and must become the strategic

imperative for economic, social and cultural vitality

and development in this region.”

and attention as demonstrated throughtheir actions and words.”

Solis said, “Trust is earned and itsstature is representative of ourcollaboration and contribution over time.If the Social Web is an ocean, trust funnelsinto distinctive and distinguishable rivers.”

Widening the Circle of Trust

Regional LinkedIn social networktrainer and book author Wayne Breitbarthagrees that we live in a trust economy, andthat social media has allowed individualsto enlarge their trust networks. But whenthe self-proclaimed “finance guy,” with aCPA and an MBA from MarquetteUniversity discovered LinkedIn four yearsago, he was highly skeptical of its potentialas a legitimate marketing and business tool.

“Nobody knew me a few years ago,”Breitbarth quipped. With businessdeclining, along with the economy, hestarted experimenting with the tool as ameans of self-branding. After winningseveral significant jobs through LinkedIn,he was a believer.

In one case, Breitbarth was workingtowards winning a contract with a prospecthe had no prior relationship with and wascompeting with seven other vendors. Hefound a friend on his LinkedIn profileconnected to his prospect and asked thefriend to put in a good word. The friendtold his prospect, “You can trust him,” andultimately he won the contract.

Four years and “500+” connectionslater, Breitbarth published his first book inMarch, “The Power Formula for LinkedInSuccess: Kick-start Your Business, Brand,and Job Search.” Breitbarth has traveled toRockford several times promoting hisbook and sharing what he’s learned on thepower of LinkedIn in building connectionsand credentials in the world of business.As Breitbarth said, “people do businesswith people, not with businesses.”

Breitbarth credits LinkedIn for itsusefulness in tracking whom yourconnections know and in creating a roadmap of people to meet. What used to be acold call now can be “warmed up” anddecisions can be made based onconnections and trust. One attribute hesaid that the younger generation knowsintuitively is social media’s capacity forkeeping many relationships going on adaily basis — something impossible just afew years ago when the most expedientform of communication was the telephone.

B2B Marketing

According to Breitbarth, LinkedIn ismost useful as a business-to-businessmarketing tool.

Kimberly Buchanan, co-owner ofEventus, an event production and meetingmanagement company located indowntown Rockford, has used LinkedIn inthis way to attract new clients and secureevent sponsorships from large corporations.

One of her company’s clients isCherryVale Mall. The mall was searchingfor a company to develop a lineup ofconsumer expos and contacted Eventus

based on the LinkedIn event postings it sawthe company make for other clients. Eventuseventually formed relationships withadditional managers throughout CBL, themall’s owner/manager, to create anadditional 18 mall shows throughout theMichigan area and already is in talks foradditional malls in the Midwest.

“Networking through LinkedIn hasmade our company visible to people whootherwise may not have known about ourservice offerings,” Buchanan said.

Strategy for Various SocialMarketing Platforms

Breitbarth discussed other types ofsocial media, saying that Facebook was agood pick for business-to-customerapplications, based on the sheer numbersof people who use it. The drawback, fromthe perspective of business, is wadingthrough a sea of personal information to

get to the pertinent information. Herecommended Twitter for sending soundbites and grabbing customers’ attention,or in sending customers to the companywebsite or LinkedIn profile.

In positioning oneself as an expert, herecommended blogging. “Most peoplethink they aren’t good writers and wonderwhat they are going to write about. I askthem, Are you good at anything? Are youpassionate about anything? That’s whatpeople want to hear about.”

Breitbarth said the biggest mistake hehas seen in the case of LinkedIn isjumping in without a strategy. “You’ve gotto understand what the tool is designed forand understand the audience. Tie yourusage in with what you currently are doingin marketing your business.” He said, “Useyour profile strategically to give yourexpertise story to people, and beconsistent with your status updates.” �

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 19

Social mediacont from front page

LINKEDIN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT—THE TOP 10 ’GOTTA DOS’

1. Use Advanced Search Function once you have a lead or target.

2. Look at profiles of the new people you are going to meet or call.

3. Add “trusted connections” consistently.

4. Beef up your profile.

5. Review connections of your first-degree network.

6. Look at the company profile.

7. Keep track of what your network is doing and help them.

8. Look up competitors (individuals and companies).

9. Join some groups.

10. Spend some purposeful time each week on LinkedIn, with a strategy/plan, or don’t waste the time; instead, do some other form of networking.More resources at Wayne Breitbarth’s website, www.powerformula.net

20 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Advance-ticket sales are available forRockford AirFest 2011, June 4 and 5,at FlyRFD.com, the ChicagoRockford International Airportterminal and participating areaCulver’s Restaurants. Featuredheadliners include the U.S. Navy BlueAngels, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs andU.S. Army Golden Knights parachuteteams.

Green Manufacturer™ magazinepledged to add all of the FORTUNE1000 manufacturing companies to itscirculation. The bimonthly magazineis produced by FMACommunications Inc., the publishingaffiliate of the Fabricators &Manufacturers Association, isdelivered to 75,000 manufacturingprofessionals.

Omnia, advertising agency inRockford, completed a series of tradepublication ads for Carrier Vibrating,Inc., and an ad for MidwestOrthopaedics at Rush in Chicago,team physicians for the ChicagoWhite Sox and Chicago Bulls, whichappeared in the April 2011 issue ofChicago Magazine.

The Rockford Area Convention &Visitors Bureau announced thereturn of the Puma Champions Cupsoccer tournament to Rockfordduring the weekends of April 8 and15, drawing an estimated 27,430people and $896,000 in economicactivity to the area.

Nearly 100 high school seniors fromthe Rockford School District weredesignated as 2011-2012 StateScholars, the highest academicperformers in high schools acrossIllinois. Students must rank in the tophalf of their class at the end of theirjunior year and score in the 95thpercentile or better on the ACT, SATor Prairie State Achievement Exam.

The American Bankers Associationrecognized Blackhawk Bank with aCertificate of Recognition for its WorkPerks program. The free financialliteracy program, also available inSpanish, gives employees advice andtools to improve their finances andoverall quality of life.

Rock Valley Credit Union hiredArgyle Marketing to re-develop andbrand a new account product formembers over 50 years. DowntownBeloit Association hired Argyle forphotography services for its annualawards dinner in March. KelleyWilliamson Company hired Argyleto create marketing collateral piecesand custom photography forcorporate sales team businessdevelopment efforts. RockfordCoronado Concert Association hiredArgyle Marketing to redesign and hostits website at www.rccaconcerts.org,with online orders for subscriptionsand tickets.

The Stars of Light theatrical troupefrom Janet Wattles Centerpresented its 200th show in Marchbefore an audience of teenagers intreatment for substance abuse atRosecrance. Actors showed lifefrom the perspective of people whosuffer from mental illness. The groupreceived the Rockford Area ArtsCouncil’s award for the CreativeCultural Event of the Year in 2010 forits presentation of Happily Ever After:The Musical, an adaptation of achildren’s book about mental illness.

The first edition of the new BMXmagazine, Pull, honored Rockford’sBMX facility at Searls Park as its firstfeatured track, including a front covermention. The track has become oneof the American Bicycle Association’spremier BMX race facilities. It will playhost to the Midwest Nationals,featuring World Championship BMXbike competitors, on June 17 to 19.The event will fill more than 1,000hotel room nights and generate anestimated $200,000 for the area.

theFranaGroup, a national healthcare consulting firm in Rockford, andMichigan Community Dental Clinicspartnered to promote the MCDCdental service model with FederallyQualified Health Centers.

Behr Iron and Steel received the2010 Supplier of the Year Award forindirect materials from theConstruction and Forestry Division ofJohn Deere. Behr was the onlydivisional recipient out of 1,036indirect materials suppliers.

Keep Northern Illinois Beautifulgave J.L. Clark Corporation the

Outstanding Corporate Friend of theEnvironment Award for recycling andreuse in its manufacturing operationsfor more than 100 years.

Winnebago County Soil & WaterConservation District is theorganizational recipient of the 2011Seth B. Atwood Conservation Award,given by the Rockford ParkDistrict, the Rockford Park DistrictFoundation and theWinnebagoCounty Forest Preserve District.

The families of John and LindaAnderson and John and JudyAnderson Graff received the CastleAward at the RosecranceFoundation benefit for visionaryleadership and philanthropy in helpingcreate the Healing Garden at theadolescent campus, opened inAugust, 2004.

Goodwill Industries of NorthernIllinois awarded Rock ValleyCollege with $15,000 in scholarships,raised from the Goodwill “Share ASmile Celebration” last October. TheJon Lundin Scholarship is awarded tostudents interested in manufacturing,technology or green technology withpreference to persons with a disability.The DoAnn Geiger Scholarship isawarded to individuals with adisability interested in furthereducation.

The Community Foundation ofNorthern Illinois completed thesecond grant cycle of fiscal year 2011with $345,079 awarded to 81nonprofit programs and projects innorthern Illinois. Discretionary grantsresult from endowed funds entrustedto the Community Foundation and a

percentage given each year to not-for-profit agencies, includingneighborhood and youth groups.

Living Lands and Waters One MillionTrees program donated 10,000 buroak, swamp oak, white oak and redoak trees to the Rock River TrailInitiative, distributed in mid-April to all11 counties along the Rock River.

KMK Media Group, Inc., was hiredto promote this year’s Young at HeartFestival in Loves Park on May 27 to30. KMK completed a website forGalleon Strategic Partners, based inColorado, at www.galleonpartners.com.

TheMendelssohn Performing ArtsCenter’s Chamber Orchestra wonthe 2011 Illinois Council of Orchestras“Chamber Orchestra of the Year”Award, to be presented at the nextconcert on Oct. 28, 2011.

Critter Camp Exotic PetSanctuary received the 2010All Star Award from ConstantContact®, Inc., as one of the 2010 topperformers and most prolific user ofits marketing tools.

GFS Marketplace hired PR Etc.,to oversee the openings of its newstores in Schaumburg, Ill., andKenosha, Wis., and the opening inOctober of its new location in Niles,including promotion, public relationsand event coordination with local,regional and state dignitaries. AppliedEcological Services hiredPR Etc., to secure regional andnational publicity on its connectionto Super Bowl XLV. AES designed aconservation plan for the landsurrounding Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Brian Thomas Photography, Inc.,provided photography coverage of theRockford Area Realtors Great PaperAirplane Toss, a fundraiser for theEmbry-Riddle Rock the AirScholarship Fund; for the band ClutchCargo for promotional purposes, andfor Rasmussen College, Auroracampus, for its ConvocationCeremony. Graduates could view theirphotos in a protected website.

Entre Computer Solutionsengineers hosted a “Build Your OwnPC” class at the Discovery CenterMuseum to inspire student interest inthe computer industry. Nine studentslearned the components of acomputer and worked with Entréengineers to build their owncomputers they could bring home.

Graduating students of Universityof Illinois College of Medicineat Rockford learned on Match Day,March 17, where they will spend thenext three to six years of medicaltraining, along with students fromall 126 medical schools acrossthe country.

BUSINESS BRIEFSBusiness Briefs

Student Brian Trefelec learns from EntreComputer Solutions how to wire a computermotherboard during a computer building classat the Discovery Center Museum in Rockfordon Feb. 26.

Pamela Owens, executive director, RVCFoundation and College Advancement, andDr. Jack Becherer, president of Rock ValleyCollege; accept $15,000 in student scholarshipsfrom Samuel Schmitz, president of GoodwillIndustries of Northern Illinois, and CourtneyGeiger, director of mission services at GoodwillIndustries of Northern Illinois.

Members of Under the Streetlamp, from left,Michael Ingersoll, Michael Cunio, ShonnWiley and Christopher Kale Jones, entertainedmore than 800 guests at the annualRosecrance Foundation benefit on April 11 atGiovanni’s in Rockford. The group, made upof former “Jersey Boys” lead actors/singers,helped Rosecrance raise more than $330,000at the sold-out event.

The Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra winsChamber Orchestra of the Year. The MCOperformed two concerts during the 2009-2010 season.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 21

Rockford College received a newannual award for $160,000 in 2011from the U.S. Library of Congress toteach both prospective and currenteducators how to use the library’scollection of online primary sources forclassroom instruction. The college isone of only 26 institutions in 12 statesto be accepted into the Library ofCongress’ Teaching with PrimarySources program.

The Music Academy FoundationBoard, through a partnership with FirstLutheran Church, will relocate theMusic Academy of Rockford Collegefrom Svenson Hall on campus toLoreen Hall, 226 S. Second St., by July1, 2011.

The Rockford College PerformingArts Department and Artists’ Ensemblewill continue their partnership,established in 2005, with home base atthe college’s Clark Arts Center.

Professional Graphics Inc., ofRockford was selected to produceexhibition graphics for theSmithsonian’s National Museum ofNatural History in Washington, D.C.

Assistance from the Rockford AreaConvention & Visitors Bureauenabled Bison Sporting Events, LLC toexpand its 2011 lineup from four to 20softball and baseball tournaments to runmost weekends from April toSeptember. This will bring an anticipated27,550 players, coaches and fans to theregion, generating an estimated $1.5million for the economy.Lowe’s Charitable and EducationalFoundation awarded a $50,000 grant torenovate the West Middle Schoolauditorium. Rockford Sharefest, a localeffort of thousands of volunteers, willmake over selected school buildingsagain this summer, including completingthe West renovations began last yearand two other schools to be announced.

Ethnic Heritage Museum presentsGaribaldi Guard in its Italian Gallerythrough November, 2011, as a part ofthe sesquicentennial of the Civil War,with civil war memorabilia and artifactquilts from the era, 1862.

Reliable Website Design & Repairhosts a social media class onFacebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, andcreation of a short video for You Tube.Call 815-519-0691.

Klehm Arboretum & BotanicGarden has a new electric, 10-passenger, open-air passenger shuttle,the Klehm Express, available forgarden tours starting in June andfunded with a Stanley SmithHorticultural Foundation grant.

The Rockford Area Convention &Visitors Bureau selected Eventus, afull service event production andmeeting management company withoffices in downtown Rockford, to assist

with planning of its 2011 AnnualMeeting. www.eventus4events.com.

Barbara Olson Center of Hope wasawarded a $10,000 grant by the Dr.Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of theCommunity Foundation of NorthernIllinois to develop a professionalprogram for direct care employeesworking in the social services sector toenhance their job positions, resources,skill sets and standing.

Brightbill/Ericson Eye AssociatesNew Vision Laser Center of Illinois,in Rockford, hired KMK Media Group,Inc., to develop a message to be playedfor customers waiting on hold.

Chemtool Incorporated, a globalmanufacturer of lubricants andspecialty products in Rockton, hiredKMK Media Group, Inc., tocomplete marketing collateralmaterials.

Illinois Jets Youth Track and FieldOrganization received a $500 grantfrom the Presidential DiscretionaryFund of the Community Foundationof Northern Illinois for the second-annual Illinois Jets Youth Track andField - Community Health & Wellness -Get Moving Event on Saturday, June 4at Guilford High School.

Rochelle Foods donated $1,000 toLifescape Community Services toprovide meals for seniors through theHub City Senior Center in Rochelle andMeals on Wheels to homeboundseniors.

The 2011 MELDMother’s Day cardsand note cards are available forpurchase at local businesses, featuringphotography of scenes and flowers ofAnderson Japanese Gardens byJeffrey Anderson. Visit www.rockfordmeld.org.

Magnuson Industries, Inc., hiredKMK Media Group, Inc., to developan email marketing campaign and thecompany’s social media strategy.

The Rockford Cosmopolitan Clubpresented checks in April, totalingmore than $20,000, to 10 area serviceorganizations.

Savant Capital Management addeda new division, Savant Portfolios, forclients with $50,000 or more in financialassets to receive the same tax-efficientinvestment strategies as existing Savantclients. Savant was recognized byInvestmentNews as the eighth largestRegistered Investment Advisor firm inthe Midwest, ranked by discretionaryassets under management.

Fridh Corporation hired KMK MediaGroup, Inc., to develop collateralmaterials for its realtors’ open house,including branded promotional itemsgiven away at the event and a series ofthree follow-up postcards.

AAA Measurement Men, LLC is anexhibitor at the Design 2 Part show,May 3 and 4 at Schaumburg (Ill.)Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Dr.

Field Fastener Supply Co., brokeground on an addition to itswarehouse and office operations inApril at 9883 N. Alpine Road inMachesney Park. Field Fastenerhired KMK Media Group, Inc., to planand promote the groundbreakingceremony. Visit www.fieldfastener.com.

Kitchens by Diane, a designconsulting firm specializing inkitchens, baths and specialty rooms inLoves Park, celebrated one year inbusiness. The firm designed andimplemented more than 75 projectsduring the past year.

Winnebago County CASA(Court Appointed Special Advocate)speaker’s bureau is available forpresentations and fundraisingevents. Visit www.winnebagocountycasa.org.

BUSINESS BRIEFSBusiness Briefs

22 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Manny Carrasquillo (1), chiefoperating officer for LifescapeCommunity Services, was namedto the Healing Pathways-CancerResource Center Board ofDirectors.

NEW HIRES, PROMOTIONS

Randy Foss (2) joined VisionMortgage Group as senior lendingofficer.

Ann Blee, a two-year cancersurvivor, was named programdirector for Healing Pathways-Cancer Resource Center.

Dave Barton (3) joined SavantCapital Management as thedirector of advisory and businessdevelopment and a member of thesenior management team.

Peter Heydecker was appointeddirector of instruction at the GolfShack, Rockford.

Melissa S. Miller (4) joined FifthThird Bank as a small businessbanker in the Rockford branch, 3154McFarland Road, for Rockford andarea businesses.

Ringland-Johnson Constructionhired Bobby Pasquale (5) asproject estimator for the company’sExelon Nuclear projects, and ZachEnderle (6) as intern architect forits affiliated design firm,RinglandJohnson+design.

Savant Capital Managementpromoted Ryan Monette tofinancial planner and KevinHrdlicka to investment researchanalyst. Savant hired StacyEckhardt as financial analyst,Kathy Pirtle as the new humanresources administrator, JessicaLasswell as paraplanner, MonicaShaw as assistant trader, andNatascha Tomsyck as the newportfolio management systemsadministrator.

Julia Norem (7), R.N., M.S.,joined Crusader CommunityHealth as the director of patientcare operations.

The Blackhawk Bank board ofdirectors promoted David Adkinsto executive vice president,consumer and mortgage banking.

Julie A. Thornton (8) joinedStillman Bank as retail banker.

Chris Farrey (9) was hired byEntré Computer Solutions, webdesign department.

The Rockford Area Convention &Visitors Bureau promoted AnnaDelgado (10) to sales & groupservices coordinator and hiredAndre Weston (11) as marketingcoordinator.

EMPLOYEE/COMMUNITYRECOGNITIONS, AWARDS

Keep Northern Illinois Beautifulgave Jack L. Armstrong (12) theOutstanding Individual Friend of theEnvironment Award as long-timeleader of Computers for Schools,which has refurbished more than6,000 computers in the past 12 yearsfor area private and public schoolsand non-profit organizations.

Brent Brodeski, managing partnerand financial advisor at SavantCapital Management in Rockford,was named in BloombergBusinessWeek as one of the top 10most experienced independentfinancial advisors.

Womanspace nominated HannahWarren (13), who won theMentorship Award at the YWCALeader Luncheon in March for herphotography project in India. Warrenmet woman weavers and helpedthem found the fair tradecooperative, Jhoole Weavers.

Pekin Life Insurance Companynamed Maria Salinas (14),

a producer for SpectrumInsurance Agency, Inc., Rockford,as Health Agent of the Month forFebruary, 2011.

Alpine Bank named its Service StarAward winners for 2010: ShellyNowak, senior loan operations clerk,Service to Internal CustomersService Star Award; Sarilyn Neiber,cash management & merchantservices representative, Service toExternal Customers Service StarAward, and Kristen Campbell,vice president and trust operationsmanager, Role Model ServiceStar Award.

Gordon Eggers is the individualrecipient of the 2011 Seth B. AtwoodConservation Award for his work, inpart, on the boards of the RockfordPark District Foundation and NaturalLand Institute. The award is givenby the Rockford Park District, theRockford Park District Foundationand theWinnebago County ForestPreserve District.

Susan Stephens, reporter forWNIJ, an NPR affiliate in northernIllinois, won Best Hard News Featurefrom the Illinois Associated PressBroadcasters Association for herstory “Two Sides of a Transplant,”on bone marrow transplants at theRock River Valley Blood Centerin Rockford.

Richard and Karen Gadke (15),Capron, were selected by the Boardof Trustees of the Natural LandInstitute to receive this year’sGeorge and Barbara Fell Award fordistinguished achievements in landconservation.

The Rockford Park Districtpresented Quarterly ExcellenceAwards to Gerald Bell, Safety First;Penny Christians, OutstandingPerformance; Nathan McDonald,Creative Contributions; CindyRathke, Dollars for Ideas;Miranda(Randi) Sparks, Notable Service toStaff, and Jeff Stacy, NotableService to Community/Citizens. Teamawards went to the Park PoliceSnowmobile Response Team, ScotNason, Jason Parada and JosephWilliams, Notable Service toCommunity/Citizens, and the multi-department team of Barb Neville,Judy Roby, Brenda Parrish,Laurie Anderson andMatthewBunk, Outstanding Performance.

Louis Ferroli, Ph.D. (16),Rockford College professor ofeducation, was selected as therecipient of the 2011 Illinois ReadingCouncil Hall of Fame Award.

Sherry Fink, a licensed practicalnurse and counselor at JanetWattles Center, received theClinician of the Year Award by theNorthern Illinois chapter of theNational Alliance on Mental Illness atthe group’s annual event at KlehmArboretum & Botanic Garden inMarch. Frank Ware, Janet Wattles’longtime chief executive,posthumously was named Friend ofNAMI.

Jeremy R. Bridge (17), registeredpatent attorney in the ReinhartBoerner Van Deuren s.c.intellectual property practice,was selected for inclusion on the2011 Illinois Super LawyersRising Stars list.

1. MannyCarrasquillo

2. Randy Foss 3. Dave Barton 4. Melissa S.Miller

5. BobbyPasquale

6. Zach Enderle 7. Julia Norem 8. Julie A.Thornton

IN THE NEWSMember in the News

9. Chris Farrey 10. AnnaDelgado

11. AndreWeston

12. Jack L.Armstrong

13. HannahWarren

14. MariaSalinas

16. Louis Ferroli,Ph.D.

17. Jeremy R.Bridge

18. Dr. MarcZussman

19. JeffreyHendry

15. Karen and Richard Gadke

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 23

Heather Watson, RSM McGladrey,earned her Registered Paraplannerdesignation.

OF GENERAL INTEREST

Rockford Orthopedic Associatesorthopedic trauma surgeonMarc A.Zussman (18) and his client, AaronBrookens, spoke to the NationalPress Club in Washington, D.C., inApril on the dangers of distracteddriving as part of the launch of theAmerican Academy of OrthopaedicSurgeons’ Decide to Drive campaign.

Jeffrey Hendry (19), RockfordCollege professor of performingarts, designed the costumes forinternationally renowned dancerand choreographer Kenneth VonHeidecke’s Chicago Festival Balletproduction of “Cinderella,” onMay 20.

Jeffrey Stewart, Trekk Cross-Media, was a featured speaker atPublishing Xchange, the Cross-MediaPublishing & Marketing Conference inMarch. He was part of a paneldiscussion on cross-mediainfrastructure and a session on“Cross-Media Infrastructure: WhatAre the Must-Haves?”

Jeff Kaney, CEO and owner ofKaney Aerospace, was featured inthe February edition of Military TimesEdge magazine on high-flying jobsand the three fast-growing fields ofaerospace engineering - software,systems and programs.

Winnebago County CASA (CourtAppointed Special Advocate) staff,board and volunteers attended theNational CASA conference at theHyatt Regency Chicago: RoseannCannariato, Fran Rossate,Marilyn Kloepfer, Terry Fox,Marie Johnson, Zan Picchioni,Loni Wilson, Gloria Williams andLara Fierz.

Patrick Carney, service andinstallation technician with ServiceSecurity Technologies, Inc.,received certification in Basic SafePenetration & Repair, ProfessionalSafe Opening I & II, and Safe LockServicing at the Safe & VaultTechnicians Association’s SafetechConvention. Gary Ainsworth,president, and Suzanne Ainsworth,account manager, attended theInternational Security Conference, theindustry’s premier launching pad fornew products, solutions andtechnologies, in Las Vegas in April.

Member in the News

24 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

Why do public gardens matter? Quitesimply, gardens provide grand spaces thatare good for attracting business. Theyindicate community pride and abundancein a manner that complements the builtenvironment. Visitors move throughpublic gardens in a dignified manner, asif they have become a part of somethingelegant and worthy of respect.

Gardens keep us, pardon the pun,grounded. As our lives becomeincreasingly chaotic, gardens offer theoption of quiet retreats that are fastdisappearing from our world. Publicgardens decorate communities with theirbeautifully designed spaces and vastassortment of colors and textures. It’s welldocumented that people who have regularinteraction with the natural world aremore productive in the workplace.

Public gardens reflect communityvalues. The presence of gardens makes anenormous difference in the quality of lifeof a community. They provide uniquelywonderful places for families, especially incities, to go and enjoy a beautiful and safenatural landscape. Gardens providevisitors with the inspiration to maketheir home landscapes more beautifuland interesting. They also buildpartnerships that revitalize communitiesand energize people.

Triggering EnvironmentalAwareness, Lifelong Learning

Gardens foster learning. Horticul-turalists know that through their veryexistence, public gardens help focusattention on the important environmentalissues of our times. They help usunderstand plants and their importantrelationship to people. They demonstratestandards of horticultural excellencethrough creative displays, collections andeducational programming. For children,gardens offer educational opportunitiesthat trigger discovery and engender life-long learning. The intimate spaces withina garden stimulate imagination and asense of fantasy.

Public gar-dens delight thesenses. Today’sgardens feature design considerations tooffer everyone, regardless of ability, asimilar experience. The therapeuticquality of time spent outdoors is welldocumented. Contemporary gardenlandscaping takes into considerationservicing people with a wide range ofphysical, mental and intellectuallimitations. The wide variety of textures,sizes and colors of plants invite visitors totouch, smell and explore them. A denselyshaded area can create an intimatemicroclimate that looks, feels and evensounds different than a traditional sunnygarden.

All public gardens have developeddistinct garden settings with uniquequalities and themes – some with quietspaces for contemplation, others withhorticultural demonstration, others forchild’s play and others to serve largegroups. Garden visitors today can choosethe spaces most intriguing to theirpersonal interests and frame of mind.

Public gardens are an importantindicator of any healthy community.Through the celebration of, and thecreative stewardship for our publicgardens, Rockford should leverage thesenatural treasures to attract the attentionof businesses looking to call Rockfordtheir home.

Jane Snively is executive director of KlehmArboretum & Botanic Garden.

The views expressed are those of Snively’s anddo not necessarily reflect those of the RockfordChamber of Commerce.

Jane SnivelyKlehm Arboretum &Botanic Garden

The business of gardens

INSIGHTGuest Perspective

LEARN MOREGarden Fair is June 3 to 5 atKlehm Arboretum & BotanicGarden. Visit www.klehm.org/2011/06/garden-fair.

Get to Know Your AmbassadorsName: Stacy Wallace

Company: LDR Cleaning & Restoration

Position:Marketing Manager

How long have you been an Ambassador?1½ years

What do you like most about being anAmbassador? I love meeting new Chambermembers at events and ribbon cuttings. Themore contacts I come across, the more I canconnect members to each other and theirbusinesses.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 25

SUNDAY, MAY 1

The Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129S. Main St., hosts a presentation withTerry Dyer on Rockford’s CampFuller. Call 815-962-7402 or visitwww.ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

The Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129S. Main St., featuresMade in Africain the African American Gallery onSundays from 2 to 4 p.m., through July.Photographs by Brian Hampton,artifacts by missionaries Carl andVivian Edstrom from the Congo region,and ceremonial masks by GordonEggers, CEO of CrusaderCommunity Health. Visitwww.ethnicheritagemuseum.org.

Rockford Park District and ChicagoKite host a new free Kites in Flightevent from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., atSouthwest Community Park, 2004Ogilby Road. Participants receive afree kite kit to assemble and decorate.Visit www.rockford parkdistrict.org/events, www.chicago kite.com or call815-987-8800.

MONDAY, MAY 2

Lifescape Community Services andthe Logli Supermarket in Loves Parkmark the first anniversary of SeniorBreakfast at Logli, with trivia games,prizes, decorations and a specialmenu. Seniors 60-plus can choosefrom six-items for $2.50, 7:30 to 10a.m., Monday to Saturday.

Rockford Public Library presents aColonel Elmer Ellsworth Displayfrom noon to 8 p.m., in the main librarylocal history room through May 31, incommemoration of the 150thanniversary of the American Civil War.Col. Ellsworth was a friend of Lincolnand fiancé of Rockford’s CarrieSpafford. Registration not required. Forquestions call 815-965-7606, option 5.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

Judson University’s Annual PrayerBreakfast takes place from 7:30 to 9a.m., in Judson’s Betty LindnerCampus Commons, 1151 N. State St.,in Elgin. Dr. Berlean Miller Burris,academic, community volunteer andwife of former Illinois Sen. Roland W.Burris will keynote. Visit www.JudsonU.edu/prayer breakfast or call 847-628-1119.

Northern Illinois Center for NonprofitExcellence at Rockford Collegepresents a Leadership Exchange onVolunteerism, Interact Effectivelywith Every Volunteer: The DISCModel of Human Behavior, 9 to10:30 a.m., second floor, BurpeeCenter at Rockford College. RSVP byMay 2 to kream@rockford.edu.

SwedishAmerican Health Systempresents Stroke Awareness: Ask TheExperts, free, from 6 to 8 p.m., in itsconference center. Dr. Kathleen Kelly,chief medical officer, and Dr. Justin

Sattin, UW Health, give an update at 6p.m., on the telestroke project.Register at www.swedish american.orgor 815-968-2500.

THURSDAY, MAY 5

Northern Illinois SCORE hosts a freeBusiness Roundtable at 7:30 a.m.,at the Belvidere Township Building.Forums on the first Thursday of themonth. Visit http://bit.ly/giX3fY.

The Rock River Valley Pantry hostsa Peanut Butter Drive through May31 to provide lunch to Rockfordstudents over summer break. Drop offjars at Alpine Kiwanis Club’sThursday morning meetings from 7 to8 a.m., at the Hoffman House, andthree Papa John’s locations and Midason Alpine and Broadway. Call 815-985-0898 or 815-397-5210.

FRIDAY, MAY 6

Mendelssohn Performing ArtsCenter features a piano concert withAngela Cheng, Alvin and AlanChow, at 7:30 p.m., at Court StreetUnited Methodist Church, 215 N.Court St. Tickets at www.mendelssohnpac.org or call 815-964-9713.

Winnebago County CASA presentsthe 17th annual Celebrity TreasuresDinner & Auction at 6 p.m., ForestHills Country Club, 5135 Forest HillsRoad. Proceeds benefit CASA kids.Event includes silent auction items, liveauction and 50/50 raffle. Visitwww.winnebagocounty casa.org orcontact 815-319-6880 orcasazan@wincoil.us.

Rockford Art Museum presents FullDeck: A Short History of Skate Art,a traveling exhibition, May 6 to Aug. 14at 711 N. Main St. On view are 270decks, representing 38 featured artistsand 31 collections. Call 815-968-2787or visit www.rockfordartmuseum.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’sSpring Metals and ElectronicsDrive takes place from 9 a.m. to 3p.m., in the parking lot near theJCPenney Outlet at Machesney ParkMall. Dehumidifiers, refrigerators,freezers, propane tanks and airconditioners accepted for a $10 fee tocover EPA disposal costs. Televisionsno longer accepted. Visit www.knib.orgor call 815-637-1343.

The OSF Saint Anthony Center forCancer Care presents a free SkinCancer Screening from 8 a.m. tonoon at the OSF Cancer Center.Screening is free, but space is verylimited. Appointments required at 815-227-2624.

TUESDAY MAY 10

United Way of Rock River Valleypresents a free Breakfast Beat at7:30 a.m., at Stockholm Inn, 2420Charles St. Einar Forsman, president

& CEO of the Rockford Chamber ofCommerce, will talk aboutopportunities to improve thecommunity and positively affectbusiness. Call 815-986-4803 to attend.

AAIM Employers’ Associationpresents a Benefits Boot Campconference, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., atNIU-Rockford, 8500 E. State St. Get alegislative update on benefits, andinformation on health care reform andrising health care costs. Forreservations call 800-948-5700.

AAIM Employers’ AssociationEducation Center presentsLeadership and Team Atmosphere:Getting the Most Out of YourTeam, a part of its Leadership WebinarSeries, 1 to 2 p.m. Registrations at800-948-5700 or www.eaconnect.com.

The Community Foundation ofNorthern Illinois hold a Grant-Seekers Meeting for non-profitorganizations at 9 a.m., at 946 N.Second St. RSVP at 815-962-2110,ext. 12, or lsandquist@cfnil.org.

Savant Capital Managementpresents Back to the Basics:Investments for Beginners at 6:15p.m., at 7202 Argus Dr. RSVP at 815-227-0300 or cswearingen@savantcapital.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 13

Mendelssohn Performing ArtsCenter presents the sixth-annualFelix’s Cabaret benefit at 6:30 p.m.,at the Forest Hills Country Club.“Felix Sings The Blues” includes aguest sing-along. Reservations at 815-964-9713 or www.mendelssohnpac.org by May 6.

The Women’s Art Board hosts a BusTrip to the Art Institute of Chicago,featuring the exhibit Dreamworks:Chagall, His Windows and RelatedArtists in the modern wing. Busdeparts from the Rockford ArtMuseum at 9 a.m.; returns at 5:30p.m. Gourmet lunch at Terzo PianoRestaurant. Call 336-266-6626.

Rockford Speedway presents TheConcert, a two-day event on May 13and 14. Friday country lineup of PhilVassar and Darryl Worley. Saturdayrock lineup of Sick Puppies, Nonpoint,Black Stone Cherry, Pop Evil, Adelita’sWay, My Darkest Days, Taddy Porter,The Last Vegas, Egypt Central andScarlet Haze. Visit www.wxrx.com,www.Q985online.com orwww.rockfordspeedway.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’sSpring Clothing Drive takes placefrom 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at all sevenHilander Food Stores in Rockford,Roscoe and Cherry Valley. Visitwww.knib.org or call 815-637-1343.The fourth-annual Champions-

4Children Walk to benefit Carrie LynnChildren’s Center, the MedicalEvaluation Response Initiative Team(MERIT) and the Children’s AdvocacyCenters of Illinois, takes place at 10a.m., at Klehm Arboretum & BotanicGarden, 2715 S. Main St. To form ateam visit www.cacionline.org or call815-319-4150.

Rockford Park District presents itseighth-annual Rockford FootballTraining Camp for boys and girlsages 5 to 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,at Auburn High School stadium, 5110Auburn St. Guest speakers/ instructorsinclude Johnny Knox, D.J. Moore,1985 Super Bowl Champions playerOtis Wilson of the Chicago Bears, andmascot Staley Da Bear. Register atwww.rockford parkdistrict.org, 815-987-8800 or 815-962-7469.

TUESDAY, MAY 17

Veterans’ Job Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,featuring 40 employers, Illinois NationalGuard Armory, 10451 N. Second St.,Machesney Park.

THURSDAY, MAY 19

Northern Illinois SCORE hosts a freeBusiness Roundtable, an openforum facilitated to discuss businesschallenges, at the Winnebago CountyPlanning Office at 7:30 a.m. Forumsare on the third Thursday of the month.Visit http://bit.ly/eSe70Q.

FRIDAY, MAY 20

Baby Boomer and Senior LivingExpo, May 20 and 21, at CherryValeMall. Vendors register atwww.rockfordshows.com or call815-218-3661.

SATURDAY, MAY 21

The Rockford Memorial DevelopmentFoundation presents its black tie event,Rockford Health Gala 12 It’s Critical,6 p.m., at the Coronado Theatre, 314N. Main St. Register atwww.rockfordhealth system.org/gala.aspx or call 815-971-4141.

Rockford Park District presentsAnimal Mania at Lockwood Parkfrom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weatherpermitting), featuring the equestrianprograms. Call 815-987-8809 or visitwww.rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

Rockford Public Library presentsFinding Grants for a Non-ProfitOrganization from 2 to 3:30 p.m., inthe main library second floor computerroom. Must be proficient using theInternet. Registration required. Call815-965-7606, press option 5.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

Bridges of Unity ChakraConnectionSM support groups withBeth Campisi take place from 6 to 8p.m., at Circle of Stones, 127 N.Wyman St., Rockford. www.bridgesofunity.com/_liveclasses.php.

EVENTSCommunity Events

26 May 2011 theVoice rockfordchamber.com

MEMBERSNew Chamber Members

New Member Referral? Contact:Valerie Tippitt at 815-316-4336, vtippitt@rockfordchamber.com

Diane Navickis at 815-316-4315, dnavickis@rockfordchamber.com

BRAVEHEARTS ATBERGMANN CENTREOffering therapeutic horseback ridingto people of all ages with physical ormental disabilities4950 Route 173Poplar Grove, IL 61065Robin Baker, 815-765-2113www.braveheartsriding.org

BROKERS UNLIMITED3600 E. State St., Ste. 300, 61108Cheryl Curtis Barmore, 815-520-4138www.cherylbarmore.com

CANDLES AND SUDSOffering hand-crafted, clean-burningcandles and all-natural soaps4623 Pembrooke Pl.Rockford, IL 61108Christina Barker, 815-519-2718www.candlesandsuds.com

CHARYL PERSONALASSISTINGSpecializes in appointmentscheduling, travel arrangements,facilitation of communications forsmall businessCharyl Frye, 815-670-1278

COMPLETE NUTRITIONHealth and nutrition store committedto helping customers look better, feelbetter and perform better every day7431 E. State St., PMB 225, 61108Jennifer Smith, 815-397-4975www.completenutrition.com

FIFTH THIRD BANK–SMALL BUSINESS BANKERComplete line of small businessbanking products including businesschecking and savings, business line ofcredit, SBA loans, term loans and more3154 McFarland RoadRockford, IL 61114Melissa Miller, 815-978-6125www.53.com

MASSMUTUALFINANCIAL GROUP–KURT BERRYSpecializing in middle income

financial and insurance strategies for

younger families

7216 N. Alpine Road

Loves Park, IL 61111

Kurt Berry, 815-316-2111

www.financialguide.com/kurt-berry

MD AT HOMEProviding in-home visiting

physicians visits—in others words,

housecalls to homebound patients

7479 Walton Dr., Ste. 4

Rockford, IL 61108

Cam Staman, 815-986-2610

www.866mdathome.com

PRESERVATION POINTECONDO ASSOCIATIONWe provide condo services

to our 109 housing units

P.O. Box 2172

Loves Park, IL 61130

Janice Henningsen, 815-397-4721

PRINT JETManufacturer of high-quality,

low-cost alternative parts,

replacement inks and

make-up fluids

2421 N. Court St., 61103

Sue Sotelo, 815-877-7511

www.printjet.net

SEMS AND SPECIALS INC.Manufacturer of cold-headed steel

products such as fasteners

6483 Falcon Road, 61109

Steve Jones, 815-874-0000

www.semsandspecials.com

30-YEAR MEMBERHinshaw & Culbertson LLP

25-YEAR MEMBERSFurst StaffingWilliam N. Georgis, MD, SCVern E. Lundberg, Inc.Small World Children’s FurnishingsVan Sickle & McLaughlin, CPA’s

20-YEAR MEMBERSJohnson Controls, Inc.L/J Fabricators, Inc.MedChoice Medical CenterSupplyCore, Inc.

15-YEAR MEMBERSArea Erectors, Inc.Sylvester Enterprises

10-YEAR MEMBERSComfort KeepersMainstreet Financial GroupNorth Park Rental Service, Inc.Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc.

5-YEAR MEMBERSHilton Garden InnMeg’s Daily Grind

May 2011 Member Anniversaries

Thank you to the following members who celebrate their anniversarieswith the Rockford Chamber in May, 2011.

Coming up in June: Focus onSummer In The City

Automotive Sales & ServiceFor information on advertising,

call 815-987-8100

13 WREX23WIFR/Gray Television Group, Inc.ABC Supply Co., Inc. (Rockford)ABC Supply Co., Inc. (Roscoe)Ahern Fire ProtectionAl Grace ApplianceAl’s Tree PlantingAmeriprise FinancialAndrock Hardware CorporationAqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.Assured StaffingAunt Mary’s RestaurantB/E AerospaceBallard Companies, Inc.Barbara Olson Center of HopeBoone and Winnebago CountiesWorkforce Investment BoardBroadmoor Agency, Inc.Burpee Museum of Natural HistoryComprehensive CommunitySolutions/YouthBuild RockfordCOMTECH CorporationDays Inn RockfordDer RathskellerDickerson & Nieman RealtorsDiscovery Center Museum ofRockfordDixon Automatic Tool, Inc.Doyle, Woodhouse & Moore, Inc.RealtorsESCO Grinding & Supply CompanyFisher’s Ethan AllenFleet Lift Truck ServiceFridh Construction ServicesG & O Landscaping Inc.Goodwill Industries of NorthernIllinoisGresty Auto SalesGuler Appliance CompanyGuyer & Enichen, PCH. C. Anderson Roofing Co. Inc.Haldex Hydraulics CorporationHampton Inn RockfordHanson Professional Services Inc.Harris N.A.Hayes Beer Distributing CompanyHighcrest CentreHolmstrom & Kennedy, P.C.Hooters of RockfordHR Green Inc.Integra Business Systems, Inc.Interstate GraphicsiRent Real Estate Group, Inc.J.L.Clark, A CLARCOR CompanyJPMorgan ChaseKent Feeds, Inc.L.K.G. Industries, Inc.Lamar Advertising of RockfordLaMonica Beverages, Inc.Larson & Darby GroupLeading Edge HydraulicsLindstrom TravelLombardozzi, Moses, Quimby &Company P.C.Mack Paper Company, Inc.Macktown, A Living HistoryEducation CenterManey’s Lawnscape Inc.Mark Pack Inc.McGladrey & Pullen, LLPMeridianMidland General Contractors, Inc.Midwest Scale Company, Inc.Morning Star VillageNorthern Illinois BuildingContractors AssociationNorthern Illinois Minority CompaniesAssociation

Northpoint Benefit Group Inc.Northwestern Illinois Building &Construction Trades CouncilOSF Saint Anthony Medical CenterPaper Recovery Services Corp.Phantom RegimentPR Etc., Inc.Pumilia Family Dental GroupRed Roof InnRiver Valley Kitchens & Baths Inc.Robert W. Baird & Co. IncorporatedRock River Training Corp.Rock Valley CollegeRockford Area Crime Stoppers, Inc.Rockford Area RealtorsRockford Career CollegeRockford Charter CoachRockford FirstRockford Foundries, Inc.Rockford Health SystemRockford Mass Transit DistrictRockford Mass TransitDistrict/ParatransitRockford Mercantile Agency, Inc.Rockford MetroCentreRockford Park DistrictRockford Speedway/Forest HillsLodgeRosecrance Health NetworkRSM McGladrey, Inc.Schmeling Construction Co.Select Telecom & Technologies dbaHughes BusinessShirley G. Sievers, GeriatricConsultantSmall World Children’s FurnishingsSpecialty Screw CorporationSprinkmann Sons CorporationSt. Angel Real Estate & InsuranceAgencyStaff On Site, Inc.State Farm Insurance - Julie WeaverStateline Staffing Services, Inc.Staybridge SuitesStifel, Nicolaus & Company,IncorporatedSuperior Joining Technologies, Inc.SwedishAmerican Health SystemTAPCO USA, Inc.TEAM CompaniesThe Rockwell Group Inc.The Testor CorporationTinker Swiss Cottage MuseumTLC...the Learning Center, Inc.Transmission WorldUnion Savings BankUniversity of Illinois ExtensionWinnebago CountyURSUS Bank (East State Street)US Bank (11th Street)US Bank (Harrison Avenue)Vanguard Cleaning SystemsVillage of Machesney ParkVoss Metals Company, Inc.Willett Hofmann & Associates, Inc.Williams-Manny, Inc.WilliamsMcCarthy LLPWilson Electric Co.Winnebago County Medical SocietyWomen of Today’s Manufacturing(WOTM)WoodwardWQRF-TV/WTVO-TVWROK/WZOK/WXXQ/WKGLCumulus Broadcasting Inc.Zion Development Corporation

Membership Renewals

Thank you to the members who renewed with the Rockford Chamber in March.

A panel of minority small businessowners will share their experiences inentrepreneurship. Register withValerie Tippitt at 815-316-4336 byFriday, May 20.

Advantage Club – Originals,alternate locations. Contact KarlaFernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology,Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Advantage Power Network Club,Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 PerryCreek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts,Whitehead Inc., Realtors®,tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.comor Holly Hanson, The Business EdgeInc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

JUNE, 2011Tuesday, June 7

Business Women’s Council,11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Forest HillsCountry Club, 5135 Forest HillsRoad. Sponsored by AAIMEmployers’ Association.

Friday, June 10

Government Affairs CouncilMeeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.,Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. CallHeidi Garner at 815-316-4312 forinformation on joining GovernmentAffairs Council.

Tuesday, June 14

Advantage Club – Superstars,Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road.Contact Anthony Mencarini, PIPPrinting, Anthony@pipprinting.com.

Wednesday, June 15

Advantage Power Network Club,Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 PerryCreek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts,

Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com or HollyHanson, The Business Edge Inc.,coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals,alternate locations. Contact KarlaFernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology,Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Thursday, June 23

Women in Business Expo andLunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort700 W. Riverside Blvd. Featuredspeaker Amy Millman, co-founder,president and board member ofSpringboard 2000 Enterprises, Inc.,will speak on advancing the growthof women-owned businesses tomaximum potential. The nationalnon-profit organization accelerateswomen’s access to the equitymarkets. Presenting sponsor isRockford Health System; goldsponsor is OSF Saint AnthonyMedical Center.

Tuesday, June 28

Advantage Club – Superstars,Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road.Contact Anthony Mencarini, PIPPrinting, Anthony@pipprinting.com.

Wednesday, June 29

Advantage Club – Originals,alternate locations. Contact KarlaFernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology,Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Advantage Power Network Club,Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 PerryCreek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts,Whitehead Inc., Realtors®, tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com or HollyHanson, The Business Edge Inc.,coach@thebizedge.biz.

MAY, 2011Tuesday, May 3

IGNITE Breakfast & Business:Entrepreneur Edition: From thePros (for Profit), 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.,Radisson Hotel & Conference Center,200 S. Bell School Road. ChrisWachiowiak, owner of Kryptonite Barand 2010 Rockford Chamber 40Leader Under 40, will talk about hisexperience as a young entrepreneur.Sponsored by McGladrey.

Business Women’s Councilpresents Speed Networking: FortyFive in 45, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.,at Forest Hills Country Club, 5135Forest Hills Road. Sponsored byAAIM Employers’ Association.

Wednesday, May 4

Ribbon Cutting, Fit Me Wellness,11 a.m. to noon, 2595 N. MulfordRoad.

Monday, May 9

Tri State Alliance RegionalTransportation Summit, 8 a.m. to 2p.m., Radisson Hotel & ConferenceCenter, 200 S. Bell School Road.Keynote speaker is U.S. Rep. John L.Mica, Florida, chairman of theTransportation and InfrastructureCommittee. The Tri State Alliance is acollaboration of Illinois, Iowa andWisconsin cities through its chambersof commerce and economicdevelopment organizations. Visitwww.tristate alliance.com. ContactJanyce Fadden, 815-987 8118 orEinar Forsman, 815-987 8100.

Tuesday, May 10

Advantage Club – Superstars,Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road.Contact Anthony Mencarini, PIPPrinting, Anthony@pipprinting.com.

Wednesday, May 11

Advantage Power Network Club,Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 PerryCreek Pkwy. Contact Teri Watts,Whitehead Inc., Realtors®,tlwatts@whiteheadcommercial.com orHolly Hanson, The Business EdgeInc., coach@thebizedge.biz.

Advantage Club – Originals,alternate locations. Contact KarlaFernet, Healthy Balance Reflexology,Kfernet555@hotmail.com.

Thursday, May 12

Celebration of Leadership, 11:30a.m. to 1 p.m., Franchesco’sRistorante. 7128 Perry Creek Pkwy.

Friday, May 13

Government Affairs CouncilMeeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.,Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles St. DougScott, newly installed chairman,Illinois Commerce Commission, willspeak on the priorities of thecommission. Call Heidi Garner at 815-316-4312 for information on joiningGovernment Affairs Council.

Tuesday, May 17

Chamber 101 with SpeedNetworking, a quarterly orientationfor new members and employees, 4to 5 p.m., Whitehead Inc., Realtors®,839 N. Perryville Road. Sponsoredby MembersAlliance Credit Union.

Wednesday, May 18

IGNITE Family Night at AlpinePark, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at shelter#2 and diamond #2, 950 S. AlpineRoad. Activities include two gamesof kickball — a family-fun versionand a competitive youngprofessionals game. Childrens’crafts and yard games. Bring apicnic dinner or order one ofIGNITE’s boxed dinners.(No alcohol allowed in the park.)All children must be accompaniedby an adult.

IGNITE LOTB: Our Homes, OurNeighborhoods, Our Future,noon to 1 p.m., CliffbreakersRiverside Resort, 700 W. RiversideBlvd. Ron Clewer, RockfordHousing Authority, shares theorganization’s plans for the future.Presenting sponsor is McGladrey;supporting sponsor is First NorthernCredit Union.

Thursday, May 19

Ribbon Cutting and Open House,Midland Financial Strategies, 9 to10 a.m., 6957 Olde Creek Road, Ste.1400. Tours and local art on display.

Friday, May 20

IGNITE Anniversary Bash 2011,5:30 to 10 p.m., Radisson Hotel &Conference Center, 200 S. BellSchool Road. The evening includesdinner and a show with localcomedians, including Anne O’Keefe,Rockford Area Arts Council, andKevin Haas, Rockford Register Star.Presenting sponsor First NorthernCredit Union, and supportingsponsors WillamsMcCarthy, LLP andLaMonica Beverages.

Monday, May 23

Rockford Chamber Annual GolfClassic, 11:30 a.m. registration;12:30 p.m., shotgun start, RockfordCountry Club, 2500 Oxford St. Photosponsor is OSF Saint AnthonyMedical Center.

Tuesday, May 24

Advantage Club – Superstars,Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road.Contact Anthony Mencarini, PIPPrinting, Anthony@pipprinting.com.

Wednesday, May 25

Multicultural Business Councilpresents a Lunch & Learn:Survivorship: Getting From YearOne To Beyond from 11:30 a.m. to1:30 p.m., at the Rock ValleyLearning Opportunity Center, 308 W.State St., in the Stewart Squarebuilding in downtown Rockford.

rockfordchamber.com theVoice May 2011 27

For information on advertising call 815-987-8100

Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Aspen Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Associated Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Blackhawk Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Broadmoor Agency, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Brian Thomas Photography, Inc. . . . . . 19Camelot Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Delta Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Diamond Jo Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Harris Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Heritage Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . .15Healthy Balance Reflexology Clinic . .11IMEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7McGladrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

MembersAlliance Credit Union . . . . .13Northwest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Riverside Community Bank . . . . . . . .18Rockford Bell Credit Union . . . . . . . .14Rockford Chamber ofCommerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 23, 24Rockford Health System . . . . . . . . . .10SmithAmundsen LLC . . . . . . . . . . . .11Stillman Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Thayer Lighting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16US Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Van Galder Bus / A Coach USA Co. . . . .2Widmer Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3WilliamsMcCarthy LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

EVENTSUpcoming Chamber Events ADVERTISERSAdvertisers Index

Chamber Staff / Call 815-987-8100 Direct LineEinar K. Forsman, President & CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4304Heidi Garner, Executive Assistant to the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4312Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4338Lynette Jacques, Advertising and Sponsorship Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4317Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4337Cyndie Landis, Financial Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4300Caitlin Ludwig, Director of Ignite! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4335Joy Moriarty, V.P. Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4316Stacy Mullins, Director of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4302Diane Navickis, Membership Development Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4315Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4320Valerie Tippitt, Membership Development Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .815-316-4336

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